SPR 2023 | Environment Current Affairs Compilation for Prelims 2023

Species in the news:

Chelonoidis Phantasticus

• Context:
  • A Giant Tortoise named Chelonoidis Phantasticus once believed to be extinct has been recently discovered in 2019.
• About:
  • Chelonoidis Phantasticus is a Giant Tortoise. It is commonly called Fernandina Island, Galápagos Giant Tortoise.
  • It has been named Fernanda after the Fernandina Island where it was discovered.
  • IUCN status: Critically endangered & possibly extinct.
  • The species was so far known only from a single individual, collected in 1906. It has now been recently discovered again in 2019.
  • These tortoises can’t swim from one island to another. But they can be carried from one Galápagos island to another during major storms. There are also historical records of seafarers moving the tortoises between islands.

Glischropus meghalayanus

• Context:
  • Scientists have discovered a new species of bamboo-dwelling bat named Glischropus meghalayanus in Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
• About:
  • Bamboo-dwelling bats are a particular kind of bats living in the internodes of bamboos with specialized morphological characteristics that help them to adapt to the life inside a bamboo.
• Glischropus Meghalayanus:
  • It is a bamboo-dwelling thick-thumbed bat species found near the forested patch of Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • The species is small in size and has a dark brown colour with a sulphur yellow belly.
  • Significance: This discovery is the first report of a thick-thumbed bat not only from India but also from South Asia.
  • Note: Thick-thumbed bats of the genus Glischropus are currently composed of four recognized species from Southeast Asia, two of which were described in recent times.

Platygomphus Benritarum

• Context:
  • Recently, a new species of dragonfly ‘Platygomphus benritarum’ discovered in Assam has been named after two women for their pioneering work in the northeast.
  • It has been named after Monisha Behal, a founder member of Northeast Network (NEN) and Rita Banerji, founder of Green Hub.
• What are the Key Points?
  • The species, a single male, was found by two researchers in June 2020 near the banks of the Brahmaputra in Assam.
  • The male observed appeared to have freshly emerged judging by its shiny wings and abdomen.
  • It has turquoise blue eyes and a dark brown face covered with hair on the sides, and was found resting on a large tree around 5-6 metres from the banks of Brahmaputra.
  • The habitat along the banks is dominated by grasses, sparse trees, paddy fields and marshlands, along with some forest patches and tree plantations.
  • Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the order Odonata of insects.
  • The order Odonata (“toothed ones”) includes some of the most ancient and beautiful insects that ever roamed Earth, as well as some of the largest flying invertebrates ever to have lived.
  • Odonata consists of three groups: Anisoptera (which includes dragonflies), Zygoptera (which includes damselflies), and Anisozygoptera (a relict group represented by only two living species).
• What are Dragonflies?
  • About:
    • It is an aerial predator insect most commonly found near freshwater habitats throughout most of the world.
    • Their distinctive colors make them look beautiful. This makes them valuable subjects for research on insect behavior, both for ecology and art.
  • Habitat:
    • Most species of dragonflies live in the tropics and particularly in the rainforests.
  • Significance:
    • Dragonflies act as important bio-indicators of the ecological health of an area. As they feed on mosquitoes and other insects that are vectors to life-threatening diseases like Malaria and Dengue.
  • Threats:
    • The rapid destruction of their habitat poses a direct threat to their survival making their conservation urgent.

Ribbon Weed

• Context:
  • The world’s largest plant ribbon weed has recently been discovered off the West Coast of Australia.
• About Ribbon weed(Posidonia australis)
  • It has been discovered in Shark Bay by a group of researchers from Flinders University and The University of Western Australia.
  • They found that the plant is 4,500 years old and is sterile.
  • It has double the number of chromosomes as other similar plants.
  • It has managed to survive the volatile atmosphere of the shallow Shark Bay and a part of the reason may be that it is a polyploid – instead of taking half-half genome from both parents, it took 100 percent, something not unheard of in plants. 
  • Polyploid plants often reside in places with extreme environmental conditions, are often sterile, but can continue to grow if left undisturbed, and this giant seagrass has done just that

Size and its comparison 

• The ribbon weed covers an area of 20,000 hectares. 
• The second largest plant is the clonal colony of a quaking Aspen tree in Utah, which covers 43.6 hectares.
• The largest tree in India, the Great Banyan in Howrah’s Botanical Garden, covers 1.41 hectares.
• In India, seagrass is found in many coastal areas, most notably in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait.

Red Panda

• Context:
  • Recently, the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has started an ambitious program to release 20 Red Pandas in about five years to the forests.
  • The Singalila National Park, the highest protected area in West Bengal, will soon get new denizens.
• What are the Key Points related to Red Panda?
  • There are only two different panda species in the world, the Giant Pandas and the Red Pandas.
  • It is also the state animal of Sikkim.
  • Red Pandas are shy, solitary and arboreal animals and considered an indicator species for ecological change.
• India is home to both the (sub) species:
  • Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens)
  • Chinese red panda (Ailurus styani)
  • Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh splits the two phylogenetic species.
  • It is found in the forests of India, Nepal, Bhutan and the northern mountains of Myanmar and southern China.
• The number of Red Pandas has been declining in the wild, even in the Singalila and Neora Valley National Parks, the two protected areas where the endangered mammal is found in the wild in West Bengal.
• Protection Status:
  • Red Pandas:
    • IUCN Red List: Endangered
    • CITES: Appendix I
    • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
  • Giant Pandas:
    • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
    • CITES: Appendix I
• What do we know about the Red Panda Release Programme?
  • Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park has started an ambitious programme to release 20 of these furry mammals in about five years to the forests.
  • The Padmaja Naidu park, Darjeeling is one of the high-altitude zoos in the country and has been quite successful in captive breeding of the furry mammals.
  • The Pandas will be released in the Singalila National Park, the highest protected area in West Bengal.
  • Singalila National Park is located at the Singalila Ridge in the Darjeeling district.
  • It is the highest altitude park in the state of West Bengal.
  • It was initially a wildlife sanctuary and made into a National Park in 1992.
• Other national parks of West Bengal are:
  • Jalda Para National Park
  • Neora Valley National Park
  • Sundarbans National Park
  • Gorumara National Park
  • Buxa National Park and Tiger Reserve
• What are India’s Conservation Efforts for Red Panda?
  • Securing the red panda habitat:
  • WWF-India works with local communities to reduce their dependence on fuelwood by introducing them to innovative techniques to meet their energy demands.
  • In Sikkim, more than 200 individuals have been trained in manufacturing bio-briquettes.
• Garnering local support:
  • Local communities are involved in alternate livelihood activities that draw benefits for them, while also supporting conservation initiatives.
  • In Arunachal Pradesh, community-based tourism enables the locals to earn additional income from the tourists coming to see red pandas.
  • Mitigating threats to red panda populations:
  • Working with local communities to reduce forest dependence and involving them in conservation measures addresses the threat of habitat degradation and fragmentation.
  • WWF-India has also collaborated with the Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) and launched a programme to sterilize feral dogs in order to control their growing population around critical wildlife areas.

Monarch Butterflies

• Context:
  • Recently, migratory monarch butterflies have been declared endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of threatened species.
• What do we know about Monarch Butterfly?
  • It's a sub-species of the Danaus plexippus butterfly that travels around 4,000 kilometres across America.
  • It’s the most recognizable butterfly species that are essential pollinators and further provides various ecosystem services such as maintaining the global food web.
  • A smaller population of the species is also found in countries like Australia, Hawaii, and India.
• Issues:
  • Their population in the continent has declined 23-72% over the last decade.
  • The population of the eastern monarchs that migrate from the eastern United States and Canada — the bigger group — also shrunk by 84% from 1996-2014.
  • They follow a unique lifestyle as they breed in only one particular plant The Milkweeds, but the removal of this plant by farmers led to their decrease in population.
  • Further, farmers also widely use a weedicide for the removal of milkweeds.
  • Weedicide are known as the weed killers or pesticides that are used to kill unwanted plants
  • Legal and illegal logging and deforestation make space for agriculture and urban development, which causes habitat destruction.
  • Frequent storms and droughts are more intense and disrupt flowering cycles, which led to the killing millions of butterflies.
• What is IUCN?
  • The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is a global environmental organization that works for the conservation of biodiversity.
  • It also supports and participates in environmental scientific research, promotes and helps implement national conservation legislation, policies, and practices, and operates or manages thousands of field projects worldwide.
  • Its membership includes more than 1,000 governmental and non-governmental organizations from more than 140 countries.
  • It maintains the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a comprehensive assessment of the current risk of extinction of thousands of plant and animal species.
  • The IUCN has been granted observer status at the United Nations General Assembly.
  • The IUCN Red List Categories define the extinction risk of species assessed. Nine categories extend from
  • NE (Not Evaluated) to EX (Extinct).
  • Critically Endangered (CR), Endangered (EN) and Vulnerable (VU) species are considered to be threatened with extinction.

Red-Eared Slider Turtles

• Context:
  • Recently, experts have expressed the concern that the presence of invasive and non-native south Red-Eared Slider Turtles would lead to the extinction of native species of their own kind.
  • India is home to 29 freshwater turtles and tortoise species of the 356 turtle species recognised worldwide and around 80%of them are threatened.
• What do we need to know about the Red-Eared Slider Turtle?
• About:
  • The red-eared slider is primarily aquatic and will emerge from the water for basking on rocks and logs.
  • When basking, red-eared sliders commonly pile on top of each other, and when startled by the sound or sight of a potential predator, they will slide off their basking spot back into the water, hence their name, “slider.”
  • Red-eared slider turtles are classified as controlled pest animals under the Victorian Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
  • Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
  • Habitat: They can tolerate a wide range of habitats and are sometimes found in estuaries and coastal wetlands with brackish water.
  • They can also tolerate a range of water quality and accept high levels of organic pollutants such as effluent and inorganic pollutants.
  • Geography: The red-eared slider is native to South-Eastern USA and Mexico.
• Protection Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern
  • CITES: N/A
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: N/A
• Distinctive Features:
  • They have a broad red or orange stripe behind each eye with narrow yellow stripes marking the rest of the black body, neck, legs and tail.
  • They have distinctive long claws on their front and hind legs where claws are longer and more prominent in males than females.
  • They retract their head straight back into their shell when threatened. Native turtles tuck their neck to one side underneath the shell.
• Why is the Turtle’s Presence in India a Concern?
  • Favorable Pet: In India, keeping indigenous turtles as pets is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act.
  • But the foreign breeds are not restricted and are kept as pets in many families across India.
  • They are small and easy-to-maintain species and therefore a hit in the pet market.
  • The species breeds faster compared to other local turtle varieties. As their size increases, they no longer fit in small tanks or ponds.
  • The owners release them in the wild or nearby waterbodies and once released, they become a threat to the local fauna.
  • Presence in India: In India, these turtles are mainly found in urban wetlands such as Sukhna lake in Chandigarh, temple ponds of Guwahati, lakes of Bengaluru, Sanjay Gandhi national park in Mumbai, Yamuna River in Delhi, etc.
• Effect on Native Species:
  • As they mature fast, grow larger, and produce more offspring, and are very aggressive, they can out-compete native turtles for food, nestling, and basking sites.
  • They eat plants and animals and can finish off a wide range of aquatic species, including fish and rare frogs.
  • They can also transfer diseases and parasites to native reptile species.
  • The species is considered as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive non-native species.
• What can be done to Control the Invasion?
  • There should be more rules to prevent the species from entering the Indian environment and negatively impacting it.
  • Manual intervention is required to procure and rehabilitate these turtles from urban wetlands.
  • A campaign to declare or give up turtles should be held to take these turtles in custody.
  • These turtles should be restrained, captivated and sent to local zoos.

New Species of Estuarine Crab    

• Context:
  • Recently, researchers have discovered a new species of Estuarine Crab at the Mangroves of Parangipettai near the Vellar River estuary (an area where river meets the ocean) in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu.
  • The species has been named ‘Pseudohelice Annamalai’ in recognition of Annamalai University’s 100 years of service in education and research.
• Key Facts about Pseudohelice Annamalai?
• About:
  • This is the first-ever record of this genus, Pseudohelice, collected from high intertidal areas in front of the Centre of Advanced Study (CAS).
  • To date, only two species, namely “Pseudohelice Subquadrata” and “Pseudohelice Latreilli” have been confirmed within this genus.
• Geography:
  • The species discovered is distributed around the Indian subcontinent and the eastern Indian Ocean.
• Features:
  • Pseudohelice annamalai is distinguished by dark purple to dark grey colouring, with irregular light brown, yellowish brown, or white patches on the posterior carapace with light brown chelipeds.
  • The new species is small and has a maximum width of up to 20 mm.
  • This species is not aggressive and can move fast like other intertidal crabs.
• Habitat:
  • The species inhabits muddy banks of mangroves, and the burrows were located near the pneumatophores of Avicennia mangroves.
  • Burrows have a depth of 25-30 cm and are branched, with larger pellets around the entrance.
• Significance:
  • The occurrence of Pseudohelice in India links the distribution gap between the western Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean.
  • The new species provides additional evidence of the geographic isolation of the eastern Indian Ocean for some marine organisms

Indian Black Honeybee

• Context:
  • A new endemic honeybee species has been discovered in the Western Ghats.
• Black Honeybee
  • Regarding species:
  • Apis karinjodian is the scientific name for the new species, which is also known as the Indian black honeybee.
  • After more than 200 years, it was spotted from the Western Ghats.
  • Fabricius described Apis indica as the last honeybee from India in 1798.
  • Despite the fact that Fabricius named the Indian bee Apis indica, it was not considered a valid species until recently.
  • The researchers restored Apis indica's status using the 'Radio-Medial Index,' a new measure for species discrimination in honeybees (RMI)
  • Apis karinjodian has evolved from Apis cerana morphotypes that got acclimatised to the hot and humid environment of the Western Ghats.
  • Distribution : The distribution of Apis karinjodian ranges from the central Western Ghats and Nilgiris to the southern Western Ghats, covering the States of Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu.
  • Till date, only a single species, Apis cerana was noted across the plains of central and southern India and Sri Lanka as a ‘fairly uniform population’ in the Indian subcontinent.
  • Protection Status : The species has been classified as near threatened (NT) in the State based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
  • Relevance : The research has given a new direction to apiculture in the country by proving that it has three species of cavity nesting honey bees viz Apis indica, Apis cerana, and Apis karinjodian, the last being visibly dark in appearance.
  • The ability of the Indian black honey bee to produce higher quantities of honey, which is thicker in consistency, opens up new avenues for increasing honey production.
  • The new find has increased the species of honeybees in the world to 11.

Senna spectabilis(An invasive species)

• Context:
  • Senna spectabilis has taken over between 800 and 1,200 hectares of the buffer zones of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) in the picturesque Nilgiris hill district.
• About 
  • It is  an exotic tree and it was introduced as an ornamental species and for use as firewood from South and Central America.
  • It has become highly invasive in the Sigur plateau in both the core and buffer zones of the MTR.
  • Over the last few years, its bright yellow flowers have become more visible across the Tiger Reserve, with conservationists stating that the invasive weed has a negative effect on local biodiversity, crowding out native species and limiting food availability for wildlife.
• Steps
  • The Forest Department is coming up with a comprehensive strategy to deal with the spread of the invasive species, which continues to spread rapidly in the buffer zone.
• Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR)
  • It is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state, at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
  • Flora :A variety of habitats ranging from tropical evergreen forest, moist deciduous forest, moist teak forest, dry teak forest, secondary grasslands and swamps are found here.
  • Fauna : It is rich in wildlife, like Elephants, Gaur, Tiger, Panther, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupine etc., birds like-minivets, hornbill, fairy BlueBirds, Jungle Fowls etc., and reptiles like python, Monitor Lizards Flying Lizards etc.

Kanger Valley National Park

• Context:
  • Around 200 bird species were documented during the Kanger Valley Bird Survey in state’s first-ever systematic inter-state bird survey.
• About:
  • It is located in the state of Chhattisgarh. The name of Kanger Ghati National Park is derived from the Kangar river, which flows in its length.
  • Kanger Valley got the status of a national park in the year 1982.
  • Kanger Valley National Park is a typical mixed humid deciduous type of forest, in which the Sal, Saugaun, teak and bamboo trees are available in abundance.
  • The most popular species in this area is Bastar Maina (The state bird of Chattisgarh).
  • This National Park is home to three exceptional caves – famous for their amazing geological structures of Kutumbasar, Kailash and Dandak- Stellagmites and Stalactites.
  • Tirathgarh Waterfall is located in Kanger Valley National Park.

Koundinya wildlife sanctuary

• Context:
  • An 18-member herd of all female elephants from the forests of Gudiyattam and Pernambattu of Tamil Nadu are currently on the prowl in the Koundinya wildlife sanctuary zone in Chittoor district, apparently “in search of mates”
• About Koundinya wildlife sanctuary
  • It is located in Palamner – Kuppam forest ranges of Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh, on the Andhra Pradesh – Chittoor road. 
  • This Sanctuary comes under Project elephant – a Countrywide Elephant Conservation Project taken up by the Government of India. 
  • Uniqueness: The only home for Asiatic elephants in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
  • Forest Type: Southern tropical dry deciduous forest, with patches of thorn, scrub, and grassy plains.

Tal Chhapar Sanctuary

• Context:
  • Recently, the famous Tal Chhapar Blackbuck Sanctuary in Churu, Rajasthan received a protective cover against a proposed move of the State government to reduce the size of its Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
  • The World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) has also taken up a major project for the conservation of raptors in the sanctuary, spread in an area measuring 7.19 sq. Km.
• What are the Key Facts about Tal Chhapar Sanctuary?
• About:
  • The Tal Chhapar Sanctuary is situated on the border of the Great Indian Thar Desert.
  • Tal Chhapar is a distinctive shelter of the most graceful Antelope seen in India, “the Blackbuck”.
  • It was given the status of a sanctuary in 1966.
  • Tal Chhapar was a hunting reserve of the erstwhile royal family of Bikaner.
  • The “Tal” word is Rajasthani word means plane land.
  • This Sanctuary has nearly flat territory and combined thin low-lying region. It has got open and wide grasslands with spread Acacia and Prosopis plants that offer it a look of a characteristic Savanna.
• Fauna:
  • Tal Chhapar is an ideal place to see Blackbucks which are more than a thousand in number here. It is a good place to see the desert animals and reptile species.
  • The sanctuary is host to about 4,000 blackbucks, over 40 species of raptors and more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds.
  • Migratory birds in the sanctuary are harriers, eastern imperial eagle, tawny eagle, short-toed eagle, sparrow, and little green bee-eaters, black ibis and demoiselle cranes. Other than that, skylarks, crested larks, ring doves, and brown doves can be seen throughout the year.
• What are Blackbucks?
  • The Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), or the Indian Antelope, is a species of antelope native to India and Nepal.
  • It is widespread in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and other areas throughout peninsular India.
  • It is considered as the epitome of grassland.
  • The blackbuck is a diurnal antelope (active mainly during the day).
  • It has been declared as the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Cultural Importance: It is a symbol of purity for Hinduism as its skin and horns are regarded as a sacred object. For Buddhism, it is a symbol of good luck.
• Protection Status:
  • Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN Status: Least Concern
  • CITES: Appendix III
• Threat:
  • Habitat Fragmentation, Deforestation, Natural Calamities, Illegal Hunting.
  • Related Protected Areas:
  • Velavadar Blackbuck Sanctuary – Gujarat
  • Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary – Tamil Nadu
  • In 2017, the Uttar Pradesh State Government approved the plan of setting up the Blackbuck Conservation Reserve in the trans-Yamuna belt near Prayagraj. It would be the first conservation reserve dedicated to the blackbuck.

Lion @ 47: Vision for Amrutkal

• Context:
  • Recently, the Project Lion document titled “Lion @ 47: Vision for Amrutkal” has been launched by the Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• More in news:
  • Gujarat's Barda Wildlife Sanctuary: It has been identified as a potential second home for Asiatic lions. 
  • It is located near Porbandar which is 100 kilometres from the Gir National Park. 
• About
• Project Lion: 
  • It envisages landscape ecology-based conservation of the Asiatic Lion in Gujarat by integrating conservation and eco-development. 
  • The Project is being implemented in the Gir landscape in Gujarat which is the last home of the Asiatic lion.
• Objectives:
  • To secure & restore lions' habitats for managing its growing population.
  • Scale up livelihood generation and participation of local communities.
  • Become a global hub of knowledge on big cat disease diagnostics and treatment.
  • Create inclusive biodiversity conservation through project lion initiative.
• Distribution:
  • They are now distributed in nine districts of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Botad, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot and Surendranagar, covering around 30,000 square kilometres, which is termed the Asiatic Lion Landscape. 
• Challenges:
  • Vulnerable to extinction: Efforts were being made since the 1990s to find a relocation site for the Asiatic lions within Gujarat and outside the state, considering that the species is vulnerable to extinction threats from epidemics because of low genetic diversity.
  • Geographic separation is the primary objective of translocation to establish a second free-ranging population of lions to mitigate conservation risks.

Environment:

Four new wetlands were added to the Ramsar list

Context:

• The Ramsar Secretariat has designated four new wetlands in India as Ramsar areas.

How are wetlands defined?

• A wetland is a unique environment that is inundated by water on a regular or seasonal basis, and where oxygen-free processes predominate.
• The peculiar flora of aquatic plants, adapted to the unique hydric soil, is the major component that separates wetlands from other land formations or water bodies.

Why are wetlands important?

• Food, water, fibre, groundwater recharge, water purification, flood reduction, erosion management, and climate regulation are all key resources and ecological services provided by wetlands.
• They are, in reality, a significant source of water, and our primary source of freshwater comes from a variety of wetlands that absorb rainfall and recharge groundwater.
• They provide a variety of societal benefits, including food and habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species;
• They help in improving water quality; flood storage; shoreline erosion control; economically beneficial natural products for human use; and
• They also give recreational, educational, and research opportunities.

Which new sites are added to the Ramsar List?

• Gujarat's Thol and Wadhwana, and
• Haryana's Sultanpur and Bhindawas
• This brings the total number of Ramsar sites in India to 46, with a total surface area of 1,083,322 hectares.

Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary

• The largest wetland in Haryana, Bhindawas WLS, is a man-made freshwater wetland.
• Throughout the year, around 250 bird species use the sanctuary as a resting and roosting spot.
• The endangered Egyptian Vulture, Steppe Eagle, Pallas's Fish Eagle, and Black-bellied Tern are among the more than 10 internationally threatened species that call the location home.

Sultanpur National Park

• More than 220 species of resident, winter migratory, and local migratory waterbirds are supported at important stages of their life cycles in Haryana's Sultanpur NP.
• The highly endangered sociable lapwing, as well as the endangered Egyptian Vulture, Saker Falcon, Pallas's Fish Eagle, and Black-bellied Tern, are among the more than ten species on the list.

Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

• Thol Lake WLS in Gujarat is located on the Central Asian Flyway and is home to around 320 bird species.
• More than 30 threatened waterbird species live in the wetlands, including the highly endangered White-rumped Vulture and Sociable Lapwing, as well as the vulnerable Sarus Crane, Common Pochard, and Lesser White-fronted Goose.

Wadhvana Wetland

• The Wadhvana Wetland in Gujarat is internationally significant for its birdlife because it serves as a wintering ground for migrating waterbirds, including more than 80 species that migrate via the Central Asian Flyway.
• They contain endangered Pallas's fish-eagles, vulnerable Common Pochards, and near-threatened Dalmatian Pelicans, Grey-headed Fish-eagles, and Ferruginous Ducks.

The RAMSAR CONVENTION

• The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (also known as the Ramsar Convention) is an international agreement that promotes wetlands protection and smart use.
• It is the only international pact that focuses solely on a single ecosystem.
• The convention was adopted at Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and went into effect in 1975.
• Wetlands, once thought to be a wasteland or a breeding ground for disease, now provide fresh water and food, as well as acting as nature's shock absorber.
• Wetlands, which are essential for biodiversity, are fast vanishing, with latest estimates indicating that 64% or more of the world's wetlands have perished since 1900.
• Wetland loss and degradation are thought to be caused by major changes in land use for agriculture and grazing, water diversion for dams and canals, and infrastructure development.

State of Environment Report 2022: Rivers facing heavy pollution: CSE

• Context:
  • The State of Environment Report 2022 has been released.
• What is the State of Environment Report 2022?
  • Released by: Center for Science and Environment (CSE). 
  • Purpose: The report is an annual compendium of environment-development data and is derived from public sources.
• What are the key findings of the report?
  • Heavy Pollution in Rivers: Three out of every four river monitoring stations in India posted alarming levels of heavy toxic metals such as lead, iron, nickel, cadmium, arsenic, chromium and copper. 
  • Poor Wastewater Treatment: Of the 588 water quality stations monitored for pollution, total coliform and biochemical oxygen demand were high in 239 and 88 stations respectively across 21 States. This is an indicator of poor wastewater treatment from industry, agriculture and domestic households.
  • Note: As per Central Pollution Control Board(CPCB), India dumps 72% of its sewage waste without treatment. Ten States do not treat their sewage at all.
  • Coastal Erosion:
    • Over a third of India’s coastline that is spread across 6,907 km saw some degree of erosion between 1990 and 2018. West Bengal is the worst hit with over 60% of its shoreline under erosion. The reasons for coastal erosion include an increase in the frequency of cyclones and sea-level rise and anthropogenic activities such as the construction of harbours, beach mining and building of dams.
  • Total Forest Cover:
    • India’s total forest cover has registered a little over a 0.5% increase between 2017 and 2021. But most of the increase has taken place in the open forest category which includes commercial plantations. 
    • This has happened at the cost of moderately dense forest which is normally the area closest to human habitations. At the same time, very dense forests, which absorb maximum carbon dioxide from the atmosphere occupy just 3% of total forest cover.

Puneet Sagar Abhiyan

Context:

• The National Cadet Corps (NCC) has launched ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’.
• Nearly 74,000 cadets from 10 States and 4 Union Territories have participated in the campaign.

About:

• NCC has launched the Puneet Sagar Abhiyan to;
• Clean Sea Shores/Beaches and other water bodies including rivers & lakes.
• Clean plastic and other waste.
• Increase awareness about the importance of keeping the beaches and river fronts clean.
• The main purpose of the Abhiyan is to enlighten residents and sensitize them about the values of ‘Swachh Bharat’.

National Cadet Corps (NCC):

• NCC is the youth wing of the Indian Armed Forces.
• Its headquarter is in New Delhi.
• NCC is open to school and college students on a voluntary basis.
• It is a Tri-Services Organization, incorporating the Army, the Navy and the Air Wing, engaged in developing the youth of the country into disciplined and patriotic citizens.
• The students are given basic military training.
• They have no liability to join active military service once they complete their course.
• The symbol of the NCC consists of 3 colours; Red, Dark Blue and Light Blue.
• These colours represent the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force respectively.

PM launches global initiative ‘Lifestyle for the Environment- LiFE Movement

• Context:
  • The Prime Minister has launched a global initiative ‘Lifestyle for the Environment – LiFE Movement’.
• What is Lifestyle for the Environment – LiFE Movement?
  • The idea of LiFE was introduced by the Prime Minister during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
• Aim: To promote an environment-conscious lifestyle that focuses on ‘mindful and deliberate utilization’ instead of ‘mindless and destructive consumption’.
• Vision: To live a lifestyle that is in tune with our planet and does not harm it and those who live such a lifestyle are called Pro-Planet People.
• As part of the launch of LiFE movement, ‘LiFE Global Call for Papers’ has been released. This paper invites ideas and suggestions from academics, universities & research institutions etc to influence and persuade individuals, communities and organizations across the world to adopt an environment-conscious lifestyle.
• Source: The post is based on the article “PM launches global initiative ‘Lifestyle for the Environment- LiFE Movement’” published in AIR on 5th June 2022.

Kerala to have its own regional red list of birds

• Context:
  • Kerala will soon have its own red list of birds. The Kerala Bird Monitoring Collective led by Kerala Agricultural University and the Bird Count India will conduct the regional red list assessment.
• About:
  • Kerala will be the first State to have a region-specific red list of birds.
  • Assessment will be done on the basis of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines.
• The IUCN guidelines for preparing the red list have five main criteria:
  • The population size reduction measured over 10 years or three generations is one of the major guidelines.
  • The geographic range on the basis of the extent of occurrence or area of occupancy is another.
  • Small population size and decline;
  • Very small or restricted population; and
  • Quantitative analysis indicating the probability of extinction in the wild is the other criterion.
• Limitations for the global assessment:
  • Global assessment is a process prepared in a global context. A species seen common at the global level may be a threatened species at the regional level.
• Kerala and IUCN list:
  • According to the global IUCN red list, Kerala has 64 threatened species of birds.
  • In that, Red-headed vulture and White-rumped vulture are critically endangered.
  • Steppe Eagle, Banasura Chilappan and Nilgirl Chilappan are endangered and 11 species are vulnerable.

Ministry moves to change environment protection Law: Fine, no imprisonment

• Context:
  • Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change has recently changed Environment Protection Law after seeking feedback from experts and various stakeholders.
• About Environment Protection Act, 1986:
  • Under Section 3[3], GOI is charged with the mandate of preventing environmental pollution in all its forms and tackling specific and peculiar environmental problems.
  • The Act was last amended in 1991
• Constitutional Provisions:
  • The EPA Act was sanctioned under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution which provides for the enactment of legislation for giving effect to international agreements.
  • Article 48A of the Constitution specifies that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and safeguard the country's forests and wildlife.
  • Article 51A further provides that every citizen shall protect the environment.
  • Coverage: The Act is applicable to all of India.
• Purpose of Environment Protection Act
  • The purpose of the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) is to support and promote the management, protection, enhancement and wise use of the environment while recognizing the following:
  • Preventing, mitigating and remediating environmental impacts is important in making decisions and taking actions.
  • Where there are threats of serious or irreparable harm to the ecological integrity, lack of complete certainty is not to be a reason for postponing reasonable environmental protection measures.
  • All persons are responsible, financially and otherwise, for impacts on the environment as a result of their actions or inaction.
  • Administrative, management and regulatory processes must be adaptive, responsive, fair, effective and timely.
• Need to amend the Act:
  • To impose a monetary penalty with low severity violations within EPA than life imprisonment.
  • The proposed amendments to the Act will increase coherence and consistency.
  • The amended Act will result in upgraded implementation, enactment and decision-making.
  • It will lead to a more sustainably managed environment
• Key Components of the Acts:
  • Include provisions to acknowledge waste management.
  • Include provisions for the handling of contaminated areas.
  • Allow for the enactment of guidelines and standards.
  • Acknowledge and recognize Treaty rights.
  • Establish universal authority for environmental protection.
• Way forward:
  • Execution of the Act guidelines will take care of the violations regarding the recent ban on single-use plastics.
  • Upgrading the law with enhanced guidelines to create fear and a sense of responsibility in society.
  • Violations of any amended act will lead to a fine of up to 10.000 or imprisonment of up to 10 years or both.

NITI Aayog-commissioned report which studied 3 orders by Supreme Court, 2 by NGT: ‘5 green verdicts cost govt Rs 8K-cr revenue’

• Context:
  • Recently, the NITI Aayog had commissioned CUTS (Consumer Unity and Trust Society) International to study the economic impacts of various judicial orders in 2018.
  • CUTS International is a Jaipur-based policy research and advocacy group.
• About the Study:
  • The report titled “Economic Impact of Select Decisions of the Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal of India” was submitted to the NITI Aayog.
• The study included the following five cases:
  • Goa Foundation vs M/s Sesa Sterlite Ltd & Ors
  • Hanuman Laxman Aroskar vs Union of India (Mopa Airport case)
  • Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board vs Sterlite Industries Ltd (Sterlite Copper plant case)
  • National Green Tribunal Bar Association vs Ministry of Environment & Forests and Ors (Sand Mining case)
  • Vardhman Kaushik vs Union of India and Ors (NCR Construction ban case)
• Major Findings of the report:
  • The above five verdicts, the study estimated, adversely impacted 75,000 persons and 16,000 persons lost jobs.
  • The industry lost close to Rs 15,000 crores in revenues and workers lost around Rs 500 crore of income,” the report said.
  • The Government of India lost revenue worth Rs 8,000 crore from mid-2018 to mid-2021.
  • If this revenue had been spent as capital expenditure, the economic returns would have been to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore, the CUTS analysis showed.
  • For example, Goa Foundation vs M/s Sesa Sterlite Ltd & Ors:
  • Due to the ban on mining in Goa (because of the mining case order of the apex court), “the state public debt increased at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10.06 per cent from 2007 through 2021.
  • Also, the market loans taken by the state increased at a CAGR of 19.93 per cent, consequently due to mining suspension.
  • The study suggested that while quashing 88 mining leases, the SC could have directed GoG (Government of Goa) to restart mining operations within a stipulated time under the court’s supervision and facilitated by a committee of subject experts including economists, environmentalists, etc.
• Suggestions/Recommendations:
  • The study has made sweeping recommendations on the need to equip the judiciary and judges on how to strike a balance between the economy and the environmental factors.
  • The study recommends that it is important to inform the decision-making process at all levels, including the judiciary.
  • This should be done keeping in mind the larger objective of human-centricity of economic development and environmental sustainability.
  • Also, equal considerations should be given to the objective of equity, environment, and economy.
  • The study highlighted the need for subject specialists/experts guiding the judges on cases that involved economic impacts.
  • It recommended that the selection procedures of judges should also be changed.
• Accountability for the Judiciary:
  • The study prescribed accountability for the judiciary to ensure a high standard of jurisprudence analysis and decision-making.
  • In cases where strict adherence to legal provisions may lead to substantive economic losses, the decision-making of the SC should be guided by the larger public good.

What are Eco-Sensitive Zones and why are there protests in Kerala against them?

• Context:
  • The Supreme Court's recent order to establish 1-km Eco-Sensitive Zones encompassing all protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks over numerous high ranges of the state has been met with continued protests by farmers in Kerala.
• What was the Supreme Court’s Directive?
  • Every Protected Area, national park, and wildlife sanctuary in the nation must have an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) that extends one kilometre from its clearly defined boundaries, according to a directive from the Supreme Court issued in June 2022.
  • The nation's natural resources have allegedly been depleted for years by mining and other operations, according to a three-judge Supreme Court bench.
• What was the Supreme Court’s Observation?
  • The state must also act as a trustee for the general welfare in order to achieve long-term sustainability with regard to natural resources.
  • The court ruled that any existing buffer zone in a national park or forest that is more than one kilometre shall take precedence.
  • The court's order to maintain the one-kilometer safety zone will remain in place until the law issues a definitive ruling addressing the buffer zone's dimensions.
  • The court additionally ordered that within three months, each state and territory must compile a list of all the structures that are currently situated within an ESZ and submit reports to the supreme court.
• Why are Kerala farmers protesting for eco-sensitive zones (ESZs)?
  • Farmers in Kerala are concerned that their chances of making a living in the impacted areas may be lost.
  • The Catholic Church, opposition groups, and the state government have all backed the anti-ESZ protests.
  • Farmers' groups and political parties have urged that all human settlements be spared from the ESZ ruling due to the exceptionally dense human settlement in these areas.
• What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)?
  • The fragile area that is within 10 kilometres of protected areas, such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, is known as an eco-sensitive zone.
  • The ESZ width and regulatory type may vary from one protected territory to the next.
  • The ESZ's border with the protected region, however, may normally be up to 10 kilometres wide.
  • An Eco-Sensitive Zone will be developed to act as a buffer for the protected areas.
  • In line with the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) declares an ESZ surrounding protected areas.
• What are the activities prohibited around ESZ?
  • Stone quarries,
  • commercial mining, and crushing equipment,
  • Tourism pursuits (like flying over protected areas in an aircraft or hot air balloon)
  • placing polluting industries in place,
  • the creation of hydroelectric projects,
  • Using firewood for commercial purposes, disposing of solid waste or wastewater, etc.
• What are the activities allowed?
  • The ESZ allows for a variety of activities, such as:
  • local communities' ongoing horticultural and agricultural practices,
  • the use of renewable energy sources,
  • organic farming,
  • the use of green technologies,
  • rainwater gathering.
• What is the significance of ESZ?
  • The main goal is to control some activities in the vicinity of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in order to reduce their detrimental effects on the delicate environment that surrounds the protected areas.
  • These regions control and keep an eye on activity in and around protected areas, acting as “shock absorbers” for the surrounding environment.
  • These zones serve as a transition zone between locations with high levels of security and those with lower levels of protection.
  • These regions aid in reducing animal-human conflict.
  • The core and buffer management paradigm, which also protects and benefits communities, is used to manage the protected areas.

Restoring Banni grasslands, Gujarat battles invasive tree species

• Context:
  • The Gujarat forest department plans to restore 10,000 hectares of the Banni grasslands in the coming year and every year in the coming decade.
• What are Banni Grasslands?
  • Banni Grassland is situated near the Great Rann of Kutch in Gujarat.
  • It constitutes about 4.33% of the total geographical area of Gujarat distributed in eight districts and three different climatic regions — Kutch, Saurashtra, and central Gujarat.
  • Banni grassland was declared a Protected Forest in 1955, under the Indian Forest Act, 1927.
  • The grasslands have native trees like Acacia nilotica, Salvadora persica, and Capparis decidua which is protected under Section 26 in the Indian Forest Act, 1927. 
  • Banni also has sensitive soil ecology where the sweet soil rests on salinity only 2 to 3 meters below the ground and any disturbance of the soil brings up salinity destroying the rich productivity of the land.
• What are the threats faced by Banni Grassland?
  • The landscape of Banni has shown drastic changes with the deterioration of the grassland taking place due to 1) Heavy uncontrolled grazing, 2) Widespread ingress of Prosopis Juliflora (a harmful exotic tree species), 3) Dams constructed on rivers flowing towards Banni, 4) Periodic occurrence of droughts and 5) Continuous increase in soil salinity.

African Cheetahs to be moved around for healthy gene flow: Expert

• Context:
  • The 12 African cheetahs, which board a flight to India from South Africa next month are being prepared for their transcontinental journey. They are part of the first batch of 20 that India will receive as a part of its cheetah reintroduction plan at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh
• Action Plan for Introduction of Cheetah in India:
  • Project Cheetah aims to bring back independent India’s only extinct large mammal – the cheetah. As part of the project, 50 cheetahs will be introduced in various National Parks over five years.
  • In saving cheetahs, one would have to save not only its prey-base comprising certain threatened species, but also other endangered species of the grasslands and open forest ecosystems, some of which are on the brink of extinction.
  • An important consideration during such conservation efforts is that the sourcing of animals should not be detrimental for the survival of the source population.
  • Since it is not possible to source the critically endangered Asiatic cheetah from Iran without affecting this sub-species, India will source cheetahs from Southern Africa, which can provide India with substantial numbers of suitable cheetah for several years.
  • Cheetahs from Southern Africa have the maximum observed genetic diversity among extant cheetah lineages, an important attribute for a founding population stock
  • Moreover, the Southern African cheetahs are found to be ancestral to all the other cheetah lineages including those found in Iran.
  • Amongst the 10 surveyed sites of the central Indian states, Kuno Palpur National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh has been rated the highest. This is because of its suitable habitat and adequate prey base.
  • KNP is 748 sq. km. in area, devoid of human settlements, forms part of Sheopur-Shivpuri deciduous open forest landscape and is estimated to have a capacity to sustain 21 cheetahs.
• The other sites recommended are:
  • Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
  • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary – Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh
  • Shahgarh bulge in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
  • Mukundara Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan   
• Cheetah:
  • Cheetahs live in open plains.
  • Their habitat is predominantly where their prey live – grasslands, scrubs and open forest systems, semi-arid environments and temperatures that tend to be hotter compared to cooler regimes.
  • The locally extinct cheetah subspecies of India is found in Iran and is categorized as critically endangered.

Stronger Climate Targets 2030

• Context:
  • Recently, India has enhanced its climate change targets for 2030.
  • At UNFCCC COP 26 at Glasgow in 2021, the Prime Minister of India made a series of new promises to strengthen climate action in India.
• What are India’s Revised Targets?
• About:
  • Emission Intensity:
  • India is now committing itself to at least a 45% reduction in the emissions intensity of GDP (emissions per unit of GDP) from 2005 levels.
  • The existing target was a 33% – 35% reduction.
• Electricity Generation:
  • India is also promising to ensure that at least 50% of installed electricity generation capacity in 2030 would be based on non-fossil fuel-based sources.
  • This is an increase from the existing 40% target.
• Significance:
  • The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) seek to enhance India’s contributions towards the achievement of the strengthening of global response to the threat of climate change, as agreed under the Paris Agreement.
  • NDCs embody efforts by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
  • Such action will also help India usher in low emissions growth pathways.
  • New NDCs will demonstrate India’s commitment at the highest level for decoupling of economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions.
  • As a result of the revised NDCs, the Net Zero target by 2030 by Indian Railways alone will lead to a reduction of emissions by 60 million tonnes annually.
  • Other NDCs:
  • Increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW (gigawatts) by 2030.
  • Reduce the total projected carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes (BT) by 2030.
  • Achieve net zero carbon by 2070.
• What are India’s Initiatives towards Climate Change?
• Reforms in Transport Sector:
  • India is accelerating its e-mobility transition with the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles Scheme.
  • A voluntary vehicle scrapping policy to phase out old and unfit vehicles complements the existing schemes.
• India's Support to EVs:
  • India is among a handful of countries that support the global EV30@30 campaign, which aims for at least 30% new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
  • India’s advocacy of five elements for climate change “Panchamrit”, at the UNFCCC COP26 in Glasgow is a commitment to the same.
• What are the Important Highlights of UNFCCC COP 26?
• About:
  • The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties 26 was held in Glasgow, UK in 2021.
  • The Glasgow Summit has urged countries to consider strengthening their 2030 targets by COP27 to be held in Egypt in 2022.
  • The summit targeted global warming not to exceed +1.5°C and got about 140 countries to announce target dates for bringing emissions down to net zero.
  • The achievement is significant as in the Paris Agreement, the developing countries did not agree to reduce emissions but just the “emissions-intensity” of GDP.
  • India has also joined the consensus and announced its net-zero target of 2070.
• Glasgow Breakthrough Agenda:
  • A potentially important development which emerged out of COP26 (but outside the COP process) is the Glasgow Breakthrough Agenda endorsed by 42 countries (including India).
  • This is a cooperative effort to accelerate the development and deployment of clean technologies and sustainable solutions in areas such as clean power, road transport, steel and hydrogen.
• Phasing-Down Coal Consumption:
  • Coal is the dirtiest of fossil fuels and an early phasing out of coal is clearly desirable.
  • European countries have pushed hard for its phase out; however, developing countries have resisted this.
  • A middle path, as suggested by India, was referred to at the COP26 calling for a “phase-down” of coal-based power.

What it will take to fulfill India’s solar power dream

• Context:
  • India has significantly increased its solar power capacity during the past ten years, going from less than 10 MW in 2010 to exceeding 50 GW by 2022.
  • The Indian government has set a goal of increasing installed renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, of which 280 GW will come from solar photovoltaics.
  • Up until 2030, this calls for the installation of almost 30 GW of solar capacity annually.
  • This goal has created the need to augment the PhotoVoltaic cell/panel and module manufacturing capacity in India.
• solar power
• What is the status of Renewable Energy in India?
  • In India, there are 151.4 GW of installed renewable energy capacity. The breakdown of the total installed capacity for renewables is as follows:
  • Solar : 55 GW
  • Wind : 40.08 GW
  • Biomass energy: 10.61 GW
  • Small Hydro Electric: 4.83 GW
  • Large Hydro Electric: 46.51 GW
• What is the present status of Solar Energy generation capacity in India?
  • In terms of installed solar power capacity, India is now ranked fifth, behind China, the United States, Japan, and Germany.
  • India's installed solar capacity as of December 2021 was 55 GW, which is nearly half of the country's total renewable energy (RE) capacity (excluding major hydropower) and 14% of its total power generation capacity.
  • Grid-connected utility-scale projects account for 77% of the 55 GW, with the remaining 23% coming from grid-connected rooftop and off-grid installations.
• What is a Solar Photovoltaic(PV) panel?
  • A typical solar PV value chain begins with the fabrication of polysilicon ingots, which must then be converted into the thin Si wafers required to produce the PV mini-modules.
  • The mini-modules are then put together to create market- and field-ready modules.
  • The larger solar wafer size has an inherent advantage of less silicon will be lost throughout the ingot to wafer procedure. This will result in a benefit in terms of silicon cost per wafer.
• What is the present PV manufacturing capacity of India?
  • India’s solar module production capacity is 18GW as of December 2021.
  • India currently has a manufacturing capacity of 3GW for solar cells and 15GW for modules.
• What are the issues that need to be overcome in solar PV manufacturing?
  • Increased Imports: India currently lacks the capacity to produce enough modules and cells. As a result, Indian enterprises who deploy or install solar energy rely largely on imports.
  • Nearly all of the other important raw materials, such the metallic pastes of silver and aluminium used to create the electrical connections, are imported. India serves as a centre for assembly rather than production.
  • Low domestic manufacturing capacity: The capacity of India to produce solar modules at this time is only 15 GW annually. Currently, India only produces about 3.5 GW of cells. Even at the present deployment levels, India imports all silicon wafers and about 80% of cells because it lacks the capacity to produce polysilicon ingots and solar wafers.
  • Size and technology: The majority of manufacturing still employs Al-BSF cell technology, which typically offers efficiencies of 18–19% at the cell level and 16–17% at the module level. In contrast, cell manufacture has switched to other, more recent technologies, producing modules with an efficiency of over 21%.
  • Supply of raw materials: Silicon wafer, the priciest raw material, is not produced in India. The production of solar wafers takes place in China today to a greater than 90% extent.
  • Sector and academia working together: India hasn't made many investments in building high-quality, high-TRL technology centres that can assist the industry in trying and testing the technologies in an economical way. These facilities include IMEC Belgium and the Holst Centre in the Netherlands, as examples.
• What measures have the governments taken to promote solar PV manufacturing?
  • Production Linked Incentive scheme for high-efficiency solar modules:
  • There is a PLI scheme to boost manufacturing capex as well as a 40% charge on the import of modules and a 25% duty on the import of cells.
  • Domestic Content Requirement (DCR):
  • It has been mandated to source solar PV cells and modules from domestic sources under some of the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy's (MNRE) current schemes, including the Grid-connected Rooftop Solar Programme Phase-II, PM-KUSUM, and Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) Scheme Phase-II, wherein government subsidies are given.
  • In addition, the government made it a requirement that projects connected to state or federal government grids must purchase modules from manufacturers on an Approved List of Manufacturers (ALMM).
  • Imposition of Basic Customs Duty on import of solar PV cells & modules:
  • Basic Customs Duty (BCD) to be imposed on imports of solar PV cells and modules: According to a government announcement, basic customs duty (BCD) would be imposed on imports of solar PV cells and modules.
  • Additionally, a 40% tariff on the import of modules and a 25% duty on the import of cells have been levied.
  • Basic custom duty is a tax that is assessed at a set rate based on the value of the goods.
  • Modified Special Incentive Package Scheme (M-SIPS):
  • The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is behind the plan.
  • The major benefit of the programme is a 20% tax credit for investments made in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and a 25% tax credit for non-SEZ investments in PV cells and modules.
• What needs to be done further?
  • Even if India has made remarkable strides in the deployment of solar PV modules for power generation, the country still needs more than simply tax barriers and financial inducements like PLI programmes to become a manufacturing centre for the technology.
  • India will need to concentrate on technical partnerships to produce the proper grade of silicon for the production of solar cells.
  • In the long run, it would be advantageous to climb the value chain by producing parts that may influence the cost and standard of both cells and modules.
  • To focus on specific technology domains with clear short- and long-term roadmaps and objectives, India needs to establish industry-like centres.
  • Effective, creative industry-academia collaboration to begin creating homegrown innovations.

Chhattisgarh’s forest ‘by mistake’

• Context
  • The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has objected to the transfer of thousands of hectares of land without following due process by Chhattisgarh from its Forest to the Revenue Department for setting up industries and for building road, rail, and other infrastructure.
• About
  • Chhattisgarh government has described these areas as non-forest land that was earlier given “by mistake” to the Forest Department.
  • Non-Forest Land means an area managed for uses other than for the production of timber and other forest products or for the maintenance of woody vegetation for such indirect benefits as protection of catchment areas, wildlife habitat, or recreation.
  • Environment Ministry has warned that the land in question is “undemarcated protected forests”, which cannot be used for non-forest purposes without clearance under the Forest Conservation (FC) Act, 1980.
  • Protected forests are either demarcated or undemarcated, based on whether the limits of the forest have been specified by a formal notification.
• Forests in Indian law
  • Broadly, state Forest Departments have jurisdiction over two types of forests notified under the Indian Forest (IF) Act, 1927:
  • Reserve Forests (RF), where no rights are allowed unless specified; and
  • Protected Forests (PF), where no rights are barred unless specified.
  • Certain forests, such as village or nagarpalika forests, are managed by state Revenue Departments.
  • The FC Act, 1980, applies to all kinds of forests, whether under the control of the Forest or the Revenue Department.
  • It requires statutory clearance before forests can be used for any non-forest purpose such as industry, mining, or construction.
  • In 1976, forests were included in List III (Concurrent List) under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.
• Chhattisgarh Case:
  • The recorded forest area in Chhattisgarh covers 44.21% of its geography. 
  • In March 2022, state government announced that over 300 sq km of “Orange” area in the Bastar region had been handed over to the Revenue Department.
  • Orange Area:
  • Under the zamindari system, villagers used local malguzari (livelihood concessions) forests for firewood, grazing, etc.
  • When zamindari was abolished in 1951, malguzari forests came under the Revenue Department.
  • In 1958, the government of undivided Madhya Pradesh notified all these areas as PFs under the Forest Department.
  • In 1965, Madhya Pradesh amended the Indian Forest Act, 1927 to allow denotification of PFs and return it to the Revenue Department.
  • Since 2003, a case has been pending in the Supreme Court on rationalising these orange areas that have remained a bone of contention between the two Departments.
  • The coming of Forest Conservation Act in 1980, led to a situation where the rights of lakhs of villagers, including those settled by the government through pattas, remained restricted since now the state government required central clearance for non-forest use of forest land. 
  • In 2020, a task force set up by Madhya Pradesh to resolve the deadlock recommended that patta-holders should not be considered encroachers since they were given land by government officials.
  • In December 1996, the SC defined ‘forest’ after its dictionary meaning, irrespective of the status of the land it stands on. It also defined forestland as any land thus notified on any government record irrespective of what actually stands on that land.  
  • To meet this broad definition, Madhya Pradesh in 1997 framed a “practical yardstick”, an area no smaller than 10 hectares with at least 200 trees per hectare, to identify forests in Revenue areas for handing over to the Forest Department.

Clean, Healthy Environment as a Universal Human Right

• Why in News?
  • The United Nations declares access to a clean, healthy environment as a universal human right.
  • India voted for the resolution and pointed out that the resolutions do not create binding obligations.
  • Only through conventions and treaties do state parties undertake obligations for such rights.
• What is the Provision for Clean Environment in Indian Constitution?
  • The right to life (Article 21) has been used in a diversified manner in India. It includes, inter alia, the right to survive as a species, quality of life, the right to live with dignity and the right to livelihood.
  • Article 21 of the Indian Constitution states: 'No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedures established by law.'
• What do we need to know about the Resolution?
  • Every person on the planet has the right to live in a clean, healthy environment.
  • Climate change and environmental degradation are the most critical threats awaiting humanity in the future.
  • It demonstrates that the member states can unite in the collective fight against the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
  • The declaration adopted by over 160 UN member nations, including India, is not legally binding.
  • But, it will encourage countries to incorporate the right to a healthy environment in national constitutions and regional treaties.
  • Russia and Iran abstained from voting.
• Benefits:
  • It will help to reduce environmental injustices and protection gaps.
  • It can empower people, especially those in vulnerable situations, including environmental human rights defenders, children, youth, women and indigenous people.
  • This right (Access to Clean, Healthy Environment) was not included in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948.
  • This is a historic resolution that will change the very nature of international human rights law.
• What are Human Rights?
  • Human rights are rights inherent to all human beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality, ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.
• Human rights include:
  • The right to life and liberty, freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of opinion and expression, the right to work and education etc.
  • Everyone is entitled to these rights, without discrimination.
• International Human Right Law:
  • International human rights law lays down the obligations of Governments to act in certain ways or to refrain from certain acts, in order to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms of individuals or groups.
• Body of Human Rights:
  • A Comprehensive body of human rights law consists of a universal and internationally protected code to which all nations can subscribe and all people aspire.
  • The United Nations has defined a broad range of internationally accepted rights, including civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights.
  • It has also established mechanisms to promote and protect these rights and to assist states in carrying out their responsibilities.
  • The foundations of this body of law are the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the General Assembly in 1945 and 1948

American Bullfrog & Brown Tree Snake

• Context
  • As per the study, the American bullfrog and brown tree snake cost the world economy $16 billion.
  • The invasive duo has caused ecological damage in addition to ruining farm produce and causing expensive power interruptions.
• About the Species
  • The brown-and-green frog, known as lithobates catesbeianus and weighs over two pounds (0.9 kg), had the greatest impact in Europe.
  • These frogs are damaging the crops.
  • The brown tree snake, known as boiga irregularis, has multiplied uncontrollably on Pacific islands including Guam and the Mariana Islands, where the species was introduced by the U.S. troops in World War II.
  • The snakes have, at times, been so abundant that they caused power outages by crawling on electrical equipment.

Climate Reparation

• Context:
  • Recently, Pakistan is witnessing the worst flooding disaster in its history, therefore it has begun demanding reparations, or compensation, from the rich countries that are mainly responsible for causing climate change.
• What is Climate Reparation?
  • Climate reparations refer to a call for money to be paid by the developed countries to the developing countries as a means of addressing the historical contributions that the Developed countries have made (and continue to make) toward climate change.
• Who is Responsible for Climate Change?
  • Historical Emissions: Historical responsibility of the Western nations is important because carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, and it is the cumulative accumulation of this carbon dioxide that causes global warming.
  • Polluter Pays Principle: The concept of the Polluter Pays principle makes the polluter liable for paying not just for the cost of remedial action, but also for compensating the victims of environmental damage caused by their actions.
  • The United States and the European Union, including the UK, account for over 50% of all emissions during the present time.
  • If Russia, Canada, Japan, and Australia too are included, the combined contribution goes past 65% or almost two-thirds of all emissions.
  • Further, a country like India, currently the third largest emitter, accounts for only 3% of historical emissions. Whereas, China, which is the world’s biggest emitter for over 15 years now, has contributed about 11% to total emissions since 1850.
• Global Impact:
  • The impacts of climate change are much more severe on the poorer nations because of their geographical locations and weaker capacity to cope.
  • This is what is giving rise to demands for loss and damage compensation, countries that have had negligible contributions to historical emissions and have severe limitations of resources are the ones that face the most devastating impacts of climate change.
• Impact on India:
  • The economic loss from cyclone Amphan in India and Bangladesh in 2020 has been assessed at USD 15 billion.
• What did the International Conventions say about Climate Responsibility?
  • Admission of Responsibility: The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the 1994 international agreement that lays down the broad principles of the global effort to fight climate change, explicitly acknowledges this differentiated responsibility of nations.
  • It makes it very clear that rich countries must provide both finance and technology to developing nations to help them tackle climate change.
  • The rich countries agreed to provide USD 100 billion to the developing world every year as a result of this mandate.
• Present Status: The promise of USD 100 billion in assistance to developing countries is yet to be completed.
  • According to a recent report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Efforts (UNOCHA), prepared for the UN General Assembly, annual funding requests related to climate-linked disasters averaged USD 15.5 billion in the three-year period between 2019 and 2021.
  • The United States alone is estimated to have “inflicted more than USD 1.9 trillion in damages to other countries” due to its emissions.
  • Non-Economic Losses: There are non-economic losses, including loss of lives, displacement and migration, health impacts, and damage to cultural heritage.
  • Economic Losses: The unavoidable annual economic losses from climate change were projected to reach somewhere between USD 290 billion to USD 580 billion by the year 2030.
• Initiatives:
  • The developing countries and NGOs managed to establish a separate channel for loss and damages at international climate change negotiations.
  • Therefore, the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damages, set up in 2013, was the first formal acknowledgment of the need to compensate developing countries struck by climate disasters.

Project Cheetah

• Context:
  • Recently, eight cheetahs have landed in Gwalior from Namibia’s capital Windhoek and reintroduced in Kuno National Park. The day also marks PM Modi’s 72nd birthday.  
  • Timeline/ History of cheetah reintroduction in India
  • Cheetah or Acinonyx Jubatus: It is the fastest terrestrial animal on earth. The cheetah is the only large carnivore that got completely wiped out from India, mainly due to over-hunting and habitat loss. 
  • Meaning: The word ‘Cheetah’ is of Sanskrit origin meaning ‘variegated’, ‘adorned’ or ‘painted’.
• Earliest historical references:
  • They are found in classical Greek records of India, from Strabo, about 200 years before the Common Era.
  • In the Mughal Period, cheetahs were used very extensively for hunting. Emperor Akbar had 1,000 cheetahs in his menagerie.
  • Central India, particularly the Gwalior region, had cheetahs for a very long time. Various states including Gwalior and Jaipur used to hunt cheetahs.
  • 1947: 
  • The country's last spotted cheetah died in Sal forests of Chhattisgarh's Koriya district in 1948 and the wild animal was declared extinct in the country in 1952.
  • Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh, the ruler of a small princely state in today’s Chhattisgarh shot India’s last 3 surviving cheetahs. 
  • 1st plan to reintroduce the cheetah: First solid steps were taken in the 1970s, during negotiations with Iran, then under Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi. Iran’s cheetahs were Asiatic, like India’s extinct animals.
  • The plan was to exchange Asiatic lions for Asiatic cheetahs.
  • 2009: Another attempt to source Iranian Cheetahs was made in 2009 without success. Iran would not permit even cloning of its Cheetahs.
  • 2012: Supreme Court ordered a stay on the reintroduction project.
  • 2020: South African experts visited four potential sites: Kuno-Palpur, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and Madhav National Park.
• About the recent translocation programme 
  • Project Cheetah: The introduction of cheetahs in India is being done under Project Cheetah, which is the world's first intercontinental large wild carnivore translocation project.
  • Coexistence approach: India has opted for this approach. It is even more unique because this is the first time cheetahs will be reintroduced in an unfenced protected area (PA).
•  Significance of Coexistence approach
  • The Coexistence approach is considered more favourable by social scientists.
  • Fencing has proven to be a valuable tool in eliminating cheetahs’ tendency to range over wide distances in South Africa and Malawi, thus allowing for population growth.
  • The core conservation area of KNP is largely free of anthropogenic threats.
  • Challenges associated with Coexistence approach 
  • Kuno NP will be more challenging, as it is not enclosed / fenced.
  • There have been no successful cheetah reintroductions into unfenced systems.
  • Anthropogenic threats to cheetah survival include snaring for bush meat and retaliatory killings due to livestock depredation.
  • This would place them at the risk of human-related mortality including snaring and retaliatory killings by livestock farmers.
  • Fortress conservation: Cheetahs have been reintroduced several times in various African countries. 
  • But these reintroductions were all done in fenced PAs as fencing provides safety from human-animal conflict caused due to cheetahs killing livestock. 
• Kuno National Park
  • Kuno National Park is a national park in MP established in 1981 as a wildlife sanctuary. 
  • In 2018, it was given the status of a national park. 
  • It is part of the Khathiar-Gir dry deciduous forests.
  • KunoPalpur Wildlife Sanctuary is underway to become India’s second home for the Asiatic lion. 
• Significance of Cheetah reintroduction
  • India as historical Cheetah habitat: The Cheetah habitat in India historically is from Jammu to Tamil Nadu, very widespread and they were found in any habitat dry forests, grasslands, scrub forest, etc.
  • Pray base: Experts believe that as long as there is enough food and there is protection they will regenerate on their own. A‘prey base’ that can sustain the population and that has already been prepared at the Kuno-Palpur sanctuary.
  • Cheetahs will help in the restoration of open forest and grassland ecosystems in India. 
  • The cheetah is a flagship grassland species; whose conservation also helps in preserving other grassland species in the predator food chain. 
  • This will help conserve biodiversity and enhance the ecosystem services like water security, carbon sequestration and soil moisture conservation, benefiting society at large.
  • It will also lead to enhanced livelihood opportunities for the local community through eco-development and ecotourism activities.
• Challenges:
• Coexistence with tigers and leopards: 
  • There may be intra-guild competition between the big cats in Kuno. 
  • More aggressive predators such as tigers and leopards will compete with the cheetahs. 
  • They may be driven to the outskirts of the park, where they could come into conflict with humans.
• Locational Challenges of Kuno-Palpur National Park:
• Different vegetation type:
  • The protected area of Kuno-Palpur National Park is largely dry, deciduous forest. 
  • The initial criticism was if the African cheetahs who are more used to the savannahs of that continent adapt well to Kuno.
• Specific prey base:  
  • Indian cheetahs were largely dependent on blackbucks and chinkaras, sometimes on chital and rarely on nilgai. 
  • Few of these species are believed to have disappeared from Kuno.
• Asiatic lion project: 
  • Some 24 villages have been relocated and rehabilitated from Kuno for this project. 
  • But now, Cheetah reintroduction may delay this project.
• Way forward/ Government’s efforts
• Livestock losses: 
  • India should have a functional compensation scheme in place to deal with this potential threat. 
• Monitoring: 
  • Radio collars have been installed in all the cheetahs and will be monitored through satellite. There will also be a dedicated monitoring team behind each cheetah who will keep monitoring location for 24 hours.
• Increasing prey base:
  • To increase prey base inside the 500-hectare enclosure, the Kuno National Park has brought in 238 chitals or spotted deer (Axis axis) from Pench and Narsinghgarh Wildlife Sanctuaries of the state and are planning to bring in around 300 more deer.
• Gradual coexistence:
  • Over time, says the action plan by the Centre, cheetah and leopard populations will be able to coexist.  
• More about Cheetahs
• About:
  • The cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) is a large cat native to Africa and central Iran. 
  • It is the fastest land animal, estimated to be capable of running at 80 to 128 km/h.
  • There are four recorded subspecies of Cheetahs.
• Threats:
  • The cheetah is threatened by several factors such as habitat loss, conflict with humans, poaching and high susceptibility to diseases.

International Whale Shark Day

• Context:
  • Wildlife Trust of India(WTI) has launched the ‘Save the Whale Shark Campaign’ along Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep.
• What is the Save the Whale Shark Campaign?
  • Launched by: Wildlife Trust of India(WTI) along with Karnataka, Kerala and Lakshadweep.
  • Aim: To reduce and eradicate whale shark death in the incidental catch in fishing nets by the voluntary release of the whale shark.
• What is a Whale Shark?
  • The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is the largest fish on Earth and a keystone species in marine ecosystems. 
  • Features: It can grow to a length of approximately 18 metres and weigh as much as 21 tonnes.
  • They are ovoviviparous – meaning they give birth to live young rather than lay eggs – and can reach sexual maturity at around 10 years old.
• Distribution:
  • It is distributed widely across tropical and warm temperate seas.
  • The whale shark is distributed all along the Indian coast. However, the largest whale shark aggregation is along the Gujarat coast.
  • Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered.
  • Threat: The main threat is accidental entanglement in fishing nets. This can result in mortality.
  • The only way to curb such mortality is to ensure the release of the entangled whale sharks from the fishing net without any delay.

The US, India launch new initiative to increase tree coverage in India

• Context:
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, the Government of India and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced the launch of the “Trees Outside Forests in India” Initiative.
• What is Trees Outside Forests in India Initiative?
  • Aim: To increase tree coverage outside of forest lands in India in a bid to support global climate change mitigation and adaptation goals.
  • Features: The programme will bring together farmers, companies and private institutions in India to rapidly expand tree coverage outside of traditional forests by 28 lakh hectares.
  • It will use innovative financing models and leverage India’s private sector to promote tree-based enterprises, helping to create sustainable markets and improve rural economies and livelihoods.
  • Implementation: The program will be implemented by a consortium led by the Center for International Forestry Research(CIFOR) and World Agroforestry.
  • Coverage: The program will be implemented in seven states including Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Haryana, Odisha, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Significance: The program will enhance carbon sequestration, support local communities and strengthen the climate resilience of agriculture.

Living Planet Report 2022

• Context:
  • There has been a 69% decline in the wildlife populations of mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles and fish, across the globe in the last 50 years, according to the Living Planet Report 2022 by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
  • This report is released every two years.
• What are the Key Findings of the Report?
  • Region-wise Decline in Wildlife Populations:
  • The highest decline in the wildlife populations (94%) was in the Latin America and the Caribbean region.
  • Africa recorded a 66% fall in its wildlife populations from 1970-2018 whereas the Asia-Pacific recorded a decline of 55%.
• Decline in Freshwater Species:
  • Freshwater Species populations globally reduced by 83%.
  • Habitat loss and barriers to migration routes were responsible for about half of the threats to monitored migratory fish species.
• Collapsing Vertebrate Wildlife Populations:
  • Living Planet Index (LPI) showed that vertebrate wildlife populations are collapsing at a particularly staggering rate in tropical regions of the world.
  • Featuring about 32,000 populations of 5,230 species across the world, LPI is a measure of the state of the world's biological diversity based on population trends of vertebrate species from terrestrial, freshwater and marine habitats.
• Mangrove Degradation:
  • Mangroves continue to be lost to aquaculture, agriculture and coastal development at a rate of 0.13% per year.
  • Many mangroves are also degraded by overexploitation and pollution, alongside natural stressors such as storms and coastal erosion.
  • Around 137 square kilometres of the Sundarbans mangrove forest in India and Bangladesh has been eroded since 1985, reducing land and ecosystem services for many of the 10 million people who live there.
• Key Threats to Biodiversity:
• WWF identified six key threats to biodiversity to highlight ‘threat hotspots' for terrestrial vertebrates:
  • Agriculture
  • Hunting
  • Logging
  • Pollution
  • Invasive Species
  • Climate Change
• What is World Wildlife Fund for Nature?
  • It is the world’s leading conservation organization and works in more than 100 countries.
  • It was established in 1961 and is headquartered at Gland, Switzerland.
  • Its mission is to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the diversity of life on Earth.
  • WWF collaborates at every level with people around the world to develop and deliver innovative solutions that protect communities, wildlife, and the places in which they live.
• What are the Recommendations of the Report?
  • The planet is experiencing double emergencies of human-induced climate change and biodiversity loss, threatening the well-being of current and future generations. Biodiversity loss and climate crisis should be dealt with as one instead of two different issues as they are intertwined.
  • A nature-positive future needs transformative, game-changing shifts in how we produce, how we consume, how we govern and what we finance.
  • An all-inclusive collective approach towards a more sustainable path must be adopted. It will ensure that the costs and benefits from our actions are socially just and equitably shared.

Tipping points of global warming

• Context:  A study has found that even at the current levels of warming in the world, several climate ‘tipping points’ could be crossed, setting off irreversible, catastrophic, and self-perpetuating changes.
• Findings:
  • Visible changes: Several studies in the past 15 years have identified different tipping points such as the disintegration of the Greenland ice sheet, a spontaneous reduction in Amazon forest cover, melting of glaciers, or softening of the permanently frozen grounds in the polar regions that have large amounts of carbon trapped in them.
  • Each of these tipping points is correlated with each other with different levels of temperature rise.
  • The latest study has identified nine global and seven regional tipping points
• Tipping points at work
  • Rising temperatures are causing large-scale changes in the climatic systems.
  • It has also intensified the Glacial melt, thinning of Arctic ice, and rise in sea levels.
  • However, it is still possible, at least theoretically, to arrest these changes, or even reverse them over time.
  • According to the IPCC assessment report, with the current level of efforts, the world is on the path to becoming more than 2 degrees warmer by the year 2100.
  • Threats to permafrost: The softening or melting of permafrost layers is already releasing some carbon into the atmosphere.
  • Permafrost layers hold as much as 1,700 billion tonnes of carbon, mainly in the form of carbon dioxide and methane.
  • In comparison, the global emissions of carbon in a year are in the range of 40 billion tonnes.
  • Self-sustaining and cyclic system: Once the tipping point is crossed, this becomes a self-sustaining and cyclic system. The system does not reverse even if the global temperatures stop rising.
  • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), sixth assessment reports suggest that most of these tipping points would be crossed between 1 and 2 degree Celsius temperature rise.
• Policy response
  • Increase efforts to restrict global warming.
  • Take the initiative to study the effects of rising temperatures.
  • Countries need to increase the ambition of their climate action in the next few years.
  • Because of the impacts of the Ukraine war on the energy supply chains across the world progress is likely to slow down.
• Impact on India
  • A one-metre rise in sea level will displace 7.1 million people in India.
  • The sixth assessment report of the IPCC released earlier this year said that global emissions of greenhouse gases needed to peak by 2025 and reduce by 43 per cent from current levels by 2030 if the 1.5 degree Celsius target was to be achieved.
• What are Climate tipping points?
  • Climate Tipping Points or CTPs are markers of a larger climate system that when triggered beyond a threshold, perpetuates warming on its own.

Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

• Context:
• Mission LiFe is a global initiative by India to help the world in its fight against climate change and lead to a sustainable way of life to achieve the sustainable development goals set by the U.N.
  • The idea of LiFE was introduced by India during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
  • The idea promotes an environmentally conscious lifestyle that focuses on ‘mindful and deliberate utilization’ instead of ‘mindless and wasteful consumption.
  • On 5 June 2022, on World Environment Day, India furthered the vision of LiFE by launching the LiFE Global Movement, inviting academicians, researchers, and start-ups across the world to think about specific and scientific ways in which the full potential of collective action can be harnessed to address the environmental crisis.
  • The Mission emboldens the spirit of the P3 model, i.e., Pro Planet People, as it is premised on the basic principles of ‘Lifestyle of the planet, for the planet and by the planet’.
  • It advocates for the circular economy where the concept of ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ can help in striking a balance between development, economic growth, and sustainability.
  • Mission LiFE makes everyone trustees of the environment. A trustee is someone who does not allow indiscriminate use of resources. A trustee works as a nurturer and not as an exploiter.
  • Mission LiFE aims at following a three-pronged strategy for changing our collective approach toward sustainability.
  • First is by nudging individuals to practice simple yet effective environment-friendly actions in their daily lives (demand);
  • Second is by enabling industries and markets to respond swiftly to the changing demand (supply) and;
  • The third is to influence government and industrial policy to support both sustainable consumption and production (policy).
  • With the launch of the Mission, the prevalent “use-and-dispose” economy governed by mindless and destructive consumption will be replaced by a circular economy, defined by conscious and deliberate consumption.
  • Mission LiFE is designed to mobilize at least one billion Indians and other global citizens to take individual and collective action for protecting and preserving the environment in the period 2022 to 2027.
• India’s commitment to Mission LiFE:
  • Mission LiFE will action the ideas and ideals of LiFE through a mission-mode, scientific and measurable programme and demonstrate India’s commitment to walk the talk on climate change.
  • The annual per capita carbon footprint in the country is only about 1.5 tons, compared to the world average of 4 tons per year while India has the fourth largest capacity for renewable energy in the world.
  • India is ranked fourth in wind energy and fifth in solar energy.
  • India’s renewable energy capacity has increased by about 290 % in the last 7-8 years.
  • The country has also achieved the target of 40% of the electric capacity from non-fossil-fuel sources nine years ahead of the deadline.
  • Through the National Hydrogen Mission, India has moved towards an environment-friendly energy source. This will help India and many countries of the world to achieve their goal of a net zero carbon footprint.
  • India’s initiative with the International Solar Alliance proves that the country is pursuing environmentally sound policies to promote renewable energy and reduce the usage of fossil fuels.
  • By leading the creation of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, India has conveyed its concept of environmental protection to the world. Mission LiFE is the next step in this series.
• India had launched several initiatives to support the fight against climate change:
  • National Afforestation Programme (NAP)
  • National Mission for a Green India (GIM)
  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
  • National Biodiversity Action Plan

International Day for Biosphere Reserves

• Context:
  • From 2022 onwards, 3rd November will be celebrated as 'The International Day for Biosphere Reserves'.
• What are Biosphere Reserves (BR)?
• About:
  • BR is an international designation by (UNESCO) for representative parts of natural and cultural landscapes extending over large areas of terrestrial or coastal/marine ecosystems or a combination of both.
  • BR tries to balance economic and social development and maintenance of associated cultural values along with the preservation of nature.
  • BRs are nominated by national governments and remain under the sovereign jurisdiction of the states where they are located.
  • These are designated under the intergovernmental Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme by the Director-General of UNESCO following the decisions of the MAB International Coordinating Council (MAB ICC).
  • The MAB Programme is an intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for enhancing the relationship between people and their environments.
  • Their status is internationally recognized.
• Three Main Zones:
  • Core Areas: It comprises a strictly protected zone that contributes to the conservation of landscapes, ecosystems, species and genetic variation.
  • Buffer Zones: It surrounds or adjoins the core area(s), and is used for activities compatible with sound ecological practices that can reinforce scientific research, monitoring, training and education.
  • Transition Area: The transition area is where communities foster socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable economic and human activities.
  • What is the Status of Biosphere Reserves in India/World?
• In India:
  • India at present has 18 notified biosphere reserves spanning 60,000 sq km.
  • The first biosphere reserve in India was the blue mountains of the Nilgiris stretching over Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala.
  • The largest biosphere reserve is the Gulf of Kachchh (Gujarat) and the smallest is Dibru-Saikhowa (Assam).
  • Other bigger biosphere reserves are the Gulf of Mannar (Tamil Nadu), Sunderbans (West Bengal), and Cold Desert (Himachal Pradesh).

Blue Flag Certification

• Context:
  • Two more Indian beaches were recently given blue flag certification.
• About:
  • The Blue Flag is an eco-label (certification) awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boat tourism operators that meet a comprehensive set of requirements. Blue Flag contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • The certification is awarded by the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental Education or FEE.
  • The Blue Flag certification is awarded by a non-profit organization called the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
  • The Blue Flag programme was started in France in 1985 and in areas out of Europe in 2001.
  • To qualify for the Blue Flag certificate, a series of stringent requirements or criteria should be satisfied. The criteria are environmental, educational, access, and safety-related. There are a total of 33 criteria.
  • The program promotes sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas through four main criteria: water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety.
  • The certification is awarded to beaches, marinas (which are small ports or harbours designed for pleasure yachts or boats), and sustainable boat tourism operators in FEE member countries.
  • The Blue Flag is an eco-label and blue flag beaches should provide clean and hygienic bathing water, along with basic infrastructure for tourists.
  • Operators of beaches or boating tourism that have been awarded the ‘blue flag’ are allowed to display the blue flag logo.
  • This is awarded to local authorities or private operators only of the member countries.
  • Blue Flag also advocates against inequality, disparity, unemployment, depletion of natural resources, health and environmental threats, pollution as well as general environmental degradation.
  • Blue Flag is accorded by the international jury composed of eminent members – United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Denmark-based NGO Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  • There are more than 4000 blue flag beaches worldwide with Spain leading the number of beaches per country with this certification.
• Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)
  • The FEE is headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.
  • It was founded in 1981 as the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE).
  • Currently, it has 77 member countries.
• Its other programmes include:
  • Green Key
  • Eco Schools
  • Young Reporters for the Environment
  • Learning about Forests
  • Global Forest Fund
• Blue Flag Beaches in India
  • Puri beach on the Konark coast of Odisha is not only India’s but also Asia’s first beach to get the Blue Flag certification. 
  • As of October 2022, Twelve Beaches in India have been awarded the prestigious certification, namely:
  • Golden Beach – Odisha
  • Shivrajpur Beach – Gujarat
  • Kappad Beach – Kerala
  • Ghoghla Beach – Diu
  • Radhanagar Beach – Andaman and Nicobar
  • Kasarkod Beach – Karnataka
  • Padubidri Beach – Karnataka
  • Rushikonda Beach – Andhra Pradesh
  • Kovalam Beach – Tamil Nadu
  • Eden Beach – Puducherry
  • Minicoy Thundi Beach – Lakshadweep
  • Kadmat Beach – Lakshadweep

Air pollution in Delhi-NCR

• Context:
  • Delhi pollution: From late October onwards, meteorological factors and ‘stubble’ burning to add to the already high pollution base in the Indo-Gangetic basin, particularly the pollution due to the  Particulate Matter (PM), Haze and Smoke.
  • Particulate matter (PM) is made of solid particles and liquid droplets in the air. Any type of burning or dust-generating activity is a source of PM E.g., Emissions (from vehicles and industrial plant smokestacks)
  • Particulate matter—PM2.5 (diameter of 2.5 micrometres or less) and PM10—far exceeds national and World Health Organization limits and are considered the main culprit for high pollution of Delhi and its surrounding regions called NCR.
• Reasons for Delhi NCR region facing extreme particulate pollution:
• Geographical reasons:
  • Location of Delhi: It lies to the northeast of the Thar Desert, to the northwest of the central plains and to the southwest of the Himalayas. As winds arrive from the coasts, bringing with them pollutants picked up along the way, they get ‘trapped’ right before the Himalayas.
  • Cold temperature during winter: During summer hotter air rises higher above the surface and takes the pollutants along with it. However, during October-November, the air is not that hot. The pollutants are trapped and tend to get concentrated at lower levels of the atmosphere, resulting in the smoke and haze situation.
  • Lack of wind esp. after the end of the monsoon: Average wind speed in winter in the Delhi NCR region is one-third of the summer months. This makes the pollutant concentration in the region.
  • Dust Storm: -According to SAFAR (System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research), 40% of the particulate pollution in Delhi on those specific days could be sourced to a “multi-day dust storm” that originated in the Middle East.
• Anthropogenic factors:
  • Stubble burning: The root cause of stubble burning can be traced back to the 1960s-70s when India introduced several measures as part of its Green Revolution to feed its rising population.
  • Governmental policy:In an attempt to address the growing water crisis, the Punjab and Haryana governments introduced laws, which delayed Kharif cropping and thus worsened the pollution due to stubble burning.
  • Manufacturing activity, Power Generation, Construction, and Transport: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) have declared vehicular emission as a major contributor to Delhi’s increasing air pollution.
  • Minimum Citizen participation: Unlike in other parts of the world, there is little citizens’ movement for controlling pollution.
  • Poor Regulations: Regulation is most often seen as imposing bans, not hand-holding and persuading industry – most of them small factories – into adopting environment-friendly measures
  • India has not recognised in policy and law that air pollution is a killer.
• Impact
  • On Adult: The Lancet report that had said that 12.5 per cent of deaths in India occurred due to air pollution
  • On children: More than 116,000 infants in India died within a month of birth in 2019 due to air pollution — outdoor and indoor — according to the State of Global Air 2020 report.
  • On Mother: Studies say that because of exposure of the pregnant mother to very high pollution levels, actually affects the placenta and the foetus.
  • On Education: Lost hours due to the closure of schools e.g. Severe air pollution in Delhi has led to the closure of the primary school.
  • On Economy: Closure of industries/factories. Limits on the construction activity etc.  
• Steps Taken by the government
  • Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP): In pursuant to the Supreme Court’s order in the matter of  C. Mehta vs. Union of India (2016)regarding air quality in the National Capital Region of Delhi, a Graded Response Action Plan has been prepared for implementation under different Air Quality Index (AQI) categories namely, Moderate & Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
  • National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)- It has the goal of reducing the concentration of coarse (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5) in the atmosphere by at least 20% by the year 2024, with 2017 as the base year for comparison.
  • To mitigate stubble burning: A Series of short-term ex-situ and in-situ solutions have been rolled out by the Union and State governments.
  • In-situ solutions include Turbo happy seeders and bio-decomposers, while the ex-situ solutions include collecting and using stubble as fuel in boilers, to produce ethanol, or simply burning away alongside coal in thermal power plants.
  • Other measures: mobile enforcement teams to check vehicular pollution, public awareness campaigns, investment in mass rapid transport systems, and phasing out old commercial vehicles.
  • Delhi’s “Green War Room” signalling the fight against the smog, is analyzing satellite data on farm fires from Punjab and Haryana to identify and deal with the culprits.
  • Cleaner transport: The government’s recent push for electric vehicles shows promise, while the response of industry and the buy-in from customers will be key.
  • Better farming practices-Needed is the political will to act, as poor farmers complain that they receive no financial support to dispose of post-harvest stubble properly.
  • The Indian Agricultural Research Institute has proposed a low-cost way to deal with the problem of stubble burning by spraying a chemical solution to decompose the crop residue and turn it into manure. Better coordination is needed 
• Conclusion
  • Facing a growing environmental and health calamity, antipollution efforts are being strengthened. But to succeed, the different levels of government must harness the political will to invest more, coordinate across boundaries, and motivate businesses and residents to do their bit.

COP27

• Context:
  • While the developing and vulnerable nations continue to demand climate finance at COP27, it is important to realise that the lives have also been severely affected by global catastrophes, especially in the year 2022.
• How have Past Global Catastrophes Devastated the Planet?
• Pakistan Floods:
  • Pakistan recorded 62% less than normal rainfall in the month of March, 2022 and the warmest April preceding the monsoon season.
  • Glaciers melted as a result of these heat waves, which led rivers to swell. Access to basic necessities became difficult for 33 million people of Pakistan’s 220 million population.
  • Extreme rainfall further triggered the most devastating floods from June to September.
  • The flood was the worst in the country’s recent history.
  • Over 1,500 people were killed, with millions being displaced and developing serious health issues such as skin infections, malaria and diarrhoea.
• Hurricane Ian in the US:
  • NASA data revealed that warm ocean waters in the Gulf of Mexico powered Hurricane Ian in the US towards the end of September, 2022 making it one of the strongest hurricanes to hit the country in recent memory.
  • It resulted in the loss of 101 lives and monetary losses of more than USD 100 billion.
  • The disaster was the costliest climate-induced disaster of the year.
  • The escalation brought severe floods, relentless rains and strong winds to southwestern Florida.
• European Droughts
  • In June and July, 2022, Europe was hit by two extreme heat waves, which claimed approximately 16,000 lives.
  • This year's drought is likely to be the worst in 500 years.
  • Water levels in Europe’s biggest rivers – Rhine, Po, Loire, and Danube – shrunk, and dry conditions continue to prevail in different parts of the continent.
• Spain and Portugal:
  • An atmospheric high-pressure system, which causes dry air to descend over subtropical regions in the Northern Hemisphere during winter and spring seasons, called Azores high, has the ability to block wet weather outlets.
  • This caused dry conditions in Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, and the Mediterranean region.
  • Spain and Portugal hence faced the driest weather in 1,200 years, along with wildfires.
• Natural Disasters in India:
  • India recorded natural disasters almost every day in 2022.
  • India recorded “extreme weather events on 241 of 273 days” in the first nine months of the year.
  • Thunderstorms, persistent rains, cyclones, droughts, heat waves, lightning, floods and landslides occurred all throughout these months.
  • Himachal Pradesh recorded the highest number of deaths followed by Assam and Madhya Pradesh.
  • Overall, these disasters claimed about “2,755 lives, affected 1.8 million hectares (ha) of crop area, destroyed over 416,667 houses and killed close to 70,000 livestock.”
• What are the Major Outcomes of the COP27?
  • “Loss and Damage” Fund for Vulnerable Countries:
  • The United Nations Climate Change Conference COP27 signed an agreement to provide “loss and damage” funding to vulnerable countries.
  • Technology:
  • At COP27, a new five-year work program was launched to promote climate technology solutions in developing countries.
  • Mitigation:
  • A mitigation work programme was launched aimed at urgently scaling up mitigation ambition and implementation.
  • The work programme will start immediately following COP27 and continue until 2030, with at least two global dialogues held each year.
  • Governments were also requested to revisit and strengthen the 2030 targets in their national climate plans by the end of 2023, as well as accelerate efforts to phase down unabated coal power and phase-out inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
  • Global Stocktake:
  • Delegates at the UN Climate Change Conference COP27 wrapped up the second technical dialogue of the first global stocktake, a mechanism to raise ambition under the Paris Agreement.
  • Prior to the conclusion of the stocktake at COP28 next year, the UN Secretary-General will convene a 'climate ambition summit' in 2023.
  • Sharm-El-Sheikh Adaptation Agenda:
  • It outlines 30 Adaptation Outcomes to enhance resilience for 4 billion people living in the most climate vulnerable communities by 2030.
  • Action on Water Adaptation and Resilience Initiative (AWARe):
  • It has been launched to reflect the importance of water as both a key climate change problem and a potential solution.
  • African Carbon Market Initiative (ACMI):
  • It was launched to support the growth of carbon credit production and create jobs in Africa.
  • The Global Renewables Alliance:
  • It brings together, for the first time, all the technologies required for the energy transition in order to ensure an accelerated energy transition.
  • As well as ensuring targets are met, the Alliance also aims to position renewable energy as a pillar of sustainable development and economic growth.

Forest (Conservation) Rules (FCR) 2022

• Context:
  • There is an ongoing conflict going on between the government and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes over the Forest (Conservation) Rules (FCR) 2022.
  • The Commission says that the new rules are violative of the Forest Rights Act, 2006. 
• What is the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes?
  • It is a statutory body in India that works to protect the rights and interests of Scheduled Tribes (STs).
  • The NCST conducts inquiries, investigates complaints and makes recommendations to the government on issues related to STs.
  • It is the Commission’s duty to intervene and recommend corrective measures whenever any rules run the risk of violating rights of tribal people. 
• Constitutional Provisions
  • 42nd Amendment Act 1976 of the Constitution: “Forests” was added as Entry 17A in the Concurrent List and the “protection of wild animals and birds” was added as Entry 17B.
  • Article 51A(g) states that it is the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including the wildlife and to have compassion for the living creatures.
  • Article 48A of the Constitution of India imposes a duty on the State to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forest and wildlife of the country. 
• What is the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980?
  • It is the principal legislation that regulates deforestation in the country.
  • It prohibits the felling of forests for any “non-forestry” use without prior clearance by the central government.
  • The clearance process includes seeking consent from local forest rights-holders and from wildlife authorities.
  • The Centre is empowered to reject such requests or allow them with legally binding conditions.
  • Process of approval for diversion of forest land culminates after issuance of final diversion order by the State Government or UT concerned which authorises use of forest land for intended purpose and hands over the land to the user agency.
• What is the Forest Rights Act 2006?
  • It is a law in India that aims to recognize and vest the forest rights of traditional forest-dwelling communities which includes Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have lived in and depended on forests for their livelihoods. 
  • The FRA recognizes the rights of these communities to access, use, and conserve forests and their resources, and to protect their habitat. 
  • The act also provides for the constitution of Gram Sabhas (village assemblies) to help facilitate the process of recognizing and vesting forest rights.
• What are Forest Conservation Rules 2022?
• Ease of snatching of forest land: 
  • The rules will allow private developers to clear forests without first seeking the permission of the forest dwellers.
  • It means that the Union government has the right to permit the clearance of a forest without informing its authentic residents.
  • Residents won’t have any claim over their forest area in case of any diversion to Non-forestry activities.
• Compensatory afforestation:
  • The rules stated that those applying for diverting forest land in a hilly or mountainous state with a green cover of over two-thirds of its geographical area or a state/UT with a forest cover of over one-third of the geographical area would be able to take up compensatory afforestation in other states/UTs where the cover is less than 20%. 
• Major Challenges associated with the new rules:
  • Consent clause: There are concerns over the provision in the new rules that proposes to do away with the consent clause for diversion of forest land for other purposes.
  • NCST says that the FCR 2022 had done away with the clause to mandatorily seek consent of Gram Sabhas before the Stage 1 clearance, leaving this process to be done later even after Stage 2 clearance.
  • Violation of rights: Project proponents receiving partial clearance will be pushing State and Union Territory governments for diversion at the earliest and it would seriously impact the process of recognition of rights under the FRA.
  • FRA non-compliance: The Commission has pointed out that between 2009 and 2018 of the 128 applications for forest diversion for mining, 74 were cleared at the Stage 2 and 46 at the Stage 1 and none of the rejections were based on FRA non-compliance.
  • The new Rules will only increase such violations.
  • Resettlement: Once Forest clearance is accorded then the dwellers’ claims of resettlement will be ignored.
• Counter Argument (Government’s position):
  • The government says that the new rules are framed under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and that the NCST’s apprehension of these rules being in violation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 is not legally tenable.
  • Under Rule 9(6)(b)(ii): the government says the FCR 2022 already provides for diversion of forest land only after fulfilment and compliance of all provisions, including settlement of rights under the Forest Rights Act and does not bar or infringe upon the operation of other laws mandating consent of Gram Sabhas.
  • The new rules will allow parallel processing of the proposals and eliminate the redundant processes.
  • The rules make a provision for private parties to cultivate plantations and sell them as land to companies who need to meet compensatory afforestation targets.
  • It will help India increase forest cover as well as solve the problems of the States of not finding land within their jurisdiction for compensatory purposes.
• Way forward
  • The requirement for consent and recognition of rights prior to Stage I clearance in 2014 and 2017 Rules provided a legal space for ensuring completion of the processes for recognition and vesting of rights under the FRA in areas where forests are being diverted. 

50 years of the Stockholm Conference

• Context:
  • “Stockholm+50: A healthy planet for the prosperity of all — our responsibility, our opportunity” was held in the year 2022 to mark the 50 years of the Stockholm Conference ( Report of United Nations Conference on the Human Environment).
• About Stockholm Conference, 1972
  • This was the first global convergence on the planetary environment and natural resources.
  • Also termed the “Swedish Initiative”, the idea of the Stockholm Conference was first proposed by Sweden.
  • The theme was ‘Only One Earth’.
  • Stockholm Declaration: To build the “interconnections between development, poverty and the environment”.
• Action Plan for the Human Environment
  • Global Environmental Assessment Programme (watch plan)
  • Environmental management activities
  • International measures to support assessment and management activities carried out at the national and international levels.
• Three Dimensions of the Conference:
  • Countries agreed to not “harm each other’s environment or the areas beyond national jurisdiction”.
  • An action plan to study the threat to Earth’s environment.
  • Establishment of an international body called the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to bring cooperation among countries.
• Significance:
  • The Stockholm Conference of 1972 put environmental issues on the global agenda for the first time.
  • No country had an environment ministry until 1972.
  • Today, over 176 countries have environmental framework laws; 150 countries have enshrined environmental protection or the right to a healthy environment in their constitutions; and 164 countries have created cabinet-level bodies responsible for environmental protection
  • After 1972, the environment started making headlines and public consciousness increased.
  • Many of today’s conventions on environmental crises trace their origin to the Stockholm Declaration.
• Challenges:
  • An uncoordinated response from the nations: The world is on track to warm at least 3˚C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.
  • Poverty is the biggest hurdle in the way of adopting sustainable measures for a healthy environment, as poverty can’t be eradicated without the use of science and technology.

Biodiversity of the bee population critical for ecosystems

• Context:
  • A report highlighted, that the biodiversity of the bee population is essential to preserving the ecosystem function of crop pollination, which is crucial to the availability of food for humans.
• About Bee Cultivation/Apiculture:
  • Apiculture is the science and culture of honeybees and their management.
  • As per the FAO, India ranked eighth in 2017-18 in the world in terms of honey production.
  • National Beekeeping and Honey mission was launched to achieve the goal of Sweet Revolution.
• Opportunities in the Beekeeping sector:
  • Low investment and highly skilled enterprise model.
  • The demand for good-quality honey has grown
  • Role in pollination
  • Scaling up beekeeping will double farmers’ income.
• Challenges faced by the Beekeeping sector:
  • Indigenous method of beekeeping: This is the primitive and unplanned method of apiculture.
  • Using the Correct Species for Beekeeping
  • Lack of Technical Knowledge for Efficient Management of Colonies for High Honey Yields
  • Lack of Infrastructure at the Grass Roots and National Level for Beekeeping
  • Poor Quality Control for the Production of Honey: contaminated not only by the use of sugar syrup in processing but also through pesticide and antibiotics use.
  • Availability of Genetically Superior Queens for Increased Honey Production
  • Lack of sufficient financial help from government and lending institutions for the development of beekeeping.
  • No Control on the Use of Pesticides by Farmers Leading to Death of Bee Colonies in Field Locations.
• Recommendations made by Beekeeping Development Committee under Bibek Debroy:
  • Plantation of bee-friendly flora at appropriate places and engaging women SHG in managing such plantations.
  • Institutionalizing the National Bee Board and rechristening it as the Honey and Pollinators Board of India under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
  • Recognition of apiculture as a subject for advanced research under the aegis of ICAR.
  • Training and development of beekeepers by state governments.
  • Development of national and regional infrastructure
  • Simplifying procedures and specifying clear standards for ease of exporting honey Hi-tech apiaries for commercial bee-farming
  • Research in the fields of beekeeping, bee-behaviour

Protests over Eco-Sensitive Zones

• Context:
  • Several farmers’ outfits and church bodies in Kerala have announced protests against a satellite survey of eco-sensitive zones, conducted by the state government, in tune with a Supreme Court order.
• What are Eco-Sensitive Zones?
  • As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, land within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is to be notified as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ).
  • While the 10-km rule is implemented as a general principle, the extent of its application can vary.
  • Areas beyond 10 km can also be notified by the Union government as ESZs, if they hold larger ecologically important “sensitive corridors.”
• Why are Eco-Sensitive Zones created?
  • ESZs are created as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain human activities taking place nearby.
  • Furthermore, these areas are meant to act as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection.
  • The guidelines also state that the ESZs are not meant to hamper the daily activities of people living in the vicinity, but are meant to guard the protected areas and “refine the environment around them”.
• Activities allowed in ESZs:
  • Prohibited activities:
    • Commercial mining, sawmills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise, etc), the establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood, Tourism activities like hot-air balloons over the National Park, discharge of effluents or any solid waste or production of hazardous substances.
  • Regulated activities:
    • Felling of trees, the establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system, e.g. adoption of heavy technology, pesticides, etc, widening of roads.
  • Permitted activities:
    • Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy sources, and adoption of green technology for all activities.
• What is the recent SC judgment that has caused an uproar in Kerala?
  • On June 3, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court heard a PIL that sought to protect forest lands in the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu but was later expanded to cover the entire country.
  • In its judgment, the court while referring to the 2011 guidelines as “reasonable”, directed all states to have a mandatory 1-km ESZ from the demarcated boundaries of every protected forest land, national park, and wildlife sanctuary.
  • It also stated that no new permanent structure or mining will be permitted within the ESZ.
  • If the existing ESZ goes beyond 1-km buffer zone or if any statutory instrument prescribes a higher limit, then such extended boundary shall prevail, the court.
• Why are people protesting against it?
  • Due to the high density of human population near the notified protected areas, farmer’s groups and political parties have been demanding that all human settlements be exempt from the ESZ ruling.
  • Several farmers fear that the regulations that may accompany the ESZ delineation would make farming impossible. They worry that they could be gradually evicted from their holdings.
  • The creation of a buffer zone would lead to the setting up of a parallel administrative system run by the State Forest Department.
  • Once the buffer zone is notified, forest officers will call the shots and cause unnecessary hurdles for farmers and settlers.
  • The State Government apprehends that the SC’s notification may worsen the ground situation as it would adversely impact the interests of the State besides upsetting the lives of millions living near the protected areas.
• ‘Faulty report’:
  • In its order, the apex court had directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of each State and Union Territory (UTs) to draw up a list of subsisting structures and other relevant details within the respective ESZs and furnish a report within three months.
  • The court had indicated that the States/UTs could take the assistance of any governmental agency for satellite imaging or photography using drones for the purpose of preparing the list.
  • The Kerala government engaged the Kerala State Remote Sensing and Environment Centre (KSRSEC) for this task.
• Findings of Report:
  • The KSRSEC report identified 49,330 existing structures using satellite images, including 14,771 residential buildings and 2,803 commercial buildings.
  • The KSRSEC had also reported that 115 villages in Kerala would come under the buffer zone of the protected areas of the State.
  • According to its report, a total area of 1,588.709 sq. km would come under ESZs.
  • The sanctuaries and national parks in the State are spread over an area of 3,441.207 sq. km.
  • The assessment found that 83 tribal settlements were located within the ESZs of the State.
  • With several organizations of farmers, factions of the Church, and political parties protesting against the ‘inaccuracy’ of the study, the Kerala government was forced to appoint an expert committee headed by Thottathil Radhakrishnan, a former Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, for field verification of the report.
• Conclusion:
  • For a State sandwiched between the mountains and the sea, any attempt to alter or fine-tune the ecological regulatory mechanism is sure to trigger a volley of protests.
  • In order to achieve sustainable development over the long term, the States should act as a trustee for the benefit of the general public in relation to natural resources.
  • The government needs to take a middle path while considering all the stakeholders so that a win-win situation can be achieved.

Forest and Tree Cover in India

• Context:
  • India is lagging behind in the targets to increase the number and quality of tree- and forest-cover plantations set in the National Mission for a Green India (GIM).
  • States with a significant shortfall in tree cover include Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerela.
• How is Tree Cover Different from Forest Cover?
  • Tree cover refers to the total area of land that is covered by trees, regardless of whether or not the trees are part of a forest ecosystem.
  • Forest cover, on the other hand, refers specifically to the area of land that is covered by a forest ecosystem, which is defined as an area with a tree canopy density of more than 10% and an area of more than 1 hectare.
  • So, all forest cover is tree cover, but not all tree cover is forest cover.
• What is the National Mission for a Green India?
  • GIM is one of the eight Missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
  • It aims at protecting, restoring and enhancing India’s forest cover and responding to climate change.
  • The target under the Mission is 10 million hectares (Mha) of forest and non-forest lands for increasing the forest/tree cover and improve the quality of the existing forest.
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change supports the States/Union Territories for carrying out afforestation activities through this Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
  • Improving tree cover is critical to sequester carbon and bolster India’s carbon stocks as part of its international commitments to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
• What is the Status of Forests in India?
• About:
  • As per the India State of Forest Report-2021, forest and tree cover in the country increased by 2,261 square kilometres since the last assessment in 2019.
  • India’s total forest and tree cover was 80.9 million hectares, which accounted for 24.62% of the geographical area of the country.
  • The report said 17 States and Union Territories had more than 33% of their area under forest cover.
  • Madhya Pradesh had the largest forest cover, followed by Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Maharashtra.
  • The top five States in terms of forest cover as a percentage of their total geographical area were Mizoram (84.53%), Arunachal Pradesh (79.33%), Meghalaya (76%), Manipur (74.34%) and Nagaland (73.90%).
• Issues Associated with Forests in India:
  • Shrinking Forest Cover: According to the National Forest Policy of India, the ideal percentage of total geographical area under forest should be at least 33% to maintain ecological stability.
  • However, it currently covers just 24.62% of the country’s land and is shrinking rapidly.
  • Resource Access Conflict: There is often conflict between the interests of local communities and those of commercial interests, such as pharmaceutical industries or timber industries.
  • This can lead to social tensions and even violence, as different groups struggle to access and use the resources of the forests.
  • Climate Change: Forest disturbances caused by climate change, including insect outbreaks, invasive species due to climate-led migration, wildfires, and storms, reduce forest productivity and change species distribution.
  • By 2030, 45-64% of forests in India will experience the effects of climate change and rising temperatures.
• Government Initiatives for Forest Conservation:
  • National Afforestation Programme
  • Environment Protection Act of 1986
  • Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
• How can India Enhance its Forest Cover?
  • Utilising Technology for Conservation: Technology can be utilised such as remote sensing, monitoring and tracking forest cover, and forest fires and identifying areas in need of protection.
  • Also, Potential resource mapping can be done in unexplored forest areas, and they can be brought under scientific management and sustainable resource extraction maintaining density and forest health
  • Dedicated Forest Corridors: For safe intrastate and interstate passage of wild animals and protecting their habitat from any external influence, dedicated forest corridors can be maintained giving a message of peaceful-co existence.
  • Promoting Agroforestry: This practice involves integrating trees and forest-based products into farming systems. This can help increase forest cover and also provide farmers with additional income and resources.

The Case for Open, Verifiable Forest Cover Data

• Context:
  • India ranked third globally in average net forest gain during 2010-2020, but questions are being raised on the reliability of its forest data by independent experts, and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), for mixing plantations with natural forests.
  • India's forest cover has increased from 19.53% in the 1980s to 21.71% in 2021, and its total green cover, including tree cover, now stands at 24.62%.
• How is Green Cover Calculated?
• About:
  • Forest Survey of India (FSI) in its biennial India State of Forest Report (ISFR) presents the latest status of the ‘Forest cover’ and ‘Tree cover' of the country.
  • FSI is an organisation under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
  • India counts all plots of 1 hectare or above, with at least 10% tree canopy density irrespective of land use or ownership, within forest cover.
  • This disregards the United Nation’s benchmark that does not include areas predominantly under agricultural and urban land use in forests.
• Classification:
  • Very Dense Forest: Land with 70% or more canopy density.
  • Dense Forests: All land areas with tree canopy density of 40% and above
  • Open Forests: All land areas with tree canopy density between 10-40%
  • Tree Cover: Isolated or small patches of trees less than 1 hectare and not counted as forest are counted as tree cover by putting together the crowns of individual patches and trees.
• Global Standard:
  • The global standard for “forest” is provided by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations: at least 1 hectare of land with a minimum of 10% per cent tree canopy cover.
  • It does not include areas “predominantly under agriculture or urban land use” in a forest.
• What is the Status of India’s Forests?
  • National Remote Sensing Agency (NRSA) vs FSI:
    • The NRSA used satellite imagery to estimate India's forest cover in 1971-1975 and 1980-1982 and found a loss of 2.79% in just seven years, from 16.89% to 14.10%.
    • Government records show that 42,380 sq km of forest land was diverted for non-forest use between 1951 and 1980, although reliable data on encroachment is unavailable.
    • The government was initially reluctant to accept the NRSA's findings, but after negotiations, the NRSA and the newly established FSI “reconciled” India's forest cover at 19.53% in 1987.
• Old Forests Lost:
  • Recorded Forest Areas, divided into Reserved, Protected and Unclassed forests, accounted for 23.58% of India.
  • These are areas recorded as forests in revenue records or proclaimed as forests under forest law.
  • In 2011, FSI reported that nearly one-third (over 2.44 lakh sq km, larger than Uttar Pradesh or 7.43% of India ) of Recorded Forest Areas had no forest at all and were lost due to encroachment, diversion, forest fire etc.
• Natural Forests Shrink:
  • Dense forests within Recorded Forest Areas reduced from 10.88% in 1987 to 9.96% in 2021, a one-tenth slide.
  • According to Global Forest Watch, India lost 1,270 sq km of natural forest between 2010 and 2021.
  • However, the FSI reported a gain of 2,462 sq km in dense forest and 21,762 sq km in overall forest cover for the same period.
• What are the Issues With Current Forest Cover Data?
  • Inclusion of Plantations in Forest Data:
    • The loss of natural forests remains invisible due to the inclusion of plantations, orchards, and urban housing as dense forests.
    • The SFR 2021, for example, reports 12.37% dense forest by including random green patches.
    • Plantation forests have trees of the same age, are more susceptible to fire, pests and epidemics, and often act as a barrier to natural forest regeneration.
    • Natural forests are old and therefore stock a lot more carbon in their body and in the soil and support more biodiversity.
    • Plantations can grow a lot more and faster than old natural forests which means plantations can achieve additional carbon targets faster.
    • But compared to natural forests, plantations are often harvested more readily, defeating carbon goals in the long term. 
  • Lack of Open and Participatory Data:
    • FSI never made its data freely available for public scrutiny. Inexplicably, it also bars the media from accessing its geo-referenced maps.
    • In 2021, it claimed to have established an overall accuracy of 95.79% in identifying forests from non-forests. However, given the limited resources, the exercise was limited to less than 6,000 sample points.
  • Diversion of Forest land:
    • Since the Forest Conservation Act was enacted in 1980, at least 10,000 sq km of forests have been lost to diversion for development projects.
    • Recent, Forest (Conservation) Rules,2022 seek to limit the scope of application of the Act, exempt certain activities from requiring permission for clearing forests and allow raising and harvesting private plantations on forest land etc.
    • On paper, the carbon stock keeps growing – annually by 145.6 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 2019 – even as the country diverted over 700 sq km of forest land during 2017-2021.
    • FSI projected that India will comfortably surpass its carbon commitment to creating an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent through additional forest and tree cover by 2030 without implementing additional measures per se for increasing forest carbon sink.
  • Inclusion of Residential and Urban Areas:
    • According to a few independent Investigations, the bungalows of ministers and senior officers, even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) building on Sansad Marg, Parts of the campuses of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and residential neighbourhoods across Delhi are “forest” in the official forest cover map.
• Way Forward
  • Data transparency: It is important that maps are made available in the public domain for scrutiny. We can take a clue from Brazil, which makes their forest data available on the open web.
  • Comprehensive Assessment: As the forest survey report is published biennially, it may be carried out hurriedly. Thus, this report should be complemented with a comprehensive assessment every 5 years.

Forest certification in India

• Context:
  • Deforestation has become a critically sensitive issue globally in recent years, and there is a greater need for the certification of forests.
• What is Forest Certification? 
  • Forest Certification offers a multi-layer audit system that seeks to authenticate the origin, legality, and sustainability of forest-based products such as timber, furniture, handicraft, paper and pulp, rubber, and many more.
  • The certification is done to avoid the consumption of any product that might be the result of deforestation or illegal logging. 
• Forest Certification Industry:
  • It is a three-decade-old global certification industry that began through independent third-party audits to review that management in a sustainable manner.
  • There are two major international standards: one has been developed by the Forest Stewardship Council or FSC; the other by the Programme for Endorsement of Forest Certifications, or PEFC. FSC certification is more popular and in demand, and also more expensive.
  • They are not involved in the evaluation and auditing of the processes it is done by certification bodies authorised by FSC or PEFC.
  • PEFC does not insist on the use of its own standards; instead, it endorses the ‘national’ standards of any country if they are aligned with its own.
  • Two main types of certification are forest management (FM) and Chain of Custody (CoC). CoC certification is meant to guarantee the traceability of a forest product like timber throughout the supply chain from origin to market.
• Forest certification in India:
  • The forest certification industry has been operating in India for the last 15 years.
  • Currently, forests in only one state — Uttar Pradesh — are certified. 
  • The standards have been developed by the New Delhi-based nonprofit Network for Certification and Conservation of Forests (NCCF).
  • India allows the export of only processed wood, not timber. The demand for wood in India is 150-170 million cubic metres annually, including 90-100 million cubic metres of raw wood. The rest goes mainly towards meeting the demand for paper and pulp.
  • India’s forests contribute just about five million cubic metres of wood every year. Almost 85 percent of the demand for wood and wood products is met by trees outside forests (ToF). 
  • Since ToF is so important, new certification standards are being developed for their sustainable management. PEFC already has certification for TOF and last year, FSC came up with India-specific standards that included certification for ToF.
• Significance of the Certification:
  • Forest-based industries in India, particularly those for paper, boards, plywood, medium-density fibreboard, furniture and handicrafts etc, have been pushing for forest certification to enhance their market accessibility to Western markets including European Union and the USA.
  • The certification scheme is aimed to improve India’s forest management regime which is often criticised for various issues ailing the sector such as forest rights, forest degradation, biodiversity losses, encroachments, lack of manpower, etc.

Committee to Oversee Transfer/Import of Wild Animals in India

• Context:
  • The Supreme Court has increased the jurisdiction and powers of a high-powered committee led by its former judge, Justice Deepak Verma, to conduct necessary checks concerning the import, transfer, procurement, rescue and rehabilitation of wild animals, including those in captivity, across India.
  • Before, the committee's powers were only limited to Tripura and Gujarat, but now it has been extended to cover the whole of India.
• What are the Major Changes in the Jurisdiction of the Committee?
  • State Chief Wildlife Wardens will also be part of the committee, and it will handle all present and future complaints regarding the issue.
  • The committee can also consider requests for approval, dispute, or grievance regarding the welfare of wild animals by rescue centres or zoos across India.
  • The Supreme court ordered Central and State authorities to report the seizure of wild animals or abandonment of captive wild animals to the committee.
• What are the Major Issues Related to Captive Wild Animals in India?
  • Lack of Adequate Facilities: Many zoos and rescue centres in India are not equipped with the necessary facilities and resources to provide proper care for captive animals.
  • Besides food poisoning, zoo animals also suffer due to animal-human conflict and lack of veterinary care for diseases like hepatitis, tick fever etc.
  • According to CAG audit report 2020 reveals glaring gaps in animal health care in Bengaluru and other state zoos. The Delhi Zoo alone has lost around 450 animals, including tigers and lions due to health reasons.
  • Illegal Trade: There is a thriving illegal trade in wild animals in India, with many animals being captured and sold for their fur, skin, or for use in traditional medicine.
  • This has led to a decline in many species, and many captive animals are believed to have been illegally acquired.
  • Examples: Pangolins and Indian star tortoises are illegally traded in India for their meat, skin, or as pets, contributing to the decline of their populations.
  • Inadequate Rehabilitation: Many rescued animals are not properly rehabilitated before being released back into the wild. This can lead to problems with their survival and adaptation to their natural habitat.
• Way Forward
  • Improved Regulations: The Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 is a crucial regulation for the protection of wildlife in India. However, there is a need to strengthen and update this law to keep up with changing conditions.
  • Protecting Natural Habitats: Protecting the natural habitats of wild animals is crucial for their survival. This includes efforts to prevent deforestation, poaching, and other threats to their natural habitats.
  • Multisectoral Collaboration: Collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders is crucial for improving the welfare of captive wild animals in India.
  • By working together, they can identify and implement effective solutions to the problems facing these animals.

Vulture Survey

• Context:
  • Recently, the vulture survey was carried out in the states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
• About:
  • An population estimation was carried out by forest departments of respective states in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) and the adjoining landscape consisting of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) in Kerala, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) and Nagerhole Tiger Reserve (NTR) in Karnataka.
  • Based on inputs from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Vulture Specialist Group, survey was done using  vantage point count method .
• Outcomes :
  • As many as 246 vultures  were spotted including  White-rumped vultures (183), Long-billed vultures (30), Red-headed vultures (28), Egyptian vultures (3), Himalayan Griffon (1), and Cinereous vulture (1).
• Types of Vultures:
  • Vultures are one of the 22 species of large carrion-eating birds that live mostly  in the tropics and subtropics
  • They act as nature’s garbage collectors
  • Vultures play a valuable role in keeping wildlife diseases in check.
  •  India is home to nine species of Vulture namely the Oriental white-backed, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Himalayan, Red-headed, Egyptian, Bearded, Cinereous and the Eurasian Griffon.
• Conservation status :
  • Bearded, Long-billed, Slender-billed, Oriental white-backed are protected in the Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. Rest are protected under ‘Schedule IV’.
  • According to IUCN Oriental White-backed Vulture,Long-billed Vulture ,Slender-billed Vulture and Red-headed Vulture are Critically endangered.
  • Egyptian Vulture is endangered and Eurasian Griffon is least concerned while  remaining are near threatened.
• Threats:
  • Use of Diclofenac: A veterinary nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)  found in the carcass of cattle the vultures feed on. Vultures die from kidney failure within days of exposure to diclofenac-contaminated tissues.
  • The veterinary use of diclofenac was banned in 2008.
  • Pesticides: The presence of organochlorine pesticide, polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals were also the major  cause of mortality.
  • Lack of Nesting Trees
  • Electrocution by power lines
  • Food Dearth and Contaminated Food
• Conservation Efforts :
  • National Board for Wildlife(NBWL) has approved an Action Plan for Vulture Conservation 2020-2025. Key highlights of the plan include,
  • Vulture Conservation Centre: Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will get a vulture conservation and breeding centre.
  • Vulture Safe zone: Establishment of at least one vulture-safe zone in each state for the conservation of the remnant populations in that state.
  • Rescue Centres: Establishment of four rescue centres, in Pinjore (Haryana), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Guwahati (Assam) and Hyderabad (Telangana). There are currently no dedicated rescue centres for treating vultures.
  • Establishment of Vulture Conservation and Breeding Centres : there are nine VCB Centres in India, of which three are directly administered by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
  •  creation of “vulture restaurants” in the state of maharashtra , where carcasses free of diclofenac are provided
  • Involvement of local villagers as ‘gidhaad mitra’ for  rejuvenation and conservation efforts.

Mangroves Got A Budget Push

• Context:
  • Recently, the Union Budget for 2023-24 announced an initiative for mangrove plantation along the coastline and on salt pan lands, under MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes).
• Mangroves
• About MISHTI Initiative
  • MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) is a new program that will facilitate mangrove plantations along India's coastline and on salt pan lands.
  • It will aim for intensive afforestation of coastal mangrove forests.
  • The program will operate through convergence between MGNREGS, the CAMPA Fund, and other sources.
• What are Mangroves?
  • Mangroves are a type of littoral plant formation found along tropical and subtropical sheltered coastlines.
  • Mangroves are trees and bushes that grow beneath the high water levels of spring tides and have a remarkable capacity for salt water tolerance.
  • Mangroves are salt-resistant and heat-resistant plant groups found in tropical and subtropical intertidal zones around the world.
  • High rainfall (1,000 to 3,000 mm) and temperatures (varying from 26°C to 35°C) define such places.
  • Mangrove species, especially mangrove forests in India, have a variety of adaptations in their morphology, anatomy, and physiology to enable them to live in wet soils, high salinity, storms, and tide surges.
  • Mangrove forests can only be found around the equator in tropical and subtropical latitudes.

5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress

• Context:
  • The 5th International Marine Protected Areas Congress (IMPAC5) was held in Canada in order to discuss the solutions to address the Funding Gap of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
  • This meeting is crucial since nations agreed to protect 30% of Earh’s lands and oceans by 2030 at the 15th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity held in 2022.
• Highlights of the Meet:
  • As many as 70% of MPAs are underfunded. A well-managed and sufficiently funded MPA can restore good health to vulnerable ecosystems.
  • Achieving sustainable and resilient MPA networks depends on an overall commitment to protection, leadership, engagement from stakeholders, institutions, governments and organizations, Indigenous peoples, coastal communities, and individuals in an inclusive and equitable manner to advance ocean protection.
  • IMPAC5 aims to provide a forum for sharing knowledge, successes and best practices in an open and respectful environment for the exchanging of ideas among a diversity of views.
• IMPAC:
  • IMPAC congresses are a collaborative effort between the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the chosen host country.

  • The congress brings together scientists, policy makers, practitioners, and stakeholders from around the world to discuss the latest scientific knowledge, best practices and challenges in the management of MPAs.

Global Sea-level Rise and Implications

• Context:
  • According to the World Meteorological Organisation ‘s (WMO) Report “Global Sea-level Rise and Implications”, India, China, Bangladesh and the Netherlands face the highest threat of sea-level rise globally.
  • Several big cities on all continents are threatened by the rise in sea level.
  • These include Shanghai, Dhaka, Bangkok, Jakarta, Mumbai, Maputo, Lagos, Cairo, London, Copenhagen, New York, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires and Santiago.
• What are the Highlights of the Report?
• Trends and Projections:
  • Between 2013 and 2022, Global mean sea-level was 4.5 mm/year and human influence was likely the main driver of these increases since at least 1971.
  • Global mean sea-level increased by 0.20m between 1901 and 2018,
  • 1.3 mm/ year between 1901 and 1971,
  • 1.9 mm/year between 1971 and 2006
  • 3.7 mm/year between 2006 and 2018.
  • Even if global heating is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels, there will still be a sizable sea level rise.
  • But every fraction of a degree counts. If temperatures rise by 2 degrees, that level rise could double, with further temperature increases bringing exponential sea level increases.
• Contributors to Sea Level Rise:
  • Thermal expansion contributed to 50% of sea level rise during 1971-2018, while ice loss from glaciers contributed to 22%, ice-sheet loss to 20% and changes in land-water storage 8%.
  • The rate of ice-sheet loss increased by a factor of four between 1992-1999 and 2010-2019. Together, icesheet and glacier mass loss were the dominant contributors to global mean sea level rise during 2006-2018.
• Impacts:
  • At sustained warming levels between 2-3 degree Celcius, the Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets will be almost completely and irreversibly lost over multiple millennia causing potentially multimeter sea-level rise.
  • Sea-level rise will bring cascading and compounding impacts resulting in losses of coastal ecosystems and ecosystem services, groundwater salinization, flooding and damage to coastal infrastructure that cascade into risks to livelihoods, settlements, health, well-being, food, displacement and water security, and cultural values in the near to long-term.
• What is the Scenario for India?
• Rate of Sea Level Rise:
  • According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences, on average, the sea level along the Indian coast was observed to be rising at a rate of about 1.7 mm/year during the last century (1900-2000).
  • A 3 cm sea level rise could cause the sea to intrude inland by about 17 meters. At future rates of 5 cm/decade, this could be 300 metres of land taken by the sea in a century.
• India is more Susceptible:
  • India is most vulnerable to compounding impacts of sea level rise.
  • In the Indian ocean half of sea level rise is due to the volume of water expanding since the ocean is warming up rapidly.
  • The contribution from glacier melt is not as high.
  • The Indian Ocean is the fastest warming ocean in terms of surface warming.
• Implications:
  • India is facing compound extreme events along our coastline. Cyclones are intensifying rapidly due to more moisture and heat from ocean warming.
  • The amount of flooding also increases because storm surges are compounding sea level rise decade by decade.
  • Cyclones are bringing more rain than earlier. Super Cyclone Amphan (2020) caused large-scale flooding and inundated tens of kms inland with saline water intruding.
  • Over time, the Indus, Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers may shrink, and rising sea levels combined with a deep intrusion of saltwater will make large parts of their huge deltas simply uninhabitable.
• What are the Recommendations?
  • There is a need to address the climate crisis and broaden our understanding of the root causes of insecurity.
  • It is imperative to actively support grassroots resilience efforts to tackle climate change and improve Early Warning Systems.

World Wetlands Day 

• Context:
  • Recently, World Wetlands Day was celebrated on the 2nd of February 2022 across the globe.
• On the occasion, “National Wetland Decadal Change Atlas” was prepared by the Space Applications Center (SAC – one of the major centers of ISRO).
• The original Atlas was released by SAC in 2011 and has over the years been used extensively by all the State Governments also in their planning processes.
• Two new Ramsar sites (Wetlands of International Importance), Khijadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat and Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary in UP were also announced on the occasion.
• Why is The Day Celebrated on 2nd February ?
  • This day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2nd February 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar.
  • The Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.
  • The countries with the most Ramsar Sites are the United Kingdom (175) and Mexico (142), as per the Ramsar List. Bolivia has the largest area with 148,000 sq km under the Convention protection.
  • It was first celebrated in 1997.
  • Theme for 2022: Wetlands Action for People and Nature.

Marine heatwaves

• Context:
  • According to a study, marine heatwaves — or the ones that form on oceans — have been on the rise in the waters around India.
  • Emerging studies have reported their occurrence and impacts in the global oceans, but are little understood in the tropical Indian Ocean.
  • Also, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), the sea surface temperature over the Indian ocean is likely to increase by 1 to 2 °C when there is 1.5°C to 2°C global warming.
• Findings of the Study
  • The Western Indian Ocean region experienced the largest increase in marine heatwaves at a rate of about 1.5 events per decade, followed by the north Bay of Bengal at a rate of 0.5 events per decade.
  • The marine heatwaves in the Western Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal increased drying conditions over the central Indian subcontinent.
  • Correspondingly, there is a significant increase in the rainfall over south peninsular India in response to the heatwaves in the north Bay of Bengal.
  • From 1982 to 2018, the Western Indian Ocean had a total of 66 events, while the Bay of Bengal had 94 events.
  • These changes are in response to the modulation of the monsoon winds by the heatwaves.
  • This is the first time that a study has demonstrated a close link between marine heatwaves and atmospheric circulation and rainfall.
• What are Marine Heatwaves?
  • Marine heatwaves are periods of extremely high temperatures in the ocean.
  • These events are linked to coral bleaching, seagrass destruction, and loss of kelp forests, affecting the fisheries sector adversely.
  • Study showed that 85% of the corals in the Gulf of Mannar near the Tamil Nadu coast got bleached after the marine heatwave in May 2020.
  • The most common drivers of marine heatwaves include ocean currents which can build up areas of warm water and air-sea heat flux, or warming through the ocean surface from the atmosphere.
  • Winds can enhance or suppress the warming in a marine heatwave, and climate modes like El Niño can change the likelihood of events occurring in certain regions.
• What are the Impacts of Marine Heatwaves?
  • Affect Ecosystem Structure:
  • Marine heat waves affect ecosystem structure, by supporting certain species and suppressing others.
  • It has been associated with the mass mortality of marine invertebrates, and may force species to change behaviour in a way that puts wildlife at increased risk of harm.
  • Change Habitat Ranges of Certain Species:
  • Marine heatwaves can change the habitat ranges of certain species, such as the spiny sea urchin off southeastern Australia which has been expanding southward into Tasmania at the expense of kelp forests which it feeds upon.
  • Economic Losses:
  • Marine heatwaves can cause economic losses through impacts on fisheries and aquaculture.
  • Affect Biodiversity:
  • Biodiversity can be drastically affected by marine heatwaves.
  • In 2016, marine heatwaves across northern Australia led to severe bleaching of the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Increase the Risk of Deoxygenation and Acidification:
  • Often they occur alongside other stressors such as ocean acidification, deoxygenation, and overfishing.
  • In such cases, MHWs not only further damage habitats, but also increase the risk of deoxygenation and acidification.

World Sustainable Development Summit

• Context:
  • Recently, the Prime Minister addressed The Energy and Resources Institute’s (TERI) World Sustainable Development Summit.
• What is the World Sustainable Development Summit?
• About:
  • The World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) is the annual flagship event of TERI. It was earlier known as Delhi Sustainable Development Summit. Instituted in 200.
  • It is the only Summit on global issues, taking place in the developing world.
• Objective:
  • It has been conceptualized as a single platform to accelerate action towards sustainable development and climate change.
  • It aims to bring together global leaders and thinkers in the fields of sustainable development, energy and environment sectors on a common platform.
• What is TERI?
  • TERI is a non-profit research institute.
  • It conducts research work in the fields of energy, environment and sustainable development for India and the Global South.
  • It was established in 1974 as Tata Energy Research Institute and renamed to The Energy Resources Institute in 2003.
• India’s Stand at the Summit:
• Equitable Energy Access:
  • India has fulfilled its commitments by ensuring that equitable energy access to the poor remains a cornerstone of its environmental policy.
  • These included initiatives such as 90 million households getting access to clean cooking fuel under the Ujjwala Yojana scheme.
  • And farmers being encouraged to set up solar panels under the PM-KUSUM scheme where farmers could use and sell surplus power to the grid, which would promote sustainability and equity.
• Reducing Emissions:
  • Discussed the LED bulbs distribution scheme (UJALA) that has been running for over seven years that had reportedly saved close to 220 billion units of electricity and prevented 180 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
  • The National Hydrogen Mission aims to tap into ‘green hydrogen’ and it was up to the academic and research institutes such as TERI to come up with scalable solutions.
• Ramsar Sites:
  • Mentioned international recognition for India’s efforts by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and India now having 49 Ramsar sites (wetlands) spread over more than 1 million hectares.
  • India is a megadiverse country. With 2.4% of the world's land area, India accounts for nearly 8% of the world's species.
• Restoration of Degraded Land:
  • Restoring degraded land has been one of the main focus areas since 2015 and more than 11.5 million hectares have been restored.
  • India is on track to achieve the national commitment of Land Degradation Neutrality under the Bonn Challenge.
  • India firmly believes in fulfilling all its commitments made under the UNFCCC. India also raised itsambitions during CoP-26 at Glasgow.
  • For example, India announced that it will reach carbon neutrality by 2070 by 2030.
• Coordinated Actions:
  • Sustainability requires coordinated action for the global commons. India’s efforts have recognised this inter-dependence.
  • Through the International Solar Alliance, India’s aim is ''One Sun, One World, One Grid''.
  • The world must work towards ensuring availability of clean energy from a world-wide grid everywhere at all times. This is the ''whole of the world'' approach that India's values stand for.
  • It also urged countries to act on the basis of globally agreed rules taking into account the principles of equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (acting on climate change based on national circumstances).
  • The Paris Agreement goals cannot be reached unless equity is implemented by all countries staying within their fair share of the global carbon budget.
• Infrastructure for Resilient Island States:
  • The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (C.D.R.I.), aims to build strong infrastructure in areas prone to frequent natural disasters.
  • On the side-lines of CoP-26, India also launched an initiative called ''Infrastructure for Resilient Island States''.
  • The Island Developing States are the most vulnerable and hence need urgent protection.
• Launched LIFE – LIfestyle For Environment Initiative:
  • LIFE is about making lifestyle choices to improve our planet. LIFE will be a coalition of like-minded people across the world who will promote sustainable lifestyles.
  • They will be called 3Ps – Pro Planet People. This global movement is the Coalition for LIFE.

India and the Green Hydrogen Potential

• Context:
  • Recently, the Indian Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas advocated at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland that India will emerge as the leader of green hydrogen.
• About:
  • Background: This came almost a month after Oil India Limited (OIL) commissioned India’s first 99.99% pure green hydrogen plant in eastern Assam’s Jorhat.
  • Minister’s stand: It will be done by taking advantage of the current energy crisis across the globe. 
• Green Hydrogen
  • About: It is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic and highly combustible gaseous substance.
  • Hydrogen is the lightest, simplest and most abundant member of the family of chemical elements in the universe. 
  • Future hydrogen: The colour — green — prefixed to it makes hydrogen the “fuel of the future”. 
  • The ‘green’ depends on how the electricity is generated to obtain the hydrogen, which does not emit greenhouse gas when burned.
    • Production: Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using renewable sources of energy such as solar, wind or hydel power.
    • India’s Green Hydrogen production: India has just begun to generate green hydrogen with the objective of raising non-fossil energy capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030. 
    • Recently, India’s first 99.99% pure green hydrogen pilot plant was set up in eastern Assam’s Duliajan, at the petroleum exploration major’s Jorhat pump station.
    • It was in keeping with the goal of making the country ready for the pilot-scale production of hydrogen and its use in various applications
    • Research and development efforts are ongoing for a reduction in the cost of production, storage and the transportation of hydrogen.
    • Powered by a 500 KW solar plant, the green hydrogen unit has an installed capacity to produce 10 kg of hydrogen per day and scale it up to 30 kg per day.
    • A specialised blender has also been installed for blending green hydrogen produced from the unit with the natural gas supplied by the Assam Gas Corporation Limited and supplying the blended gas to the Jorhat area for domestic and industrial use.
    • OIL has engaged experts from the Indian Institute of Technology-Guwahati to assess the impact of the blended gas on the existing facility.
• Other types of Hydrogen: Hydrogen can be ‘grey’ and ‘blue’ too. :
  • Grey hydrogen is generated through fossil fuels such as coal and gas and currently accounts for 95% of the total production in South Asia. 
  • Blue hydrogen, too, is produced using electricity generated by burning fossil fuels but with technologies to prevent the carbon released in the process from entering the atmosphere.
• Advantages of Green Hydrogen as a fuel:
  • Stored for a long period: The intermittent nature of renewable energy, especially wind, leads to grid instability. Green hydrogen can be stored for long periods of time. The stored hydrogen can be used to produce electricity using fuel cells. 
  • Grid stability: In a fuel cell, a device that converts the energy of a chemical into electricity, hydrogen gas reacts with oxygen to produce electricity and water vapour. Hydrogen, thus, can act as an energy storage device and contribute to grid stability. 
  • Monetary benefits: Experts say the oxygen, produced as a by-product (8 kg of oxygen is produced per 1 kg of hydrogen), can also be monetised by using it for industrial and medical applications or for enriching the environment. 
  • Flexible carrier: Hydrogen is a flexible energy carrier and can be used for many energy applications like the integration of renewables and transportation. 
  • Fewer emissions: It is produced using RE and electrolysis to split water and is distinct from grey hydrogen, which is produced from methane and releases greenhouse gases. 
  • The byproduct is also environmentally friendly: Energy can be extracted from hydrogen through combustion or through fuel cells, which emit only water as a by-product.
  • Global dominance increasing: Several countries in Europe and North America are experimenting with mixing green hydrogen with PNG. For instance, in the UK, power utilities are blending hydrogen into pipelines to fuel power plants, industrial applications and to serve homes. The mixing is around 15-20% in some networks. Besides, there are various pilot projects on hydrogen blending with PNG being tested in countries like the Netherlands, Germany, France, Australia, South Korea and Japan.
• Disadvantages
  • Increased leakage risks: According to a study by the US Energy Department’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) in 2013, “How it (hydrogen) affects the pipelines it travels in and appliances that use it. 
  • On the pipeline front, hydrogen embrittlement can weaken metal or polyethylene pipes and increase leakage risks, particularly in high-pressure pipes”.
  • Brittle: Hydrogen embrittlement is a situation when the metal (pipeline) becomes brittle due to the diffusion of hydrogen into the material. The extent of embrittlement depends on the amount of hydrogen and the material’s microstructure. 
• Why is India pursuing green hydrogen
  • Under the Paris Agreement of 2015, India is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 33-35% from the 2005 levels.
  • It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change with the goal of limiting global warming to below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. 
  • At the 2021 Conference of Parties in Glasgow, India reiterated its commitment to move from a fossil and import-dependent economy to a net-zero economy by 2070. 
  • India’s average annual energy import bill is more than $100 billion.
  • The increased consumption of fossil fuel has made the country a high carbon dioxide (CO2) emitter, accounting for nearly 7% of the global CO2 burden. 
  • In order to become energy independent by 2047, the government stressed the need to introduce green hydrogen as an alternative fuel that can make India the global hub and a major exporter of hydrogen.
  • It will benefit India’s transportation sector (which contributes 1/3 of India's greenhouse-gas emissions), iron and steel and chemical sectors.
  • Hydrogen energy can provide impetus to India's aim to decarbonise by 2050 and attain 175 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022.
  • The energy in 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) of hydrogen gas contains about the same as the energy in 1 gallon (6.2 pounds, 2.8 kilograms) of gasoline.
• National Hydrogen Mission
  • The Union Budget for 2021-22 has announced a National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) that will draw up a road map for using hydrogen as an energy source. The initiative has the potential of transforming transportation.
  • It was launched on August 15, 2021, with a view to cutting down carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable sources of energy.
  • NHM initiative will capitalise on one of the most abundant elements on earth (Hydrogen) for a cleaner alternative fuel option.
  • It will have a specific strategy for the short term (4 years) and broad strokes principles for the long term (10 years and beyond). 
  • Aim: It aims to develop India into a global hub for manufacturing hydrogen and fuel cell technologies across the value chain. 
  • Toward this end, a framework to support manufacturing through suitable incentives and facilitation aligned with ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ will be developed.
  • Help in achieving climate targets: The Mission and the green hydrogen sector will give us a quantum jump in meeting our climate targets.
  • The target is to make India a green hydrogen hub, and this will also lead to a clean energy transition.
  • High dependence on import of energy: India is not energy independent. It spends over Rs 12 lakh crore on importing energy. 

UNEP Frontier Report

• Context:
  • Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has released its Annual Frontiers Report named Noise, Blazes and Mismatches.
  • The document has been released 10 days ahead of the UN Environment Assembly.
  • The Frontiers report identifies and offers solutions to three environmental issues: urban noise pollution, wildfires and phenological shifts that merit attention and action from governments and the public at large to address the triple planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss.
• About United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
  • About: The UNEP is a leading global environmental authority established on 5th June 1972.
  • It works to identify and draw attention to emerging issues of environmental concern.
  • Functions: It sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for global environment protection.
  • Major Reports: Emission Gap Report, Adaptation Gap Report, Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet.
  • Major Campaigns: Beat Pollution, UN75, World Environment Day, Wild for Life.
  • Headquarters: Nairobi, Kenya.
• What is the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA):
  • It is the governing body of the UN Environment Programme.
  • It is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment.
  • It meets biennially to set priorities for global environmental policies and develop international environmental law.
  • It was created in June 2012, during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, also referred to as RIO+20.
• Key Highlights of the Report:
• Urban Noise Pollution:
  • The unwanted, prolonged, and high-level sounds from road traffic, railways, or leisure activities, impair human health and well-being.
  • Chronic annoyance and sleep disturbance caused by traffic can result in severe heart diseases and metabolic disorders with the very young, and mostly affect the elderly and marginalised communities near busy roads.
• Wildfires:
  • The trends towards more dangerous fire-weather conditions are likely to increase due to rising concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gasses and the attendant escalation of wildfire risk factors.
  • Climate change can prompt extreme wildfires, generating lightning that can ignite other fires, far beyond the fire front and creating a so-called hazardous feedback loop.
  • Such extreme events are disastrous for human health and the environment.
  • Wildfires have also become more common in the Savannah ecosystem, which has affected over one-fourth of species in the Savannah ecosystem.
  • Wildfires are also responsible for air pollution.
  • According to a global study published in September 2021, there is a link between the impact of wildfire-related pollution and human deaths
  • Wildfires seldom spread to humid tropical forests in the past. But these forests are now more vulnerable due to deforestation and forest fragmentation.
• Phenological Shifts:
  • Plants and animals in terrestrial, aquatic and marine ecosystems use temperature, day length or rainfall as cues for when to bear fruit, migrate or transform in other ways.
  • However, climate change disrupts these natural rhythms as plants and animals are being pushed out of sync with their natural rhythms, leading to mismatches, such as when plants shift life cycle stages faster than herbivores.
  • Phenology is the timing of recurring life cycle stages, driven by environmental forces, and how species interacting within an ecosystem respond to changing conditions.
• What are the Recommendations of the Report?
  • Appreciating and adopting indigenous fire management techniques.
  • A preventive approach, rather than reactive approach by engaging vulnerable groups, will help adapt to the wildfires.
  • It is important to enhance fire-fighting capabilities and strengthen community resilience-building programmes
  • It is important to focus on long-range weather forecasting.
  • Focus on remote-sensing capabilities such as satellites, ground-based radar, lightning detection as well as data handling.

Pollution:

Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (BNCAP)

• Context:
  • The government is planning a new car assessment programme (NCAP) in India, to be called the Bharat NCAP or BNCAP.
• What is Bharat NCAP?
  • Bharat NCAP is a new car safety assessment programme which proposes a mechanism of awarding ‘Star Ratings’ to automobiles based on their performance in crash tests.
  • BNCAP standard is aligned with global benchmarks and it is beyond minimum regulatory requirements.
  • The proposed Bharat NCAP assessment will allocate Star Ratings from 1 to 5 stars.
  • The testing of vehicles for this programme will be carried out at testing agencies, with the necessary infrastructure.
• Its implementation:
  • BNCAP will be rolled out from April 1, 2023.
  • It will apply to type-approved motor vehicles of category M1 with gross vehicle weight less than 3.5 tonnes, manufactured or imported into the country.
  • M1 category motor vehicles are used for the carriage of passengers, comprising eight seats, in addition to driver’s seat.
• Significance of Bharat NCAP
  • BNCAP rating will provide consumers with an indication of the level of protection offered to occupants by evaluating the vehicle in the areas of:
    • Adult occupant protection
    • Child occupant protection
    • Safety assist technologies
  • It will serve as a consumer-centric platform, allowing customers to opt for safer cars based on their Star-Ratings.
  • It will also promote healthy competition among original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India to manufacture safer vehicles.
  • It will ensure structural and passenger safety in cars, along with increasing the export-worthiness of Indian automobiles.
  • It will prove to be a critical instrument in making our automobile industry Aatmanirbhar.

Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)

Context:

• The Supreme Court has directed that every protected forest, national park and wildlife sanctuary across the country should have a mandatory eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of a minimum one km starting from their demarcated boundaries.

What’s the issue?

• The judgment came on a petition instituted for the protection of forest lands in the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu.
• Subsequently, the scope of that writ petition was enlarged by the court so as to protect such natural resources throughout the country.

Directions by the Court:

• In case any national park or protected forest already has a buffer zone extending beyond one km, that would prevail.
• In case the question of the extent of the buffer zone was pending a statutory decision, then the court’s direction to maintain the one-km safety zone would be applicable until a final decision is arrived at under the law.
• Mining within the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries shall not be permitted.
• The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Home Secretaries of States is responsible for the judgment's compliance.

About ESZs:

• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
• They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.
• The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.
• An ESZ could go up to 10 kilometres around a protected area as provided in the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002.
• Moreover, in the case where sensitive corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for landscape linkage, are beyond 10 km width, these should be included in the ESZs.

Significance of ESZ:

• The purpose of declaring ESZs around national parks, forests and sanctuaries are to create some kind of a “shock absorber” for the protected areas.
• These zones would act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to those involving lesser protection.

Need of the hour:

• The nation’s natural resources have been for years ravaged by mining and other activities.
• Hence, the government should not confine its role to that of a “facilitator” of economic activities for the “immediate upliftment of the fortunes of the State”.
• It has to act as a trustee for the benefit of the general public in relation to natural resources so that sustainable development could be achieved in the long term.

Why do singles use plastic bans?

• Context
  • Ban on single-use plastic bags is to be effective from today 1 July 2022 by the Ministry of Environment and climate change.
  • Plastic use is a hazard that has a severe effect causing pollution.
• About:
  • Plastic is a polymeric material which has large molecules and a series of endless interconnected chains which make it difficult to recycle.
  • Plastic is a non-biodegradable product which tends to stay in the environment causing water and soil pollution.
  • Due to plastic waste, marine and land living are affected severely, losing lives as well.
  • Plastic wastes discharged in oceans and seas have a large impact on aquatic animals.
  • Plastics when consumed by animals or humans affect cause loss of lives.
  • Plastic remains in the soil causing degradation of the enriched soil and affecting crops.
  • Illegal dumping and overflow of containment also adversely affect the environment.
• Items to be banned:
  • Ban on everyday use of plastic:
    • Plastic sticks used in earbuds, cigarette packs, plastic flags, candy and ice cream packs, polystyrene used in decoration, balloons, plastic glasses, cups, plates, cutlery, packaging and wrapping films around invitation cards, polyvinyl chloride banners less than 100 microns and plastic stirrers.
• Reason to Ban Plastic:
  • India ranks in 94th position in producing single-use plastic (SUP).
  • The below-mentioned logs show the intensity of the situation in India –
  • 11.8 million metric tonnes of single-use plastic are produced yearly.
  • 2.9 million metric tonnes (MMT) imports are done every year.
  • 5.6 MMT of waste generated and 4 kg of per capita generation yearly.
  • It would cause around 5-10% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
  • The discarded single-use plastics are mostly burned, buried in landfills, or discarded directly into the Earth. All this leads to –
  • The improper disposal of single-use plastics harms animals and sea life.
  • Plastic turns into microplastics when it does not decay & remains in the environment for long periods of time, it then first enters our food sources and then the human body causing deadly diseases.
  • It also causes blockage or waterlogging and creates unhygienic conditions worldwide.
  • The scattering creates unhealthy conditions, as it acts as a breeding ground for insects, mosquitoes and bacteria.
  • It also affects the chemical property of water and degrades the soil quality as well as fertility.
• Ban: Boon to Environment
  • Banning plastic bags helps reduce the number of bags that end up in landfills, by reducing their use at the source.
  • A plastic bag is used on average for 12 minutes, and can take over 500 years to decompose—all the while leaking pollutants into the soil and water.06-Nov-2020
  • By eliminating plastic bags, stores can lower prices, helping shoppers save $18 to $30 annually.
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change.
  • Reduces the amount of waste that needs to be recycled or, in developing countries, sent to landfills/incinerators.
  • Saves money, since reusable items work out cheaper than constantly purchasing more plastic.
• Ban Enforcement:
  • As per the Environment Protection Act 1986, the Violation of the ban can be penalized for imprisonment up to 5 years, a penalty up to Rs 1 lakh, or both.
  • Environmental Damage Compensation needs to be paid by violators as per SPCB.
  • It is directed to all petrochemical industries to not supply raw materials to enterprises engaged in the banned items at national, state, and local levels.
  • The State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs), which will submit regular reports to the Centre and the CPCB from the Centre, will monitor the ban.
  • Local governments have been ordered to provide new commercial licences with the requirement that SUP items will not be sold on their premises and that any permits already in place would be revoked if it is discovered that they are doing so.
  • The SPCB may also require violators to pay environmental damage compensation.
  • Municipalities also have their own plastic trash regulations and criminal codes.
• Conclusion:
  • The lack of specific recommendations regarding alternatives to the ban has drawn criticism.
  • The CPCB mentions biodegradable plastics, cotton bags, sustainable apparel, bamboo tableware and straws, wood from sustainably managed forests for domestic products, pottery without hazardous glazes, and ceramics.
  • Additionally, it created a Standard operating procedure (SOP) for awarding biodegradable plastics makers and merchants with certificates.
  • Need a more thorough strategy to halt plastic imports and production.
  • Our main focus should be on building political will to follow through.
  • Although we must aim for behavior change communication.
  • Social media platforms can be used to motivate & educate people.

US SC limits federal power to restrict carbon emissions

• Context:
  • On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that may jeopardise President Joe Biden's efforts to combat climate change by placing restrictions on the federal government's ability to enact broad laws to cut carbon emissions from power plants.
  • In accordance with the landmark Clean Air Act anti-pollution law, the court's 6-3 decision limited the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ability to control greenhouse gas emissions from current coal- and gas-fired power plants.
• What would be the impact of recent judgment?
  • The decision opens a door to challenge a government framework that, in the 20th century, evolved into the means by which American society imposes regulations on businesses.
  • The court's decision might make the administration's efforts to tackle climate change more difficult. By year's end, a proposal to control emissions from power plants is anticipated.
  • By the end of the decade, President Joe Biden wants to decrease the country's greenhouse gas emissions in half, and by 2035, he wants the electricity industry to be emissions-free.
  • Roughly 30% of carbon dioxide emissions come from power plants.
• What are the steps taken by the Indian Judiciary regarding the environment?
  • Banning crackers :
    • By allowing the manufacture and sale of only “green” and low-emission or “improved” crackers while outlawing those that are loud and harmful to people, animals, and the environment, the Supreme Court was able to strike a balance between the interests of the firecracker industry and the right to public health.
    • Since firecrackers, also known as series crackers or “laris,” generate severe air, noise, and solid waste problems, the court has prohibited their production, sale, and use.
    • Green and enhanced crackers would only be sold by authorised vendors.
• Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA)
  • A Supreme Court-mandated organisation called the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) is responsible for implementing a number of measures to combat air pollution in the National Capital Region.
  • According to the Environment Protection Act of 1986, the Environment Ministry notified it in 1998.
  • It has the authority to act suo moto or in response to complaints submitted by any person, group, or organization engaged in the environmental sector.
  • Its aim is to safeguard the environment, enhance its quality, and stop and reduce environmental degradation in the National Capital Region. To implement the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in NCR in accordance with the pollution levels.
• Noise pollution :
  • The Kerala High Court ruled in PA Jacob vs. The Superintendent of Police Kottayam, 1993 that article 19 (1) definition 's of free speech does not include the right to utilise loud speakers or sound amplifiers.
  • As a result, article 19 (1) (a) of the constitution allows for the control of noise pollution brought on by loud speakers.
  • There is a fundamental right to life under Article 21. There is an inherent right to an environment that is free from the threat of infection and disease. The right to live with dignity includes the right to a healthy environment.
• Unlawful mining
  • In the matter of Rural Litigation and Entitlement, the Constitution's Article 21 right to live in a healthy environment was first acknowledged. Kendra v. State, also referred to as the Dehradun Quarrying case .In the first case of its sort involving environmental concerns and ecological balance in India, the Supreme Court ordered that unlawful mining be stopped in accordance with the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
  • The Supreme Court recognised the right to live in a pollution-free environment as a component of the fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution in M.C. Mehta v. Union of India, 1987.
• “ Precautionary Principle” and “ the Polluter Pays Principle”
  • The court noted that “the Precautionary Principle” and “the Polluter Pays Principle” are crucial components of “Sustainable Development” in Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum vs. Union of India (1996) .
• Environmental protection VS the right to freedom of trade and occupation
  • Every citizen of India has the fundamental right to practise any profession and to engage in any occupation, trade, or business, according to Article 19(1)(g) of the Indian Constitution. This is not absolute.
  • A citizen is not allowed to do business if it poses a health risk to the community at large. Therefore, this has built-in environmental protection measures.
  • When addressing the issue of the sale of alcoholic beverages in Cooverjee B. Bharucha v. Excise Commissioner, Ajmer (1954 ), the Supreme Court made the observation that if there is a conflict between environmental protection and the right to freedom of trade and occupation, the courts must strike a balance between the two.

California’s decision to phase out new petroleum-powered vehicles

• Context: California has approved a ban on the sale of new petroleum-powered vehicles by 2035 — a landmark policy intervention that could have an impact throughout most other American states, and in countries outside of the US.
• The rule and its significance
  • The rule would kick in with a 35 per cent limit on new passenger vehicle sales to be “zero emission” (or Battery Electric Vehicles) by 2026, which then goes up to 68 percent by 2030, and 100 per cent in 2035.
  • The 35 per cent figure set for 2026 is up from over 16 percent of new car sales being “zero-emission” in 2022, and up from 12.5 percent in 2021 and 7.8 percent in 2020.
  • California, besides being the biggest US state, is one of the largest markets for car sales in the world.
  • California’s position on new car sales is extremely important given the state’s status as a torch bearer for clean air regulations.
  • So far, 14 other US states have adopted California’s zero-emission vehicle program for passenger vehicles, which was launched in the early 1990s.
  • The state is prepared to make the necessary investments to spur the shift to EVs, including $10 billion in vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, and public outreach over the next six years.
  • The state is paying low-income residents up to $9,500 to trade in internal combustion engine-powered cars for an EV, as well as $7,000 for any resident who wants to buy or lease an electric car.
• Challenges
  • One potential obstacle has been the rising sale price for most EVs on the market.
  • There are also concerns about whether the state can push charging infrastructure to power the EV transition.
• What is India’s stance?
  • India has a target of meeting at least 65 per cent of all new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
  • Progress has been patchy though, with 6.38 lakh EVs registered in India since 2012 – less than 1 per cent of the total vehicle count.
  • What is encouraging is that over 15 states have issued or adopted EV policies so far.
  • A CEO-led panel of more than 25 companies said India should set firm targets and frame policies to support the transition to EVs.

Zombie Ice

• Context:
  • Recently, the Scientists predicted that the melting of Zombie Ice will raise global sea level by 10 inches.
• About Zombie Ice
  • The vast majority of Greenland has been covered by an ice sheet for 18 million years due to being largely located within the Arctic Circle.
• Raising the global sea levels:
  • The melting of the Greenland ice sheet will inevitably raise the global sea levels by at least 10.6 inches or 27 centimetres.
  • This is because of zombie ice which is certain to melt away from the ice cap and blend into the ocean.
• What is ‘zombie ice’?
  • It is also referred to as dead or doomed ice.
  • Zombie ice is one that is not accumulating fresh snow even while continuing to be part of the parent ice sheet. 
  • Such ice is committed to melting away and increasing sea levels.
• What has led to this?
  • This is on account of warming that has already happened.
  • The research points to an equilibrium state where snowfall from the higher reaches of the Greenland ice cap flows down to recharge edges of the glaciers and thicken them.
• What happens next?
  • The scientists have projected that 3.3% of Greenland’s total ice volume will melt and this will happen even if the global temperature is stabilized at the current level.
• What does a rise in sea-level mean?
  • It is bad news for millions that live in coastal zones. 8 of the world’s 10 largest cities are near the coast. 
  • Low lying coastal areas will take a harder hit.
  • Rising sea levels will make flooding, high tides and storms more frequent and worse as their impact will reach more inland. 
  • It is a threat to local economies and infrastructure.
  • The World Economic Forum’s 2019 Global Risks Report noted that already an estimated 800 million people in more than 570 coastal cities are vulnerable to a sea-level rise of 0.5 metres by 2050.
  • According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change assessment, sea levels would rise by two to five inches by 2100 as a result of the Greenland glacier melting.

Coastal Clean Up Campaign

• Context:
  • The Union Minister of Earth Sciences has convened a meeting of Union Ministers and Members of Parliament from coastal states of the country to discuss the ongoing countrywide Coastal Clean Up Campaign launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• About 
  • Coastal Clean-Up campaign is a 75-day campaign launched by the government to clean up coastal beaches and raise awareness about “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar”.
  • Aim is To make awareness about reducing marine litter, minimal use of plastics, segregation at source and waste management.
  • The campaign will culminate on “International Coastal Clean-up Day” (17th September 2022).
  • Impact:Through this campaign, a mass behavioural change among the masses is intended by raising awareness about how plastic usage is destroying our marine life.
• What is Eco Mitram?
  • It is a mobile app launched to spread awareness about the campaign and also for the common people to voluntary registration for the beach cleaning activity on the 17th of September 2022. 

Extension of Sulfur Dioxide Emission Norms

• Context:
  • The Ministry of Power (MoP) has extended the deadline for coal-fired power plants to install Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) to cut sulphur emissions by two years.
• What is the Background?
  • India had initially set a 2017 deadline for thermal power plants to install FGD units to cut Sulphur emissions.
  • Removal of Sulfur Dioxide is called Flue-gas Desulphurization (FGD).
  • It seeks to remove gaseous pollutants viz. SO2 from exhaust flue gases generated in furnaces, boilers, and other industrial processes due to thermal processing, treatment, and combustion.
  • The deadline was later changed to varying deadlines for different regions, ending in 2022, and further extended last year to a period ending 2025.
  • Power plants will be forcibly retired if they do not comply to norms on sulphur emissions by end-2027.
  • Plants near populous regions and the capital New Delhi will have to pay penalties to operate from end-2024, while utilities in less polluting areas will be penalized after end-2026.
  • Higher costs, lack of funds, Covid-19 related delays and geopolitical tension with China, which has restricted trade, are cited as the reasons for the extension.
• Why is the installation of FGD Units Important?
  • Indian cities have some of the world’s most polluted air. India currently emits almost twice the amount of SO2 than the next highest country, Russia.
  • Thermal utilities, which produce 75% of the country’s power, account for some 80% of industrial emissions of sulphur and nitrous-oxides, which cause lung diseases, acid rain and smog.
  • Every single day delay in implementation of prescribed norms and not installing the FGD system is causing huge health and economic damage to our society.
  • The high levels of damaging SO2 pollution in India are avoidable much sooner as flue-gas desulphurisation systems have proved successful in reducing emission levels in China, the country responsible for the highest level in 2005.
• What is Sulfur Dioxide Pollution?
• Source:
  • The largest source of SO2 in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and other industrial facilities.
  • Smaller sources of SO2 emissions include: industrial processes such as extracting metal from ore, natural sources such as volcanoes, and locomotives, ships and other vehicles and heavy equipment that burn fuel with a high sulfur content.
  • Impact: SO2 can affect both health and the environment.
  • Short-term exposures to SO2 can harm the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. People with asthma, particularly children, are sensitive to these effects of SO2.
  • WHO has estimated that it causes 4.2 million deaths globally per year.
  • SO2 emissions that lead to high concentrations of SO2 in the air generally also lead to the formation of other sulfur oxides (SOx). SOx can react with other compounds in the atmosphere to form small particles. These particles contribute to Particulate Matter (PM) pollution.
  • Small particles may penetrate deeply into the lungs and in sufficient quantities can contribute to health problems.
  • It can also cause acid rain which leads to widespread environmental damage.
  • India’s Case:
    • India’s sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions recorded a significant decline of approximately 6% in 2019 compared to 2018, the steepest drop in four years, according to a report from Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA).
    • However, India remained the largest emitter of SO2.
    • Air Quality sub-index has been evolved for eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2, CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for which short-term (upto 24-hours) National Ambient Air Quality Standards are prescribed.

Ministry of Urban Affairs rolls out ‘Swachh Amrit Mahotsav’

• Context:
  • The Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs has announced the commencement of ‘Swachh Amrit Mahotsav’ and the first ever Indian Swachhata League(ISL).
• What is Swachh Amrit Mahotsav?
  • It is a fortnight of activities to galvanize action around swachhata from 17th Sept. 2022(Seva Diwas) till 2nd Oct. 2022 (Swachhata Diwas). 
  • The fortnight will focus on mobilizing citizen action and commitment towards the vision of building ‘Garbage Free Cities’.
  • The official logo for the fortnight is ‘Swachh Amrit Mahotsav: Ek Aur Kadam Swachhata Ki Ore’ signifying the resolve to intensify and reinvigorate the Jan Andolan in the world’s largest sanitation programme.
• What is the Indian Swachhata League(ISL)?
  • It is an inter-city competition to take place between the youth of the cities on the 17th of Sept. 2022. 
  • For the maiden edition of ISL, more than 1,850 city teams from across the country have officially registered to compete. 
  • Each team will compete in the League by creating their own unique sanitation initiatives to focus on creating garbage-free beaches, hills and tourist places.

IRENA and Industry Leaders Launch the Alliance for Industry Decarbonization

• Context:
  • The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)and 13 companies across all industry sectors have launched the Global Alliance for Industry Decarbonization.
• What is the Global Alliance for Industry Decarbonization?
  • Aim: To accelerate net-zero ambitions and decarbonisation of industrial value chains in pursuit of the 2015 Paris Agreement climate goals.
  • Declaration: It was formed under the Bali Declaration adopted during IRENA’s Investment Forum on Energy Transitions held in Bali, Indonesia.
  • Working: The alliance is intended to provide a platform for the industry to exchange and collaborate to contribute towards the achievement of countries’ net zero goals. It will strengthen dialogue and coordinate action by industrial stakeholders from across the public and private sectors.
  • Founding members: It includes Siemens Energy Enel Green Power, TAQA Arabia, JSW (India), Tata Steel (India), Sable Chemicals, Repsol, Equinor among others.
  • First meeting: It is planned to take place at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt in November 2022.
  • Significance of the alliance: Around 25% of global GDP is produced by the industrial sector, but it also emits around 28% of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.
  • The industrial sector is also the second-largest emitter. Hence, this alliance was launched as it will help the Industrial Sector in rapid decarbonisation.

Stubble Burning

• Context:
  • Recently, the Delhi government announced that it would spray Pusa bio-decomposer free of cost over 5,000 acres of paddy fields in the city as this would help in controlling stubble burning and air pollution during winter.
• What is Stubble Burning?
• About:
  • Stubble (parali) burning is a method of removing paddy crop residues from the field to sow wheat from the last week of September to November, coinciding with the withdrawal of southwest monsoon.
  • Stubble burning is a process of setting on fire the straw stubble, left after the harvesting of grains, like paddy, wheat, etc. It is usually required in areas that use the combined harvesting method which leaves crop residue behind.
  • It is a common practice in October and November across North West India, but primarily in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Effects of Stubble Burning:
  • Pollution:
  • Emits large amounts of toxic pollutants in the atmosphere which contain harmful gases like methane (CH4), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Volatile Organic compounds (VOC) and carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
  • These pollutants disperse in the surroundings, may undergo a physical and chemical transformation and eventually adversely affect human health by causing a thick blanket of smog.
  • Soil Fertility:
  • Burning husk on the ground destroys the nutrients in the soil, making it less fertile.
  • Heat Penetration:
  • The heat generated by stubble burning penetrates into the soil, leading to the loss of moisture and useful microbes.
  • Alternatives to Stubble Burning:
  • In-Situ Treatment of Stubble: For example, crop residue management by zero-tiller machine and Use of bio-decomposers.
  • Ex-Situ (off-site) Treatment: For example, Use of rice straw as cattle fodder.
  • Use of Technology- For example Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) machine, which can uproot the stubble and also sow seeds in the area cleared. The stubble can then be used as mulch for the field.
• What is Other Related Initiative?
  • The State Governments of Punjab, National Capital Region (NCR) States and the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) have developed detailed monitorable action plans based on the framework by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to tackle the problem of air pollution.
• Way Forward
  • As we know, burning stubble destroys a helpful raw material, pollutes the air, causes respiratory diseases and worsens greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the need of the hour is to make constructive use of stubble as animal feed and further utilise technology by enabling various alternatives like Turbo-Happy Seeder Machine and Bio-Decomposer etc.

Graded Response Action Plan

• Context: Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has recently said that GRAP will be enforced in  Delhi NCR with immediate effect to combat deteriorating AQI in the region.
• What is GRAP?
  • A graded Response Action Plan is a set of emergency measures that kick in to prevent further deterioration of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold.
• Background
  • It is based on a plan that was submitted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in November 2016. The GRAP was first notified in January 2017 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
• Various stages:
  • Stage 1 of GRAP is activated when the AQI is in the ‘poor’ category (201 to 300), and On Wednesday, for instance, the AQI in Delhi was 211.
  • The second, third and fourth stages will be activated three days ahead of the AQI reaching the ‘very poor’ category (301 to 400), ‘severe’ category (401 to 450) and ‘severe +’ category (above 450)
  • Data Source: For this, the CAQM is relying on air quality and meteorological forecasts by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• How is it different this year:
  • Implementing agency: From 2021 onwards, the GRAP is being implemented by the
  • The orders and directions of the CAQM will prevail in case of any conflict between directions issued by the State governments and the CAQM.
  • Measures under the different categories of the plan are to be enforced by the pollution control boards of the NCR states and the concerned departments and agencies, including the traffic police, the Transport Department and road-owning and construction agencies.
  • Pre-emptive measures: In the version of the GRAP 2017, measures kicked in after pollution concentrations reached a certain level.
  • This year, measures are pre-emptive and will kick in based on forecasts in an attempt to prevent the AQI from deteriorating further.
  • Wider pollutants range: The older version of the GRAP was enforced based only on the concentration of 5 and PM10.
  • This year, GRAP is being enforced based on the AQI, which takes other pollutants also into accounts, such as ozone, sulphur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen.
• Measures that will be enforced this year:
  • For the first time, it specifies that State governments in the NCR may impose restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers under Stage-3 (severe category).
  • Restrictions on some construction activities will also be set in earlier in the revised GRAP, i.e in the ‘severe category’ stage instead of “severe +” compared to earlier.
  • Construction activities on linear public projects like highways, roads, flyovers, pipelines and power transmission, will be banned under the ‘severe +’ category this year.
  • Also under the ‘severe +’ category, State governments may consider additional emergency measures like the closure of schools, plying of vehicles on an odd-even basis etc.
  • Guidelines for the public: The revised GRAP also has a set of measures for the public to follow under various categories of pollution levels.

Health Impact of Climate Change

Recent Lancet Report stated that over 3,30,000 people died in India due to exposure to particulate matter from fossil fuel combustion in 2020.

• Key Findings
• About: 
  • The Report is named Countdown on health and climate change: health at the mercy of fossil fuels
  • It is the seventh annual global report. 
• Effect on Temperature:
  • From 2000-2004 to 2017-2021, heat-related deaths increased by 55% in India.
  • Problematic actions of Government and Companies:
  • They continue to follow strategies that increasingly threaten the health and survival of all people alive today, and of future generations.
• Subsidy: 
  • In 2019, India had a net negative carbon price, indicating that the government was effectively subsidising fossil fuels. 
  • India allocated a net 34 billion USD [around ?2,80,000 crore] to this in 2019 alone, equivalent to 37.5% of the country’s national health spending that year. 
• Biomass and fossil fuels: 
  • Accounted for 61% of household energy in 2019, while fossil fuels accounted for another 20%. 
  • With this high reliance on these fuels, average household concentrations of particulate matter exceeded the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation by 27-fold nationally and 35-fold in rural homes.
• Urban Centres: 
  • In India, 45% of urban centres are classified as moderately green or above. 
  • Economic Loss:
  • In 2021, Indians lost 16,720 crore potential labour hours due to heat exposure with income losses equivalent to about 5.4% of the national GDP.
• Health Impacts:
  • Dengue: 
  • For India, from 1951-1960 to 2012-2021, the number of months suitable for dengue transmission by Aedes Aegypti rose by 1.69%, reaching 5.6 months each year.
  • Heatwave: 
  • From 2012-2021, infants under one year old experienced a higher number of heatwave days.
  • For the same period, adults over 65 experienced 301 million more person-days. 
  • This means that, on average, from 2012-2021, each infant experienced an additional 0.9 heatwave days per year while adults over 65 experienced an additional 3.7 per person, compared to 1986-2021.
  • From 2000-2004 to 2017-2021, heat-related deaths increased by 55% in India.
• Agriculture: 
  • The duration of the growing season for maize has decreased by 2%, compared to a 1981-2010 baseline.
  • Rice and winter wheat have each decreased by 1%.
  • Negative exposure: 
  • Households are exposed to energy poverty and dangerous levels of air pollution
• Way Ahead
  • An urban redesign that puts health first can provide increased green space that reduces urban heat, improves air quality, and benefits physical and mental health.
  • Improvement in air quality will help to prevent deaths resulting from exposure to fossil fuel-derived particulate matter.
  • States should start adapting and implementing heat action plans in each city. For instance, the Ahmedabad heat action plan that has shown mortality can be reduced should be adapted everywhere.
  • The burning of dirty fuels needs to be minimised as soon as possible to reduce the accompanying health impacts.
  • Global warming and climate change are intricately related to human health and India needs to do something serious in this space.

Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage

• Context:
  • NITI Aayog has recently released a study report on Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) Policy Framework and its Deployment Mechanism in India.
• About the Framework
  • The report explores the importance of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage as an emission reduction strategy. 
  • The report outlines broad-level policy interventions needed across various sectors for its application.
  • India’s per capita CO2 emissions were about 1.9 tonnes per annum which is less than 40% of the global average and about one-fourth of that of China.
• What is Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)?
  • It aims to reduce carbon emissions by either storing or reusing it so that captured carbon dioxide does not enter the atmosphere.
  • It’s a three-step process involving: capturing the carbon dioxide produced by power generation or industrial activity, such as steel or cement making; transporting it; and then storing it deep underground.
  • It is the technology for decarbonising carbon dioxide (CO2) from high polluting sectors such as steel, cement, oil, gas, petrochemicals, chemicals and fertilisers.
  • Possible storage sites for carbon emissions include saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
  • It would help in promoting the low carbon-hydrogen economy and in removal of the CO2 stock from the atmosphere.
• Major Challenges
  • High Cost: the key challenge would be to reduce the cost of the mechanisms to implement the technology.
  • The private sector is unlikely to invest in CCUS unless there are sufficient incentives or unless it can benefit from the sale of CO2 or gain credits for emissions avoided under carbon pricing regimes.
  • CO2 Transport and Storage Sites Could Be Dangerous: While accident rates during the transport of CO2 are relatively low, the potential for a dangerous leak still exists.
  • Security concerns: Because the gas is highly toxic and leakages in high quantity at such sites would render the air largely unbreathable.
• Significance of the move
  • Production of Clean products: CCUS can enable the production of clean products while still utilising our rich endowments of coal and reducing imports and thus leading to an Atmanirbhar Indian economy.
  • Decarbonising various sectors: Implementation of CCUS technology is certainly an important step to decarbonise the hard-to-abate sector.
  • The projects will also lead to a significant employment generation.
  • It estimates that about 750 mtpa of carbon capture by 2050 can create employment opportunities of about 8-10 million on full time equivalent (FTE) basis in a phased manner.
  • It can Reduce the Social Cost of Carbon: The social cost of carbon is a value of the estimated costs and benefits to society from climate change caused by one additional metric ton of CO2 released into the atmosphere in a year.
  • Circular economy: It can provide a wide variety of opportunities to convert the captured CO2 to different value-added products like: 
    • Green urea
    • Food and beverage form application
    • Building materials (concrete and aggregates)
    • Chemicals (methanol and ethanol)
    • Polymers (including bioplastics)
    • Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) with wide market opportunities in India, thus contributing substantially to a circular economy. 
    • Sunrise sectors: It has an important role to play in enabling sunrise sectors such as coal gasification and the nascent hydrogen economy in India.
    • Enrich concrete: Captured CO2 could be used to strengthen concrete, leading to increased infrastructure durability.
• Way forward 
  • There will be a positive impact on the economy if we are able to get value-added products such as green methanol, green ammonia that can be produced from this captured CO2.
  • India’s dependency on fossil-based Energy Resources is likely to continue in future and hence CCUS policy in Indian Context is the need of the hour.
  • Key to a successful CCUS implementation in India is to enact a policy framework that supports the creation of sustainable and viable markets for CCUS projects.
  • The policy should be carbon credits or incentives based to seed and promote the CCUS sector in India through tax and cash credits.
  • The policy should establish early-stage financing and funding mechanisms for CCUS projects.

The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022

• Context
  • Recently, The Rajya Sabha passed the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
  • The Bill seeks to amend the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.   
• About:
  • The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill mandates non-fossil sources of energy and establishes a domestic carbon market in India. 
  • The bill was also amended in 2010.
• Key provisions of the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill:
  • The bill seeks to mandate the use of non-fossil sources, including Green hydrogen, green ammonia, biomass, and Ethanol for energy and feedstock; 
  • Establish Carbon Markets; 
  • Bring large residential buildings within the fold of the Energy Conservation regime; 
  • Enhance the scope of the Energy Conservation Building Code; 
  • Amend penalty provisions; 
  • Increase members in the governing council of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE); 
  • Empower the State Electricity Regulatory Commissions  to make regulations for smooth discharge of its functions 
  • To put in place enabling provisions to make the use of clean energy, including green hydrogen, mandatory and to establish carbon markets.
• Details of the Bill
  • Carbon Credits:
    • Issuing credits:
      • According to Global Energy Monitor, the government will issue carbon credits to businesses or other institutions interested in the scheme. 
      • Industries could sell and buy credits to meet their carbon budget.
    • Selling Carbon Credits to other countries:
      • Carbon credits will not be sold to other countries. When we sell credits to other countries, we cannot add them to our NDCs. 
      • However, there is a provision to sell them to other countries when there is a surplus or a need to finance some cutting-edge technology.
• Scope for Energy Conservation Building Code:
  • The amended bill aims to bring large residential buildings under the Energy Conservation regime which enhances the scope of the Energy Conservation Building Code.
• Meaning of Energy Conservation Building Code:
  • According to the draft, “energy conservation building codes” means the norms and standards of energy consumption expressed per square metre of the area where energy is used. 
  • It also includes the location of the building.
• Carbon Market:
  • The Bill empowers the central government to specify a carbon credit trading scheme.
  • The proposed amendments aims to encourage the development of a carbon market by laying the framework for issuance of carbon credits against deployment of clean technology. 
  • Investment in clean technology will help corporations in greening their business profiles and the attached carbon credits will provide an additional revenue stream. 
  • Hence, the proposed amendments seek to address a prominent gap in the climate change narrative with respect to involvement of the private sector.
• Reducing the connected loads of states:
  • Bill aimed to bring large residential buildings, with a minimum connected load of 100 kilowatt (kW) or contract demand of 120 Kilovolt Ampere (kVA), within the fold of the Energy Conservation regime. 
  • States, if they wished, could bring down the connected load and contract demand.
• Criticisms:
  • Ultra vires of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001:
    • While the Energy Conservation Act, of 2001 deals with saving energy, the present Bill deals with saving the environment and conserving climate change due to the usage of fossil and non-fossil fuels while generating electricity. 
    • The scope and objective of the principal Act do not take in the purpose and object of the present Bill. 
    • The Bill relates to monitoring and controlling of carbon emission and climate change which is an aspect of the environmental laws
  • Lack of coordinated approach:
    • There is the Central Government discharging one set of roles, there are the State Governments which have been authorised under the Act to discharge a different set of roles. 
    • What is missing is a coordinated approach between the Central Government and the State Government.
  • Inadequate opinion in BEE:
    • The Bill proposes only five representatives of the States and it means that a majority of the States would not be able to register their opinion in the Bureau of Energy Efficiency. 
  • Legal infirmities:
    • It is being criticised that the Bill has a lot of legal infirmities which required re-consideration and re-introduction.
• Way Ahead
  • India is currently marching towards its target of reducing its carbon intensity by 45 per cent by 2030. This goal is a part of India’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC).
  • India needs to align public financial flows with announced targets on energy transition, to leverage private finance. This includes 
  • Shifting subsidies to clean energy, 
  • Mandating SOE (state-owned enterprises) investments in clean energy and Increasing targets on public finance for clean energy. 

Environment Education, Awareness & Training (EEAT) Scheme

• Context:
  • Environment Education, Awareness, and Training (EEAT) is a central sector scheme of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) that was launched in 1983-84. Its goal is to raise environmental awareness among all segments of society and to mobilise people's participation in environmental conservation. 
• What is Environment Education, Awareness & Training (EEAT) Scheme?
  • EEAT is a Central Scheme that was established during the Sixth Five Year Plan in 1983-84.
• The program's main goal is:
  • To increase environmental consciousness among all societal groups
  • Promote environmental education
  • To encourage student involvement in environmental protection
  • The Ministry has continued the programme since 2017 in light of the enormous potential of the scheme and the success attained in its implementation since its implementation.
• The three programmes that make up the EEAT scheme are:
  • The National Green Corps “Eco-club” programme.
  • The National Nature Camping Program
  • Activities for building capacity
  • Various organisations are given financial support through these programmes to carry out activities and raise awareness of the need to protect the environment in the nation.

Green Methanol

• Context:
  • Recently, the NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation) has signed a non-binding MOU with Tecnimont (Italy) to explore production of green methanol.
  • The green methanol project involves capturing carbon from NTPC power plants and converting it into green fuel.  
  • NTPC comes under the ministry of power.
• About:
  • Green methanol is a low-carbon fuel that can be made from either biomass gasification or renewable electricity and captured carbon dioxide (CO2).
• Applications: 
• Green methanol has a wide range of applications:
  • Serving as a base material for the chemical industry
  • Storing renewable electricity
  • Transportation fuel. 
  • Maritime fuel: It is also considered a substitute fuel for maritime fuel applications.
  • Automotive industry: Methanol can be blended with gasoline in low-quantities and used in existing road vehicles, or it can be used in high-proportion blends such as M85 in flex-fuel vehicles or M100 in dedicated methanol-fuelled vehicles as a substitute for gasoline or diesel.
• Key benefits:
  • Low-emission fuel can be made from a variety of sources which will help reduce imports.
  • It will significantly contribute to India’s energy transition.

Alien plants growing together threatening tiger habitats: Study

• Context:
  • Several alien invasive plants growing together can have a detrimental effect on the biodiversities in tiger habitats
  • The study is conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India.
• Alien species as a threat to the Indian biodiversity:
  • The plants can put pressure on native forage plants and drive away wild herbivores — the food source for the big cats.
  • India’s biodiverse ecosystems are threatened by a variety of alien plants like Lantana Camara, Parthenium hysterophorous, Prosopis juliflora, etc, introduced during British colonisation.
  • Lantana alone has pervasively invaded 44 per cent of India’s forests.
  • Co-occurring invasive plants like Lantana, Ageratum conyzoides, Pogostemon benghalensis, etc, have a magnified cumulative impact than their individual impacts, causing ecological homogenisation in invaded regions.
  • Affects the soil nutrients.
  • Native wild herbivores like chital and sambhar did not prefer the commonly found plants in invaded areas.
• What does the study suggest?
  • Reduced forage availability for herbivores like sambar and chital, which are major prey for tiger, leopard, and dhole in this landscape, threaten the sustenance of these carnivores in invaded regions.
  • It is indicative of an ‘invasion-centric forest ecosystem’.
  • It is necessary to prioritise restoration investments in the least invaded regions to retain native biodiversity and slowly upscale such restored habitats
  • The study highlighted the importance of investments in scientific restoration in India to mitigate the impacts of biological invasions.

Light Pollution & Dark-Sky Reserve

• Context:
  • Recently, the district administration of Ladakh designated six hamlets within the Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary as a dark-sky reserve.
• New Study
• Title: 
  • Citizen scientists report global rapid reductions in the visibility of stars from 2011 to 2022
• What they Found: 
  • Researchers from Germany and the U.S. analysed a global database of what the dimmest star visible from a particular location is.
  • They found that non-natural light had increased the brightness of the artificial glow of the night sky, or skyglow, by 9.2-10% every year between 2011 and 2022. 
• The skyglow had brightened around:
  • 6.5% over Europe, 
  • 10.4% over North America, and 
  • 7.7% over the rest of the world.
• Disagreement with satellite data: 
  • Satellite-based data has indicated that the rate of increase has been around 2% per year. 
• Reason of discrepancy:
  • The discrepancy is probably because satellites are unable to ‘sense’ blue light emitted by LEDs and to study light that is emitted parallel to the ground.
  • Visible light emitted by many sources is divergent, so the light emitted insufficiently downward could find its way into the sky. 
  • Almost all surfaces in cities reflect light, meaning a portion of entirely down-cast light will be reflected upwards, contributing to night-time light pollution. 
• Global Status:
  • Africa:
    • It had just 452 observations between January 2011 and August 2022 in the database. 
  • China & Brazil:
    • There were no entries from China or Brazil — both rapidly industrialising nations — in the study. 
  • India: 
    • A small Observation was made at the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) before and after the power cut in Hanle, the number of stars that become invisible when the monastery is lit is striking. 
    • 19.5% of India’s population — the lowest fraction among G20 countries — experiences a level of skyglow that would at least keep the Milky Way galaxy out of sight and at most render “dark adaptation for human eyes” impossible. 
    • Between 2012 and 2016, India’s lit area increased by 1.07-1.09%.

    • The average radiance of “stably lit areas” — for example, excluding wildfires — increased by 1.05-1.07%.

• Dark-Sky Reserve

• About: 

  • It is an area whose sky is free of light pollution. 
  • It is a designation given to a place that has policies in place to ensure that a tract of land or region has minimal artificial light interference. 
  • The authorities safeguard telescopes’ access to dark skies by actively lowering light pollution around their sites.
  • Several such reserves exist around the world but none so far in India.
• Origin: 
  • When private space venture company SpaceX’s Starlink constellation of small satellites began covering the view of ground-based telescopes around the Earth, the idea of the sky as a natural resource capable of being polluted became popular. 
  • These incidents highlighted the absence of a global treaty to reduce light pollution more noticeable. 
• Nomination by: 
  • The International Dark Sky Association is a U.S.-based non-profit that designates places as International Dark Sky Places, Parks, Sanctuaries and Reserves, depending on the criteria they meet. 
• Significance:
  • The reserve will boost astro tourism in India and will be one of the world’s highest-located sites for optical, infrared, and gamma-ray telescopes.
• The astronomical observatories located in the area particularly keep the skies dark.
• Consequences 
• Health impact: 
  • It stimulates the cone cells in human eyes, which is possible only when an environment is considered to be well-lit.
  • By disrupting the circadian rhythm, artificial light at night can hamper the production of melatonin, an influential hormone in the human body which affects sleep, moods and cognition.
  • Circadian disruption increased the risk of breast cancer among night-shift workers by 40%. 
• Affects Flora and fauna: 
  • Artificial light at night affects both people and wildlife in significant ways. Lit beaches deter sea turtles from coming ashore to nest. 
  • Skyglow keeps trees from sensing seasonal variations. 
  • Young burrow-nesting seabirds don’t take flight unless the nesting site becomes dark. 
  • Clownfish eggs don’t hatch when exposed to artificial light at night, killing the offspring.
  • It interferes with multiple aspects of insect life and allows insect predators to hunt for longer.
• Use of LEDs:
  • Regardless of historical or geographical context, humans tend to use as much artificial light as they can buy for about 0.7 percent of GDP. 
  • Even though LEDs have become more efficient, their utilisation hasn’t decreased, which in turn means the carbon emissions due to their production and use haven’t decreased.
• Way Ahead
  • Villagers and residents also need to be trained to help visitors with astronomical observations.
  • There should be restrictions during the evening and night for vehicles and headlights. 

Methane Global Tracker Report

• Context
  • IEA Report Highlights Failure of Fossil Fuel Firms to Curb Methane Emissions.
• About
  • IEA's annual Methane Global Tracker report has recently highlighted that fossil fuel companies have failed to take substantial action to curb methane emissions
  • The report also shows that 75% of methane emissions can be reduced with cheap and readily available technology.
  • Previously, around 150 countries have joined the Global Methane Pledge which aims to reduce methane emissions from human activity by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
  • For its part, India has committed to reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33-35% below 2005 levels by 2030.
  • By 2030, all fossil fuel producers in the Net Zero Emissions 2050 scenario will have an emissions intensity similar to the world’s best operators today.
• Major findings of the Report:
  • The energy sector accounts for around 40% of total average methane emissions.
  • Fossil fuel companies emitted 120 million metric tonnes of methane in 2022.
  • 80% of available options to curb methane emissions can be implemented at net zero cost.
  • Implementing methane reduction measures would cost less than 3% of the net income received by the oil and gas industry in 2022.
  • Reduction of 75% of natural gas wastage could lower global temperature rise by nearly 0.1 degree Celsius by mid-century.
  • Methane is a greenhouse gas responsible for 30% of warming since preindustrial times, second only to carbon dioxide.
  • Over a 20-year period, methane is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide.
• Impact of Methane Emissions on Climate Change:
  • Methane has an important short-term influence on the rate of climate change.
  • Atmospheric levels of methane jumped 17 parts per billion in 2021, beating the previous record set in 2020.
• Important steps were taken by India to control methane emissions:
  • National Biodiversity Act: The government has launched it to protect and conserve biodiversity, which includes the reduction of methane emissions.
  • Paris Agreement: India is a signatory to the agreement which aims to limit global warming to below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C.
  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): It has a specific mission to reduce emissions from agriculture by promoting low-emission technologies and practices in agriculture, such as the use of organic fertilizers and better livestock management.
  • Push for Renewables: The government has also launched several schemes to promote the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, which can help reduce the dependence on fossil fuels and the associated methane emissions.
  • National Green Tribunal: It has the power to adjudicate environmental disputes and enforce laws related to environmental protection, including methane emissions.
  • National Clean Energy Fund: It was set up by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to support research and development of clean energy technologies and projects.
• Way ahead:
  • Fossil fuel companies need to take substantial action to curb methane emissions in consonance with the policymakers to address the issue.
  • Reduction of methane emissions is among the cheapest options to limit near-term global warming.
  • While these steps are aimed at reducing methane emissions, there is still much more that needs to be done to effectively control and reduce methane emissions, especially in India.

World Air Quality Report

• Context:
  • According to the World Air Quality Report prepared by IQAir, Delhi ranked 4th out of 50 of the world’s most polluted cities in terms of PM2.5 levels in 2022.
  • Out of 131 countries, India ranked 8th with a population-weighted average PM2.5 level of 53.3 μg/m3 in 2022. 
• What are the Key Findings of the Report?
• About:
  • IQAir, a Swiss air quality technology company, prepares the annual world air quality reports based on data from monitoring stations operated by governments and other institutions and organisations across the world.
  • The 2022 report is based on PM2.5 data from 7,323 cities and 131 countries.
• Findings:
  • Chad, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh are the 5 most polluted countries in 2022.
  • Delhi had an average PM2.5 level of 92.6 μg/m3 in 2022, a little below the average of 96.4 μg/m3 in 2021.
  • The report makes a distinction between New Delhi and Delhi, with New Delhi having an annual average PM2.5 level of 89.1 μg/m3.
  • The WHO guideline for annual PM2.5 levels is 5 μg/m3.
  • Lahore was the most polluted city in the world, followed by Hotan in China, and Bhiwadi in Rajasthan.
  • New Delhi is the second most polluted capital city in the world, with N’Djamena in Chad topping the list.
  • A total of 39 Indian cities (including ‘Delhi’ and ‘New Delhi’) are on the list of 50 of the world’s most polluted cities based on annual average PM2.5 levels in 2022.
• What is PM 2.5?
  • PM 2.5 is an atmospheric particulate matter of diameter of fewer than 2.5 micrometres, which is around 3% the diameter of a human hair.
  • PM 2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, and long-term exposure to PM 2.5 can lead to lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health conditions.
• What are Initiatives taken by India for Controlling Air Pollution?
  • System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR) Portal
  • Air Quality Index
  • Push for Electric Vehicles (EVs)
  • Commission for Air Quality Management
  • Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) Machine
• How Air Quality Can be Enhanced in India?
  • Link Zero Emissions with Human Rights: Air pollution needs to be recognized more as a human right issue rather than merely as an environmental challenge, and should be linked with the mission of net zero emission (by 2070).
  • The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has also passed a resolution recognizing the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right.
  • Green-Transition Finance: There is a need to create a financial architecture that can mobilise private finance for clean-air solutions in India. Green sectors such as clean energy and e-mobility offer tangible solutions to improve air quality.
  • Bio Enzyme-PUSA: A bio-enzyme called PUSA has been developed by the Indian Agriculture Research Institute as a solution to stubble burning.
  • As soon as it is sprayed, this enzyme starts decomposing the stubble in 20-25 days, turning it into manure, which further improves the soil.
  • Ready-Made Concrete for Construction: Construction dust is a major contributor to pollutants in air in expanding cities.
  • To deal with this situation, Niti Aayog has suggested the use of ready-made concrete that can minimise environmental impacts of building activities.

Landfill Fires

• Context:
  • The Kochi landfill site around Brahmapuram that caught fire earlier this month was a stark reminder that Indian cities need to be prepared for more such incidents as summer approaches. 
• Solid waste management is a major aspect of waste processing in any country.
• Why do Landfills catch fire?
  • India’s municipalities have been collecting more than 95% of the waste generated in cities but the efficiency of waste processing is 30-40% at best. 
  • Indian municipal solid waste consists of about 60% biodegradable material, 25% on-biodegradable material and 15% inert materials, like silt and stone.
  • The openly disposed waste includes flammable materials like low-quality plastics, which have a relatively higher calorific value.
  • In summer, the biodegradable fraction composts much faster, increasing the temperature of the heap to beyond 70-80° C.
  • Higher temperature + flammable material = a chance for the landfill to catch fire.
• Landfill fires: Surface & Underground fires:
  • Surface fires: These involves recently buried or uncompacted refuse, situated on or close to the landfill surface in the aerobic decomposition layer. Surface fires generally burn at relatively low temperatures and are characterized by the emission of dense white smoke and the products of incomplete combustion.
  • Underground fires: Underground fires in landfills occur deep below the landfill surface and involve materials that are months or years old. The most common cause of underground landfill fires is an increase in the oxygen content of the landfill, which increases bacterial activity and raises temperatures (aerobic decomposition). These so-called “hot spots” can come into contact with pockets of methane gas and result in a fire.
• Impacts of Landfill Fires
  • Health Risks: Landfill fires pose a particular health risk, as they can release hazardous fumes when these materials and substances ignite. 
  • Smoke from landfill fires generally contains particulate matter, which can aggravate pre-existing pulmonary conditions or cause respiratory distress. Another serious concern in landfill fires is the emission of dioxins. The term dioxins refers to a group of chemical compounds with similar chemical and biological characteristics that are released into the air during the combustion process.
  • Environmental impact: The dense plumes of smoke are the major cause of air pollution. The further release of GHG gasses increases the atmospheric temperature.
  • India creates more methane from landfill sites than any other country, according to GHGSat, which monitors emissions via satellites. Methane is the second most abundant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide – but it is a more potent contributor to the climate crisis because it traps more heat.
  • Roadblock to Transportation: Sometimes smoke caused by fire impairs the visibility of commuters. 
• Landfill Fire Prevention:
  • Fire prevention can reduce property damage, injury, health, and environmental hazards of landfill fires. The cost of prevention is usually much less expensive than the cost of fighting and cleaning up a fire.
  • Effective landfill management: Management measures include prohibiting all forms of deliberate burning, thoroughly inspecting and controlling incoming refuse, compacting refuse buried to prevent hot spots from forming, prohibiting smoking onsite, and maintaining good site security.
  • Monitoring the emission of methane: If methane levels in or around the landfill become explosive, the landfill operator must take immediate steps to mitigate the danger.
  • Converting Landfill Gas to Energy:  The conversion of landfill gas to energy turns this landfill byproduct into a marketable resource. The converted gas can be used to generate electricity, heat, or steam.
• Solutions to manage landfill fires:
  • The permanent and essential solution is to ensure cities have a systematic waste-processing system where wet and dry waste are processed separately and their by-products treated accordingly (recycling, soil enrichment, etc.). This will need multiple stakeholders, including municipalities and waste-processing unit operators, to cooperate.
  • Clear the piles of waste through bioremediation – i.e. excavate old waste and use automated sieving machines to segregate the flammable refuse-derived fuel (RDF), such as plastics, rags, clothes, etc., from biodegradable material.
• Conclusion
  • Under the “Clean India” initiative, efforts are being made to remove these mountains of garbage and convert them into green zones. 
  • The Global Methane Pledge: A pact to collectively cut global emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.  
  • India didn’t join because most of its methane emissions come from farming – some 74% from farm animals and paddy fields versus less than 15% from landfill.

United Nations Water Development Report

• Context:
  • The UN World Water Development Report 2023 has presented a grim outlook, highlighting the significant disparity that must be bridged to achieve the UN’s SDG objective of providing access to clean water and sanitation to everyone by 2030.
  • The UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme coordinates the production of the WWDR (World Water Development Report) on behalf of UN-Water, and UNESCO publishes it. 
  • This yearly report is unveiled every year on World Water Day, which is celebrated on 22nd March.
• About:
  • Around 10% of the world’s population resides in nations that experience significant or extreme water scarcity. Additionally, up to 3.5 billion people face water scarcity conditions for at least one month each year.
  • The report highlights that 26% of the world’s population doesn’t have access to safe drinking water and 46% lack access to basic sanitation.
  • As per the report, water usage has grown by approximately 1% each year for the last 40 years, and it is expected to rise at a similar pace until 2050, driven by population growth, changing consumption patterns, and socio-economic development.
  • The report indicated that due to climate change, areas that currently have abundant water, such as Central Africa, East Asia, and parts of South America, will experience an increase in seasonal water scarcity. In contrast, regions already grappling with water shortages, such as the Middle East and the Sahara in Africa, will have their water scarcity situation exacerbated.
  • Floods in tropical regions have increased four times, while floods in the mid-latitudes of the north have risen by 2.5 times since 2000.
  • According to the report, it is more challenging to determine the trends in droughts. However, it suggested that most areas could experience a surge in the severity or occurrence of droughts and heat waves due to climate change.
  • The most significant contributor to water pollution is untreated wastewater. Additionally, globally, 80% of wastewater is released into the environment without undergoing any treatment. Furthermore, in numerous developing nations, the figure stands at almost 99%.
• Suggestions given by the report: 
  • It could cost between $600 billion to $1 trillion annually to meet the water-related UN goals. However, it has also emphasized the significance of forming partnerships with governments, investors, financiers, and climate change communities to ensure that investments are directed towards environmental sustainability and providing access to clean water and sanitation to the 2 billion individuals who lack it and the 3.6 million who need sanitation.
  • Agriculture consumes 70% of the world’s water resources, and to ensure sustainability, there must be increased efficiency in crop irrigation. He highlighted the benefits of drip irrigation, which saves water, and when adopted, allows more water to be available for urban centres.
• Some additional measures for water conservation:
  • Install water-efficient appliances: Consider upgrading to water-efficient appliances, such as low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, which can save significant amounts of water.
  • Reuse greywater: Reuse greywater from sinks, showers, and washing machines for landscaping purposes to conserve water.
  • Rainwater harvesting: One of the oldest and most widely practised water conservation methods in India is rainwater harvesting. It involves collecting and storing rainwater during the monsoon season in ponds, tanks, and underground reservoirs for later use in irrigation, drinking, and other purposes.
  • Traditional irrigation systems: India has a long history of traditional irrigation systems, such as the Kuhl system in the Himalayan region, which involves diverting water from mountain streams through a network of canals and tunnels to irrigate fields.
  • Indigenous water conservation practices: Many indigenous communities in India have developed their own unique water conservation practices, such as the Zabo system in Nagaland, which involves building small earthen dams across streams to divert water into irrigation channels.

Aravali Green Wall Project

• Context:
  • Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change inaugurated the Aravali Green Wall Project on the occasion of International day of Forests and unveiled the National Action Plan to Combat Desertification and Land Degradation Through Forestry Interventions.
• What is Aravali Green Wall Project?
• About:
  • It is an ambitious plan to create a 1,400km long and 5km wide green belt buffer around the Aravali Mountain range covering states of Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Delhi.
  • In the initial phase, 75 water bodies will be rejuvenated, starting with five waterbodies each in every district of Aravalli landscape.
  • It will cover degraded land in Gurgaon, Faridabad, Bhiwani, Mahendergarh and in Rewari districts of Haryana.
  • The plan is inspired by Africa’s ‘Great Green Wall’ project, running from Senegal (West) to Djibouti (East), which came into effect in 2007.
• Objectives:
  • The overarching objective of India’s Green Wall will be to address the rising rates of land degradation and the eastward expansion of the Thar desert.
  • The green belt being planned from Porbandar to Panipat will help in restoring degraded land through afforestation along the Aravali hill range. It will also act as a barrier for dust coming from the deserts in western India and Pakistan.
  • It aims to enhance the biodiversity and ecosystem services of the Aravalli range by planting native trees, which will help in carbon sequestration, provide habitat for wildlife, and improve water quality and quantity.
  • The involvement of local communities in afforestation, agro-forestry, and water conservation activities can promote sustainable development.
  • Further, it will help generate income and employment opportunities, improve food security, and provide social benefits.
• Background:
  • According to Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), some 97.85 million hectares (29.7%) of India’s total geographical area (TGA) of 328.72 mha underwent land degradation during 2018-19.
  • The Aravali has been identified as one of the key degraded zones to be taken up for greening under India’s target to restore 26 million hectares (mha) of its land.
  • A 2016 report from the ISRO had also indicated that Delhi, Gujarat and Rajasthan had already degraded over 50% of their land.

Fly Ash

• Context:
  • Recently, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) clarified the compliance dates for the complete utilisation of fly ash for Thermal Power Plants (TPP) in a new notification.
• What is Fly Ash?
• About:
  • Fly ash is an unwanted unburnt residue of coal combustion in a coal thermal power plant.
  • It is emitted along with flue gases during the burning of coal in a furnace and collected using the electrostatic precipitators.
  • The fly ash collected with the help of precipitators is converted into a wet slurry to minimise fugitive dust emissions.
  • It is then transported to the scientifically designed ash ponds through slurry pipelines.
• Composition:
  • Composition of fly ash depends upon the composition of coal being burnt. It may contain Beryllium, Arsenic, unburnt Carbon, Silicon Oxides, Dioxins, aluminium oxide, ferric oxide, calcium oxide, etc.
  • These elements are severe environmental pollutants.
• Properties:
  • Resemble Portland cement but is chemically different.
  • Portland cement is a binding material in the form of a finely ground powder that is manufactured by burning and grinding a mixture of limestone and clay.
  • Its chemical composition includes calcium silicates, calcium aluminate and calcium aluminoferrite.
  • Exhibit cementitious properties.
  • A cementitious material is one that hardens when mixed with water.
• Uses:
  • It is used in concrete and cement products, road base, metal recovery, and mineral filler among others.
• Harmful Effects:
  • Fly ash particles are toxic air pollutants. They can trigger heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases and stroke.
  • When combined with water they cause leaching of heavy metals in ground water.
  • It also pollutes the soil, and affects the root development system of trees.
  • Gross under-utilisation of this by-product over the years has led to the accumulation of 1,670 million tonnes of fly ash according to the Summary of Ash Generation and Utilisation during 2020-2021 by the Joint Committee earlier constituted by the NGT.
• Related Initiatives:
  • Earlier in 2021, National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) Limited had invited Expression of Interest (EOI) for sale of fly ash.
  • NTPC has also collaborated with Cement manufacturers around the country to supply Fly Ash.
  • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) has focused on new construction technologies such as using fly ash bricks that are innovative, and environmentally friendly.
  • Even state governments have come out with their Fly ash utilisation policies, e.g., Maharashtra was the first state to adopt the policy.
  • A web portal for monitoring of fly ash generation and utilisation and a mobile based application titled “ASHTRACK” has been launched by the Government.
  • Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates on fly ash and its products have been reduced to 5%.