The urgent global issue of ecosystem degradation affects India significantly, with nearly 30% of its land degraded. India’s need for a comprehensive nature restoration law is critical, drawing inspiration from the EU’s NRL
Why does India need a Nature Restoration Law?
High Land Degradation: Nearly 30% of India’s land is degraded, with areas like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan severely affected.
Rising Desertification: The extent of desertification in India has increased significantly, impacting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
Biodiversity Loss: The degradation of natural habitats threatens India’s rich biodiversity and contributes to the global biodiversity crisis.
Climate Change Mitigation: Degraded ecosystems lose their ability to act as carbon sinks, worsening climate change impacts.
Economic Implications: Land degradation affects agriculture, water security, and livelihoods, necessitating legal intervention for sustainable management.
What should the Nature Restoration Law in India include?
Legally Binding Restoration Targets: Similar to the EU’s NRL, set mandates to restore a specific percentage of land and water bodies by 2030 and 2050.
Multi-Ecosystem Approach: Include provisions for forests, agricultural lands, rivers, wetlands, and urban areas to ensure comprehensive ecosystem restoration.
Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms: Establish a framework for monitoring progress, conducting periodic reviews, and reporting on restoration outcomes.
Funding and Incentive Mechanisms: Provide financial support and incentives for states, communities, and private entities engaging in restoration projects.
Integration with Existing Programs: Align with ongoing initiatives like the Green India Mission and watershed programs for enhanced effectiveness.
What are the potential benefits of implementing such a law?
Environmental: Restoring degraded lands can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase carbon sequestration, aiding climate resilience.
Economic: Could generate economic returns through improved agricultural productivity, job creation, and enhanced water security.
Social: Restoration projects can create rural employment opportunities and support sustainable livelihoods, especially in degraded areas.
Alignment with International Commitments: Helps India achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 15, and meet Paris Agreement targets.
Way forward:
Adopt a Comprehensive Restoration Framework: India should enact a Nature Restoration Law with legally binding targets, integrating multi-ecosystem restoration approaches and aligning with existing environmental programs.
Strengthen Monitoring and Funding Mechanisms: Establish robust monitoring frameworks for progress evaluation and provide financial incentives for restoration efforts, ensuring effective implementation and long-term sustainability.
On October 16, 2024, the FAO said that poor households around the world lose 5% of their income each year due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods.
About FAO:
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is indeed a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), established to lead international efforts aimed at combating hunger and improving food security and nutrition globally.
It founded on October 16, 1945, FAO operates from its headquarters in Rome, Italy, and comprises 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union.
Key Objectives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):
Eradicate Hunger and Malnutrition: The FAO aims to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition worldwide by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and increasing food availability.
Promote Sustainable Agriculture: The organization encourages sustainable management of natural resources and resilient agricultural systems to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity.
Reduce Rural Poverty: FAO works to improve the livelihoods of rural populations through economic development, social protection measures, and improved access to markets.
Enhance Food Systems: It focuses on improving food production, distribution, and consumption to ensure the global population has access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food.
Respond to Crises: The FAO assists countries in addressing food-related emergencies and building resilience against future shocks, such as natural disasters and conflicts.
Key Highlights of the Present Report by FAO:
Economic Losses from Climate Stress: The report highlighted that poor households globally lose 5% of their income due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods annually, compared to better-off households.
Impact on Rural Poor in India: It found that rural poor households in India are affected by climate stress differently, with reduced off-farm employment opportunities during droughts, forcing them to allocate more resources to agriculture.
Structural Inequalities: The report noted that poor households’ vulnerability to climate stressors is rooted in structural inequalities, calling for policy measures such as expanding social security.
Recommendations for Livelihood Support: Suggested scaling up anticipatory social protection programs and improving off-farm employment opportunities to reduce reliance on negative coping strategies.
Gender and Employment Barriers: The report urged addressing gender disparities in non-farm employment through gender-transformative approaches to tackle discriminatory norms.
What is NITI Aayog’s Response?
Efforts to Combat Climate Change: NITI Aayog highlighted India’s proactive measures, such as the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, which supports farmers’ adaptation to severe climate conditions.
Social Safety Nets: Emphasized India’s implementation of a nationwide employment guarantee scheme and extensive food distribution efforts during the pandemic as evidence of social protection measures.
Women’s Workforce Participation: Cited data from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys showing increased female participation in the workforce, indicating progress in addressing gender issues.
Open to FAO Suggestions: Acknowledged the value of considering the FAO’s recommendations for further policy improvement while emphasizing India’s existing initiatives.
Way forward:
Strengthen Social Protection: Expand anticipatory social protection programs and climate-resilient agricultural practices to support vulnerable households, reducing income losses from climate stress.
Address Structural Inequalities: Enhance off-farm employment opportunities, tackle gender disparities, and implement policies targeting the root causes of vulnerability to climate-related risks.
The rising demand for cooling is leading to increased fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation, which in turn contributes to climate change and gradually elevates atmospheric temperatures.
What are the primary impacts of climate change on human societies?
Heat-Related Health Risks: Increased temperatures and more frequent heatwaves lead to higher incidences of heat-related illnesses and deaths. For instance, global heatwaves already result in approximately 12,000 fatalities annually.
Threats to Food Security: Extreme temperatures and unstable weather patterns negatively impact agricultural productivity, affecting food quality and availability, and driving up prices.
Access to Essential Services: Over 1.1 billion people face immediate risks due to inadequate access to cooling, impacting health services (like vaccine storage), food preservation, and economic productivity.
Increased Mortality: By 2050, deaths from extreme heat are projected to surge, with the World Health Organization predicting up to 255,000 heat-related fatalities each year.
How Can Societies Effectively Adapt to the Ongoing Changes in Climate?
Promoting Energy-Efficient Cooling: Improve the efficiency of cooling devices to reduce energy demand and mitigate climate impacts. This includes transitioning away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under international agreements like the Kigali amendment.
Nature-Based Solutions: Implement alternatives to mechanical cooling, such as planting shade trees and using smart building designs to naturally regulate temperatures.
Policy and Technological Innovations: Governments should enforce strict compliance with energy efficiency standards for cooling equipment and incentivize the development of sustainable cooling technologies.
What Role Does International Cooperation Play in Addressing Climate Change?
Global Agreements: Initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol emphasize the need for unified international action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development goals.
Shared Resources and Technology Transfer: International efforts, such as those led by Rwanda and the African Group, advocate for access to energy-efficient technologies, particularly for developing nations.
Enhancing Compliance and Monitoring: Countries are urged to strictly adhere to global agreements, such as phasing down HFCs, to achieve climate targets and protect vulnerable populations.
Way Forward:
Accelerate the Transition to Energy-Efficient Cooling: Enhance international efforts to double the average energy efficiency of cooling devices and support the shift to climate-friendly refrigerants.
Integrate Cooling Solutions into Climate and Development Policies: Recognize cooling as a development issue and address its critical role in poverty alleviation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved 5 crucial roads, including 4 that pass through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
These include a route to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), India’s northernmost military outpost in Ladakh, which also houses the country’s highest airstrip.
AboutKarakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:
Details
Location
Ladakh, India, situated in the eastern part of the Karakoram Range.
Area
5,000 sq km (approximately), making it one of the largest high-altitude protected areas in India.
Altitude Range
Ranges from about 4,200m to over 7,500m at the peak of Saltoro Kangri.
Climate
Characterized by a cold desert climate, with harsh winters, low temperatures, and limited vegetation.
The region experiences snowfall during winter and temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F).
Summer temperatures are also low, typically ranging between 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).
Biodiversity
Home to species like the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), ibex, and blue sheep (Bharal). The sanctuary also supports migratory bird species during certain times of the year.
Flora
Sparse vegetation, with cold desert flora, including hardy grasses, shrubs, and medicinal plants.
Rivers
Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through the Ladakh region, providing crucial water sources for the sanctuary.
Significance
Part of the larger trans-Himalayan ecosystem, offering a habitat for some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world.
Conservation Challenges
Harsh climatic conditions, limited accessibility, and poaching threats to species like the chiru, whose undercoat is highly prized.
Tourism and Access
Restricted due to its proximity to the international border with China. Special permits are required for researchers and travelers.
PYQ:
[2020] Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?
The harvest of water chestnuts, locally known as goer has begun around “Wular Lake” in Kashmir.
About Wular Lake:
Details
Location
Bandipore district, Jammu and Kashmir
Size
Largest freshwater lake in India, second-largest in Asia
Area
Covers 200 sq. km, with a length of 24 km and breadth of 10 km
Source
Fed by the Jhelum River; Streams Madhumati and Arin.
Formation
Formed due to tectonic activity; possibly a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake
Island formation
Features a small island called Zaina Lank, constructed by King Zainul-Abidin
Ecological Significance
Ramsar Wetland Site (since 1990), supports wintering, staging, and breeding of many bird species
Wildlife
Important for bird species like black-eared kite, Himalayan monal, Himalayan golden eagle
Fish Habitat
Accounts for 60% of the fish production in Jammu and Kashmir
Wetland status
Designated as a Wetland of International Importance in 1990 under the Ramsar Convention
Tulbul Project
Located at the mouth of Wular Lake, aims to regulate the flow of water from the lake into the Jhelum River to enhance navigation and ensure year-round water availability.
Controversial due to objections raised by Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. Currently, the project remains stalled.
PYQ:
[2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?
Data indicates that Central Europe and the wealthiest nations in Asia are approaching the cancer rates from workplace exposure to carcinogens seen in Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Carcinogens are associated with Occupational Cancer:
Asbestos: A major contributor to lung cancer and mesothelioma, responsible for the highest number of deaths is related to occupational exposure.
Benzene: Associated with leukemia and bladder cancer; prevalent in chemical industries.
Silica: Linked to lung cancer; significant exposure occurs in construction and mining.
Diesel Engine Exhaust: Contributes to lung cancer and other respiratory issues.
Secondhand Smoke: Increases risk of lung cancer among workers in smoke-exposed environments.
Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium: Various cancers are associated with these substances, including kidney and lung cancers.
Data Trends on Cancer from Workplace Exposure:
Western Europe and Australasia historically had the highest rates of death from cancers attributed to workplace carcinogens. These regions have maintained the highest mortality rates for over three decades.
Southeast Asia countries like Singapore, Japan, Brunei, and South Korea have seen their cancer death rates from occupational exposure triple since 1990. This increase correlates with their growing manufacturing sectors.
In Central Europe and East Asia, death rates have doubled in Central Europe and increased by 2.5 times in East Asia since 1990. The rise is attributed to a large manufacturing economy that often lacks stringent safety regulations.
International guidelines:
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO emphasizes the need for primary prevention by avoiding exposure to carcinogens. They recommend specific interventions, such as banning asbestos and introducing benzene-free alternatives. WHO also advocates for comprehensive national cancer control programs that include occupational health standards.
International Labour Organization (ILO): The ILO has established conventions and recommendations aimed at preventing occupational hazards caused by carcinogenic substances. These include:
Replacement of carcinogenic substances with less dangerous alternatives.
Establishing lists of prohibited or controlled carcinogens.
Implementing medical surveillance and exposure monitoring
Way forward:
Strengthen Regulations and Enforcement: Implement and enforce stricter occupational health and safety regulations, including banning or limiting the use of known carcinogens, such as asbestos and benzene, and promoting safer alternatives in industries.
Enhance Awareness and Training: Develop comprehensive training programs for workers and employers on the risks of carcinogens, safe handling practices, and the importance of regular health monitoring to prevent occupational cancers.
A new study reveals that plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula, a mountainous region extending towards South America, has increased more than tenfold in recent decades due to rising temperatures.
What has the study found?
Vegetation in the Antarctic Peninsula increased 14-fold between 1986 and 2021, expanding from less than 1 sq km to nearly 12 sq km.
Mosses and lichens dominate this vegetation, with greening accelerating by 30% between 2016 and 2021.
The changes are linked to anthropogenic climate change and observed through satellite data.
How quickly is Antarctica warming?
Antarctica is warming twice as fast as the global average, at 0.22-0.32°C per decade (compared to 0.14-0.18°C globally).
The AntarcticPeninsula is warming five times faster than the global average and is now almost 3°C warmer than in 1950.
Record-breaking heatwaves have occurred, with temperatures rising up to 28°C above normal in July 2023 and 39°C above normal in March 2022.
Why should we worry about increased vegetation in Antarctica?
Invasive Species: Warming temperatures and increased vegetation disrupt the ecological balance, allowing non-native species to outcompete native flora like mosses and lichens, leading to reduced biodiversity and altered habitats.
Albedo Effect: Increased plant cover lowers the albedo effect, resulting in greater solar energy absorption and further warming, creating a feedback loop that promotes additional vegetation growth.
Soil Formation: Plant life accelerates soil development by adding organic matter, enhancing nutrient cycling, and creating a more hospitable environment for non-native species, thereby increasing the risk of invasives.
Ice Loss and Sea-Level Rise: Higher temperatures from warming and the albedo effect lead to increased ice melt, contributing to global sea-level rise, which threatens coastal ecosystems and human settlements with flooding and erosion.
Way forward:
Strengthen climate action: Accelerate global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable practices to mitigate further warming in Antarctica.
Monitor ecosystems: Establish stricter biosecurity measures and enhanced monitoring to prevent invasive species from spreading and disrupting Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem.
Promote global cooperation: Increase international collaboration on Antarctic research, focusing on climate change impacts, ecosystem protection, and adaptation strategies to minimize global sea-level rise and biodiversity loss.
Mains PYQ:
Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Q). Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021) Q) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: After the U.K. committed to phasing out coal by 2025, it had already reduced coal usage to just 20% of its energy needs. The country focused on a comprehensive transition that supported the workforce and the communities reliant on coal.
In contrast, India has set a longer timeline of 45 years (until 2070) to reach net zero emissions and has made significant strides in increasing renewable energy capacity. However, coal usage has also risen, necessitating the establishment of clear timelines for shutting down coal plants and implementing regional redevelopment programs.
This is crucial as many coal-dependent areas in India are among the poorest. In today’s editorial, we need to ensure an inclusive and fair transition. India needs a well-planned, transparent approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by these communities.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power plant marks a significant milestone in the global transition to clean energy, reflecting a broader paradigm shift away from coal reliance.
However, this transition has faced challenges and requires tailored strategies for developing nations, as the UK’s experience illustrates a complex history influenced by environmental legislation and geopolitical factors over several decades.
Key Highlights of India’s Performance at Glasgow COP26 Summit:
•Net Zero Commitment: India announced its first-ever net zero emissions target for 2070, which was seen as a significant but late commitment compared to other countries aiming for 205013. •Five Key Targets: Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined five commitments (Panchamrit) for India, including: 1. Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030. 2. Meeting 50% of energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. 3. Reducing total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030. 4. Reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030. •Focus on Developed Nations: India’s stance emphasized the responsibility of developed countries to provide climate finance and technology transfer, reflecting a call for equity and climate justice in global efforts45. •Criticism: While some activists criticized the 2070 target as insufficiently ambitious, it was viewed positively within India, highlighting the country’s recognition of its role in global climate action amidst its developmental needs13.
Present Dilemma: India and the U.K. are on different paths toward achieving net zero emissions, with India advocating for “phasing down” coal rather than an outright phase-out, as seen at the 2021 Glasgow COP where it pledged to reach net zero by 2070 and meet half its energy needs from renewables by 2050.
Present Status of Cumulative Emissions:
An analysis by Carbon Brief indicated that the U.K. has emitted 10.4 billion tonnes historically, ranking it fourth globally due to its colonial carbon footprint.
India’s per capita emissions were 2 tonnes in 2023, which is less than half the global average (4.6 tonnes) and about a third of the U.K.’s per capita emissions (5.5 tonnes) despite having a population over 20 times larger.
India relies heavily on coal for energy, with about 70% of its energy output coming from coal-fired plants, and it has more than 350 operational mines.
The coal sector employs around 340,000 miners directly, with additional jobs in thermal power plants, highlighting the economic implications of transitioning away from coal.
India’s coal production and consumption are expected to peak between 2030 and 2035, while the country aims to increase its renewable energy capacity significantly.
Despite rising coal use, India is also rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, aiming for a balanced approach to meet growing energy demands while addressing climate goals.
India’s Coal Story:
In 1774: India’s first coal mine, the Raniganj coalfield was by the British East India Company, leading to extensive coal extraction across eastern and central states.
In 1920: The Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station, India’s first coal-fired power plant (1920), began operations, followed by the Trombay power station in 1956, which solidified thermal power as a primary energy source.
In 2022: Britain’s per capita energy consumption was nearly three times that of India, highlighting disparities in energy usage.
At Present, approximately 70% of India’s energy output comes from coal, with around 218 GW of installed capacity and over 350 operational mines, alongside plans for 120 new mines.
What lessons can India learn from the UK’s coal phase-out?
Just Transition Planning: The U.K.’s transition involved comprehensive plans to support displaced workers, highlighting the need for India to develop similar strategies to mitigate socio-economic impacts, especially for informal workers who make up a significant portion of the coal workforce.
Regional Economic Diversification: The U.K. implemented regional redevelopment plans to support areas reliant on coal.
India must also create economic diversification strategies for coal-dependent regions, ensuring new industries can thrive in these communities.
India can leverage existing welfare programs to provide targeted support for communities affected by coal phase-out, ensuring a safety net during the transition period.
Clear Transition Timelines: The U.K. set clear timelines for phasing out coal, which facilitated planning and adaptation in the power sector. India should establish transparent timelines for decommissioning coal plants and transitioning to renewables.
Investment in Renewable Energy: The U.K. successfully increased its renewable energy capacity during its coal phase-out.
India must continue to invest in and expand its renewable energy infrastructure to reduce dependence on coal while meeting energy demands.
India should focus on tailored training programs that align with local job market needs and community involvement.
Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in planning and decision-making processes is crucial. This ensures that the transition addresses specific local needs and concerns, fostering broader support for change.
Way Forward:
Sectoral Diversification: Identify and promote alternative sectors such as agriculture, tourism, pisciculture, food processing, and non-timber forest products to reduce reliance on coal. For example, repurposing abandoned mines for fish farming has shown potential in regions like Jharkhand.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure improvements, including transportation and healthcare, to support new economic activities and enhance overall community resilience.
Attract Investment: Create a business case for post-coal economic activities that can attract private investment. This includes developing a clear plan for transitioning to alternative industries that can generate revenue and employment.
Decentralized Planning: Establish district-level transition committees to create tailored short-, medium–, and long-term plans for economic diversification, ensuring that local contexts are considered.
