GS Paper: GS1-14.Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,

What’s the news?

• The 2023 IPCC Report highlights that human-induced global warming of 1.1 degrees Celsius has led to unprecedented shifts in the Earth’s climate.

Central idea

• In recent decades, human activities have substantially contributed to the acceleration of climate change. The economic toll of climate change has been immense. The anticipated intensification of climate impacts underscores the urgent need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Climate Change and Shifting Business Paradigms for Environmental Sustainability

• Climate Change Impact: Human activities have led to a significant increase in global warming, resulting in unprecedented climate changes. The 2023 IPCC Report highlights the Earth’s warming by 1.1 degrees Celsius due to human influence.
• Economic Consequences: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates substantial economic losses of around US$1.3 trillion annually during 2011–2020, constituting 0.2 percent of global GDP. These losses stem from climate change-related damages, affecting both the economy and the environment.
• Businesses and Sustainability: There’s a noticeable shift in business attitudes, moving away from pure profit-centric approaches to considering their social and environmental impacts. Many companies are now striving to balance economic, social, and environmental aspects—also known as the triple bottom line.
• ESG and CSR Frameworks: Enterprises are adopting Environmental, Social, and governance (ESG) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) frameworks to integrate sustainable practices into their operations. This includes using renewable energy sources, improving stakeholder relationships, and engaging in environmentally responsible actions.
• IBM Survey on Business Leaders’ Views: The IBM survey revealed that 51 percent of top business leaders and CEOs recognize the importance of environmental sustainability. This suggests growing awareness and concern among influential business figures.
• Consumer Behavior: Consumers’ preferences are also changing. About 49 percent of consumers are willing to pay more for products labeled as sustainable or socially responsible. This indicates a shift in consumer behavior towards supporting eco-friendly products and companies.

How are companies responding?

• IKEA’s Environmental Priorities:
  • IKEA, a global furniture leader, has embraced climate finance for sustainable practices. They reduced their climate footprint by 5 percent in 2022, from 27.2 to 25.8 million tonnes.
  • IKEA’s transparency extends to disclosing outdoor air pollution across their supply chain. Their food section now offers 50 percent plant-based meals, aligning with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
• NIKE’s Sustainable Business Approach:
  • NIKE, a renowned sportswear brand, echoes this trend by incorporating sustainable practices.
  • Their ESG Risk Rating of 19.6 reflects effective management of industry-specific ESG risks.
• India’s Regulatory Push:
  • India’s Ministry of Corporate Affairs is propelling sustainability within the corporate sphere through the National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct.
  • These guidelines emphasize resource-efficient, low-carbon technologies and accountability for environmental impact and stakeholder considerations.
• Ather Energy’s Holistic EV Strategy:
  • Ather Energy, a Bengaluru-based EV startup, showcases a comprehensive strategy. Their approach involves building an entire charging infrastructure network and fostering a local, sustainable supply chain.
  • This strategy encompasses high-quality product creation and reusing/recycling outdated items.

Sustainability Challenges Faced by Companies

• Climate change impacts supply chains, leading to transition risks and event-driven physical risks.
• Environmental factors like water shortages and changing demand affect business operations.
• Vendor credibility issues and logistical challenges disrupt supply chain stability.
• Social factors, including communal disturbances and employee strikes, introduce uncertainties.
• Ensuring profitability while investing in sustainable practices poses financial challenges.

Strategies to Overcome Sustainability Challenges

• Financing Green Transitions: To address the increased investments required, companies can allocate separate budgets for CSR and ESG activities, as evidenced by the IBM survey. Regulatory compliance would ensure dedicated budget allocations, fostering a commitment to sustainable practices over the long term.
• Justifying Price Increases: As per the IBM survey, consumers are increasingly willing to pay more for sustainable products, even in developing countries. By emphasizing ethical marketing practices and leveraging social media, businesses can tap into this growing consumer trend.
• Overcoming Technological Limitations: While traditional methods like paper backups remain useful, the evolution of technology can help in avoiding fraud and malpractice, as mentioned in the article. Embracing technology, with proper safeguards in place is essential for comprehensive sustainability.
• Addressing Greenwashing Concerns: Organizations can counter doubts about the credibility of their sustainable practices by prioritizing brand awareness and emotional marketing. Through multi-stakeholder involvement and coordinated efforts, companies can establish themselves as genuine advocates of sustainability.

Conclusion

• Promoting sustainable business practices in the context of traditional profit-oriented models requires a multi-stakeholder approach, regulatory compliance, and governmental support. As the world moves toward universal business sustainability, businesses need to prioritize environmentally conscious practices, with stringent penalties for non-compliance and incentives for positive contributions to society and the environment.

What’s the news?

• Recent proposals to set the starting year of the Anthropocene at 1950 have been met with criticism due to their purportedly flawed representation of the true culprits behind ecosystem damage and climate change.

Central idea

• The term Anthropocene was first proposed by the Nobel laureates, chemist Paul Crutzen and biologist Eugene Stoermer, at a meeting of the little-known International Biosphere-Geosphere Program in 2000 in Mexico. While the term persists, it has garnered limited acceptance within the environmental and geological communities.

The concept of the Anthropocene

• The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch that denotes the period during which human activities have had a significant and lasting impact on the Earth’s geology and ecosystems.
• The concept emerged from the realization that human activities, such as deforestation, industrialization, urbanization, and the burning of fossil fuels, have caused profound and widespread changes to the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, and land, leading to phenomena such as climate change.
• The term anthropocene was first proposed by Nobel laureates Paul Crutzen, a chemist, and Eugene Stoermer, a biologist, in the year 2000.
• They suggested that the current epoch, the Holocene, which began around 11,700 years ago after the last glacial period, had ended and was replaced by the Anthropocene due to the extensive and unprecedented human impact on the planet.
• Some argue that it began with the advent of agriculture around 10,000 years ago, while others propose more recent dates, such as the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century or the mid-20th century, marked by a significant increase in human-induced environmental changes.

How it falls short in accurately acknowledging the real culprits of ecosystem damage?

• Broad Attribution to All Humanity: The Anthropocene concept attributes the impact on Earth’s biosphere and climate system to all of humanity collectively. By treating all humans as culpable, the concept overlooks the disproportionate role played by certain actors, mainly corporate forces in the West.
• Ignoring Historical Context: The Anthropocene concept does not adequately consider the historical context of environmental exploitation and resource extraction by colonial and imperialist powers, primarily from Western countries. Corporate forces in the West were major drivers of colonial practices that led to ecological harm and climate change in various regions, including Africa, India, and the Americas.
• Downplaying Corporate Influence: While human activities have undoubtedly impacted the environment, the immense economic power and lobbying capabilities of corporations, mainly based in the West, have enabled them to shape environmental policies to their advantage, perpetuating unsustainable practices and hindering more significant efforts to combat climate change.
• Blurring Responsibility: By attributing environmental impacts to humanity as a whole, the Anthropocene concept blurs the lines of responsibility and accountability. This lack of clear attribution allows corporate forces in the West to escape scrutiny and avoid taking necessary actions to mitigate their environmental footprint, putting the onus on all of humanity instead.
• Neglecting Environmental Injustice: The Anthropocene concept does not adequately address the environmental injustices perpetrated by corporate forces in the West against marginalized communities, particularly in the global South.
• Insufficient Focus on Systemic Change: While the Anthropocene concept highlights the need for environmental awareness and action, it may divert attention from the urgent need for systemic changes in corporate practices and global economic structures. Transformative changes are required to address the root causes of ecosystem damage and climate change, which are largely driven by profit-seeking behaviors of corporate entities, especially in the West.

Suggested alternatives to the concept of the Anthropocene

• Corporatocene Epoch: This alternative term proposes a shift in focus from attributing responsibility broadly to all of humanity to specifically holding corporate forces, especially in the West, accountable for their significant role in environmental degradation and climate change.
• Capitalocene: The Capitalocene concept emphasizes the role of capitalism in driving ecological degradation and climate change. It focuses on the exploitative nature of capitalist systems, where profit maximization often takes precedence over environmental sustainability.
• Plantationocene: The Plantationocene perspective recognizes the historical legacy of plantation economies, particularly during the era of European colonialism. It sheds light on the exploitative practices associated with plantations, such as forced labor and ecological disruptions, which have had lasting effects on ecosystems and societies.
• Chthulucene: The Chthulucene concept, proposed by Donna Haraway, challenges the human-centered focus of the Anthropocene and instead emphasizes interconnectedness and multispecies entanglements. By moving away from human-centric narratives, the Chthulucene perspective encourages a more inclusive and collaborative approach to addressing environmental issues.
• Naturesocene: The Naturesocene perspective advocates for acknowledging the agency and contributions of non-human entities in shaping Earth’s systems. This approach seeks to break away from human-centric narratives and recognize the complex interactions between various elements of the natural world.
• Indigenous Perspectives: Indigenous communities often have a deep understanding of their environment and have historically practiced sustainable living. Incorporating their wisdom can lead to more holistic and effective environmental solutions.

Way ahead: The call for accurate attribution

• Identify Corporate Forces: By recognizing the significant impact of corporate entities in shaping environmental policies and practices, we can hold them accountable for their role in ecological harm. Acknowledging the influence of corporate forces empowers us to demand greater transparency and sustainable practices from these entities.
• Acknowledge Historical Injustices: Accurate attribution requires us to confront the historical legacies of imperialism, colonialism, and exploitative practices that have led to the environmental crisis. This entails recognizing how past actions continue to shape the present ecological challenges, particularly in marginalized communities.
• Address Systemic Issues: Accurate attribution calls for a deeper examination of systemic issues, such as capitalist economic structures and unequal power dynamics, that perpetuate environmental degradation. It prompts us to question the prioritization of profit over sustainability and advocate for transformative changes in our economic systems.
• Embrace Indigenous Wisdom: Indigenous communities, with their long-standing relationships with the land, hold valuable knowledge and practices for sustainable living.
• Foster Global Cooperation: Accurate attribution encourages international cooperation to tackle issues like climate change and biodiversity loss, recognizing that the impact of environmental decisions extends beyond national borders.

Conclusion

• The term corporatocene serves as a more fitting descriptor for the current epoch, highlighting the role of corporate forces in shaping the earth’s ecological and climate systems. The West’s historical imperial legacy, coupled with corporate greed, remains the greatest threat to humanity and the environment. By acknowledging the true culprits and holding them accountable, we can pave the way for informed and effective solutions to address the ongoing planetary crisis.

What’s the news?

• The media’s attention has been focused on the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming target and the influence of El Niño this year. While crossing this temperature threshold is a cause for concern, the hyperbolic end-of-the-world messaging around the climate crisis deserves revaluation.

Central idea

• The target in the Paris Agreement, to keep the planet’s surface from warming by 2 degrees Celsius by 2100, has been touted as a monumental goal. However, despite negotiations for more than two decades, global carbon emissions have not slowed. Also, the target was not derived scientifically. Instead of fixating on alarming scenarios, it is crucial to approach the climate challenge with a balanced perspective.

What is 2 Degrees Celsius Target?

• In 2015, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, the Paris Agreement was adopted by nearly all countries of the world.
• The central aim of the agreement is to keep global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
• The 1.5 degrees Celsius target was introduced to address concerns raised by vulnerable nations, particularly small island states.
• To achieve the 2 degrees Celsius target, countries are required to make nationally determined contributions (NDCs) that outline their planned efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of global cooperation and collective action to tackle climate change

What is Earth System Models (ESM’s)?

• ESM’s are complex computational models used by climate scientists to simulate the Earth’s climate system.
• These models are designed to represent the interactions and feedbacks between various components of the Earth system, including the atmosphere, oceans, land surface, ice, and biogeochemical processes.
• These models use numerical methods to solve these equations over a grid covering the entire globe, allowing scientists to simulate climate processes and changes over both short and long-time scales.

Key concerns regarding 2 Degrees target

• The 2 degrees Celsius target was not established based on robust scientific evidence or a comprehensive understanding of the potential impacts of such warming.
• Despite the international efforts and commitments made under the Paris Agreement, global carbon emissions have not shown signs of significant reduction.
• The 2 degrees Celsius target may not adequately address the regional variations in climate impacts.
• ESM’s used for climate projections struggle to accurately simulate regional-scale climate variations, especially in places like the Indian subcontinent.
• There are doubts about the ability to distinguish between the consequences of 1.5- and 2-degrees Celsius warming and to design region-specific climate adaptation policies.

Uncertainties for India

• Uncertainties in ESM’s make it difficult to accurately predict regional climate impacts at the scale of the Indian subcontinent.
• Climate change affects water availability, precipitation patterns, and glacial melt in the Himalayas. Unpredictability of these factors can have significant implications for India’s overall water security.
• Uncertainties in climate projections impact India’s agricultural sector, making it challenging to predict crop yields and plan for food security.
• Coastal areas in India, including major cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, are vulnerable to the impacts of rising sea levels, leading to increased risks of flooding and coastal erosion.
• Climate change can exacerbate health issues, including heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and air pollution. Uncertainties in how climate change affects disease patterns make it challenging to plan and implement effective public health responses.

Way forward

• Set ambitious and science-based climate targets that align with the latest climate research and international commitments.
• Revisit the 2 degrees Celsius warming target and consider more stringent goals to limit global warming.
• Invest in climate science and research to enhance the accuracy of regional climate projections and improve understanding of climate impacts on India.
• Strategies should focus on sectors like agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and health to build resilience against the impacts of climate change.
• Accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydropower.
• Develop and implement measures to protect coastal areas from sea-level rise and extreme weather events.
• Strengthen public health systems to address health challenges related to climate change. This includes heatwave preparedness, disease surveillance, and measures to reduce air pollution.
• Foster climate education and empower citizens to participate in climate mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Conclusion

• The 2 degrees Celsius target, while widely accepted and seen as a significant milestone in addressing climate change, is not without its flaws and uncertainties. Going forward, it is essential for the global community to reassess and update climate targets based on the best available scientific evidence and consider the specific needs of different regions to effectively combat the climate crisis.

Also read:

Climate Change: Mission Adaptation A Comprehensive Measure

 

What’s the news?

• The average daily global temperature on Thursday was recorded at 17.12 degrees Celsius, encompassing measurements over land, ocean, ice sheets, and mountainous snow regions.

Central idea

• In a concerning announcement, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared June as the hottest month ever recorded on Earth since temperature tracking began 174 years ago. The heatwave has persisted into July, with 18 out of the first 20 days witnessing unprecedented average daily global temperatures.

What is Heat-wave?

• A heatwave is a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather.
• Heatwaves usually last for several days or weeks and can occur in both dry and humid
• Characterized by temperatures that are significantly higher than the average for a particular region during that time of year.

What are heat domes?

• A heat dome occurs when an area of high-pressure stays over a region for days and weeks. It traps warm air, just like a lid on a pot, for an extended period.
• The longer that air remains trapped, the more the sun works to heat the air, producing warmer conditions with every passing day.
• Heat domes, if they last for a long period, may cause deadly heat waves.

What are Anticyclones?

• An anticyclone, also known as a high-pressure system, is essentially an area of high pressure in which the air goes downwards towards the Earth’s surface.
• As the air sinks, its molecules get compressed, which increases the pressure, making it warmer. This causes dry and hot weather.
• The winds remain calm and gentle during an anticyclone, and there is almost no formation of clouds because here the air sinks rather than rises.

Factors behind this scorching trend?

• Climate change: The primary driver behind the escalating heatwaves and rising global temperatures is human-induced climate change.
• The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes, and other human activities release greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat and lead to the greenhouse effect, resulting in the warming of the Earth’s surface.
• El Nino events, characterized by abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, can elevate temperatures worldwide and exacerbate heatwaves.
• Heat domes and anticyclones are weather phenomena that can intensify and extend heatwaves.
• Warmer oceans release more heat into the atmosphere, fueling extreme weather events like heatwaves.
• Urban areas with concrete and asphalt surfaces can create heat islands that retain and amplify heat, leading to higher temperatures within cities compared to surrounding rural areas.
• Climate change can trigger feedback loops that amplify its effects. For example, melting ice in the Arctic reduces the Earth’s reflective surface, leading to increased absorption of sunlight and further warming.

*NOTE: Although heat domes and anticyclones don’t occur due to climate change, they have become more intense and longer as a result of soaring global temperatures.

Impact of Heatwaves

1.Human Health Impacts:

• Heat-related Illnesses: Heatwaves can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. The elderly, young children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are more vulnerable.
• Dehydration: High temperatures and excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, especially if individuals do not consume enough fluids.

2.Impact on Agriculture:

• Crop Failure: Prolonged heatwaves can cause damage to crops and reduce agricultural yields due to drought conditions and water shortages.
• Livestock Stress: High temperatures can lead to heat stress in livestock, affecting their productivity and overall health.

3.Environmental Impact:

• Drought: Heatwaves can contribute to drought conditions by increasing evaporation and reducing water availability, leading to water scarcity and affecting ecosystems.
• Wildfires: Hot and dry conditions during heatwaves can increase the risk of wildfires, leading to extensive damage to forests and wildlife habitats.
• Water Quality: Heatwaves can lead to higher water temperatures, which may negatively impact aquatic ecosystems and decrease water quality.

4.Energy Demand and Infrastructure Stress:

• Increased Energy Consumption: Heatwaves result in higher energy demand due to the use of air conditioning and cooling systems, putting strain on the power grid.
• Power Outages: The increased demand for electricity during heatwaves can lead to power outages if the electrical infrastructure becomes overloaded.

5.Social and Economic Impact:

• Disruption of Daily Activities: Heatwaves can disrupt daily life, making it uncomfortable to work, travel, or engage in outdoor activities.
• Economic Losses: Heatwaves can result in productivity losses, increased healthcare costs, and damage to infrastructure, leading to economic impacts on communities and businesses.

Worse affected countries

• United States: North America, particularly the United States, has experienced prolonged heatwaves covering a large swath of the country. States like California, Florida, New Mexico, and Arizona have been experiencing extreme temperatures. Temperature remained around 43.3 degree Celsius.
• Europe: Countries in Europe, such as Italy and Greece, have been gripped by two consecutive heatwaves. Italy’s island of Sardinia saw temperatures reaching 47.7 degrees Celsius, and Greece experienced temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, leading to wildfires and affecting historical sites.
• Spain: Spain witnessed a temperature of 45.4 degrees Celsius in the town of Figueres, the highest temperature recorded in the country since 1928. It led to dry spells and wildfires.
• Asia: China, Iraq and Saudi Arabia remain some of the worst affected countries. A remote township in China saw temperatures touching 52 degree Celsius
• Algeria: North Africa’s Algeria has reported record-breaking temperatures, with some experts suggesting temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius in certain areas.
• Tunisia: Tunisia has also been impacted by severe heatwaves, with temperatures reaching up to 49 degrees Celsius in some regions.

Mains Marks enhancer: Best Practices in India

• Andhra Pradesh:
  • Setting up Heat Action Plans: Cities like Vijayawada have implemented Heat Action Plans that include public awareness campaigns, heat helplines, and designated cooling centers to provide relief to vulnerable populations.
• Telangana:
  • Early Warning Systems: The Telangana State Development Planning Society issues heatwave alerts and early warnings to district authorities and the public, allowing them to take precautionary measures.
• Rajasthan:
  • Urban Heat Island Mitigation: Cities like Jaipur have implemented measures to reduce the urban heat island effect by promoting green spaces, reflective surfaces, and better urban planning.
• Gujarat:
  • Cool Roofs: The Gujarat government has encouraged the use of cool roofs in buildings to reflect sunlight and reduce indoor temperatures during heatwaves.
• Tamil Nadu:
  • Heatwave Awareness Programs: The Tamil Nadu government conducts awareness programs through schools, colleges, and community organizations to educate people about heatwave safety and preparedness.

Way forward: Urgent actions needed

• The international community must strengthen and implement the commitments made under climate agreements, such as the Paris Agreement.
• Countries should set more ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Provide support to developing nations to enhance climate resilience and adaptation.
• Prioritize the transition to renewable energy sources and invest in clean technologies.
• Develop robust adaptation strategies such as involves establishing heat emergency response plans, cooling centers, and public awareness campaigns.
• Cities should adopt green urban planning practices, incorporating green spaces, green roofs, and sustainable building designs to mitigate the urban heat island effect and promote natural cooling.
• Promote sustainable land management practices, including reforestation and afforestation
• Enhance early warning systems to detect and respond to extreme heat events promptly.

Conclusion

• The alarming surge in global temperatures, culminating in devastating heatwaves across continents, is a potent reminder of the urgency to combat climate change. As nations grapple with the immediate impacts of heatwaves, it is imperative to take collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate the effects of climate change, and safeguard the planet for future generations. The time to act is now; the consequences of inaction are too dire to ignore.

Also read:

Heatwaves in India: Increasing Frequency Needs Range of Measures to Mitigate