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

  • Hottest September ever and climate change

    What’s the news?

    • September 2023 stands out as it recorded a remarkable 1.75-degree Celsius increase compared to the pre-industrial baseline of 1850–1900, making it a month with an unprecedented temperature deviation.

    Central idea

    • In the relentless march of climate change, 2023 has emerged as a year of unprecedented heatwaves. Each passing month seems to shatter temperature records, leaving us with grim prospects for the remainder of the year. As September, the hottest on record, draws to a close, we must confront the sobering reality that 2023 may become the warmest year ever recorded.

    2023: On Track to Be the Warmest Year

    • 2023 is poised to claim the dubious distinction of being the warmest year on record. The average temperature for the first nine months of the year already surpasses the corresponding period of 2016, the previous record holder.
    • In 2016, the average temperature was 1.28 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial times, and 2023 may breach the 1.5-degree Celsius mark for the first time.

    Rising Temperatures Predicted

    • The remarkable string of record-breaking temperature events in 2023 was not entirely unexpected. Scientists had foreseen this year’s warmth, primarily due to the development of El Niño in the Pacific Ocean.
    • While specific events couldn’t be predicted, the overall trend was ominous. Forecasts indicate that the last three months of the year will continue to be warmer than usual.

    Record-Breaking Months

    • The record-breaking temperatures in September follow a pattern of extraordinary warmth throughout the year. July, in particular, stood out as the warmest month ever recorded, setting a new global monthly temperature high.
    • Multiple days in July broke daily temperature records. Preceding this, June claimed the title of the warmest June ever, and February, March, April, and May all ranked among the top five hottest for their respective months.

    Lack of immediate solutions

    • Despite the alarming rise in temperatures and the string of record-breaking events in 2023, there has been a noticeable lack of immediate policy responses from countries to combat climate change.
    • Addressing climate change in the short term is challenging, and there are limitations to what can be done to lower temperatures or prevent future warming events on an immediate timescale.
    • Only a global disruption on the scale of the COVID-19 pandemic could bring about significant deviations from the current trend of increasing temperatures.

    Way forward: Urgent action is needed

    • There is an urgent need for decisive action in response to the unprecedented heatwaves and their associated impacts.
    • The world is rapidly approaching critical climate thresholds, including the 1.5-degree Celsius target set by the Paris Agreement.
    • The lack of immediate solutions and policy responses to mitigate climate change is a pressing concern.
    • Nations need to acknowledge the stark reality of climate change’s relentless advance and take immediate, robust, and meaningful measures to address the crisis.
    • Decisive action is required now to prevent irreversible consequences associated with global warming.

    Conclusion

    • As nations prepare for the annual climate change meeting in Dubai, it is imperative that they acknowledge the stark reality of climate change’s relentless advance. The stock-take exercise must reveal the gaps in global climate action and serve as a wake-up call for more robust and immediate measures.

  • Climate Change Trends: Trends, Shifts, or Decadal Cycles

    Central Idea

    • Studies have highlighted various climate phenomena in India, including declining monsoon rainfall, intensifying extreme weather events, droughts, heatwaves, and cyclones.
    • However, a critical question that demands attention is whether these changes represent long-term trends, abrupt shifts, or decadal cycles.
    • These distinctions hold significant implications for resource planning and management.

    Understanding Climate Change Terminology

    • Trend: Refers to a continuous, prolonged change in climate variables, such as a steady temperature increase over time. The term “anthropogenic trend” implies changes occurring within human lifetimes.
    • Secular Trend: Indicates a variable’s continuous increase for a specific period within a more extended timeframe, like 30 years within a century.
    • Decadal Variability: Involves oscillations between positive and negative phases over tens of years, potentially resembling a shift.
    • Shift: Represents a rapid transition from one state to another, like a sudden change in rainfall patterns. An example is the shift in seasonal monsoon rainfall from above the long-period average (LPA) to below it.

    Case Study: Cyclones Trend in Arabian Sea

    • A recent study in the journal Climate and Atmospheric Science identified a notable change in cyclone formation potential over the Arabian Sea in the late 1990s.
    • Cyclone-genesis potential depends on factors like sea surface temperature, ocean heat content, wind changes from the surface to upper atmosphere, and wind rotation. These factors have favored increased cyclone formation potential since the 1990s.
    • However, the crucial question is why this rapid increase occurred during this period. The study suggests that it coincided with a shift in the ‘Warm Arctic, Cold Eurasian’ (WACE) pattern rather than being a trend.

    Warm Arctic, Cold Eurasian Pattern

    • The WACE pattern involves warm surface temperatures over the Arctic and cold surface temperatures over Eurasia. It influences upper-level circulation changes that extend into the Indian Ocean sector.
    • Global warming experienced a slowdown during this period, and scientists have proposed the occurrence of a ‘regime shift,’ similar to one observed in the mid-1970s.

    Challenge for India

    • Regardless of whether these climate changes are shifts or decadal cycles, it is essential to understand their potential long-term effects on the monsoon, cyclone frequency, heatwaves, and extreme rainfall.
    • Accurate predictions are vital for planning and allocating resources to adapt to climate risks, such as sea-level rise, heavy rainfall, drought, heatwaves, and cyclones.
    • Climate scientists must focus on understanding natural variability in the local context, especially since this variability is influenced by global warming.
    • For example, the study indicates that the monsoon decadal cycle, previously lasting around 20 years, may now extend further, raising questions about the underlying causes.

    Conclusion

    • Distinguishing between climate trends, shifts, and decadal cycles is essential for India’s adaptation strategies.
    • These distinctions affect how the country prepares for and responds to evolving climate patterns, and climate scientists must strive to unravel the complexities of natural variability to make informed predictions and policy recommendations.

  • India’s National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS)

    NFCS

    What’s the news?

    • India is embarking on a significant endeavor to launch its maiden national-level framework for providing climate services and information.

    Central idea

    • Spearheaded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) aims to create a seamless platform for users of climate information and services. It will play a crucial role in mitigating climate risks across key sectors such as agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water.

    What is the NFCS?

    • The NFCS is India’s response to the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), a global partnership established to enhance the production and utilization of climate information and services.
    • The GFCS fosters collaboration between researchers and users to make informed decisions for long-term climate resilience.
    • The NFCS will be tailored to India’s specific weather patterns and stakeholder requirements, with the IMD serving as the nodal agency.

    Why is it significant?

    • Bridging Functional Gaps: The NFCS will address gaps in the coordination between various agencies that rely on climate services, including hydrology, power, renewable energy, transportation, dams, irrigation, and health. It will ensure better integration and data sharing among these sectors.
    • Expanding Sectoral Focus: While initially targeting key sectors like agriculture, energy, health, water, and disaster risk reduction, India can incorporate other relevant sectors like transportation and tourism as needed.
    • Enhancing Data Collection: The NFCS will strengthen India’s observational network on land and sea, improving data inflow. This data will be used to run weather and climate models for more accurate climate predictions.
    • Tailored Climate Information: Climate data and information products will be customized to meet the needs of users. This will help in identifying trends in agriculture, health, population distribution, infrastructure planning, energy generation, and more.
    • Climate Resilience: NFCS will support efforts to prepare for and adapt to new climate conditions, helping mitigate impacts on various sectors, including water supplies, health risks, extreme events, farm productivity, and infrastructure development.

    All you need to know about the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS)

    • The National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) is based on the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).
    • Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS): The GFCS is an international initiative that brings together governments and organizations at a global level. Its primary objective is to enhance the production and utilization of climate information and services. The GFCS was officially established following the announcement made during the third World Climate Conference held in Geneva in 2009.
    • Partnerships and Collaboration: GFCS emphasizes partnerships and collaboration among various stakeholders, including governments, meteorological and hydrological services (NMHS) at the national level, researchers, policymakers, planners, investors, and vulnerable communities or sectors.
    • User-Friendly Format: GFCS recognizes the importance of presenting climate information and services in a user-friendly format.
    • Data Generation: GFCS aims to generate high-quality climate data from both national and international sources. This data includes information on critical weather parameters such as temperature, rainfall, wind, soil moisture, ocean conditions, and more.

    Major components:

    • Observations and Monitoring: This component focuses on collecting and monitoring climate-related data from various sources.
    • Research: Research activities contribute to the development of climate models and prediction tools.
    • Modeling and Prediction: Climate models and prediction systems are crucial for generating forecasts and long-term projections.
    • Climate Services Information System: This system facilitates the collection and management of climate data and information.
    • User Interface Platform: User-friendly platforms and tools are designed to make climate information accessible to a broad audience.

    How India plans to implement NFCS?

    • Global Examples: India acknowledges the successful implementation of NFCS in countries like Switzerland, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Learning from their experiences, India can adapt and refine its own NFCS.
    • Advanced Stages: Several countries in Africa, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Madagascar, Moldova, Niger, Senegal, Chad, Togo, Tanzania, Vanuatu, and South Africa, have made significant progress in NFCS implementation. India can draw lessons from these nations’ experiences.
    • Workshops and Consultations: India has taken an active role in organizing workshops related to NFCS, such as the one held in Pune. It is also planning national consultation workshops in collaboration with countries like Cuba, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Congo-Brazzaville, and Ethiopia. These forums facilitate knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices.
    • Historical Perspective: While the idea of NFCS in India dates back to 2008, its actual implementation faced delays. Given the increasing frequency of climate-related events, India now understands the urgency of accelerating NFCS implementation.
    • Mission-Mode Approach: To expedite NFCS, India is adopting a mission-mode approach. This approach involves a focused, time-bound, and high-priority effort, often driven by the highest decision-making offices in the country.
    • Statement Release: India is preparing to release an official statement on NFCS. This statement will outline the objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes of NFCS in India.

    Conclusion

    • As climate variability and extreme events become increasingly common, India’s NFCS comes at a critical juncture. By involving key stakeholders and leveraging global partnerships, India can harness climate information to make informed decisions for a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

  • Climate debate and India’s green energy journey

    What’s the news?

    • In the face of mounting global concerns about climate change, India is firmly committed to reducing emissions and championing green energy initiatives

    Central idea

    • In recent years, environmentalists have expressed growing concern about the deteriorating state of our planet. Their apprehensions are substantiated by a century-long analysis of temperature data, revealing a significant 1.10°C increase in Earth’s temperature from 1880 to 2022. This upward trend in temperatures has dire implications, with experts predicting severe social, economic, and environmental consequences.

    Climate change challenges

    • Temperature Rise: Earth’s temperature increased by approximately 1.10 degrees Celsius from 1880 to 2022. This temperature rise is expected to result in major social, economic, and environmental problems.
    • Extreme Weather Events: More frequent climate-related disasters, including droughts, forest fires, ice melting, rising sea levels, flooding, and cyclones, are occurring globally. These events significantly impact people’s lives and livelihoods.
    • Climate Refugees: Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and other climate-induced events are leading to the migration of communities.
    • Agricultural Disruption: Climate change disrupts agricultural production, potentially leading to food shortages, rising commodity prices, and increased poverty.
    • Resource Conflicts: Climate change can exacerbate conflicts over limited resources such as water and arable land as competition intensifies in resource-scarce areas.
    • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and gas, contributes significantly to climate problems. These activities generate greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, and methane), which trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global warming.
    • Global Warming: Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere absorb heat, preventing it from being adequately reflected into space. This phenomenon intensifies global warming.

    The role of green energy

    • Green Energy Definition: Green power is electricity produced from sources such as wind, sun, biomass, geothermal, biogas, and low-impact small hydropower projects.
    • Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Green energy is a major solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as it doesn’t produce significant carbon dioxide or other pollutants during electricity generation.
    • Diverse Green Energy Sources:
    • Wind Energy: Generated using turbines harnessing wind power.
    • Solar Energy: Produced from sunlight using solar panels.
    • Biomass: Utilizes organic material like wood and agricultural residue for energy.
    • Geothermal: Extracts heat from the Earth’s core for power generation.
    • Biogas: Captures methane from decomposing organic matter.
    • Low-Impact Small Hydropower: Uses natural water flow for electricity generation with minimal environmental impact.
    • Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependence: Transitioning to green energy reduces reliance on conventional fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, thereby curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Sustainable and Renewable: Green energy sources are sustainable, relying on replenishable natural processes for long-term energy production while minimizing environmental harm.

    Environmentally Friendly Practices

    • Promotion of Public Transport: Encouraging the use of public transportation to reduce carbon emissions from individual vehicles.
    • Electric Vehicles (EVs): Advocating for the adoption of electric vehicles as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional combustion engine vehicles.
    • Non-Motorized Transport: Promoting non-motorized transport options, such as walking and cycling, to reduce the reliance on motorized vehicles.
    • Energy-Efficient Gadgets: Encouraging the use of energy-efficient electronic devices and appliances to reduce energy consumption.
    • Sustainable Diet: Highlighting concerns about the consumption of non-vegetarian food, especially red meat, due to its resource-intensive nature.
    • Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle: Advocating for practices that reduce waste generation, including reusing and recycling products and resources like water and waste materials.

    International Commitments

    • UN Call for Net-Zero Emissions: The United Nations (UN) has called upon world leaders to achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050.
    • Climate Finance Support: Industrialized countries have been asked to provide $100 billion annually as climate finance to support developing countries in their climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

    India’s Role in Emission Reduction

    • Commitment to Renewable Energy: India has made substantial commitments to expanding its renewable energy capacity. The country aims to achieve 50% of its power generation from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2070.
    • Solar Energy Expansion: India has been actively promoting solar energy through initiatives like the National Solar Mission. By the end of 2022, India had installed 63.30 gigawatts of solar power capacity. States like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka have made significant progress in this regard.
    • Bio-Energy Programs: The National Bio-energy Programme focuses on generating energy from biomass, such as agricultural residue, wood, and solid waste. Over 800 biomass plants have been installed in various states, contributing to 10.73 gigawatts of installed capacity.
    • Green Hydrogen Mission: India launched the National Green Hydrogen Mission in 2023, with the goal of producing about 5 million metric tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030. This initiative is a step towards clean energy generation.
    • Wind and Hydro Energy: India also emphasizes wind energy, wind-solar hybrid projects, and small hydro projects, which together contribute significantly to its renewable energy capacity.
    • Government Support: The Indian government allocates significant funds to support renewable energy projects. The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) allocated substantial funding in 2023-24, prioritizing solar and wind energy initiatives.

    Hold On! Don’t Scroll Past This

    Local success stories

    • Solar Rooftop Infrastructure in Coimbatore and Salem:
      • Solar rooftop infrastructure was installed in Coimbatore and Salem to meet the local electricity demand.
      • This initiative improved access to affordable and reliable electricity supplies for citizens and benefited supply agencies through energy savings.
    • Floating Solar Plants in Chandigarh:
      • Floating solar plants were established at waterworks in Chandigarh, contributing to meeting local energy demand and reducing power bills.
    • Bio-CNG Plant in Indore:
      • Indore set up a bio-CNG plant that treats segregated wet waste.
      • The biogas produced is utilized to power city transport buses, contributing to sustainable transportation and waste management.
    • Household and Institutional Green Energy Generation:
      • Various households and institutions across different parts of India have adopted green energy generation, primarily through solar power, at a local level.

    Challenges

    • Continued Reliance on Fossil Fuels: India still heavily depends on fossil fuels, with about 60 percent of installed capacity coming from conventional sources.
    • Energy Import Dependency: A significant portion of oil (about 85 percent) and gas (about 45 percent) is imported annually, posing challenges related to energy security.
    • Rising Energy Demand: Meeting the growing energy demands driven by urbanization, infrastructure expansion, and industrial production is a pressing challenge.

    Way Forward

    • Reducing Dependency on Non-Renewables: India must decrease its reliance on non-renewable resources, particularly fossil fuels, to mitigate emissions and environmental impact.
    • Self-Reliance in Green Energy: Achieving self-reliance in green energy production is vital to meeting future energy needs sustainably.
    • Effective Implementation of Green Initiatives: Ensuring the successful implementation of green energy initiatives and the maintenance of green assets created is crucial.
    • Affordable and Efficient Alternatives: Providing cost-effective and efficient alternatives, such as renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient technologies, can facilitate the adoption of green practices.
    • Shift in Habits and Attitudes: Encouraging changes in consumption patterns and fostering a more environmentally responsible mindset among the public is imperative for a successful transition to green energy and sustainability.

    Conclusion

    • Climate change is a global crisis that demands immediate action. India’s commitment to green energy initiatives is a significant step toward mitigating the effects of climate change. However, a concerted effort is required from governments, industries, and individuals to transition to sustainable practices and secure a greener future for all.

  • National Carbon Accounting: A Polysolution to a Polycrisis

    What’s the news?

    • In a bid to address the complex and interrelated challenges of climate change, the concept of National Carbon Accounting (NCA) is gaining prominence.

    Central idea

    • The term ‘climate polycrisis,’ popularized by Adam Tooze, highlights the intricate web of climate change-related crises that impact diverse sectors and domains worldwide. In India, the interplay of climate change is evident. Recognizing this complexity, it is imperative to develop a holistic approach.

    Polycrisis

    • The term polycrisis refers to the multitude of crises arising from climate change, encompassing not only physical impacts like rising temperatures and extreme weather events but also the societal, economic, and political challenges that result from these impacts.

    The Call for a Deep Transformation

    • Addressing the climate crisis demands more than sectoral responses; it necessitates a profound transformation, laying the foundation for a planet-sensitive economy.
    • This transformation calls for the establishment of ‘carbon infrastructure’ akin to digital infrastructure, considering carbon flows in policymaking at all levels.

    Measurement as the First Step

    • The initial step towards this transformation is measurement.
    • To account for carbon, we must measure carbon emissions at individual and national levels.
    • Once we have robust measurement systems in place, we can create accounting mechanisms to track our carbon footprints.

    What is National Carbon Accounting (NCA)?

    • The NCA is a critical system for tracking and managing carbon emissions at the national level.
    • It involves measuring and accounting for the release of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, as well as efforts to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
    • The primary objective of NCA is to gain a comprehensive understanding of a country’s carbon footprint and its role in contributing to global climate change.

    Benefits of National Carbon Accounting

    • Progress Tracking: NCA allows for the monitoring of progress toward emission reduction targets over time. It helps assess the effectiveness of climate policies and initiatives, allowing for necessary adjustments.
    • Identification of High-Emission Sectors: NCA identifies sectors that contribute significantly to carbon emissions. This information is vital for targeting interventions and allocating resources to the most substantial emission sources.
    • Environmental Impact Assessment: NCA allows for the assessment of the environmental impact of carbon emissions. It helps evaluate the ecological consequences of emissions and informs conservation efforts.
    • Carbon Offsetting: NCA supports carbon offset programs by quantifying carbon removal activities. These programs enable organizations and individuals to compensate for their emissions by investing in projects that remove or reduce an equivalent amount of carbon from the atmosphere.
    • New Economic Opportunities: NCA can encourage the development of new economic sectors and technologies focused on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing carbon removal. This can lead to job creation and economic growth in green industries.
    • Global Climate Commitments: NCA helps countries fulfill their international climate commitments, such as those under the Paris Agreement. It ensures that nations have the data necessary to demonstrate their progress in reducing emissions.

    Carbon accounting vs. Money accounting

    Aspect Carbon Accounting Money Accounting
    Focus Measurement and tracking of carbon emissions Monitoring and management of financial transactions
    Purpose Quantify carbon footprints, identify emission sources, and reduce emissions to combat climate change. Monitor financial flows, allocate resources, and ensure financial stability in an economy.
    Granularity Detailed, from individual to sector and national levels Broad, covering various financial activities from individual to corporate and economic levels.
    Measurement Precise measurement and reporting of carbon emissions, standardized methodologies Accurate financial record-keeping ensures the proper accounting of monetary resources and financial activities.
    Policy Implications Informs the development of climate policies and strategies and guides climate change mitigation efforts. Supports economic policies and monetary management and influences factors like interest rates, inflation, and overall economic stability.
    Taxation May lead to carbon taxes, taxing entities based on carbon emissions Typically targets income, consumption, or other financial transactions, not directly tied to carbon emissions.

    A Polysolution to a Polycrisis

    • A Polysolution Defined: The term polysolution emphasizes the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of NCA as a tool to combat climate polycrisis. Instead of relying on single, isolated solutions, NCA encompasses various dimensions and aspects of the climate challenge.
    • Meeting Climate Commitments: The NCA can assist India in meeting its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. This underscores the potential of the NCA to support countries in fulfilling their international climate pledges.
    • Reimagining the Economy and Society: NCA, if adopted globally, could lead to the reorganization of economies and societies. By making carbon footprints transparent, NCA encourages a new form of public discourse. This shift can promote sustainable practices and guide the alignment of development with ecological sustainability goals.
    • Alternative to GDP Growth: While traditional measures like GDP growth are well understood, the article suggests that NCA introduces an alternative metric—carbon footprint—as a key indicator of progress. This aligns with the broader goal of measuring development not only in economic terms but also in terms of environmental and ecological impacts.
    • Promoting Public Discourse: The transparency of carbon footprints can lead to more informed public discourse. It allows citizens and policymakers to consider the environmental impact of various activities, fostering discussions on sustainability and climate action.

    Conclusion

    • Addressing the climate polycrisis demands innovative solutions that account for the interconnectedness of climate change impacts. National Carbon Accounting emerges as a pivotal tool to measure, track, and manage carbon emissions, fostering a sustainable and resilient future.

     

  • Duarte Agostinho Case: A Youth-led Climate Lawsuit

    Duarte Agostinho Case

    Central Idea

    • On September 27, a historic legal battle in the climate action movement commenced at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.
    • This courtroom showdown featured 32 European governments, including the UK, Russia, and Turkey, facing off against six young individuals from Portugal, aged 11 to 24.

    Why discuss this?

    • Youth-led climate lawsuits are reshaping climate litigation.
    • These lawsuits assert that uncontrolled carbon emissions infringe on fundamental rights, threaten the well-being of young generations.
    • This highlight the centrality of climate science in combating misinformation and denialism.

    Understanding the Duarte Agostinho Case

    [A] Origins of the Lawsuit:

    • The Duarte Agostinho and Others v. Portugal and Others case was initiated in September 2020.
    • It was in response to the devastating wildfires in Portugal’s Leiria region in 2017, resulting in 66 casualties and the loss of 20,000 hectares of forests.
    • This legal action highlights the urgency of adhering to the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to below 1.5°C.

    [B] Concerns raised

    • The Portuguese youths assert that European nations have failed to meet climate emissions goals, exceeding global carbon budgets compatible with the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
    • Scientific evidence will be presented, demonstrating that if current emission trends persist, global temperatures will rise by 3°C during the plaintiffs’ lifetimes.
    • Such actions are alleged to breach fundamental rights protected under the European Convention on Human Rights, including the right to life, freedom from inhuman or degrading treatment, privacy, family life, and freedom from discrimination.

    Lawsuit’s Demands

    • Rapid Emission Reduction: As these 32 countries contributed to climate catastrophes and threatened young people’s futures, the lawsuit contends that these nations must urgently intensify emissions reductions. The recommended measures include curbing fossil fuel production and addressing global supply chain sustainability.
    • Emissions Reduction Targets: The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) suggested that countries should aim for emissions reductions of 75% below 1990 levels, a more ambitious target than the EU’s current 55%. The lawsuit argues that European countries have overstated their carbon budgets, emphasizing the need for greater reductions.

    Climate Crisis Impact on Human Rights

    • UNICEF characterizes the climate crisis as a “child rights crisis” due to unhindered carbon emissions and extreme weather jeopardizing access to education, health, nutrition, and the future.
    • Research links air pollution to adverse birth outcomes and increased risks of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
    • Heatwaves exacerbate mental health issues, ultimately affecting academic performance and school attendance.

    Government Responses and Challenges

    • Cause and Effect Denial: Many countries have dismissed any direct relationship between climate change and its impact on human health. Greece, for instance, argued that climate change effects do not directly affect human life or health, despite experiencing massive wildfires.
    • Portrayal as Future Fears: Governments like Portugal and Ireland have downplayed climate change concerns as “future fears,” asserting that there is no immediate risk to lives.
    • Policy Reversals: Some nations, like the U.K., have showcased proactive climate policies, such as a 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. However, these policies have been reversed, raising concerns about policy consistency and legality.

    Conclusion

    • The Duarte Agostinho case represents a pivotal moment in the climate action movement, with young activists challenging their governments to protect their future against the looming climate crisis.
    • This legal battle underscores the critical intersection of climate change and human rights, shaping a path toward increased accountability and transformative climate governance.

  • Climate Change and Infectious Diseases

    What’s the news?

    • The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in March, serves as a stark reminder of the escalating global risk posed by infectious diseases.

    Central idea

    • The intricate relationship between climate and disease becomes more evident with each passing year. Recent analysis in Nature Climate Change (2022) warns that humans now face a wider array of infectious agents than ever before. More than half of all known infectious diseases affecting humans worsen due to shifting climate patterns.

    The Impact of Climate Change on Infections

    • Habitat Loss and Human-Animal Interaction:
    • Climate change contributes to habitat loss, pushing disease-carrying animals into closer proximity to human territories.
    • This increased interaction between humans and wildlife raises the risk of disease transmission from animals to humans.
    • For example, the Nipah virus outbreaks in Kerala originated from bats and caused fatalities in humans.
    • Broader Spectrum of Infectious Agents: An analysis published in Nature Climate Change in 2022 warns that humans now face a wider range of infectious agents due to climate change. Over half of all known infectious diseases that threaten humans are exacerbated by changing climate patterns.
    • New Transmission Routes: Diseases often find new transmission routes due to climate change. This includes transmission through environmental sources as well as through medical tourism and contaminated food and water from once-reliable sources.
    • Ecosystem Transformation: Climate change is transforming ecosystems by introducing invasive species and extending the range of existing life forms. These changes trigger complex upheavals in ecosystems, making it challenging for ecologists and epidemiologists to predict disease outbreaks.
    • Manifestation of Climatic Shifts: These climatic shifts are manifesting in severe health crises, including a dengue epidemic in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Kolkata, as well as the Nipah outbreak in Kerala.
    • Human-Induced Health Vulnerability Crisis:
    • Human-induced climate change is described as unleashing an unprecedented health vulnerability crisis.
    • India, in particular, has experienced the ominous impact, with early summers and erratic monsoons leading to water scarcity in regions like the Gangetic Plains and Kerala.

    Current Surveillance, Reporting, and Challenges

    • Improved Reporting Over the Decades:
    • India has made significant progress in reporting disease outbreaks over the past two decades.
    • Initiatives like the Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) were introduced to enhance disease surveillance.
    • For example, in 2008, IDSP reported 553 outbreaks, and by 2017, this number had increased to 1,714.
    • Transition to the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP):
    • The IDSP was phased out in favor of a newer system called the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) in 2018.
    • IHIP is a web-enabled, near-real-time electronic information system that added 20 additional disease conditions compared to IDSP’s 13.
    • It aimed to provide disaggregated data to its users.
    • Unfulfilled Expectations: Despite the promise of IHIP, the program has not fully met expectations for real-time tracking of emerging disease outbreaks.
    • Inadequate Surveillance for Emerging Diseases: The current design of disease surveillance is deemed inadequate for the emerging disease scenario brought about by climate change.

    The Need for a Unified Approach: One Health

    • Interconnectedness of Health: One Health recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, plant, and environmental health. It emphasizes that these domains are interdependent and that the health of one is intimately linked to the health of the others.
    • Preventing Disease Outbreaks: The One Health approach is pivotal in preventing disease outbreaks, particularly those originating from animals. It acknowledges that diseases like zoonotic infections (those that can be transmitted from animals to humans), neglected tropical diseases, vector-borne diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and environmental contamination are all interconnected.
    • Holistic Approach: One Health takes a holistic approach to health surveillance and prevention. It goes beyond traditional disease control strategies and recognizes the need to address health challenges at their source, including the role of ecosystems.

    Recommendations for India

    • Implement one health program: Foster synergy between the central and state governments and their specialized agencies, including animal husbandry, forest and wildlife, municipal corporations, and public health departments. Develop robust surveillance systems and establish lines of responsibility and collaboration.
    • Coordination and Management: With the influx of funding from sources like the World Bank, enhance the coordination and management of One Health initiatives. The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Prime Minister has played a leading role, but greater collaboration is essential.

    Way forward: Looking Beyond Disease X

    • The Obsession with “Disease X”: While the global focus remains on the mysterious “Disease X,” the ongoing challenges posed by familiar infectious agents like influenza, measles, Japanese encephalitis, dengue, and diarrhoea continue to strain public health systems.
    • Climate Change’s Broader Impact: Climate change is not limited to infectious diseases. It exacerbates injuries and fatalities resulting from extreme weather events, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.
    • Nipah’s Wake-Up Call: The re-emergence of the Nipah virus in Kerala serves as a stark wake-up call, emphasizing that a mere biomedical response to diseases is inadequate in the face of evolving threats.
    • The Role of Ecosystems: Protecting ecosystems becomes paramount as they play a crucial role in mitigating climate-induced infectious diseases and maintaining overall ecological balance.
    • Fostering Collaboration: Collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, health departments, environmental bodies, and the public, is essential to effectively address these complex challenges.
    • Proactive Safeguarding: The road ahead demands concerted efforts not only to adapt to climate change but also to proactively safeguard our planet and the well-being of its inhabitants for a resilient and healthier future.

    Conclusion

    • The urgent need for a One Health approach to combat climate-induced infectious diseases is clear. India must prioritize collaboration, surveillance, and ecosystem protection to effectively address this growing threat and secure a healthier future for its population.

  • Humans breach most of the planetary boundaries: What does it mean — and why it is significant

    planetary

    What’s the news?

    • The Earth, our only home, is facing a severe health crisis due to the unchecked activities of human beings. A recent study reveals that we have breached six out of nine planetary boundaries.

    Central idea

    • Human activities have pushed Earth’s blood pressure dangerously high, imperiling the planet’s well-being. A recent study titled Earth beyond six of nine planetary boundaries, conducted by a global team of 29 scientists from eight countries and published in Science Advances, reveals that we have transgressed six out of nine planetary boundaries, akin to the vital parameters of Earth’s health.

    What are the planetary boundaries?

    • The planetary boundaries are a framework developed in 2009 that defines the limits of humanity’s impact on Earth’s essential processes and systems.
    • These boundaries serve as guardrails to ensure that human activities do not push the planet beyond a point where it can no longer maintain the conditions necessary to support modern civilizations.
    • These boundaries help identify the environmental limits within which human societies can thrive without causing irreversible damage to the Earth’s ecosystems.

    Nine planetary boundaries and their associated control variables

    • Biosphere Integrity: This boundary relates to the health of ecosystems and the rate of species extinction.
    • Climate Change: It involves the concentration of atmospheric CO2 and the change in radiative forcing, which measures the balance of energy from sunlight compared to thermal energy lost by the Earth.
    • Novel Entities: This boundary focuses on human-made substances not naturally found in the environment, such as synthetic chemicals, plastics, and genetically modified organisms.
    • Stratospheric Ozone Depletion: This boundary concerns the release of human-made chemicals that harm the ozone layer in the stratosphere.
    • Freshwater Change: It examines human-induced impacts on both blue (in lakes and rivers) and green (available in soil for plants) water resources.
    • Atmospheric Aerosol Loading: This boundary tracks various particles from human-made emissions that affect cloud formation and atmospheric circulation.
    • Ocean Acidification: It addresses the long-term reduction in ocean pH due to the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2 by seawater.
    • Land System Change: This boundary evaluates changes in land use, especially the conversion of natural landscapes to agriculture or urban areas.
    • Biogeochemical Flow: It focuses on alterations in the natural flows and forms of nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, essential for plant growth.

    Findings of the study regarding the state of planetary boundaries

    • Breached Planetary Boundaries: Out of the nine planetary boundaries identified, six have been breached by human activities. These boundaries include climate change, biosphere integrity, freshwater change, land system change, biogeochemical flows, and novel entities.
    • Remaining Within Constraints: Two planetary boundaries, namely atmospheric aerosol loading and ozone depletion, are reported to remain within acceptable constraints. However, the boundary related to ocean acidification is noted as being close to being breached.
    • Concerns about Nitrogen and Phosphorus: The study emphasizes the issue of an overflow of nitrogen and phosphorus, which falls under the biogeochemical flow boundary. While these elements are essential for life, their excessive use as crop fertilizers is causing problems such as algal blooms and ocean dead zones, where oxygen levels in the water decrease significantly, posing a threat to marine ecosystems.
    • Historical Violations: The biosphere integrity boundary was reportedly violated in the 19th century due to rapid land use changes that significantly impacted various species. Similarly, the freshwater boundary was breached in the 20th century, specifically between 1905 and 1929.
    • Rising Levels of Novel Entities: The study raises concerns about the increasing levels of novel entities in the environment. These include synthetic chemicals like pesticides and plastics that have been released into the environment without adequate safety testing. The presence of these novel entities is seen as destabilizing and harmful to the Earth’s systems.
    • Land System Change: The article highlights that land-use conversion and fires are contributing to rapid changes in forested areas. Notably, deforestation in the Amazon tropical forest has increased to the point of transgressing the planetary boundary.
    • Climate Change: The analysis of climate change indicates that both atmospheric CO2 concentration and radiative forcing are steadily increasing. For instance, the concentration of CO2 currently stands at 417 parts per million (ppm), significantly higher than the pre-Industrial Revolution level of 280 ppm. The safe boundary limit for CO2 concentration is noted as 350 ppm, which was breached in the 1980s.

    Can Earth’s health still recover?

    • Unlike tipping points, which can lead to large and often irreversible changes in the climate system, planetary boundaries are described as being more flexible.
    • This means that breaches of these boundaries do not necessarily result in irreversible damage, and corrective actions can bring the Earth back within a safe operating space.
    • For example, the stratospheric ozone depletion boundary is improving. This improvement is attributed to the combined international efforts initiated by the Montreal Protocol in 1987. The successful coordination to address ozone depletion serves as a positive precedent for addressing other breached boundaries.

    Two Important Actions for Recovery

    • Ending Fossil Fuel Burning: Curtailing or ending the burning of fossil fuels, which is a major contributor to climate change, is seen as essential. This action would help address the breach of the climate change boundary.
    • Ending Destructive Farming: Implementing sustainable farming practices and reducing the negative impacts of land-use changes, including deforestation, can help restore ecosystems and address breaches related to land system change and biosphere integrity.

    Conclusion

    • We are at a critical juncture where concerted global efforts can still heal our planet. We must prioritize sustainability, conservation, and responsible resource management to ensure that future generations inherit a habitable Earth. The time to act is now, for Earth’s blood pressure has risen dangerously high, and the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic.

    Also read:

    Sustainable agriculture, climate change and nutrition: a complex challenge

  • China, US and India absent at Climate Ambition Summit

     

    Central Idea

    • The Climate Ambition Summit (CAS) held in New York during the United Nations General Assembly concluded.
    • China, the United States, and India, together responsible for about 42% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions and ranking as the top three emitters, were missing.

    Climate Ambition Summit (CAS)

    Purpose Strengthen global climate action and increase climate ambition.
    Anniversary of Paris Agreement Typically held on December 12th, coinciding with the Paris Agreement’s anniversary.
    Linked to Paris Agreement Connected to the international treaty aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C or 1.5°C.
    Hosts and Participants Hosted by countries/regions; attended by heads of state, officials, organizations, and stakeholders.
    Commitments and Pledges Platform for announcing climate commitments, NDCs, funding, and policy measures.
    Climate Finance Discussions on financing mitigation and adaptation in developing countries.
    Global Cooperation Emphasizes collective efforts and solidarity in addressing climate change.
    Outcome Results in declarations and announcements reflecting increased ambition.
    Subsequent COPs Contributions influence discussions at future UN Climate Change Conferences.
    Climate Emergency Acknowledges climate emergency and the need for urgent, transformative action.
    Non-State Actors Provides a platform for businesses, cities, and civil society to showcase actions.
    Long-Term Goals May include goals like achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century.

    India’s Involvement

    • India last updated its climate commitments in 2022, aiming to reduce emissions intensity (the volume of emissions per unit of GDP) by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030, a 10% increase from its 2015 commitment.
    • India also pledged to fulfill 50% of its electricity needs with renewable, non-fossil fuel energy sources and create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent by 2030.
    • In 2021, PM Modi pledged that India would achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
    • However, experts suggest these commitments may not be enough to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

  • Places in news: Lampedusa Island

    Lampedusa Island

    Central Idea

    • Italy’s Lampedusa Island witnessed an influx of migrants after around 7,000 people arrived from North Africa in two days.
    • Nearly 1,26,000 migrants have arrived in Italy so far this year.

    About Lampedusa Island

    • Lampedusa is the largest of the Italian Pelagie Islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
    • It is located approximately 205 km southwest of Sicily, 113 km east of Tunisia, and about 176 kmnorth of Libya.
    • It is part of the Sicilian region of Italy and is situated in the southern Mediterranean Sea.
    • It covers an area of approximately 20.2 square km (7.8 square miles).
    • It has a rich history, with influences from various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, and Normans.
    • During World War II, the island was of strategic importance and saw military activity.
    • It has been part of Italy since 1860.

    Migration and Humanitarian Issues

    • Lampedusa has been a focal point for migration from Africa to Europe, with many migrants and refugees attempting to reach the island by boat.
    • This has led to humanitarian challenges and efforts to manage immigration.
    • The island has received international attention for its role in rescue operations and the reception of migrants and asylum seekers.