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Subject: Climate Change

1. Global Warming and Issues
2. All about Pollution

  • With 7 fresh members from Africa, Global Plastic Action Partnership expands to 25 countries: WEF

    Why in the News?

    The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), an initiative of the World Economic Forum, has reached a significant milestone by expanding its network to include 25 countries.  This expansion introduces seven new members: Angola, Bangladesh, Gabon, Guatemala, Kenya, Senegal, and Tanzania, which together represent a population of more than 1.5 billion people.

    What is the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP)?

    • The Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) is an initiative launched by the World Economic Forum aimed at combating plastic pollution worldwide.
    • It focuses on promoting a circular economy for plastics, emphasizing reuse, recycling, and sustainable management to mitigate the environmental impacts of plastic waste.

    What are the key components of GPAP?

    • Governance and Structure: GPAP operates through a robust governance framework consisting of a Governing Council, Steering Board, and Advisory Committee, involving senior executives from founding organisations such as the World Economic Forum.
      • For example, in Indonesia, the governance structure facilitated the creation of the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), which oversees the implementation of strategies to reduce marine plastic leakage.
    • National Action Roadmaps: GPAP collaborates with various stakeholders to create National Action Roadmaps tailored to specific countries.
      • For instance, Vietnam’s National Plastic Action Partnership launched its roadmap in 2022, targeting a 50% reduction in plastic waste by 2030 through strategies.
    • Investment Mobilization: GPAP focuses on aligning financial resources with plastic waste reduction goals. For example, in Ghana, GPAP worked with the government and private sector to attract investments for waste recycling infrastructure.
    • Global Collaboration Network: GPAP acts as a platform connecting stakeholders globally to address plastic pollution.
      • For example, it facilitated the sharing of best practices between countries like Indonesia and Ghana, allowing them to adopt innovative solutions such as advanced recycling technologies and extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks.

    What is the significance of expanding GPAP to include seven new African countries?

    • Strengthened Global Coalition: With this expansion, GPAP now encompasses 25 countries representing over 1.5 billion people, making it the largest global initiative focused on combating plastic pollution.
    • Addressing Urgent Environmental Challenges: The inclusion of these countries underscores a growing recognition of the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution, which poses severe threats to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health.
    • Fostering Regional Collaboration: The addition of new African countries facilitates regional collaboration and knowledge sharing on best practices for waste management and recycling.
    • Economic Growth and Job Creation: GPAP’s initiatives are expected to stimulate economic growth through the promotion of sustainable materials and recycling infrastructure.
    • Commitment to Circular Economy Principles: The expansion reflects a commitment to advancing circular economy principles, which focus on reusing and recycling plastics rather than relying on single-use materials.

    What are the anticipated environmental and economic impacts of GPAP’s initiatives?

    • Decreased Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The initiative targets a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production and waste management, which currently accounts for an estimated 1.8 billion tonnes annually. By promoting a circular economy, GPAP aims to mitigate emissions, particularly methane from landfills.
      • By implementing National Action Roadmaps, the partnership seeks to reduce annual land-based plastic leakage by approximately 80% by 2040 compared to business-as-usual scenarios.
      • By transitioning to a circular economy model, GPAP initiatives can help countries recover lost economic value from plastics, estimated at $80 billion to $120 billion annually due to inefficiencies in current systems.
    • Job Creation: GPAP’s efforts in developing sustainable waste management practices are expected to create significant employment opportunities, potentially generating up to 6 million green jobs globally by 2030. This includes safer jobs for informal waste workers who play a crucial role in recycling and waste management.
    • Investment Mobilization: The partnership has already mobilized substantial investments, such as $3.1 billion, aimed at supporting projects that tackle plastic waste. This influx of capital can stimulate local economies and drive innovation in sustainable materials and recycling technologies.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Policy Frameworks and Partnerships: Collaborate with governments, private sectors, and civil society to establish robust policies to enforce regulations and promote extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks to drive systemic change.
    • Enhance Innovation and Infrastructure: Invest in advanced recycling technologies for scalable waste management infrastructure and research to develop sustainable alternatives, fostering a circular economy while creating green jobs and reducing plastic pollution.

    Prelims PYQ:

    In India, ‘extended producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following ? (UPSC IAS/2019)

    (a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998

    (b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999

    (c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011

    (d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011

  • What is Keeling Curve?

    Why in the News?

    Atmospheric CO₂ levels hit a record high in 2024 due to wildfires and human activities, as shown by the Keeling Curve, a 67-year record maintained at Mauna Loa Observatory since 1958.

    What is Keeling Curve?

    What is Keeling Curve?

    • The Keeling Curve is a long-term record of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, initiated by Charles David Keeling in 1958 at the Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii.
    • It tracks the rise in CO₂ levels and provides evidence of the impact of human activities on climate change.
    • Named after Charles David Keeling, it has become a globally recognized tool for understanding global warming.

    Significant Features and Sources:

    • Steady Upward Trend: Demonstrates a consistent rise in atmospheric CO₂ levels since 1958, primarily due to fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.
    • Seasonal Fluctuations:
      • CO₂ levels decrease during spring and summer as plants absorb CO₂ through photosynthesis.
      • Levels increase during fall and winter when plant decay releases CO₂.
    • Initial Measurements: Recorded CO₂ levels at 315 ppm in 1958.
    • Current Levels: As of January 2025, CO₂ concentrations have reached 427.1 ppm, the highest in millions of years.
    • Data Sources: Measurements are taken from Mauna Loa Observatory and other global monitoring stations.

    Observations around the Curve

    • Key Milestones:
      • 1988: CO₂ levels reached 350 ppm, drawing global attention to climate change.
      • 2023: Levels exceeded 420 ppm, marking a critical point in atmospheric history.
      • 2024: Record growth of 3.58 ppm in average annual CO₂ concentrations compared to 2023.
    • Contributing Factors:
      • El Niño: Surface temperature rise in the Pacific Ocean boosted CO₂ emissions during 2024, exacerbated by wildfires in North and South America.
      • Anthropogenic Emissions: Burning fossil fuels and land-use changes remain major contributors.
    • Global Implications:
      • Contradicts IPCC scenarios for limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as emissions continue to rise.
      • Record increases in CO₂ levels during El Niño events highlight the interplay between natural phenomena and human activities.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Consider the following:

    1. Photosynthesis

    2. Respiration

    3. Decay of organic matter

    4. Volcanic action

    Which of the above add carbon dioxide to the carbon cycle on Earth?

    (a) 1 and 4 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • In news: Yala Glacier

    Why in the News?

    Yala Glacier in Nepal is predicted to disappear by the 2040s due to rapid retreat and mass loss. It is the only glacier in the Himalayas listed on the Global Glacier Casualty List, an initiative launched in 2024 to document endangered or vanished glaciers worldwide.

    Note:  The UN has designated 2025 as the International Year of Glacier Preservation, with March 21st to be observed annually as World Glacier Day starting from 2025.

    About the Yala Glacier 

    • Yala Glacier is located in the Langtang Valley, central Nepal, and is influenced by the Indian summer monsoon.
    • It is one of the most studied glaciers in Nepal and represents the Hindu Kush Himalayan region in the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) database.
    • The glacier has been monitored for over a decade using stakes, snow pits, and satellite images, providing crucial data on the state of Himalayan glaciers.
    • It is the only glacier in the Himalayas included in the Global Glacier Casualty List, a recognition of its critical status.
    • It plays a vital role in studying the cryosphere, a critical water resource supporting 240 million people in the Himalayan region.

    Retreat of Yala Glacier

    • Yala Glacier is projected to disappear by the 2040s, reflecting the growing threat to Himalayan glaciers.
    • It has retreated by 680 meters between 1974 and 2021, with a 36% reduction in area during this period.
    • Its elevation, which ranged between 5,170m and 5,750m in 2011, has significantly declined.
    • The glacier has lost so much mass that it no longer meets scientific standards for effective observation.
    • The Hindu Kush Himalayan cryosphere is warming twice as fast as the global average, leading to rapid glacial retreat.

    About the Global Glacier Casualty List

    • It was launched in 2024 by a consortium of institutions including Rice University, World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and UNESCO.
    • It documents endangered or vanished glaciers.
    • Glaciers Listed: Includes 15 glaciers, such as:
      • Pico Humboldt Glacier (Venezuela): Disappeared in 2024.
      • Sarenne Glacier (France): Vanished in 2023.
      • Dagu Glacier (China): Categorized as “critically endangered,” expected to vanish by 2030.
    • Significance:
      • Highlights the urgency of glacier preservation, as these ice masses store 70% of global freshwater and influence water security for billions of people worldwide.
      • Reinforces the need for global cooperation to address the accelerating loss of glaciers due to climate change

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Consider the following Pairs :

    Glacier: River

    1. Bandarpunch : Yamuna
    2. Bara Shigri : Chenab
    3. Milam : Mandakini
    4. Siachen : Nubra
    5. Zemu : Manas

    Which of the following pairs given above are correctly matched?

    (a) 1,2 and 4

    (b) 1,3 and 4

    (c) 2 and 5

    (d) 3 and 5

  • What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

    Why in the News?

    Since earlier this month Los Angeles has been gripped by devastating wildfires fueled by a rare and alarming meteorological phenomenon known as hydroclimate whiplash.

    What is Hydroclimate Whiplash?

    • Hydroclimate whiplash refers to rapid and extreme shifts between periods of intensely wet weather and dangerously dry conditions.
    • Characteristics:
      • Alternates between heavy rainfall and severe drought.
      • Typically results in amplified weather extremes, such as floods followed by wildfires.
    • Global Trend:
      • Hydroclimate whiplash has increased by 31% to 66% worldwide since the mid-20th century, largely due to climate change.
      • Projections indicate a 113% rise in such events during sub-seasonal periods with a 3°C increase in global temperatures.

    Causes of Hydroclimate Whiplash

    • Rising global temperatures intensify hydrological extremes, causing prolonged periods of rainfall and drought.
    • Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfalls during wet periods and exacerbating droughts during dry phases.
    • Shifts in El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles influence precipitation and temperature extremes.
    • Changes in ocean currents and wind patterns disrupt normal weather cycles, contributing to hydroclimate variability.
    • Unusual delays in wet or dry seasons can magnify hydroclimate swings, as seen in regions like California.

    How did this phenomenon cause wildfire in LA?

    • The usual wet season, which begins in October, failed during 2024-25, exacerbating dry conditions and increasing fire hazards.
    • As dry air moves from high-pressure regions over southwestern deserts to low-pressure zones off the California coast, it warms and dries further, creating ideal wildfire conditions.

    PYQ:

    [2011] La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino?

    1. La Nina is characterised by an usually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterised by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.

    2. El Nino has adverse effect on south-west monsoon of India but La Nina has no effect on monsoon climate.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • What is a Polar Vortex?

    What is a Polar Vortex?

    Why in the News?

    The United States is facing severe winter storms as the polar vortex is expanding southward from the Arctic and driving temperatures as low as -50°C (-60°F).

    What is a Polar Vortex?

    • The polar vortex is a band of fast-moving air that traps cold Arctic air within the Polar Regions.
    • It is a natural atmospheric phenomenon, typically spinning in a counter-clockwise direction around the North Pole.
    • Wind speeds in the polar vortex can reach up to 250 km/h (155 mph).
    • Causes of a Polar Vortex:
    1. Stable State: Under normal conditions, the polar vortex remains strong and well-contained within the Arctic Circle, keeping frigid air confined to the Polar Regions.
    2. Weakened State:
    • The vortex weakens when rising warm air from the lower atmosphere disrupts its circular flow, allowing Arctic air to spill southward.
    • Factors contributing to a weakened state include: Significant weather patterns (e.g., powerful winds in mountainous regions); Changes in tropical climate systems or sea surface temperatures. Climate change causing uneven warming, especially at the poles..

    What are its types?

    1. Tropospheric Polar Vortex:
    • It occurs in the lowest atmospheric layer (troposphere) where most weather phenomena take place.
    • Typically results in milder weather across northern latitudes.
    1. Stratospheric Polar Vortex:
    • Forms 16–48 km above the Earth’s surface in the Stratosphere.
    • Stronger and more stable but can weaken due to disruptions, leading to southward extensions of Arctic air.
    • It emerges in autumn and dissipates by spring each year.

  • What is Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)?

    Why in the News?

    Several major US banks have recently withdrawn from the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), raising concerns about the banking sector’s commitment to combating climate change.

    What is Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA)?

    • Established as a bank-led, UN-convened initiative, the NZBA commits members to align their lending, investment, and capital market activities with achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050.
    • It is a part of the UNEP Financial Initiative’s Principles for Responsible Banking, serving as a climate accelerator.
    • NZBA retains 142 members from 44 countries, with 80 European banks representing the majority of the alliance’s $64 trillion in assets.
    • No Indian banks are signatory to this NZBA.
    • Structural Mandate:
      • Overseen by a Steering Group representing diverse geographies and business models.
      • Supported by the UNEP FI Secretariat and governed under documents updated in August 2023 and March 2024.
    • Commitments of Member Banks:
      • Transition operational and portfolio emissions to align with net-zero pathways.
      • Set 2030 targets (or sooner) within 18 months of joining and establish intermediate targets every five years.
      • Publish annual reports on absolute emissions and emissions intensity.

    What is the Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Target by 2050?

    • Net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 refer to achieving a balance between the amount of GHGs emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed or offset by natural or technological means.
    • This target is critical for limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

    About the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)

    • The GFANZ is a global coalition of leading financial institutions committed to accelerating the transition to a net-zero economy and achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
    • It was established in April 2021 in the lead-up to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.
    • Membership comprises over 550 financial institutions across 50 countries.
      • Includes banks, insurers, asset managers, and other financial players managing a combined $150 trillion in assets.
    • It is chaired by Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England and current UN Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance.
    • It is supported by global initiatives like the UN Race to Zero campaign and other financial alliances.

    PYQ:

    [2016] The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of:

    (a) Pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East.

    (b) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world to combat climate change.

    (c) Capital contributed by the member countries in the establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

    (d) Plan of action outlined by the countries of the world regarding Sustainable Development Goals.

  • Strengthening the roots of an agri-carbon market

    Why in the News?

    In India, current carbon credit projects by private organisations should be reviewed to ensure they are fair and work effectively.

    What are the current carbon credit projects? 

    • Collaborative Initiatives: NABARD, ICAR, and State Universities have listed five agricultural carbon credit projects in the Verra registry to promote sustainable agriculture.
    • Carbon Farming Projects: Over 50 projects targeting 1.6 million hectares aim to generate 4.7 million carbon credits annually, but none are registered, leaving farmers without financial benefits.

    Note: Verra is a carbon credit registry that manages the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), ensuring high-quality carbon credit projects and facilitating transparent trading of carbon credits.

    What are the key challenges facing agricultural carbon markets?

    • Lack of Communication and Training: A significant portion of farmers (45%) reported inadequate communication regarding carbon farming practices, and over 60% lacked training in new techniques. This gap in knowledge can hinder the effective implementation of sustainable practices necessary for generating carbon credits.
    • Exclusion of Marginalized Communities: Many existing carbon farming projects have not adequately included smallholders and marginalized communities, with women representing only 4% of participants. This lack of inclusivity limits the socioeconomic benefits that carbon markets could provide to a broader segment of the farming population.
    • Financial Incentives: A notable 28% of farmers discontinued sustainable practices by the second year due to insufficient financial incentives. The absence of timely payments for carbon credits further discourages participation and undermines project sustainability.
    • Unregistered Projects: Despite over 50 agricultural carbon farming projects being listed in the Verra registry, none have been officially registered, meaning no carbon credits have been issued and farmers have not received any financial compensation.
    • Quality Assurance: Ensuring that projects deliver reliable environmental benefits is crucial. If projects fail to produce credible carbon credits, it may lead to a loss of confidence among buyers, which would ultimately deprive farmers of income and discourage sustainable practices.

    How can farmers be incentivized to participate in carbon markets?

    • Higher Prices for Inclusive Projects: Offering premium prices for carbon credits from projects that actively include smallholders and marginalized communities can encourage broader participation and ensure equitable benefits.
    • Effective Communication and Training Programs: Establishing robust communication channels and providing regular training on sustainable agricultural practices will empower farmers to adopt new techniques confidently.
    • Guaranteed Timely Payments: Implementing a system that ensures farmers receive prompt payments for their carbon credits will enhance trust in the market and encourage ongoing participation in sustainable practices.
    • Collaboration with Research Institutions: Partnering with national and international research organizations can help identify suitable regions for carbon farming, ensuring that interventions are effective and do not compromise food security.
    • Bundling Small Farmers into Cooperatives: Creating Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can help reduce transaction costs, improve bargaining power, and facilitate easier access to carbon markets for smallholder farmers.

    What role do technological advancements play in enhancing agri-carbon markets?

    • Improved Measurement Techniques: Advances in digital technologies such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, drones, and sensors will enhance the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes essential for assessing soil carbon levels and GHG emissions accurately.
    • Data Accessibility: The increasing availability of technology will allow farmers to access real-time data on their farming practices, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with sustainable methods required for carbon credit generation.
    • Enhanced Project Implementation: Technology can streamline project management by facilitating better communication between stakeholders, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance with additionality and permanence criteria necessary for successful carbon credit projects.
    • Scalability of Projects: Digital tools can help scale successful carbon farming initiatives by providing frameworks that can be replicated across different regions, thus expanding the reach of agricultural carbon markets in India.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Inclusivity and Farmer Incentives: Promote inclusive projects that actively engage smallholders and marginalized communities by offering premium prices for carbon credits, ensuring timely payments, and bundling farmers into cooperatives for better market access.
    • Leverage Technology for Efficiency: Utilize advanced digital tools like remote sensing and real-time data systems to improve monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes, enhance project scalability, and ensure effective implementation of carbon credit initiatives.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Arctic Tundra is emitting more Carbon than it absorbs: NOAA

    Why in the News?

    • The Arctic Tundra, a frozen treeless biome, has traditionally served as a carbon sink, storing vast amounts of carbon for thousands of years.
      • However, recent changes in this ecosystem are turning it into a source of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

    What is Arctic Tundra?

    • Arctic Tundra is cold, treeless biome located in the northernmost regions of Earth, primarily within the Arctic Circle.
    • Climate:
      • Experiences long, harsh winters and short, cool summers.
      • Temperatures range from -28°C in winter to 3°C in summer.
      • Ground is permanently frozen, restricting plant root growth and shaping the ecosystem.
      • Experiences 24-hour daylight in summer and long polar nights in winter.
    • Biodiversity and Vegetation:
      • Limited to low-growing vegetation like mosses, lichens, grasses, and small shrubs, adapted to short growing seasons.
      • Hosts animals like Arctic foxes, polar bears, caribou, and migratory birds, though overall biodiversity is low.
    • Adaptations:
      • Animals: Thick fur and fat layers in species like polar bears to survive extreme cold.
      • Plants: Shallow roots for quick nutrient absorption during short summers.

    How does the Arctic Tundra store Carbon?

    • The Arctic tundra stores carbon primarily through a process where plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere via photosynthesis.
      • This carbon gets trapped in the soil and organic matter (plants and animals) that accumulate over time.
    • The cold Arctic climate slows the decomposition of plant and animal remains, meaning that organic materials, including carbon, remain locked in the permafrost.
      • This permafrost acts as a natural storage system, preventing CO2 from being released back into the atmosphere.
    • Scientists estimate that the Arctic tundra holds about 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon, which is roughly double the amount of carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Why is the Arctic Tundra emitting more carbon than absorbing it?

    • Rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing the permafrost to thaw at an accelerated rate.
      • When permafrost thaws, microbes in the soil become active, breaking down the organic material trapped in the frozen ground, which results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), two potent greenhouse gases.
      • The Arctic has been warming at a rate four times faster than the global average.
      • 2024 was the second-warmest year on record for the region, contributing significantly to the thawing of the permafrost.
    • Wildfires in the Arctic have become more frequent and intense, further accelerating the thawing of permafrost. Wildfire smoke also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
    • Between 2001 and 2020, the combination of rising temperatures and increased wildfires led to the Arctic tundra releasing more carbon than it absorbed, marking a significant shift in its role from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders. The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

    (a) African Savanna

    (b) Central Asian Steppe

    (c) North American Prairie

    (d) Siberian Tundra

  • First Ice-Free day in the Arctic could come by 2030: Study

    Why in the News?

    A recent study suggests that the Arctic Ocean may experience its first ice-free day—where sea ice falls below one million square kilometres—by 2030, or even sooner.

    Key Highlights of the Study

    • First Ice-Free Day Prediction: The study predicts that the Arctic Ocean could experience its first ice-free day (less than one million square kilometres of sea ice) by 2030, or even sooner, depending on climatic conditions.
    • Simulations and Models:
      • 11 different climate models were used to run 366 simulations from 2023 to 2100 to assess the future of Arctic sea ice.
      • Most simulations predict the ice-free day within 7 to 20 years, with some models suggesting it could happen as early as September 2027.
    • Conditions for Ice-Free Day: The occurrence of an ice-free day will depend on a combination of unusually warm seasons and stormy weather, which accelerates the melting of the sea ice.
    • Impact on Sea Ice: Once the first ice-free day occurs, it could be followed by an ice-free period lasting between 11 to 53 days, potentially leading to the first ice-free month.

    How does the Arctic Tundra store Carbon?

    • The Arctic tundra stores carbon primarily through a process where plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere via photosynthesis.
      • This carbon gets trapped in the soil and organic matter (plants and animals) that accumulate over time.
    • The cold Arctic climate slows the decomposition of plant and animal remains, meaning that organic materials, including carbon, remain locked in the permafrost.
      • This permafrost acts as a natural storage system, preventing CO2 from being released back into the atmosphere.
    • Scientists estimate that the Arctic tundra holds about 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon, which is roughly double the amount of carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Why is the Arctic Tundra emitting more carbon than absorbing it?

    • Rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing the permafrost to thaw at an accelerated rate.
      • When permafrost thaws, microbes in the soil become active, breaking down the organic material trapped in the frozen ground, which results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), two potent greenhouse gases.
      • The Arctic has been warming at a rate four times faster than the global average.
      • 2024 was the second-warmest year on record for the region, contributing significantly to the thawing of the permafrost.
    • Wildfires in the Arctic have become more frequent and intense, further accelerating the thawing of permafrost. Wildfire smoke also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
    • Between 2001 and 2020, the combination of rising temperatures and increased wildfires led to the Arctic tundra releasing more carbon than it absorbed, marking a significant shift in its role from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter.

    Why does it matter?

    • Climate Change Acceleration: The loss of sea ice will amplify the Albedo effect, causing the Arctic region to absorb more sunlight and heat, which will accelerate global warming and trigger extreme weather events in mid-latitudes.
    • Rising Sea Levels: The loss of Arctic ice contributes to sea level rise, with potential long-term impacts on coastal populations and ecosystems, particularly if the Greenland ice sheet melts completely, which could raise sea levels by 6 meters.
    • Ecosystem and Species Impact: The melting of sea ice will threaten species that rely on the ice for habitat, such as polar bears, walruses, and reindeer, disrupting the Arctic food chain.
    • Human and Infrastructure Threats: Arctic communities and their infrastructure are at risk as the region warms at four times the global average, threatening the livelihoods of people living in these areas.

    Back2Basics: Albedo Effect

    arctic albedo

    • It refers to the measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface.
    • It is expressed as a percentage; a surface with a high albedo reflects more sunlight, while a surface with a low albedo absorbs more.
    • Light-colored surfaces like ice and snow have high albedo, reflecting most of the sunlight, whereas dark surfaces like oceans and forests have low albedo, absorbing more heat.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.

    [2012] The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere because it absorbs:

    (a) the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
    (b) the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
    (c) all the solar radiations
    (d) the infrared part of the solar radiation

  • [4th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Reflections on Baku’s ‘NCQG outcome’

    PYQ Relevance:
    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 India’s commitments at this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Mentor’s Comment:  UPSC Mains have focused on India’s changing policy towards climate change (2022) and COP26 (2021).

    The recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded with significant yet contentious outcomes, particularly regarding the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. This editorial reflects on the implications of the NCQG and the broader context of climate negotiations.

    This editorial content can be used to present the significance of ‘Climate finance for developping countries’ and the challenges associated at Global stage.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    COP29 dubbed the “Finance COP,” was expected to deliver an ambitious outcome on the NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance). However, it fell short by neglecting equitable burden-sharing and climate justice, overlooking the financial needs of the Global South.

    Why do the Developing countries need Finance for climate change? 

    • Upfront Costs of Clean Technologies: Renewable energy technologies often have high upfront costs, which require government support to make them affordable to consumers, especially in developing countries.
    • Long-term Benefits but High Initial Investment: While renewable technologies have lower long-term operational and fuel costs, the high initial investment remains a significant barrier.
    • Financial Gaps and Urgency: Developing countries need urgent upscaling of finance to meet transformational goals. The pressure on government resources is compounded by the need for fiscal prioritization toward development activities.
    • Debt Issues and Risk: High debt burdens in developing countries prevent them from accessing affordable capital, making it difficult to incentivize private investment in green technologies.
    • High Cost of Capital: Developing countries face much higher lending rates, limiting their ability to access financial markets at favourable rates for climate action.
    • International Support Needed: Finance from developed countries, particularly in the form of public grants instead of loans, is essential to support the transition to green energy in developing nations.

    What are the roles of the NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance)?

    • Origins and Rationale: The NCQG was designed to address the shortcomings of previous climate finance pledges, including the $100 billion annual commitment made at Cancun in 2010. The NCQG aims to establish clearer, more accountable climate finance goals.
      • NCQG aims to establish a new financial target post-2025 to support developing countries, succeeding the $100 billion annual commitment from developed nations.
    • Addressing Climate Finance Gaps: NCQG seeks to bridge climate finance gaps by ensuring both the quantity and quality of financial instruments meet developing nations’ needs.
      • By setting a collective goal, NCQG promotes trust and cooperation among nations to effectively implement the Paris Agreement.
    • Catalyzing Private Investment: NCQG encourages private sector investment by signalling stability and commitment to climate finance.
    • Supporting Climate Resilience: The goal help developing countries adapt to climate impacts and transition to low-carbon economies with necessary funding.
    • Upholding Principles of Equity: NCQG is grounded in Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), ensuring tailored support for developing countries based on their specific needs and capacities.

    What are the challenges?

    • Financial Needs of Developing Countries: The UNFCCC’s Second Needs Determination Report estimated that $5 trillion to $7 trillion would be required by 2030 to meet the needs of 98 developing countries. Developing nations have requested $1.3 trillion annually by 2030.
    • Disappointing Outcome at COP29: Developed countries agreed to a $300 billion annual commitment by 2035, which is seen as insufficient compared to the needs of the developing world. This amount does not represent a significant shift in financial flows and falls short of transformative action.
    • Lack of Commitment to Climate Justice: The NCQG falls short in terms of equitable burden-sharing, failing to adequately recognize the financial needs of the global south and climate justice.

    Way forward: 

    • Increase Financial Commitments: Developed countries must significantly enhance their financial commitments, moving beyond the $300 billion annually agreed at COP29, and align with the $1.3 trillion requested by developing nations to meet urgent climate goals.
    • Ensure Equitable Burden-Sharing: Future climate finance discussions must prioritize climate justice, adhering to the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), ensuring that developed countries take on a larger share of the financial burden.
    • Focus on Grants over Loans: Developed countries should provide more finance in the form of public grants rather than loans, addressing the debt burdens of developing countries and enabling them to invest in green technologies without further exacerbating fiscal constraints.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/schooling-in-india-in-times-of-poor-air-quality/article68918906.ece