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Subject: Climate Change

1. Global Warming and Issues
2. All about Pollution

  • Is climate change behind more frequent and severe turbulence faced by aircraft?

    Why in the news?

    On May 21, severe turbulence over Myanmar caused one death and 70 injuries on a Singapore Airlines flight. Qatar Airways had 12 minor injuries on May 26.

    What is Turbulence?

    • Turbulence, unpredictable air motion caused by eddies and vertical currents, ranges from minor bumps to severe disruptions, often associated with fronts and thunderstorms.

    Flight Turbulence

    Types of Flight Turbulence

    Note: Attitude is the angular difference measured between an aeroplane’s axis and the line of the Earth’s horizon.

    • Light Turbulence: Slight erratic changes in the aircraft’s orientation.
    • Moderate Turbulence: Notable changes in altitude and attitude, but the aircraft remains under control.
    • Severe Turbulence: Significant and sudden changes of altitude and attitude, momentarily losing control.
    • Extreme Turbulence: The aircraft is violently tossed about and is almost impossible to control.

    Causes of Flight Turbulence

    • Mechanical Turbulence: Caused by friction between the air and the ground, especially over irregular terrain and man-made obstacles. Includes ‘mountain waves’ over mountain ranges.
    • Convective/Thermal Turbulence: Resulting from hot air rising rapidly and cooler air descending, creating convective air currents. Often occurs during the approach.
    • Frontal Turbulence: Created by the lifting of warm air by a sloping frontal surface and friction between opposing air masses, commonly near thunderstorms.
    • Wind Shear: Caused by changes in wind direction and/or speed over specific distances, found in temperature inversion areas, troughs, lows, and around jet streams.
    • Clear Air Turbulence (CAT): Occurs at high altitudes outside of clouds, often near jet streams, and is difficult to predict or see.

    Impact of Climate Change on Flight Turbulence

    • Increased Incidence: Studies indicate a rise in severe turbulence, particularly CAT, with the growth in air traffic and climate change.
    • Jet Stream Intensification: Climate change strengthens jet streams, increasing the frequency and severity of turbulence.
    • Mountain Wave and Near-Cloud Turbulence: Predictions suggest these types of turbulence will also intensify with climate change, leading to more frequent and severe occurrences globally.

    Way forward:

    • Safety Measures: Continuous improvement in aircraft design, weather forecasting, and pilot training helps mitigate the risks associated with turbulence.
    • Passenger Advice: Passengers are advised to keep their seat belts fastened as much as possible to avoid injuries during unexpected turbulence.
    • Regulatory Recommendations: Aviation authorities recommend better communication, real-time information sharing, and enhanced training to prevent turbulence-related incidents.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Most of the unusual climatic happenings are explained as an outcome of the El-Nino effect. Do you agree? (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • [pib] 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP)  

    Why in the News? 

    The 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) is set to be held in Kochi, Kerala.

    26th CEP Agenda

    • Review of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol).
    • Evaluation of the effectiveness of existing Environmental Protection Measures.
    • Identification of areas for potential enhancement or amendment to strengthen environmental conservation efforts.

    What is the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP?

      • It was formed as part of the Environmental Protocol (Madrid Protocol, 1991) to the Antarctic Treaty, which came into force in 1998.
      • Aim: To advice and formulate recommendations on environmental protection measures in the Antarctic region.
      • Composition: It consists of representatives from the consultative parties to the Antarctic Treaty, which includes countries active in Antarctic research and governance.

    • Functions:

    • Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): The CEP oversees the EIA process for activities conducted in the Antarctic region to ensure they minimize environmental impacts.
    • Site Inspections: It conducts inspections of Antarctic facilities and activities to verify compliance with environmental regulations.
    • Scientific Research: The CEP promotes scientific research on Antarctic ecosystems and advises on measures to conserve biodiversity.
    • Waste Management: It develops guidelines for waste management and pollution prevention in the Antarctic, aiming to minimize human impact on the environment.
    • Policy Formulation: The CEP formulates policies and guidelines related to environmental protection in the Antarctic Treaty.

    Back2Basics:  Madrid Protocol, 1991

    • The Madrid Protocol refers to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.
    • It is an international agreement that was adopted in 1991 and entered into force in 1998.
    • Key aspects of the Madrid Protocol include:
    1. Environmental Principles: The Protocol outlines principles for the protection of the Antarctic environment, including the conservation of living resources, the prevention of pollution, and the protection of wilderness and scientific values.
    2. Designation of Protected Areas: It designates certain areas of Antarctica as specially protected areas (SPAs) and sites of special scientific interest (SSSI), where specific environmental protection measures apply to safeguard their ecological, scientific, and aesthetic values.
    3. Waste Management: It establishes guidelines and regulations for waste management and pollution prevention in Antarctica, aiming to minimize human impact on the environment and prevent pollution of the Antarctic ecosystem.
    4. Prohibition of Mineral Resource Activities: The Protocol prohibits all mineral resource activities, including exploration and exploitation, in Antarctica. This provision aims to preserve the pristine and fragile nature of the Antarctic environment and prevent the potential environmental damage associated with mineral extraction.
    5. Consultative Mechanisms: The Protocol establishes mechanisms for consultation and cooperation. This includes the CEP, which provides advice and recommendations on environmental matters to the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM).

     

    PYQs:

    [2021] How do the melting of the Arctic ice and glaciers of the Antarctic differently affect the weather patterns and human activities on the Earth? Explain.

    [2011] The formation of ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole?

    (a) Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.

    (b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons.

    (c) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons.

    (d) Increased temperature at polar region due to global warming.

  • Key Highlights of World Migration Report, 2024

    Why in the News?

    The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has recently launched the World Migration Report 2024.

    Back2Basics: International Organization for Migration (IOM)
    Details
    About
    • Originated in 1951 as the Provisional Intergovernmental Committee for the Movement of Migrants from Europe (PICMME) after World War II’s upheavals.
    • In 2016, IOM agreed with the United Nations, becoming a related organization.
    Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
    Members
    • Currently has 175 Member States and 8 states with Observer status.
    • India became an IOM Member State on 18th June 2008.

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • Climate Change Impacts on Migration
    • The report highlights a significant increase in global migration due to environmental impacts and climate change, with more than 216 million people projected to be on the move within their countries by 2050.
    • Migration is being used as a strategy to cope with and adapt to the adverse effects of climate change, although its effectiveness varies based on individual circumstances and active involvement of migrants.

    Specific Regional Insights:

    • Africa:
    • Climate change has led to severe weather changes, including decreased rainfall and increased temperatures in North Africa, contributing to migration.
    • Countries like Libya, Algeria, and Morocco have seen migration due to reduced rainfall and increased drought conditions.
    • Asia:
      • In South Asia, particularly Pakistan and Bangladesh, extreme weather events like floods have led to substantial displacement.
      • The 2022 floods in Pakistan resulted in nearly 1.7 million displacements and in Bangladesh, record-breaking floods in 2022 triggered over 1.5 million displacements.
      • In India, strong influence of climate impacts on internal migration from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

    Remittances Inflows in India

    • According to the Report, India has consistently been the top recipient of remittances globally. In 2022, India received a record-breaking $111.22 billion in remittances.

    Remittance Inflows:

    • India is way ahead of its closely ranked peers Mexico ($61.1 billion), China ($51 billion), Philippines ($38.05 billion) and France ($30.04 billion).
    • This is the first time any country has crossed the USD 100 billion mark in remittance inflows.
    • The largest contributions to India’s remittances come from the UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting the extensive Indian diaspora in these regions.

    Migration Statistics:

    • With 18 million international migrants residing primarily in the UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia, India hosts the world’s largest number of international migrants.
    • This large diaspora plays a crucial role in the economic linkage between India and these countries through remittances.
    • India came in 13th as the destination country for immigrants, with 4.48 million.

    PYQ:

    [2015] Discuss the changes in the trends of labour migration within and outside India in the last four decades.

  • What is the New Collective Quantitative Goal?

    Why in the News?

    At the upcoming COP29 in Baku in November this year, Azerbaijan, the primary discussion will center on the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance.

    Recent Climate Conferences and Decisions:

    • 2022 Sharm el-Sheikh Conference: A Loss and Damage Fund was established to assist developing countries in recovering from climate disasters.
    • Dubai Conference: The focus was on the Global Stocktake (GST) of climate actions, acknowledging the need to transition away from fossil fuels and tripling global renewable energy capacity by 2030.

    What is the New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG)?

        • All the parties of the Paris Agreement participate and review the implementation of the Agreement and make decisions. CMA is held once a year.
    • This goal will start with a target of at least $100 billion per year, focusing on the requirements and priorities of developing countries.
    • It will replace the previous commitment of USD 100 billion per year that developed nations had pledged in 2009 but never delivered.

    NCQG: A timeline

    • In 2009: The developed countries agreed to provide approximately $30 billion in ‘new and additional’ financial resources to developing countries from 2010 to 2012.
        • Additionally, these countries committed to collectively raising $100 billion annually by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries.
    • In 2015: It was decided to continue this collective goal of mobilizing $100 billion yearly by developed countries up to 2025.
    • A new climate finance target is to be set before 2025, maintaining at least $100 billion per year and considering the needs and priorities of developing countries. This is referred to as the NCQG or the new goal for post-2025.

    Financial Requirements for Effective Climate Action:

    • Current Funding Gaps: The scale of annual climate finance has consistently fallen short of the $100 billion promised by developed countries.
    • Projected Needs: Developing countries require about $6 trillion annually until 2030 to implement their climate action plans, according to a 2021 UN Climate Change report. An updated version of this report is expected to raise this figure even higher.
    • Global Transition Costs: A global transition to a low-carbon economy is estimated to require about $4-6 trillion every year until 2050.
    • Renewable Energy Expansion: Tripling renewable energy capacity, as agreed in Dubai, is estimated to cost $30 trillion until 2030, per the International Renewable Energy Association (IRENA).

    Prospects for Meeting Financial Targets:

    • Realistic Expectations: Discussions are ongoing, with India suggesting a target of at least $1 trillion per year, primarily through grants and concessional finance.
    • Challenges: Developed countries have historically fallen short of even lesser goals, and achieving trillions in finance is seen as ambitious.

    Back2Basics: Global Initiatives for Financing Climate Action

    Established Purpose How it Works
    Green Climate Fund (GCF) 2010 To support developing countries in adaptation and mitigation to counter climate change. Mobilizes funding from developed to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience. Operates under the UNFCCC financial mechanism.
    Global Environment Facility (GEF) 1991 To tackle global environmental issues while supporting national sustainable development. Provides grants for projects related to environmental conventions (biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, ozone layer, organic pollutants). Functions as a financial mechanism for multiple conventions including the UNFCCC.
    Climate Investment Funds (CIF) 2008 To bridge funding and learning gaps for cleaner technology transformations. Offers scaled-up financing to middle-income countries to initiate cleaner technology transformations. Includes funds like the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) and the Strategic Climate Fund (SCF).
    Adaptation Fund 2001 To finance concrete adaptation projects in developing countries party to the Kyoto Protocol. Financed by a share of proceeds from CDM project activities, it supports concrete adaptation projects in vulnerable communities.
    Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) 2001 To finance projects in adaptation, technology transfer, and various management sectors. Managed by the GEF, supports projects in sectors not directly funded through other funds such as energy, transport, and waste management.
    Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) 2001 To support the least developed countries (LDCs) in their climate change initiatives. Finances the preparation and implementation of National Adaptation Programmes of Action (NAPAs) which identify priority activities for LDCs to adapt to climate change.
    Carbon Pricing Mechanisms NA To internalize the cost of GHG emissions, incentivizing emission reductions. Involves setting a price on carbon emissions either through carbon taxes or emissions trading schemes (ETS), encouraging businesses to reduce emissions.
    Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Partnership 2016 To enhance cooperation to achieve NDC goals under the Paris Agreement. Facilitates technical and financial support to help countries implement and enhance their NDC commitments for reducing emissions.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN, and it will go into effect in 2017.
    2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
    3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 3 only
    (b) 2 only
    (c) 2 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Going glacier gone: How Venezuela lost its last glacier, why this matters?

    Why in the News?

    Venezuela has likely become the first country to lose all its glaciers, with its last Humboldt glacier melting faster than anticipated. While scientists projected it to last another decade, its rapid melting exceeded expectations.

    Background:

    • Venezuela was home to six glaciers about 5,000 meters above sea level in the Andes mountains.
    • By 2011, five of them had vanished. Scientists expected the Humboldt glacier to last another decade.

    What are glaciers?

    • Glaciers are large masses of ice that form on land over long periods through the accumulation and compaction of snow. They flow like slow rivers and typically develop in regions with near-freezing temperatures, significant snowfall, and minimal summer melting.
    • According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), they usually exist and form in areas where mean annual temperatures reach near the freezing point; winter precipitation leads to significant snow accumulations; and temperatures throughout the remaining year do not cause the complete loss of the previous winter’s snow accumulation.

    Why are Glaciers disappearing?

    • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels since the Industrial Revolution have released large amounts of GHGs like carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere.
    • Heat Trapping: The greenhouse gases act as a blanket, trapping heat in the atmosphere. While they allow sunlight to pass through, they prevent the heat from escaping back into space, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
      • The global average temperature has increased by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1880 due to the skyrocketing emissions of GHGs in recent decades.
    • Consequences of Temperature Rise: The temperature rise has resulted in devastating consequences such as more frequent and intense heatwaves, floods, droughts, and a rise in sea levels.
    • Accelerated Melting: Glaciers, like ice cubes exposed to heat, are melting at accelerated rates due to the warmer temperatures caused by global warming.
    • Natural Climate Phenomena: Natural climate phenomena like El Nino can exacerbate glacier melting by causing abnormal warming of surface waters, as observed in the case of the Humboldt glacier in Venezuela.

    What are the impacts of Glacier Loss?

    • Freshwater Source: Glaciers are crucial sources of freshwater, especially during hot and dry periods, providing water for local communities, plants, and animals. Their disappearance would increase dependence on sporadic rainfall for freshwater supply.
    • Temperature Regulation: Glacial runoff helps regulate downstream water temperatures, particularly keeping them cooler. This is essential for many aquatic species that require cold water temperatures to survive, impacting the entire ecosystem.
    • Ecosystem Impact: Glacier loss directly affects aquatic species, disrupting the food web and potentially leading to declines in biodiversity.
    • Contribution to Sea Level Rise: Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, although smaller glaciers like Venezuela’s Humboldt glacier may not substantially impact sea levels.
    • Cultural Impact: The loss of glaciers has significant cultural implications, particularly for communities where glaciers are part of their cultural identity. Activities such as mountaineering and tourism, which rely on glaciers, would be affected.
    • Tourism and Recreation: Glaciers are often major tourist attractions, drawing visitors for activities like mountaineering and sightseeing. The disappearance of glaciers would impact tourism and recreational activities in affected regions.

    Way Forward: 

    • International Cooperation: Foster collaboration among countries to tackle climate change on a global scale. Support international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, aimed at limiting global warming and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Protect and Preserve Glacier Areas: Establish and enforce conservation measures to protect glacier regions from further degradation. This can involve creating protected areas, implementing zoning regulations, and promoting sustainable tourism practices.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian sub-continent. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Explained Climate: Heatwaves and Climate Change

    Why in the News? 

    According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), heatwave conditions are affecting either the smaller regions or the larger geographical areas in India at every 26 days of the month.

    What are the Heat Waves?

    • The “World Meteorological Organization” defines a heat wave as five or more consecutive days during which the daily maximum temperature exceeds the average maximum temperature by five degrees Celsius.
    • If the maximum temperature of any place continues to be more than 45 Degree Celsius consecutively for two days, it is called a heat wave condition.

    Heatwaves in India:       

    • Regional Observations: A place with a normal temperature of 40°C in summer is not experiencing a heatwave at 42-43°C, but another location with a normal temperature of 27-28°C is in a heatwave at 35°C.
      • Heatwaves are common in northern, central, and eastern India during summer. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged due to climate change.
      • In February 2023 (winter month for India), several regions experienced heatwaves with maximum temperatures 5 to 11 degrees higher than normal. (with a mean temperature 1.36°C higher than normal)
    • Predictions and Records: The outlook for heatwaves this year is grim, with predictions of prolonged heatwaves lasting 10 to 20 days in some areas, compared to the usual 4 to 8 days.
      • In April 2023, Odisha experienced an 18-day heatwave, the second-longest in the state’s history.
      • Gangetic West Bengal recorded the highest number of heatwave days in any month over the last 15 years. Eastern India recorded its warmest April ever.
    • Upcoming Heatwave: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted a fresh spell of heatwaves starting over northwest India.

    Impact of Heatwaves:

    • Impact on Resource Availability:
      • Water Resources: It exacerbates water scarcity by drying up of water bodies, reducing water availability for agriculture and domestic use, and increasing competition for resources. This can lead to conflicts over water, affect irrigation practices, and impact water-dependent industries.
      • Energy Resources: It increases electricity demand for cooling purposes, leading to strain on power grids and potential blackouts. This can disrupt economic activities, affect productivity, and impact vulnerable populations.
    • Impact on Health:
      • Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to Dehydration and Cardiovascular and Respiratory diseases.
      • Rapid rises in heat gain can compromise the body’s ability to regulate temperature and can result in a cascade of illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia.
      • Health Ministry reported 264 heat-related deaths in the first six months of 2023. NCRB reported 730 heat-related deaths in the same year.

    However, data collected and maintained by IMD and NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) showed a sharp decline in heat-related deaths ever since state governments and district administrations began implementing heat action plans.

    Mitigation of Heatwaves:

    • Need to establish an Early Warning System: The Inter-Agency Coordination needs to alert residents on predicted high and extreme temperatures. Who will do what, when, and how is made clear to individuals and units of key departments, especially for health.
    • Increase Public Awareness and Community Outreach: Disseminating public awareness messages on how to protect against the extreme heat – wave through social media and advertisements. Additionally, the government needs to aware the general public through Television programs the Do’s and Dont’s for heat-related illnesses.

    Conclusion: Need to improve collaboration with Non-governmental organizations and Civil society organizations to improve public spaces wherever necessary, improve water delivery systems in public areas, and other innovative measures to tackle heatwave conditions.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lake Dynamics in Himalaya

     

    Why in the News?

    • The Satellite images by ISRO show an increase in the size of Gepang Gath Lake amidst rising concerns about Climate Change.
    • Gepang Gath Lake (one of the biggest Glacial lakes in the Chandra basin) is located in the Western Indian Himalaya at the terminus of the Gepan Gath glacier.

    ISRO’s Findings on Glacial Lakes in Himalayas 

    Expansion of Glacial Lakes

    • During 2016-17, total of 2,431 lakes larger than 10 hectares were identified, among which 676 were identified as glacial lakes. Notably, these 676 glacial lakes have shown significant expansion since 1984. A staggering 89% (601 lakes) of the expanding lakes have more than doubled in size since 1984.
    • Regional Distribution: Out of these expanding glacial lakes, 130 are situated within India. Among these, 65 lakes are located in the Indus River basin, seven in the Ganga River basin, and 58 in the Brahmaputra River basin.
    • The derived analysis from the Satellite provides valuable insights for understanding glacial lake dynamics.
    • It is essential for assessing environmental impacts and developing strategies for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) risk management and climate change adaptation in glacial environments.

     

    What are Glacial Lakes?

     

      • Glacial lakes are bodies of water formed in depressions on the surface of glaciers or in moraines left behind by retreating glaciers.
      • Glacial lakes were categorized based on their formation process into four broad categories: 
        • Moraine-dammed, 
        • Ice-dammed, 
        • Erosion, and 
        • Other glacial lakes.
      • Among the expanding lakes, the majority are Moraine-dammed (307), followed by Erosion (265), other (96), and Ice-dammed (8) glacial lakes.
      • Formation Process: Glacial lakes form through the accumulation of meltwater from the melting ice of glaciers. As glaciers move, they carve out depressions in the landscape, which may fill with water to form lakes.
        • When glaciers retreat, they leave behind moraines, which can act as natural dams, trapping meltwater and forming lakes.
      • Characteristics:
        • Vary in size, depending on the size and activity of the glacier.
        • Found in mountainous regions and polar areas where glaciers are present.
        • The primary source of water is melting glacial ice, precipitation and runoff.
    • Significance of Glacial Lakes:
      • Glacial lakes play a crucial role in regulating water flow in glacier-fed rivers, particularly during the dry season.
      • Provides habitat for unique aquatic species adapted to cold, high-altitude environments.
      • Contributes to landscape evolution and the formation of landforms such as cirques and tarns.
    • Present Ecological Challenges:
      • Glacial Outburst Floods: The sudden release of water from glacial lakes, known as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), can pose significant hazards to downstream communities and infrastructure. Ex. Chamoli Disaster.
      • Rapid Expansion: Glacial lakes can rapidly expand due to the increased melting of glaciers, leading to the risk of flooding and landslides in surrounding areas.

    Important Glacial Lakes in India:

    • Deosai National Park (Jammu and Kashmir): Known for its numerous glacial lakes.
    • Gangbal Lake (Jammu and Kashmir): At the base of Mount Haramukh.
    • Zanskar Valley Lakes (Jammu and Kashmir): Includes Tsomoriri Lake, Tsokar Lake, and many others.
    • Roopkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Known for the human skeletons found at its bottom.
    • Sarson Patal Lake (Uttarakhand): Within the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve.
    • Deoria Tal (Uttarakhand): Offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
    • Hemkund Lake (Uttarakhand): Near the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara.
    • Kedar Tal (Uttarakhand): At the foot of the Thalay Sagar peak.
    • Nanda Devi East Base Lake (Uttarakhand): Offering views of the Nanda Devi peaks.
    • Vasuki Tal (Uttarakhand): Near the Chaturangi Glacier.
    • Chandratal Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Known for its crescent shape.
    • Suraj Tal (Himachal Pradesh): Close to the Baralacha La pass.
    • Rupin Lake (Himachal Pradesh): Near the Rupin Pass.
    • Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Siachen Glacier is situated to the

    (a) East of Aksai Chin

    (b) East of Leh

    (c) North of Gilgit

    (d) North of Nubra Valley

     

     

  • [22 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Preparing India for water stress, climate resilience

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 
    Q) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios. (UPSC IAS/2020)
    Q) What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (UPSC 2019)

    Prelims

    Q) If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country?  (UPSC 2012)
    1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste water.The water requirement of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for use of ocean water.
    2. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India.
    3. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore wells and for installing motors and pump sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government.
    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only
    (b) 1 and 2 only
    (c) 3 and 4 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: World Earth Day;

    Mains: Environmental Governance;

    Mentor comments: Prolonged water stress can have devastating effects on public health and economic development. More than two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water; and nearly double that number more than half the world’s population—are without adequate sanitation services. Without better water management, population growth, economic development and climate change are poised to worsen water stress. 

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the News?

    On account of Earth Day (April 22), India needs to be prepared for water stressed challenges. Recently, IMD has also predicted a hotter summer and longer heat waves from April to June. 

    Present Scenario:

    India houses 18% of the world’s population (2.4% of the earth’s surface area), having just 4% of global freshwater resources. 

    Nearly half of its rivers are polluted, and 150 of its primary reservoirs are at just 38% of their total live storage capacity. 

    India is the largest user of groundwater in the world. 

    The Present challenge before the Indian Govt. to combat Climate Change:

    • Heavy Investment: India has invested heavily in disaster preparedness, but the nature of climatic shocks will continue to change. There will be sudden shocks (heavy rainfall, rapid declines in water availability) as well as slow onset but periodic stresses (reduced water retention in soils, changes in trend lines for rainfall). 
    • Lack of Preparedness: India is programmed to consider acute stresses (heat, water, or extreme weather) as temporary, to be handled often as disaster relief. Seasonal disaster preparedness and responses are no longer sufficient to tackle climate risks. 
    • High Interdependence: The climate is directly related to the economy, and the economic production frontier will expand or shrink depending on the intersections between land, food, energy, and water. Climate action cannot be left to a few particular sectors.

    Relationship between Water and the Economy

    • A key component of the Economy:
      • Agriculture: The India Employment Report 2024 shows that Agriculture still employs around 45% of the population and absorbs most of the country’s labor force. Precipitation is the primary source of soil moisture and both blue (rivers and aquifers) water and green (vegetation) water impact the food we grow.
    • Allied Sectors: The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) study showed that monsoon rainfall is changing patterns in India, with 55% of ‘tehsils’ or sub-districts seeing a significant increase of more than 10% in southwest monsoon rainfall. 
    • A key component of the Clean Energy Transition: 
      • Green hydrogen: It is seen as a crucial pillar for decarbonizing industry and long-distance transport sectors. The Green hydrogen is produced using water and electricity sourced from renewables. Pumped storage hydropower which acts as a natural battery is an important component of a clean but reliable power system. 
      • If there is a climate crisis, it will impact hydrometeorological disasters. According to the UN World Water Development Report 2020, almost 75% of natural disasters in the last two decades were related to water. 

    What does the Effective Water Governance need?

    • Needs to recognize Interactions with Food and Energy Systems: Although India has adopted several policies, most do not recognize this nexus while planning or at the implementation stage.
      • For example, while the scaling up of green hydrogen is desirable, the link with water availability is not always considered. 
      • Similarly, the impact of scaling up solar irrigation pumps on groundwater levels must be analyzed to deploy the technology where there is an optimal mix of solar resources and higher groundwater levels. 
    • Need to identify the Food-Land-Water nexus: Policies need to be designed differently, based on local evidence and community engagement. India needs to focus on the judicious use of blue and green water through water accounting and efficient reuse.
      • For Example, the National Water Mission targets increasing water use efficiency by 20% by 2025. 
      • Similarly, the Atal Mission on Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 calls for reducing non-revenue water, which is lost before it reaches the end user, to less than 20% in urban local bodies. 
    • Need for Water Accounting Principles: The present policies and programs are not backed by any baseline set using water accounting principles that will help quantify freshwater use. It is essential for promoting water use efficiency and creating incentives for investments in treated wastewater reuse.
      • For example, in the absence of water use data for the reference year, it is difficult to quantify the potential water saving in one sector, such as agriculture.
    • Need to leverage financial tools: Financial commitments for climate change adaptation in the water and agriculture sectors are still relatively small. It is necessary to raise money for climate adaptation in the water sector.
      • For Example, India’s Green Credit Programme has the potential to partially bridge the adaptation funding gap by encouraging investment in wastewater treatment, desalination plants, and agricultural extension services. 
      • Similarly, investments in India under Corporate Social Responsibility, there is a potential to leverage about ₹12,000 crore worth of investments every year.

    Conclusion: A water-secure economy is the first step towards a climate-resilient one. It is possible to make a start by pursuing more coherence in water, energy and climate policies, creating data-driven baselines to increase water savings, and enabling new financial instruments and markets for adaptation investments. 

  • Sustaining our Earth and Nourishing our Bodies

    Why in the news? 

    The women from a Self-Help Group in Kanker district (Chhattisgarh), have spared 10 decimals of land for multi-layer farming to mitigate land degradation and under-nutrition, and to secure round-the-year incomes.

    How does the relationship between Climate Change and Nutrition result in Food insecurity?

    • Impact on Food Chain: Climate change affects food value chains, agricultural yields, nutritional quality, food access, and energy-intensive processes, exacerbating existing challenges in food security and nutrition.
    • Lack of Access: The Rome Declaration on Nutrition highlights the global challenges in providing sufficient, safe, diverse, and nutrient-rich food for everyone, with approximately 800 million people lacking reliable access to food and two billion suffering from iron and zinc deficiencies.
    • Disparities in Diets: Disparities in production systems and individual dietary choices lead to populations being unable to maintain balanced diets, contributing to malnutrition and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
    • Results into Gender Disparities: Women are disproportionately affected by climate change and poor nutrition, but gender-just food systems, where women have equal rights and access to resources, contribute to resilience against shocks like drought.

    Suggestive measures for reducing Emissions

    • Plant-Based Diet: A diet higher in plant-based foods is more environmentally sustainable than one with more animal foods. Substituting animal products with plant-based meats and dairy alternatives can lower emissions.
    • Mitigating CO2 Concentration: Higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations can lead to lower concentrations of protein, iron, and zinc in crops, highlighting the need to mitigate climate change impacts on food nutrition.
    • Value-Chain Approach: Adopting a value-chain approach can optimize dietary choices while lowering emissions, benefiting communities at the household level.
      • For Example, Initiatives like the Millet Mission in Chhattisgarh aim to promote millet cultivation, showcasing its nutritional value, low water footprint, climate resilience, and potential to address both nutritional and environmental concerns.
    • Scaling up diversified Food Production: Scaling up and decentralizing diversified food production systems can reduce emissions by promoting underutilized indigenous foods and improving resilience to climate change.
    • Monitoring Emissions: Continuous and extensive monitoring of emissions linked to food production and distribution is necessary, with accessible assessment tools for local communities to actively participate in emission reduction efforts.

    Conclusion: Crops grown in regenerative and sustainable systems tend to have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial phytochemicals compared to conventionally grown counterparts. By prioritizing soil health and biodiversity, regenerative and sustainable agriculture systems government and farmers can collaboratively promote nutrient-dense foods that nourish our bodies and support overall health and well-being.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • [10 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The climate crisis is not gender neutral

    [10 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The climate crisis is not gender neutral

    PYQ Relevance:

    Mains: 

    Q)  ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC CSE 2017) 

    Q) Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021) 

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: NA;

    Mains: Social Issues; Women Issues;

    Mentor comments: Women are very effective at mobilizing communities during disasters.  They are at the frontline in moving forward with recovery. Women further hold key knowledge of most of the Natural Resources and their management. Hence, they can be the key actors in Climate Adaptation and Mitigation.

    However, women and girls have less access to climate information, early warnings, agricultural advisory services, mobile phone technology, and financial credit. For example, more women than men died in the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 because they were less likely to know how to swim, and long clothing hampered their movement. Now, we have no time to lose as we are standing at the intersection of inequality and climate change, and our strategies must reflect the urgency of the times.

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), women and children are 14 times more likely than men to die in a disaster. 

    • Tropical countries in the past decade are likely to face unprecedented heatwaves.
    • The SC has just recently ruled that people have a right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change, and the right to a clean environment is already recognized as a Fundamental Right within the ambit of the ‘Right to Life’.

    Why Women are more vulnerable due to Climate Change Impacts?

    • High Sector-Specific Dependency: Agriculture is the most important livelihood source for women in India, particularly in rural India. Climate-driven crop yield reductions increase poverty.
    • Men Vs. Women Scenario: Within small and marginal landholding households, while men face social stigma due to unpaid loans (leading to migration, emotional distress, and sometimes even suicide), women experience higher domestic work burdens, worse health, and greater intimate partner violence. 
    • The Scenario in Drought-prone Areas: National Family Health Survey 4 and 5 data showed that women living in drought-prone districts were more underweight, experienced more intimate partner violence, and had a higher prevalence of girl marriages. 
    • Poverty and Insecurity: The increasing food and nutritional insecurity, work burdens and income uncertainties lead not only to poor physical health but also impact their mental health and emotional well-being. 

    How do the Extreme Climatic Events result in gender-based violence?

    • Reduced Self-Care: Subsequent changes in water cycle patterns severely impact access to safe drinking water, which increases the drudgery and reduces the time for productive work and self-health care of women and girls.
    • Maternal Issues: Prolonged heat is particularly dangerous for pregnant women (Chances of Preterm Birth/ Eclampsia), young children, and the elderly. 
    • Cardiovascular disease: Air Pollution affects women’s health, causing respiratory and cardiovascular disease, and also the unborn child, impairing its physical and cognitive growth. One of the most worrying aspects is its impact on the growing brain.
      • Emerging data from cohort studies in India show that the risk of lung cancer increases by 9% due to PM2.5
    Why does Climate Action need Women?

    Improve Agri-Productivity: Women increased their agricultural yields by 20% to 30% when provided with the same access to resources as men.

    Enhanced Conservation: Tribal and rural women have been at the forefront of environmental conservation.

    Empowerment: Giving women and women collectives (Self-help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations) the knowledge, tools, and access to resources would encourage local solutions to emerge.

    Reducing CO2 emissions is crucial:

    • Creating Cooler Environments: Immediate action is needed to protect vulnerable groups from heatwaves, such as providing cooling spaces and adjusting work schedules.
      • Planting trees and vegetation can create a cooler and more sustainable environment.
    • Upgrading Infrastructure: Urban planning can help mitigate heatwave and drought impacts, such as increasing green spaces and using heat-resistant materials.
      • Improving early warning systems for heatwaves, creating more cooling shelters and green spaces, and promoting awareness campaigns about heatwave risks and safety measures are crucial for preparedness and mitigation.
    • Water Conservation: Traditional rainwater harvesting and storage systems in India can be revived using geographic information systems and local planning.
      • Improving water use efficiencies, and reusing treated wastewater can help reduce the strain on freshwater resources.
    • Technological Interventions: The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in a few districts of Tamil Nadu showed that by using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Panchayats could improve the groundwater crisis.
      • It identified vulnerabilities and climate hazards and developed a local plan to improve water access by directing government schemes and resources. 

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/the-climate-crisis-is-not-gender-neutral/article68047470.ece

    https://wmo.int/media/news/climate-crisis-not-gender-neutral