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Subject: Climate Change

1. Global Warming and Issues
2. All about Pollution

  • New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) in Climate Financing

    bonn climate

    Central Idea

    • The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) has emerged as a significant commitment in global climate financing at the recently-concluded Bonn climate conference in Germany.
    • The conference, which sets the stage for the upcoming Conference of Parties-28 (COP28) in Dubai, has exposed significant gaps in funding for climate action.

    Conference of Parties (COP)

    • The Conference of Parties (COP) is a key international event where countries come together to address the urgent challenges posed by climate change.
    • It is the supreme decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
    • The COP brings together representatives from various countries to assess progress, negotiate agreements, and establish international climate policies and commitments.
    • The first COP took place in 1995 in Berlin, Germany, following the adoption of the UNFCCC in 1992.
    • Since then, the COP has been held annually, with each event designated by a specific number (e.g., COP21, COP22) indicating the sequential order.

     

    What is New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)?

    • The commitment of $100 billion per year till 2020 to developing nations by developed countries was set at the 2009 COP.
    • The cost estimates for addressing climate change indicate that billions, and possibly trillions, of dollars are required.
    • The 2015 Paris Climate Agreement emphasized the need for a NCQG for climate financing before 2025.
    • The NCGQ aims to account for the needs and priorities of developing nations and has been termed the “most important climate goal.”
    • It should reflect scientific evidence, respond to increased funding requirements for Loss and Damage, and involve developed countries increasing their commitments.

    Need for NCQG

    • Developed countries provided $83.3 billion in 2020 out of the promised $100 billion per year.
    • However, an analysis by Oxfam suggests that these figures may be inflated by as much as 225% due to misleading and dishonest reporting.
    • The $100 billion target set in 2009 lacked clarity in terms of the definition and source of ‘climate finance.’

    Challenges and Concerns

    (A) Accessibility and Sustainability of Climate Finance

    • While the funds for climate finance have increased, they remain largely inaccessible to developing countries.
    • The majority of climate finance comes in the form of loans and equity, burdening developing nations with a debilitating debt crisis.
    • Only around 5% of climate finance is provided as grants, which severely limits the capacity of countries in need.

    (B) Developed Countries’ Perspective

    • Developed countries argue that the NCQG should be seen as a collective goal for all countries.
    • This perspective places the burden of mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage on developing countries.
    • Experts raise concerns that developing nations may struggle to bear the costs while also ensuring sustainable infrastructure development.
    • Developed countries advocate for mobilizing private-sector investments and loans as a critical component of climate finance.

    Future roadmap

    • A deadline looms for countries to agree on the NCQG before 2024.
    • While there is no official figure yet, estimates suggest that transitioning to a low-carbon economy requires annual investments of $4 trillion to $6 trillion.
    • Some propose setting separate targets or sub-goals for focus areas like mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage instead of a single aggregate figure.
    • The focus should be on scaling up concessional financing, halting debt creation, and transforming the NCQG into an equitable and people-led transition process.

  • Blue Ocean Event: Arctic Ocean to be Ice-Free by 2030s

    blue ocean

    Central Idea

    • A new study published in Nature Communications warns that the Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer by the 2030s, even with significant emission reduction efforts.
    • This alarming conclusion challenges previous predictions and highlights the global, damaging, and dangerous consequences of such a scenario.

    Accelerated Climate Heating in the Arctic

    • Fastest Heating: The Arctic region has been experiencing climate heating at a faster rate than any other part of the planet, making it a frontline area for climate change.
    • Focus on Sea Ice: Scientists and local indigenous communities closely monitor the sea ice that covers much of the Arctic Ocean during winter, as it is a critical indicator of climate change.
    • Diminishing Sea Ice: Over the past 40 years, multiyear sea ice, which remains at the end of summer, has reduced from approximately 7 million sq. km to 4 million sq. km, representing a significant loss.

    Predicting an Ice-Free Arctic: Blue Ocean Event

    • What is it: Scientists have been studying when the Arctic Ocean might become ice-free in summer, known as a “blue ocean event,” defined by the sea ice area dropping below 1 million sq. km.
    • Complex Modeling: Sea ice is challenging to model accurately due to its sensitivity to atmospheric and oceanic circulation and heat transfer. Previous climate models underestimated the loss of sea ice compared to actual observations.
    • Observationally Constrained Projections: The latest study takes a calibrated approach, using observational data to refine the models and project sea ice decline. It suggests the Arctic could become ice-free in summer as early as the 2030s, even with emission reductions.

    Implications of an Ice-Free Arctic:

    • Climate Feedback: The loss of Arctic sea ice amplifies warming through positive feedback, as it reduces sunlight absorption by the ocean, potentially accelerating the melting of the Greenland ice sheet and contributing to sea-level rise.
    • Environmental Shifts: An ice-free Arctic would lead to changes in atmospheric circulation, storm tracks, and ocean biological activity, with far-reaching and undesirable consequences.
    • Slender Benefits: While there may be some perceived benefits, such as shorter shipping routes, they pale in comparison to the negative impacts on the climate system and global ecosystems.

    Conclusion

    • The potential ice-free Arctic Ocean by the 2030s, as indicated by the study, underscores the urgent need for climate action.
    • The consequences of such a scenario extend far beyond.
    • The study highlights the imperative of mitigating climate change to avoid further damage to the Arctic and the planet as a whole.

  • Bonn Climate Conference: Key Takeaways

    bonn climate

    Central Idea

    • The Bonn Climate Change Conference was held from 5 to 15 June 2023.
    • Building on the mandates that emerged from COP 27 in Egypt last year, the conference hosted a large number of mandated events and continue discussions on issues of critical importance.
    • It is expected to make progress on these and other important issues and prepare draft decisions for adoption at COP 28 / CMP 18 / CMA 5 in the UAE in December 2023.

    Key ideas discussed

    • Some progress was made on the global stocktake (GST) discussions.
    • However, the issues of historical responsibility and finance remained contentious, hindering the strengthening of climate actions.

    climate

    What is Global Stocktake (GST)?

    • GST is a process established under the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change.
    • It serves as a mechanism to assess global progress in addressing climate change and to enhance collective climate action.
    • The GST aims to review the implementation of the Paris Agreement’s goals and targets and identify areas where additional efforts are needed to meet those objectives.

    Key aspects of the Global Stocktake include:

    1. Timing: The Paris Agreement mandates that the GST be conducted every five years, starting in 2023. This regular assessment allows for tracking progress and adjusting strategies accordingly.
    2. Assessment of Collective Efforts: GST evaluates the collective efforts of all countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to the impacts of climate change, and providing support to developing nations.
    3. Review of Goals and Targets: It assesses the effectiveness of countries’ actions in meeting the long-term temperature goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, primarily the goal to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
    4. Transparency and Accountability: The GST promotes transparency and accountability by encouraging countries to report on their progress and actions taken toward achieving their climate goals. This allows for a comprehensive and objective assessment of global climate action.
    5. Identification of Gaps and Opportunities: The stocktake identifies gaps in collective efforts, including finance, technology transfer, and capacity-building support, and explores opportunities for enhanced actions to bridge those gaps.
    6. Decision-Making: The findings and recommendations from the GST inform future decision-making, including the setting of new targets and the adjustment of national climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

    Challenges in Climate Negotiations

    • Disputes and Delayed Agendas: Developed and developing countries engaged in disagreements, leading to delays in agreeing on meeting agendas.
    • Historical Responsibility Debate: Australia’s attempt to diminish the historical responsibility of developed nations in causing global warming sparked controversy.
    • Developing Countries’ Perspective: Developing nations emphasized the importance of acknowledging historical responsibility in addressing climate change.
    • Potential Conflict at COP28: The issue of historical responsibility is expected to resurface at COP28, posing challenges to reaching consensus.

    Finance and Technology Transfer

    • Disparity in Support: Developing countries expressed concerns about inadequate financial and technological support from developed nations.
    • Burden of Implementation: Insufficient funds hinder the ability of developing countries to implement robust climate action plans.

    Future Outlook

    (1) Bridging Adequacy Gap:

    • Developed Nations’ Perspective: Australia and the United States questioned the sole responsibility of developed countries in bridging the adequacy gap.
    • Developing Nations’ Concerns: Developing countries emphasized the need for financial support and technology transfers to enhance their climate actions.
    • Value Addition: Bridging the adequacy gap requires global cooperation, equitable burden-sharing, and increased financial assistance for developing countries.

    (2) Financing Climate Action:

    • Insufficient Funds: Current financial commitments fall short of the required resources for implementing climate action plans.
    • Summit for a New Global Financial Pact: A Paris summit aims to redirect global financial flows and raise new funds for climate change initiatives.

  • Groundwater Extraction Shifts Earth’s Tilt Axis

    earth tilt

    Central Ideas

    • A recent study conducted by scientists at Seoul National University has revealed that the extraction of groundwater from the earth has caused a shift in the planet’s axis, tilting it nearly 80 cm to the east.
    • This phenomenon, along with the movement of water through melting ice caps and glaciers, has implications for both the earth’s rotation, sea-level rise, and the distribution of water resources.

    Earth’s Axis and Rotation

    • The Earth’s axis and rotation play significant roles in shaping our planet’s climate, seasons, and day-night cycles.
    • Here are some key points about Earth’s axis and rotation:
    1. Axis: The axis is an imaginary line that extends between the North Pole and the South Pole and is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt is responsible for Earth’s seasons.
    2. Rotation: Earth rotates on its axis from west to east, completing one full rotation in approximately 24 hours. This rotation is what gives us the cycle of day and night. The side of the Earth facing the Sun experiences daylight, while the opposite side experiences darkness, resulting in day and night.
    3. Polar Regions: The axis of the Earth is inclined with respect to its orbital plane. This inclination causes the Polar Regions to experience variations in daylight throughout the year. During the summer solstice (around June 21), the North Pole is tilted towards the Sun, resulting in 24 hours of continuous daylight in the Arctic Circle and 24 hours of darkness in the Antarctic Circle. The opposite occurs during the winter solstice (around December 21).
    4. Equator: The equator is an imaginary line equidistant from the poles and divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. The equator experiences relatively consistent day and night lengths throughout the year, with two equinoxes occurring when the Sun is directly above the equator. During the equinoxes (around March 21 and September 21), day and night are approximately equal in length worldwide.
    5. Precession (Cyclic Wobble): In addition to its axial tilt, Earth experiences a slow, cyclic wobble called precession. This wobble causes the orientation of Earth’s axis to change slightly over a period of approximately 26,000 years. Precession does not affect the tilt or the length of the seasons but does influence the positions of the celestial poles and the timing of Earth’s closest approach to the Sun (perihelion) and farthest point (aphelion).

    Why in news?

    • Unlike a stable rotating globe, the earth’s axis experiences a wobble due to various factors such as weather, seasonal changes, the molten core, and natural events like hurricanes.
    • Scientists track this motion relative to astronomical phenomena, but the role of water movement, including groundwater extraction, had not been fully considered until now.
    • The earth’s axis wobbles in a circular pattern several meters wide every year.

    Study Findings

    • Researchers at Seoul National University built a climate model linking the earth’s axis shift with water movement, including the melting of ice caps and glaciers.
    • Initially, the model did not match the observed drift of the axis until groundwater extraction was added to the equation.
    • Groundwater pumping accounted for the unexplained cause of the rotation pole drift.
    • The shift in the earth’s axis due to groundwater extraction was measured at nearly 80 cm tilt to the east.

    Implications for Sea-Level Rise

    • The study revealed that approximately 2,150 billion tonnes of groundwater were pumped and drained into the oceans between 1993 and 2010, contributing to a sea-level rise of 6.24 mm.
    • Groundwater depletion plays a significant role in the location and magnitude of the axis drift.
    • Mid-latitude regions, particularly northwest India and western North America, showed the most significant groundwater redistribution effects.

    Impact on Water Resources

    • Groundwater extraction for human activities, including irrigation, is affecting the distribution and availability of water resources.
    • Excessive groundwater pumping has led to a significant redistribution of water, altering the balance between surface water and groundwater reserves.

  • What is El Nino and How it impacts the Monsoon?

    el nino

    Central Idea

    • Delay in Monsoon: Any discussion on Indian monsoon delay these days invariably has references to the El Nino phenomenon.
    • Sudden rise of El Nino: This year’s monsoon is also progressing under the cloud of an El Nino in the Pacific Ocean.

    Understanding El Nino and La Nina

    • El Nino and La Nina are two opposite phases of the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
    • ENSO is a naturally occurring phenomenon that involves the interaction between the ocean and atmosphere in the equatorial Pacific.

    Here is a detailed comparison of El Nino and La Nina

    El Nino La Nina
    Definition Warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures Cooler-than-normal sea surface temperatures
    Frequency Every two to seven years Every two to seven years
    Duration Several months to a year or more Several months to a year or more
    Impact on winds Weakens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns Strengthens trade winds, leading to changes in patterns
    Impact on rains Reduces rainfall and can cause droughts Increases rainfall and can cause flooding
    Impact on temp. Warmer-than-average temperatures Colder-than-average temperatures
    Global effects Droughts in Asia and Africa, floods in Americas Floods in Asia and Africa, droughts in South America

     

    Impact on India

    El Nino La Nina
    Associated with weak monsoons and drought-like conditions in India Associated with above-normal rainfall and floods in India
    Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean rises above normal levels Sea surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean drops below normal levels
    Changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns Changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns
    Shift in the location of the jet stream, affecting the strength and direction of the monsoon winds Increase in the strength of the monsoon winds, bringing more moisture and rainfall to India
    Results in reduced rainfall, dry spells, and heatwaves, leading to crop failures and water scarcity Excessive rainfall can also lead to floods and landslides, causing damage to crops and infrastructure

     

    El Nino and Indian Monsoon

    • El Nino and its impact on Indian monsoon: El Nino refers to abnormal warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, which tends to suppress monsoon rainfall in India.
    • Phases of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO): ENSO consists of three phases in the Pacific Ocean: El Nino, La Nina (abnormal cooling), and a neutral phase with sea surface temperatures close to long-term averages.
    • Ocean and atmospheric conditions: ENSO involves not only temperature abnormalities of sea surface waters but also atmospheric conditions, including differences in sea-level air pressure and wind strength and direction.
    • Southern oscillation and the role of winds: Southern Oscillation Index measures the difference in sea-level air pressure over the western and eastern sides of the Pacific Ocean, while wind patterns play a crucial role in ENSO.

    Factors triggering El Nino

    • Weakening trade winds: When the trade winds in the tropical Pacific weaken, it contributes to the occurrence of El Nino by reducing the movement of warm surface waters.
    • Changes in ocean currents: Alterations in the normal patterns of ocean currents can trigger El Nino events as they affect the distribution and accumulation of warm water in the central and eastern Pacific.
    • Variations in atmospheric pressure: Fluctuations in atmospheric pressure patterns disrupt the typical circulation associated with trade winds, which can initiate the onset of El Nino conditions.
    • Influence of oceanic Kelvin waves: The presence and behavior of oceanic Kelvin waves, large-scale waves that transport warm water eastward, play a role in the development and intensification of El Nino events.
    • Interactions with other climate modes: El Nino can be influenced by the interactions and connections with other climate phenomena such as the Indian Ocean Dipole and the Madden-Julian Oscillation, which can impact the oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the Pacific region.

    Measuring the Cycle

    (1) Oceanic Nino Index (ONI)

    • Measures the oceanic component of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
    • Tracks the departure from average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean.
    • Helps quantify the intensity and duration of El Nino or La Nina events.
    • Typically based on a rolling three-month average of sea surface temperature anomalies in specific regions.

    (2) Southern Oscillation Index (SOI)

    • Measures the atmospheric component of ENSO.
    • Quantifies the difference in air pressure between two locations: Tahiti and Darwin.
    • Positive SOI values indicate higher pressure in the eastern Pacific and lower pressure in the western Pacific.
    • Negative SOI values indicate lower pressure in the eastern Pacific and higher pressure in the western Pacific.
    • Reflects the strength and changes in the atmospheric circulation patterns associated with ENSO.
    • Used to assess the phase and strength of ENSO and its impact on global weather and climate patterns.

    Economic impact of El Nino on Indian Agriculture

    • Drought and reduced rainfall: El Nino events often lead to below-average monsoon rainfall in India, resulting in drought conditions in various regions.
    • Crop failure and lower yields: Lack of adequate water availability can lead to crop failure or lower yields for major crops such as rice, wheat, pulses, and oilseeds.
    • Increased input costs: During El Nino-induced droughts, farmers may need to invest in additional irrigation, water management, and supplementary feeding for livestock, leading to increased input costs.
    • Price fluctuations: Reduced crop production due to El Nino can affect market supply, leading to price fluctuations and potential inflation in food prices.
    • Livestock and fisheries: Water scarcity and changes in marine ecosystems can negatively affect animal husbandry and fishing activities, disrupting the livelihoods of those dependent on these sectors.
    • Rural livelihoods and migration: The economic stress created can impact rural livelihoods, leading to increased migration from rural to urban areas in search of alternative employment opportunities.

    Try this PYQ:

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

    1. La Nina is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperature in equatorial Indian Ocean whereas El Nino is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean.
    2. El Nino has an 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) Only 1

    (b) Only 2

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

    [wpdiscuz-feedback id=”2c11bi6xlo” question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers here.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]

  • Cyclone Biparjoy and its Naming

    Cyclone Biparjoy
    PC: windy.com

    Central Idea: A cyclonic storm, named Biparjoy, has developed in the Arabian Sea.

    Cyclone Biparjoy

    • It was stationed about 850 km west of Goa and 900 km southwest of Mumbai.
    • The cyclone is predicted to gain in strength over the next three days and develop into a very severe cyclonic storm by June 13.
    • It would result in squally weather with wind speeds reaching 35-45 kmph along the coastline of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra
    • The IMD has not yet predicted any major impact on countries adjoining the Arabian Sea, including India, Oman, Iran, and Pakistan.

    How it was named?

    • Origin of Cyclone Biparjoy’s Name: ‘Biparjoy’ was suggested by Bangladesh and the word means ‘disaster’ or ‘calamity’ in Bengali. The next cyclone after Biparjoy will be named ‘Tej’ based on India’s suggestion.
    • Rotational Basis for Naming: The naming of cyclones is done by countries on a rotational basis, following certain existing guidelines.
    • Responsibilities of RSMCs and TCWCs: Worldwide, there are six regional specialized meteorological centers (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers (TCWCs) mandated for issuing advisories and naming of tropical cyclones.
    • IMD’s Role: IMD is one of the six RSMCs providing tropical cyclone and storm surge advisories to 13 member countries under the WMO/Economic and Social Commission for Asia-Pacific (ESCAP) Panel.
    • Naming Authority of IMD: RSMC, New Delhi, is also mandated to name the tropical cyclones developing over the north Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
    • Guidelines for Naming: Some rules are to be followed while naming cyclones, such as being neutral to politics, religious beliefs, cultures, and gender, avoiding offensive or cruel names, and keeping the name short and easy to pronounce.
    • Next Cyclone Name: After Bangladesh, the next cyclone will be named ‘Tej’ based on India’s suggestion.

    Cyclones in the Arabian Sea: A quick recap

    • Frequency of Cyclones: It is not rare for cyclones to develop in the Arabian Sea. There are fewer cyclones compared to the Bay of Bengal, but it is not uncommon.
    • Favorable Months: June is one of the favorable months for the formation of cyclones in the Arabian Sea.
    • Factors Influencing Cyclone Formation: Cyclones form due to low-pressure systems over warm waters. The Bay of Bengal is slightly warmer, but the Arabian Sea is also getting warmer due to climate change, leading to an increase in cyclones.
    • Coriolis Effect and Weather Systems: In a depression or low-pressure situation, the air blows in an anticlockwise direction in the northern hemisphere, influenced by the Coriolis Effect.

    Role of Climate Change

    • Historical data indicates that the frequency of extremely severe cyclonic storms has increased over the Arabian Sea since 1990, while it has remained the same over the Bay of Bengal.
    • A 2021 study highlighted the increasing intensity, frequency, and duration of cyclonic storms in the Arabian Sea.
    • The warming is indicated by the nearly tripled accumulated cyclone energy, reflecting the extent of warming in recent years.

    Back2Basics:

    Tropical Cyclones
    Definition Intense circular storm over warm oceans with low pressure, high winds, and heavy rain.
    Formation Conditions Warm sea surface temperatures, anticlockwise rotation of low-level air, favorable atmospheric conditions.
    Conducive Periods April-May and October-December.
    Movement and Moisture Cyclones move northwest, gather moist air, and intensify.
    Requirements for Cyclogenesis Warm sea temperatures, atmospheric instability, high humidity, Coriolis force, low-level disturbance, low vertical wind shear.
    Sea temperatures Temperature of at least 28°C.
    Atmospheric instability Allows vertical air movement.
    Role of Coriolis Force Required for low-pressure center formation.
    Low vertical wind shear Maintains cyclone structure.

     

  • 50th anniversary of World Environment Day

    world environment day plastic

    Central Idea

    • Plastics have become an integral part of human life, despite their adverse environmental impact.
    • World Environment Day (5th June) serves as a reminder of our responsibility to address plastic pollution.

    Why in news?

    • 50th Anniversary of World Environment Day: The day, led by UNEP since 1973, marks its 50th anniversary this year.
    • Global Platform for Environmental Outreach: World Environment Day has grown into the largest global platform for environmental outreach.
    • Theme- #BeatPlasticPollution: This year’s World Environment Day focuses on the urgent need to combat plastic pollution.

    World Environment Day 2023
    Date June 5th
    Theme (2023) Ecosystem Restoration
    Host Country (2023) Pakistan
    Established World Environment Day was established in 1972 by the United Nations at the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment
    Purpose To raise awareness and promote action for environmental protection
    Importance Platform for global environmental campaigns and initiatives
    Activities Various activities are organized worldwide, such as tree planting, clean-up drives, and educational programs
    Previous Themes Previous themes have focused on topics like biodiversity, air pollution, plastic pollution, and more
    Organized by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

    Plastic pollution and the need for Solutions

    • Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue that requires immediate attention.
    • Over 400 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with less than 10% being recycled.
    • Plastic pollution negatively affects ecosystems and poses risks to human health.

    Understanding Plastic Pollution

    platic environment day

    • Versatile Nature of Plastics: Plastics are synthetic materials capable of being shaped and molded according to requirements.
    • Types of Plastics: Commodity plastics, such as PET, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, and PS, dominate global production.
    • Identification Codes and Different Properties: Plastics can be identified by their resin identification codes (RIC) and possess distinct properties.

    Environmental impact of plastics

    • Plastics have revolutionized various industries but raise significant environmental concerns.
    • Plastics have a slow decomposition rate, leading to the persistence of plastic waste.
    • Microplastics, including primary and secondary types, accumulate in various environments.

    Health risks and toxic chemicals

    • Microplastics contain toxic chemicals that pose risks to human health.
    • Bisphenol A (BPA) in microplastics can have detrimental effects on human health.

    Worst examples of Plastic Pollution

    • The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast collection of plastic and microplastic waste.
    • It was formed due to converging ocean currents and is situated in the North Pacific Ocean.
    • It covers a surface area of 1.6 million sq km, with smaller patches in other oceans.

    Actions against Plastic Pollution

    • Urgency for Collective Action: Plastic pollution necessitates collective efforts and immediate action.
    • World Environment Day’s Reminder of Responsibility: World Environment Day serves as a reminder of our responsibility to address plastic pollution.

    Way forward

    • Plastic Recycling: Advanced recycling technologies offer new ways to efficiently recycle plastic waste.
    • Promoting Circular Economy Models: Embracing circular economy principles can reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable resource usage.
    • Education and Awareness Campaigns: Spreading awareness and educating the public about the impact of plastic pollution can drive behavioral change.
    • Collaboration between Industries and Governments: Cooperation between industries and governments is essential to develop comprehensive strategies for tackling plastic pollution.

  • Role of Evapotranspiration in Earth’s Dynamic Processes

     

    evapotranspiration

    Central Idea:  Evapotranspiration is a key process in Earth’s dynamic systems, impacting the movement of water and nutrients, influencing the water cycle, and providing crucial information for farmers to manage irrigation and water resources effectively.

    Understanding Evapotranspiration

    • Definition: Evapotranspiration refers to the movement of water from terrestrial surfaces into the atmosphere and is a crucial part of the planet-wide water cycle.
    • Water cycle and its connection to evapotranspiration: Evapotranspiration is an amalgamation of evaporation (water loss from soil) and transpiration (water movement and loss by plants), both of which contribute to the overall movement of water in the water cycle.
    • Breakdown of the term: Evapotranspiration encompasses the movement of water upward through plants and its subsequent loss into the air from exposed plant parts.

    Factors affecting Evapotranspiration

    • Rate of evapotranspiration: Several factors impact the rate of evapotranspiration, including solar radiation, day length, soil moisture levels, ambient temperature, wind conditions, and the amount of water vapour already present in the air.
    • Insolation and its effect: The intensity of solar radiation directly affects the rate of evapotranspiration, as it provides the energy needed to evaporate water from terrestrial surfaces.
    • Role of day length: The length of the day, soil moisture content, ambient temperature, wind patterns, and the moisture content of the air all contribute to the rate at which evapotranspiration occurs.

    Historical significance of evapotranspiration

    • Origin and age of the term: The term “evapotranspiration” has been in use for at least 86 years and was initially published with a hyphenated form.
    • Contribution of Charles Warren Thornthwaite in 1944: Thornthwaite, an American climatologist, defined and popularized the term “evapotranspiration” in 1944.
    • Relevance for farmers in estimating water needs for crops: Even today, evapotranspiration remains significant for farmers who utilize it to estimate the amount of water required to irrigate their crops effectively.

    Back2Basics: Water Cycle

    • The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement and circulation of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface.
    • Stages of the Water Cycle include:
    1. Evaporation: The process by which water changes from a liquid state to a gaseous state, rising into the atmosphere.
    2. Condensation: The cooling of water vapor in the atmosphere, causing it to change from a gaseous state back to a liquid state, forming clouds.
    3. Precipitation: When condensed water droplets combine and fall from the atmosphere as rain, snow, sleet, or hail.
    4. Runoff: The movement of water on the Earth’s surface, flowing into streams, rivers, lakes, and eventually into the oceans.
    5. Infiltration: The process by which water seeps into the ground and becomes groundwater.
    6. Transpiration: The release of water vapor from plant surfaces into the atmosphere.

     

  • Slowing of Overturning Circulation in Antarctic

    overturning

    Central Idea

    • Recent research indicates that the Antarctic overturning circulation, a global network of ocean currents, is slowing down at a faster rate than previously predicted.
    • The overturning circulation is crucial for redistributing heat, carbon, and nutrients, and maintaining Earth’s climate stability and deep-ocean oxygen levels.

    What is Overturning Circulation?

    • The overturning circulation (OC) refers to the large-scale circulation pattern in the global ocean, involving both surface and deep currents.
    • It is a network of ocean currents that plays a crucial role in redistributing heat, carbon, and nutrients around the globe.
    • It is driven by the sinking of dense, cold, oxygen-rich water from the ocean surface to the deep ocean and the rising of less dense water in different regions.

    How does it work?

    • It operates on a global scale and involves the sinking and rising of water masses driven by density differences.
    • Cold, dense water sinks in certain regions, while warmer, less dense water rises in other areas, creating a continuous flow of water.

    Key components and processes

    • Antarctic Bottom Water: Cold, dense water forms near Antarctica and sinks to the ocean floor, spreading northward along the seafloor.
    • North Atlantic Deep Water: Another dense water mass forms in the North Atlantic and sinks to great depths.
    • Thermohaline Circulation: Temperature and salinity differences drive the sinking and rising of water masses, influencing the overturning circulation.
    • Deep Ocean Currents: Once the dense water sinks, it flows along the deep ocean basins, connecting various regions of the world ocean.

    Observing and studying the OC

    • Monitoring the overturning circulation is challenging due to its vast scale and complex dynamics.
    • Observations include ship-based measurements, moored instruments, floats, satellites, and numerical models.
    • Scientists use a combination of measurements and simulations to understand the behavior and changes in the overturning circulation.

    Importance of the Overturning Circulation

    • Heat redistribution: The overturning circulation helps regulate Earth’s climate by transporting heat from the equator to the poles and vice versa.
    • Assist carbon cycle: It plays a vital role in redistributing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, impacting the global carbon cycle.
    • Nutrient cycling: The circulation also facilitates the transport of nutrients, affecting marine ecosystems and productivity.

    Consequences of a Slowing OC

    • Climatic changes: A slowdown in the overturning circulation can have significant consequences for Earth’s climate and marine ecosystems.
    • Nutrient disruption: It can disrupt the transport of heat, carbon, and nutrients, leading to changes in regional and global climate patterns.
    • De-oxygenation: Reduced oxygen supply to the deep ocean can affect deep-sea marine life and potentially lead to shifts in species distribution.

    Impact of Melting Antarctic Ice

    • Melting Antarctic ice disrupts the formation of Antarctic bottom water, a key component of the overturning circulation.
    • Freshening of surface waters due to melt-water makes them less dense and less likely to sink, slowing down the circulation.

    Future Outlook

    • Antarctica’s ice loss is expected to continue and accelerate with global warming.
    • Anticipated freshening due to increased ice loss will prolong the slowdown and further decrease deep-ocean oxygen levels.
    • The consequences of the slowdown extend beyond Antarctica, affecting the global ocean, climate change, and sea level rise.
    • Urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to address these issues.

    Way forward

    • Intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Implement measures to mitigate ice loss from Antarctica and address the freshening of surface waters.
    • Promote scientific research and monitoring to understand and respond to the ongoing changes.
    • Raise awareness about the importance of the overturning circulation and its impact on climate and marine ecosystems.

     

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  • Antarctic Sea Ice Cover at Record Low

    antarctic

    Central Idea

    • Sea ice in Antarctica reached its smallest area on record in February for the second consecutive year, continuing a decade-long decline.

    Ice cover decline: Key data

    (1) Square km decline

    • The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) provided the figures, highlighting the significant decrease in Antarctic sea ice.
    • On February 16, the ocean surface covered by ice around Antarctica shrank to 2.09 million square kilometers (800,000 square miles), the lowest level since satellite records began.

    (2) Warming trends

    • Both the North and South poles have experienced significant warming, with temperatures rising by approximately 3 degrees Celsius compared to late 19th-century levels, three times the global average.
    • Arctic sea ice has been diminishing by about 3 percent per year since the late 1970s, while sea ice in Antarctica has remained relatively constant with large annual variations.

    (3) Regional variances and vulnerabilities

    • Recent ice cover reduction during the southern hemisphere summer has been most pronounced in West Antarctica, which is more vulnerable to the impacts of global warming compared to East Antarctica.
    • Antarctica witnessed its first recorded heatwave in 2020, with temperatures 9.2 degrees Celsius above the mean maximum. Unusual temperature spikes have been observed in various parts of Antarctica.
    • The Arctic has also experienced significant declines in sea ice, with the record minimum sea ice extent occurring in 2012.

    Impact of declining Ice Cover

    • Global sea level rise: Melting ice in Antarctica contributes to rising sea levels worldwide.
    • Disruption of ecosystems: Declining ice cover disrupts habitats and food sources for ice-dependent species.
    • Increased warming: Less ice reflects sunlight, leading to more heat absorption and further ice melting.
    • Changes in ocean circulation: Declining ice cover can disrupt currents and impact global climate patterns.
    • Release of stored carbon: Melting ice releases trapped carbon, potentially affecting marine ecosystems and contributing to climate change.
    • Amplification of global warming: Reduced ice cover creates a positive feedback loop, exacerbating climate change.
    • Disruption of biodiversity and food chains: Changing ice conditions impact species relying on ice algae and affect the overall Southern Ocean ecosystem.

    Future projections

    • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted with high confidence that the Arctic Ocean would become practically ice-free in September at least once by mid-century.
    • The decreasing trends in both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice highlight the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on the Polar Regions.

     

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