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Subject: Climate Change

1. Global Warming and Issues
2. All about Pollution

  • Global concerns vs national interest: Why India lost interest in hosting COP 33

    Why in the News?

    India’s decision to step back from hosting Conference of the Parties (COP) 33 of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)  marks a significant shift from its earlier proactive climate diplomacy stance. This is notable because India had emerged as a key voice of the Global South under the Paris framework. Yet it is now showing hesitation amid growing dissatisfaction with inequitable climate burdens, stalled climate finance, and pressure to adopt emissions pathways misaligned with its developmental needs. 

    Why did India initially show interest in hosting COP33?

    1. Climate Leadership: Positioned India as a leading voice of the Global South in climate negotiations, especially post-Paris Agreement.
    2. Diplomatic Visibility: Enhanced India’s global stature by hosting a major multilateral platform.
    3. Policy Influence: Enabled shaping of negotiation agendas, especially on climate finance and equity.
      1. International Solar Alliance (ISA): India successfully pushed solar energy as a central solution for developing countries, leading to a global coalition focused on affordable solar deployment.
      2. Climate Justice Narrative: India consistently emphasized “climate justice” and equity, ensuring that historical responsibility of developed nations remained part of COP discussions.
      3. CBDR Principle Reinforcement: During negotiations, India defended the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), resisting attempts to dilute obligations of developed countries.
      4. Climate Finance Pressure: India played a key role in pushing developed nations to commit to the $100 billion annual climate finance target, keeping finance at the core of COP agendas.
      5. Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE): India introduced the LiFE initiative, shifting discourse from only industrial emissions to sustainable consumption patterns globally.
      6. Coal Phase-down Language (COP26): India influenced the final Glasgow text by changing “phase-out of coal” to “phase-down”, reflecting developmental concerns of emerging economies. 
    4. Continuity of Engagement: Built upon India’s increasing activism in global climate discourse.

    What factors led to India losing interest in hosting COP33?

    1. Shifting Global Context: Reflects a recalibration where national interests increasingly outweigh symbolic global leadership roles.
    2. Inequitable Burden Sharing: Highlights dissatisfaction with developed countries not fulfilling climate finance commitments.
      1. $100 Billion Climate Finance Gap: Developed countries failed to fully deliver the promised $100 billion annually by 2020, creating trust deficits in negotiations.
      2. COP15: Copenhagen Accord: Initial finance commitments were non-binding, shifting burden of action onto developing countries without assured support.
      3. Mitigation Pressure vs Finance Deficit: Countries like India are pushed for net-zero targets, while finance and technology transfer remain inadequate.
      4. Adaptation Funding Imbalance: Majority of funds directed toward mitigation, while vulnerable nations face shortages for adaptation needs (e.g., climate-resilient infrastructure).
      5. Loss and Damage Delays: COP27: Despite agreement on a fund, actual disbursement mechanisms remain unclear, delaying support to vulnerable nations.
      6. High Cost of Green Transition: Developing countries bear higher relative costs for transitioning energy systems without concessional finance. 
    3. Developmental Constraints: Emphasizes India’s need to prioritize economic growth, energy access, and poverty alleviation.
    4. Geopolitical Tensions: Indicates complications arising from global political dynamics affecting consensus-building.
    5. Negotiation Fatigue: Suggests diminishing returns from hosting without tangible gains in policy outcomes.

    How has the Paris Agreement framework influenced this shift?

    The Paris Agreement is a legally binding international treaty adopted in 2015 (COP21) under the UNFCCC, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C-preferably 1.5°C-compared to pre-industrial levels. It operates on a five-year cycle of increasingly ambitious climate actions (NDCs) submitted by countries.

    1. Universal Commitments: Ensures all countries undertake climate actions, increasing pressure on developing nations like India.
    2. Equity Dilution: Weakens earlier differentiation between developed and developing countries under CBDR (Common But Differentiated Responsibilities).
    3. Increased Accountability: Subjects countries to greater scrutiny without guaranteed financial or technological support.
    4. Implementation Challenges: Creates domestic pressure due to ambitious targets not matched by international assistance.

    What is the significance of the IPCC AR7 angle in the debate?

    The IPCC Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) cycle, which began in July 2023, will produce three working group reports and a synthesis report scheduled for completion by late 2029. It focuses on climate science, impacts, and mitigation, with key additions including a Special Report on Cities, a methodology report on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), and increased representation from the Global South.

    1. Upcoming Assessment Report: The IPCC’s Seventh Assessment Report (AR7) is expected to shape future climate policy directions.
    2. Scientific Pressure: Likely to push for stricter emission reduction pathways globally.
    3. Policy Implications: May constrain policy flexibility for developing countries.
    4. Strategic Timing: Hosting COP33 before AR7 could place India in a difficult negotiating position without clarity on future frameworks.

    How do developing countries perceive current climate negotiations?

    1. Equity Concerns: Argue that historical emitters must bear greater responsibility.
    2. Finance Deficit: Highlight the failure of developed countries to deliver promised $100 billion annually.
    3. Policy Imbalance: Emphasize that mitigation burdens are disproportionately shifted to developing economies.
    4. Adaptation Needs: Stress insufficient focus on adaptation and resilience for vulnerable regions.

    What are the broader implications for global climate governance?

    1. Fragmentation Risk: Signals weakening consensus in multilateral climate negotiations.
    2. Rise of Nationalism: Reflects prioritization of domestic economic interests over global commitments.
    3. Global South Assertion: Indicates stronger bargaining by developing nations.
    4. Institutional Challenges: Questions effectiveness of COP platforms in delivering equitable outcomes. 

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2021] Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference?

    Linkage: The PYQ tests understanding of global climate governance under UNFCCC, including COP outcomes, climate finance, equity, and India’s negotiation stance. It directly connects to India’s evolving stance in climate negotiations influencing its COP33 position.

  • Climate change reshaping disease patterns, straining health systems, finds report 

    Why in the News?

    Climate change is no longer a distant environmental issue; it is already affecting public health in India. The report “Under the Weather: India’s Climate-Health Challenges” shows a clear shift, from occasional disease outbreaks to a larger, ongoing health crisis caused by changing climate patterns. With nearly 40% of districts at high risk from extreme weather events, it highlights a turning point where climate and health policies must be addressed together, not separately.

    Why is climate change now being seen as a public health crisis in India?

    1. Health-risk multiplier: Climate variability amplifies both communicable and non-communicable diseases, increasing overall disease burden and healthcare pressure.
      1. Vector-borne diseases (Communicable): Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall expand mosquito habitats, increasing diseases like dengue and malaria. Example: Himachal Pradesh (Shimla) and parts of Jammu & Kashmir have recently reported dengue cases, regions that were earlier too cold for such outbreaks.
      2. Water-borne diseases (Communicable): Flooding contaminates water sources, leading to outbreaks of cholera and hepatitis. Case study: Kerala floods (2018) led to spikes in leptospirosis and diarrhoeal diseases due to stagnant and contaminated water.
      3. Heat-related illnesses (Non-communicable): Extreme heat increases heat strokes, dehydration, and cardiovascular stress. Case study: India Heatwave (2015) caused over 2,000 deaths, especially in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, overwhelming hospitals.
      4. Air pollution-linked diseases (Non-communicable): Climate change worsens air quality (e.g., higher PM2.5), increasing respiratory and cardiac illnesses. Example: Delhi NCR sees seasonal spikes in asthma, COPD, and heart conditions, especially during winter inversion periods.
      5. Maternal and child health impacts: Heat stress and pollution increase risks in pregnancy and early childhood. Case study: Studies in South Asia show higher preterm births during heatwaves; infants are more vulnerable due to poor heat regulation.
      6. Livelihood-health linkage: Climate shocks reduce income, leading to malnutrition and weakened immunity. Example: Drought-prone regions of Maharashtra (Marathwada) show increased child malnutrition and related diseases during repeated drought years. 
    2. Scale of vulnerability: Nearly 40% of districts face high risk from extreme weather events, indicating systemic exposure.
    3. Shift in disease ecology: Warmer temperatures and erratic rainfall expand disease vectors into new geographies.
    4. Systemic disruption: Climate events impact livelihoods, healthcare access, and infrastructure simultaneously.

    How is climate change reshaping the disease landscape in India?

    1. Vector-borne expansion: Changing rainfall patterns and warming temperatures expand diseases like dengue and malaria into previously unaffected regions such as Shimla, Himalayan foothills, and Jammu & Kashmir; Pune identified as a major dengue hotspot.
    2. Water-borne diseases: Increased flooding triggers outbreaks of cholera and hepatitis, linked to contaminated water sources.
      1. Example: Assam floods (2022) led to a surge in acute diarrhoeal diseases and suspected hepatitis cases, as submerged sanitation systems contaminated water sources across districts like Barpeta and Nagaon.
      2. Example: Mumbai floods (2005) triggered outbreaks of leptospirosis, hepatitis A, and gastroenteritis, due to overflow of drainage systems and exposure to polluted water.
    3. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs): Heat exposure increases cardiovascular mortality, while air pollution worsens respiratory illnesses and chronic conditions.
      1. A meta-analysis in Environmental Research shows that each 1°C rise above ~29°C increases all-cause mortality by ~3.9%, highlighting strong cardiovascular and systemic stress due to heat.
    4. Climate-sensitive transmission: Altered environmental conditions change pathogen survival and transmission dynamics.
      1. Cholera bacteria survival: Warmer sea surface temperatures and plankton blooms support Vibrio cholerae survival. Example: West Bengal coastal regions (Sundarbans) report recurrent cholera outbreaks linked to changing coastal water conditions.

    Which populations are disproportionately affected and why?

    1. Vulnerable groups: Rural populations, informal workers, women, and children face highest risks due to limited adaptive capacity.
    2. Occupational exposure: Outdoor workers experience productivity loss and health risks; India lost an estimated 160 billion labour hours in 2021 due to heat exposure.
    3. Gendered impacts: Women face higher exposure and health burdens due to socio-economic constraints and caregiving roles.
    4. Inequality deepening: Climate impacts exacerbate existing socio-economic inequalities and health disparities.

    What are the direct and indirect health impacts of climate change?

    1. Heat stress: Extreme heat linked to 16% increase in odds of preterm birth; increases risks for infants and pregnant women.
    2. Air pollution linkages: Rising PM2.5 levels associated with hypertension, pre-eclampsia, and gestational blood pressure disorders.Child vulnerability: Infants have limited thermoregulation, increasing susceptibility to heat stress and respiratory illnesses.
    3. Livelihood-health nexus: Climate shocks reduce income and productivity, reinforcing cycles of vulnerability.

    How does climate change disrupt healthcare systems and access?

    1. Infrastructure damage: Floods and cyclones damage hospitals, disrupt supply chains of medicines and vaccines.
    2. Access barriers: Remote areas face healthcare exclusion during disasters, leading to untreated illnesses.
    3. Service disruption: Climate events reduce continuity of care and strain emergency response systems.
    4. System overload: Increased disease burden overwhelms already fragile public health infrastructure.

    What measures have been taken to address climate-health challenges?

    1. Policy integration: Initiatives like the National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health aim to align climate and health strategies.
    2. Localized adaptation:State-level action plans focus on region-specific vulnerabilities and responses.
      1. Heat Action Plans (HAPs): State and city-level plans customize responses to local heat risks through early warnings, cooling centers, and hospital preparedness. Example: Ahmedabad Heat Action Plan (Gujarat)—India’s first HAP, reduced heatwave mortality by introducing early warning systems, public advisories, and training for healthcare workers.
      2. Flood-resilient health planning: States prone to floods integrate disease surveillance and emergency health response. Example: Odisha developed disaster-resilient health infrastructure and rapid response systems after the 1999 super cyclone, ensuring minimal disease outbreaks during recent cyclones like Fani (2019).
      3. Vector-borne disease control: Region-specific strategies target local disease patterns and climate conditions. Example: Kerala uses pre-monsoon mosquito control drives and decentralized surveillance to manage dengue and malaria risks.
      4. Drought and nutrition linkage: States facing water stress integrate health and nutrition interventions. Example: Maharashtra (Marathwada) implements nutrition programs and water management schemes to address drought-linked malnutrition and health issues. 
    3. Early warning systems: Expansion of climate-linked disease surveillance and forecasting mechanisms.
    4. Cross-sectoral convergence: Efforts to integrate health, environment, and disaster management frameworks.

    What are the key gaps and challenges in India’s response?

    1. Data fragmentation: Lack of disaggregated data linking climate events to health outcomes limits targeted interventions.
    2. Funding constraints: Insufficient investment in climate-resilient healthcare infrastructure.
    3. Awareness deficit: Limited public understanding reduces adaptive capacity and risk preparedness.
    4. Governance gaps: Weak coordination across government, private sector, and civil society. 

    Conclusion

    Climate change is transforming India’s health landscape from episodic crises to a chronic systemic challenge. Addressing this requires integrating climate resilience into public health systems, strengthening data-driven governance, and prioritizing vulnerable populations to ensure equitable health outcomes.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] Climate Change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected?

    Linkage: Climate change is a recurring GS-3 theme, with UPSC repeatedly focusing on its impacts, vulnerability, and disasters. This article extends that dimension by linking it to public health risks and disease patterns, enriching answers with current relevance.

  • India Withdraws Bid to Host COP 33 in 2028

    Why in the News?

    India has withdrawn its bid to host COP 33 in 2028, according to reports.
    India had earlier expressed interest at COP 28 (Dubai, 2023).

    Key Points

    • COP 33 scheduled for 2028
    • India withdrew after review of commitments
    • No official government statement yet
    • South Korea now only country interested

    COP Hosting Rotation

    COP hosting rotates among 5 UN regional groups:

    • African States
    • Asia Pacific States
    • Eastern European States
    • Latin America & Caribbean
    • Western Europe & Others

    India belongs to Asia Pacific group.

    Upcoming COPs

    • COP 30: Brazil
    • COP 31: Turkey & Australia
    • COP 32 (2027): Ethiopia
    • COP 33 (2028): To be decided

    India’s COP Hosting History

    • India hosted COP 8 (2002)
    • Only time India hosted COP

    India’s Climate Commitments (Updated NDCs)

    By 2035, India aims to:

    • 60% electricity from non fossil sources
    • Reduce emissions intensity by 47%
    • Increase carbon sink by 3.5 to 4 billion tonnes CO₂

    What is COP

    COP = Conference of Parties

    • Annual UN climate summit
    • Under UNFCCC
    • Discuss climate change policies
    [2025] Consider the following statements:
    Statement I: At the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), India refrained from signing the ‘Declaration on Climate and Health’.
    Statement II: The COP 28 Declaration on Climate and Health is a binding declaration; and if signed, it becomes mandatory to decarbonize health sector.
    Statement III: If India’s health sector is decarbonized, the resilience of its healthcare system may be compromised.
    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
    (a) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct and both of them explain Statement I (b) Both Statement II and Statement III are correct but only one of the them explains Statement I (c) Only one of the Statements II and III is correct and that explains Statement I (d) Neither Statement II nor Statement III is correct

  • On India’s updated climate pledges

    Why in the News?

    India has updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, signalling continuity in climate ambition while exposing tensions between developmental needs and decarbonisation pressures. The revision raises critical questions on feasibility, equity, and financing, especially for a lower-middle-income economy navigating industrial expansion.

    What are the key enhancements in India’s updated NDCs?

    1. Emission Intensity Reduction: Targets reduction of 47% below 2005 levels by 2035, increasing ambition beyond earlier 45% by 2030.
    2. Non-Fossil Capacity Expansion: Ensures 60% installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources, strengthening renewable transition.
    3. Carbon Sink Expansion: Enhances forest and tree cover to create 3.5-4 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent sink.
    4. Continuity in Policy: Retains alignment with earlier commitments while incrementally increasing ambition.

    Why are India’s climate commitments structurally constrained?

    1. Developmental Status: Reflects lower-middle-income economy, limiting fiscal and technological capacity.
    2. Energy Demand Growth: Ensures rising demand due to industrial expansion and urbanisation.
    3. Per Capita Emissions: Remains one-third of global average, reinforcing equity argument.
    4. Historical Responsibility: Highlights minimal contribution compared to developed countries.

    What are the major implementation challenges in achieving NDC targets?

    1. Storage Constraints: Limits renewable scalability due to lack of battery storage capacity.
    2. Grid Integration Issues: Creates challenges in balancing intermittent sources like solar and wind.
    3. Transmission Bottlenecks: Restricts evacuation of renewable energy from generation sites.
    4. Financial Burden: Requires large-scale investments, e.g., battery storage expansion needing ~₹3 lakh crore.
    5. Operational Costs: Increases costs due to backup fossil-based power for intermittency.

    Does renewable energy expansion fully address India’s climate goals?

    1. Intermittency Challenge: Reduces reliability due to solar/wind variability.
    2. Curtailment Risk: Leads to underutilisation of installed RE capacity.
    3. Cost-effectiveness Debate: Questions viability when storage and backup costs are included.
    4. Hydropower Constraints: Limits expansion due to environmental and regulatory challenges.

    How does global climate ambition interact with India’s development needs?

    1. 1.5°C Target Pressure: Requires deeper cuts beyond current NDC trajectory.
    2. Equity Principle: Demands consideration of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR).
    3. Industrial Growth Needs: Necessitates expansion in manufacturing and infrastructure sectors.
    4. Urbanisation Demand: Increases energy consumption due to rising living standards.

    What are the financial and institutional gaps in India’s climate strategy?

    1. Climate Finance Deficit: Limits implementation due to lack of adequate global funding.
    2. Technology Access Barriers: Restricts adoption of advanced clean technologies.
    3. Institutional Coordination: Creates challenges across sectors like energy, transport, and industry.
    4. Global Cooperation Gaps: Weakens support due to inadequate commitments by developed nations.

    Should India increase its climate ambition further?

    1. Feasibility Concerns: Questions practicality given structural constraints.
    2. Cost Implications: Raises economic burden without assured external support.
    3. Strategic Positioning: Suggests calibrated approach using “national circumstances” principle.
    4. Global Inequity: Highlights disproportionate burden-sharing by developing countries. 

    Conclusion

    India’s updated NDCs reflect a calibrated balance between climate responsibility and developmental priorities. While ambition has increased, structural constraints in finance, technology, and energy systems necessitate a cautious approach. Future climate action must align with equity, global support, and domestic growth imperatives.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 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.

    Linkage: The question directly links to India’s updated NDCs as both focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through global commitments and national targets under UNFCCC frameworks. It is relevant as it helps analyze how India balances emission reduction obligations (Kyoto/Paris) with developmental priorities, as highlighted in the article.

  • [7th April 2026] The Hindu OpED: Climate change as public health emergency

    PYQ Relevance[UPSC 2017] 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?Linkage: This question directly links to the article as it moves beyond environmental impacts to examine human health consequences, including disease spread, heat stress, and food insecurity. The article adds value by expanding climate change discourse into a public health emergency dimension, enriching GS-3 answers.

    Mentor’s Comment

    Observed on 7 April, World Health Day has brought renewed focus on climate change as a public health emergency. This is significant as global health discourse is now directly linking rising diseases, heat stress, and food insecurity to climate change. The issue is in the news because India is already witnessing these impacts, shifting disease patterns, heat-related deaths, and worsening air pollution, making it an immediate policy concern.

    How is climate change altering disease patterns and epidemiology?

    1. Vector Expansion: Extends mosquito habitats due to warmer and wetter conditions, increasing diseases like malaria beyond endemic zones (e.g., spread to Himachal Pradesh).
    2. Seasonal Disruption: Alters rainfall and temperature cycles, extending infection seasons and increasing unpredictability.
    3. Geographical Shift: Expands disease zones to previously unaffected regions lacking immunity and preparedness.
    4. Example: Dengue cases in Delhi-NCR now peak later than traditional cycles.

    How does climate change intensify waterborne and sanitation-related diseases?

    1. Urban Flooding: Overwhelms drainage systems in cities like Mumbai, creating breeding grounds for pathogens.
    2. Water Contamination: Compromises clean water supply, increasing diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, and leptospirosis.
    3. Sanitation Breakdown: Overburdens infrastructure, exposing urban populations to infection risks.
    4. Example: Recurrent waterlogging in Mumbai leading to repeated outbreaks.

    How does climate change exacerbate air pollution and associated health risks?

    1. PM2.5 Increase: Fine particulate matter penetrates deep into lungs and bloodstream, affecting multiple organs.
    2. Respiratory Diseases: Increases incidence of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and reduced lung function.
    3. Cardiovascular Impact: Leads to hypertension, heart attacks, stroke due to vascular damage.
    4. Example: Rising air pollution in Indian cities linked with increased hospital admissions.

    How are heatwaves and rising temperatures affecting human health?

    1. Heat Stress: Causes dehydration, heatstroke, and mortality, especially among outdoor workers.
    2. Night-time Temperature Rise: Eliminates recovery period, increasing cumulative heat exposure (Delhi-NCR, Mumbai).
    3. Cardiovascular Strain: Forces body to regulate temperature, increasing risk of heart-related conditions.
    4. Example: Increased heatstroke deaths reported in Odisha, Telangana, Vidarbha.

    What are the impacts of climate change on food security and nutrition?

    1. Crop Disruption: Extreme weather events reduce agricultural productivity and disrupt cropping cycles.
    2. Nutritional Decline: Reduces quality of food, leading to micronutrient deficiencies.
    3. Food Price Rise: Increases economic burden and reduces accessibility.
    4. Milk Production Decline: Heat stress reduces livestock productivity, affecting child nutrition.
    5. Example: Increased malnutrition risks among children and elderly.

    How does climate change affect vulnerable populations disproportionately?

    1. Outdoor Workers: Faces prolonged exposure to extreme heat (manual labourers).
    2. Infants: Higher risk of preterm births and low birth weight due to heat and pollution exposure.
    3. Urban Poor: Lack access to cooling, sanitation, and healthcare infrastructure.
    4. Elderly: Increased susceptibility due to weaker immunity and chronic conditions. 

    Way Forward

    1. Integrated Policy Framework: Ensures convergence of climate action and public health systems under National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and National Health Mission.
    2. Strengthening Surveillance Systems: Enables early detection of climate-sensitive diseases through real-time data and district-level health monitoring.
    3. Urban Climate Resilience: Promotes heat action plans, sustainable drainage systems, and pollution control to reduce urban health risks.
    4. Healthcare Infrastructure Expansion: Strengthens primary healthcare capacity in climate-vulnerable regions with focus on preventive care.
    5. Food and Nutrition Security: Supports climate-resilient agriculture, crop diversification, and nutrition-sensitive policies.
    6. Community Awareness and Behavioural Change: Enhances public awareness on heat protection, sanitation, and disease prevention.
    7. Adoption of One Health Approach: Integrates human, animal, and environmental health for holistic risk mitigation. 

    Conclusion

    Climate change has transitioned from an environmental concern to a systemic public health emergency. Addressing it requires integrated policymaking, strengthening healthcare systems, and prioritizing vulnerable populations to ensure resilience and adaptive capacity.

  • 518 of 697 Lakes in Jammu and Kashmir Shrinking or Vanished: CAG

    Why in the News?

    According to CAG report, 518 out of 697 lakes (74%) in Jammu and Kashmir have either disappeared or shrunk, causing ecosystem degradation and climate risks.

    Key Findings

    • Total lakes assessed: 697
    • Lakes disappeared: 315 (45%)
    • Lakes shrunk: 203 (29%)
    • Total affected lakes: 518 (74%)
    • 63 lakes lost ≥50% water area

    Other Observations

    • 150 lakes (22%) increased in area
    • 29 lakes (4%) remained unchanged

    Major Causes

    • Encroachment and construction
    • Land use change
    • Aquatic vegetation growth
    • Lack of conservation plans
    • Anthropogenic pressure

    Flood Risk

    • Shrinking lakes contributed to 2014 Kashmir floods
    • Lakes act as natural flood buffers

    Governance Gaps

    • No conservation plans for 255 lakes
    • No detailed survey of 697 lakes
    • Poor coordination among departments

    Lakes with Conservation Programmes

    • Only 6 lakes have management plans: Dal Lake, Wular Lake, Hokersar, Manasbal Lake, Surinsar Lake, and Mansar Lake.
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 
    1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 
    2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 
    3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. 
    How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

  • Climate Change Threatens Kashmir Willow Cricket Bat Industry

    Why in the News?

    Climate change, declining snowfall, and shrinking willow plantations are threatening Kashmir’s traditional cricket bat industry, which supports over 1.5 lakh livelihoods.

    Kashmir Cricket Bat Industry:  

    • Over 100 years old industry
    • Around 3 million cricket bats produced annually
    • About 150 bat manufacturing units in Sangam (South Kashmir)
    • 1.5 lakh people dependent on the industry
    • Kashmir willow bats are supplied to: Domestic markets and International markets

    Main Raw Material: Kashmir Willow

    • Scientific name: Salix alba (White Willow)
    • Grows near rivers and wetlands
    • Requires:
      • High moisture
      • Moderate temperature
      • Saturated soil
    • Around 80% of bat wood comes from riparian zones (riverbanks and wetlands).
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

  • Is global warming being measured comprehensively? A new study flags gaps

    Why in the News?

    A study in Environmental Research Letters shows that current carbon accounting underestimates global warming by undervaluing short-lived pollutants like methane. The dominant GWP100 framework, which centers CO₂, fails to capture methane’s strong near-term impact, potentially underestimating its contribution by up to 40%. The proposed Relative Forcing Accounting (RFA) framework offers a more accurate, time-sensitive approach, challenging existing climate policies and carbon markets.

    Why is the current carbon accounting framework considered inadequate?

    1. Uniform Metric Limitation: Uses CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) based on GWP100, which standardizes all gases over 100 years, masking short-term impacts.
    2. Methane Undervaluation: Methane is ~28 times more potent than CO₂ over 100 years but significantly more impactful in the short term.
    3. Temporal Blindness: Fails to capture immediate warming spikes caused by short-lived pollutants like methane and black carbon.
    4. Policy Distortion: Encourages focus on long-term CO₂ reduction over urgent methane mitigation.
    5. Example: Current accounting assigns methane emissions a fixed equivalence, ignoring their intense near-term warming.

    What is the significance of the 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP100)?

    1. Standardization Tool: Enables comparison of different greenhouse gases using a single metric.
    2. Long-Term Bias: Prioritizes long-term climate impacts over short-term warming dynamics.
    3. Methane Misrepresentation: Methane appears less significant when averaged over 100 years.
    4. Policy Implication: Delays urgent action on methane despite its strong short-term effects.
    5. Example: Methane’s high warming effect in the first 20 years is diluted under GWP100 calculations.

    How does the Relative Forcing Accounting (RFA) framework improve measurement?

    1. Dynamic Accounting: Adjusts impact measurement based on physical warming effects over time.
    2. Short-Term Sensitivity: Gives higher weight to short-lived gases like methane.
    3. Atmospheric Reality Alignment: Reflects how long gases remain and affect temperature.
    4. Policy Precision: Enables targeted mitigation strategies based on actual warming impact.
    5. Example: RFA captures methane’s rapid warming and cooling cycle, unlike static GWP metrics.

    What are the implications of underestimating methane emissions?

    1. Climate Risk Amplification: Accelerates near-term global temperature rise.
    2. Policy Misallocation: Resources may be diverted toward less impactful long-term measures.
    3. Carbon Market Distortion: Inaccurate pricing of emissions affects financial flows.
    4. Delayed Mitigation: Slower action on methane reduces chances of limiting warming below 1.5°C.
    5. Data Insight: Study suggests methane accounting may be underestimated by up to 40%.

    How could this shift impact global climate policy and governance?

    1. Policy Recalibration: Shifts focus toward rapid methane reduction strategies.
    2. Climate Targets Revision: Requires re-evaluation of national commitments (NDCs).
    3. Sectoral Focus: Agriculture, waste, and fossil fuel sectors gain prominence in mitigation.
    4. Financial Implications: Alters carbon credit valuation and climate finance priorities.
    5. Example: Landfill and agricultural emissions may receive stricter regulatory attention.

    Does this challenge existing climate frameworks and agreements?

    1. Paris Agreement Limitations: Based on existing accounting methods like GWP100.
    2. Implementation Gap: Current frameworks may not reflect real-time warming dynamics.
    3. Scientific Evolution: Highlights need for updating climate science in policymaking.
    4. Governance Challenge: Balancing simplicity of metrics with scientific accuracy.
    5. Example: Existing emission inventories may need recalibration under RFA-like approaches.

    Conclusion

    Climate accounting frameworks shape global mitigation priorities. Underestimation of methane risks undermining near-term climate goals. Adoption of dynamic frameworks like RFA can improve policy accuracy and enhance climate action effectiveness.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 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. 

    Linkage: The PYQ highlights measurement and mitigation of greenhouse gases—core to the article’s debate on flawed carbon accounting. It directly links to need for improved frameworks (like RFA) to accurately guide global climate policy and emission reduction strategies.

  • India’ new climate targets are modest but significant

    Why in the News?

    India officially approved its third Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) for the 2031-2035 period. This comes at a time when global climate leadership is weakening, especially with the US stepping back from clean energy financing and multilateral commitments. This is significant because India, despite being the third-largest emitter, is signalling continuity in climate commitment while many developed countries are retreating.

    What are the exact targets under India’s NDC-3?

    1. Emissions Intensity Reduction: Ensures 47% reduction by 2035 (from 2005 levels); builds on 45% target for 2030 and 36% already achieved by 2020.
    2. Non-Fossil Electricity Capacity: Ensures 60% installed capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035; compared to 40% (Paris target) and ~52% achieved by Feb 2026.
    3. Carbon Sink Expansion: Ensures 3.5-4 billion tonnes CO₂ equivalent sink, up from 2.5-3 billion tonnes target; 2.3 billion tonnes already created by 2021.

    What were India’s early achievements under previous NDCs?

    1. Early Target Achievement: Ensures fulfillment of 33-35% emissions intensity reduction (2005–2030 target) by 2020 itself, achieving a 36% reduction, i.e., 11 years ahead of schedule, demonstrating policy credibility and implementation capacity.
    2. Renewable Energy Transition: Ensures achievement of 40% non-fossil fuel-based installed electricity capacity well before the 2030 deadline (achieved ~2021-22), reflecting accelerated deployment of solar, wind, and other clean energy sources.
    3. Enhanced Ambition: Strengthens climate commitment by revising emissions intensity reduction target from 45% (2030) to 47% (2035), building on early success and improved capacity.
    4. Carbon Sink Creation: Ensures creation of 2.29 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent carbon sink by 2021, progressing steadily towards the earlier target of 2.5-3 billion tonnes, through afforestation and ecosystem restoration initiatives.
    5. Afforestation and Livelihood Linkage: Supports rural livelihoods alongside climate mitigation through forest expansion, integrating environmental sustainability with socio-economic development.
    6. Global Recognition: Secures international validation, with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) ranking India 3rd globally in net gain in forest area and 9th in total forest area, highlighting effectiveness of conservation policies. 

    Why are the targets termed ‘modest’ despite progress?

    1. Marginal Increase: Expands clean energy share from 52% to only 60% by 2035, indicating slow incrementalism.
    2. Under-commitment Strategy: Avoids overpromising due to uncertainty in finance and technology access.
    3. Comparison with Capability: Existing trajectory suggests India could achieve higher targets without formal commitment.
    4. Deliberate Caution: Prevents binding commitments that may constrain future policy flexibility

    How has India overachieved its previous climate commitments?

    1. Early Emissions Reduction: Achieved 36% reduction by 2020, exceeding 33-35% target for 2030.
    2. Renewable Expansion: Rapid increase in solar and wind capacity pushed non-fossil share to ~52% by 2026.
    3. Carbon Sink Creation: Achieved 2.3 billion tonnes CO₂ sink by 2021, nearing earlier commitments.
    4. Policy Continuity: Maintains stable climate trajectory unlike abrupt reversals in other economies.

    What global developments are shaping India’s cautious climate stance?

    1. US Retreat: Weakens global leadership in renewables and climate finance.
    2. Geopolitical Conflicts: Russia-Ukraine war triggered energy insecurity, increasing fossil fuel reliance globally.
    3. Supply Chain Disruptions: Pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in global manufacturing and logistics.
    4. Energy Nationalism: Countries prioritizing domestic fossil fuel security over climate commitments.

    Why is climate finance the central constraint in India’s climate ambition?

    1. Finance Gap: Developed countries promised $300 billion/year post-2035, while developing nations demand $1.3 trillion/year.
    2. Implementation Barrier: Limits renewable expansion, storage infrastructure, and grid modernization.
    3. Equity Principle (CBDR): Requires developed nations to bear greater responsibility.
    4. Negotiation Deadlock: Failure at Baku COP29 to finalize adequate financing framework.

    How does India use climate commitments as a strategic negotiation tool?

    1. Conditional Ambition: Links higher targets to availability of finance and technology.
    2. Diplomatic Leverage: Uses moderated commitments to push for fair global burden-sharing.
    3. South Leadership: Positions itself as the voice of developing countries.
    4. Forum Engagement: Raises concerns consistently in international platforms and negotiations.

    What are the risks associated with India’s current climate strategy?

    1. Low Ambition Risk: May not align with the 1.5°C warming pathway.
    2. Fossil Lock-in: Continued reliance due to industrial growth and energy demand.
    3. Climate Vulnerability: India remains highly exposed to climate impacts despite mitigation efforts.
    4. Global Trust Deficit: Weak multilateralism reduces effectiveness of cooperative climate action.

    How is India balancing development and climate responsibility?

    1. Development Priority: Ensures energy access and economic growth remain central.
    2. Gradual Transition: Avoids abrupt fossil fuel phase-out.
    3. Domestic Financing Shift: Increasing reliance on internal resources due to global finance gaps.
    4. Adaptation Focus: Expected emphasis in COP30 (Brazil) on resilience and adaptation strategies. 

    Conclusion

    India’s NDC-3 reflects a calibrated realism shaped by global uncertainty and domestic priorities. Sustained credibility through overachievement strengthens India’s position, but enhanced ambition depends on resolving finance and technology constraints.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2021] 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?

    Linkage: This PYQ tests understanding of global climate governance (COP26) and India’s NDC commitments, core to GS3 environment and international relations. It is directly linked to the article as India’s 2035 NDC targets (NDC-3) build upon and extend the COP26 commitments (Panchamrit), reflecting continuity and calibrated ambition.

  • Death of Winter in Kashmir: Shrinking Snowfall and Himalayan Climate Crisis

    Why in News

    • A Down To Earth report (March 2026) highlighted that Kashmir has recorded seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall.  

    Key Findings

    Declining Snowfall

    • Seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall
    • Winter 2025 to 26 precipitation:
      • Actual: 100.6 mm
      • Normal: 284.9 mm
      • Deficit: 65 percent

    February 2026 Rainfall

    • Actual rainfall: 14.2 mm
    • Normal rainfall: 130.4 mm
    • Deficit: 89 percent

    Srinagar Record

    • Only 5.3 mm precipitation
    • One of the lowest since 1901

    Rising Winter Temperatures

    Record Temperatures

    • Srinagar February average maximum:
      • 15.6°C in 2026
      • Previous record: 14.9°C in 2016

    Gulmarg Temperature

    • Early March temperature:
      • 17.2°C
      • 13.7°C above normal

    Why Snowfall Matters in the Himalayas

    Natural Water Storage

    • Snow acts as natural reservoir
    • Gradual melting feeds: Rivers, Streams and Irrigation systems
    [2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None