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Subject: Conservation & Mitigation

1. Conservation Progs.
2. Worldwide initiatives
3. Mitigation Strategies
4. Conventions and Protocols

  • 50 Years of Chipko Movement

    Why in the news?

    The Chipko Movement, initiated in Uttarakhand in early 1973, commemorates its 50th anniversary.

    About Chipko Movement

    • The Chipko Movement originated in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand (then part of the state of Uttar Pradesh) in India.
    • It was triggered by the deforestation activities carried out by contractors, which threatened the livelihoods of local communities and led to environmental degradation.
    • It is said to be inspired by the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan. The Bishnois are known for their environmentalism. (non-violent resistance)
    • The movement derived its name from the act of villagers hugging trees and physically preventing them from being felled, thereby protecting the forests.
    • The movement was led by local activists, primarily women from rural areas, who played a significant role in its success. Prominent leaders included Sunderlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt (founded an organization called Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal ) and Gaura Devi, among others.
    • Villagers used traditional methods of protest, such as forming circles around trees and tying sacred threads (rakhi) on them to symbolize their unity and commitment to conservation.
    • Recognition: Sunderlal Bahuguna, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.

    Impact of Chipko Movement

    • It inspired similar movements in different parts of India, such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan, Appiko Movement (Karnataka) and the Silent Valley Movement.
    • It demonstrated the significance of Eco-Feminism and the impact that a non-violent, peaceful and environment-loving community can have.

  • [18 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Great Indian Bustard and Climate Action Verdict

    Mains PYQ Relevance: 
    Q “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC IAS/2022)
    Q Does the right to a clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgments of the apex in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2015)

    Prelims:

    With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? (UPSC CSE 2020)
    1. It is spread over two districts.
    2. There is no human habitation inside the Park.
    3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard.
    Select the correct answer using the code given below:
    (a) 1 and 2 only
    (b) 2 and 3 only
    (c) 1 and 3 only
    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Recent Supreme Court judgments;

    Mains: Environmental Governance;

    Mentor comments: Mrs. Indira Gandhi once in her Stockholm Conference speech which was derived from ‘Atharva Veda’ to outline the need for maintaining Ecological Balance, concluded “What of thee I dig out, let that quickly grow over. Let me not hit thy vitals or thy heart. ” On similar lines, the efforts made by the Supreme Court of India in the Constitutionalization of Environmental Problems can be very much attributed when it Constitutionalized the subject of Environmental Governance by adding Article 48(A) and 51-A (g) through the 42nd Constitutional Amendment in 1976.  Further, in the M C Mehta vs Union of India case (1985), the Supreme Court introduced the ‘Doctrine of Absolute Liability’ which undermines the hazardous industries liable for harming the ecological balance by their industrial activities.  This time too (in April 2024), the Apex Court said the Rights to Life (Article 14) and Right to Equality (Article 21) cannot be fully realized without a clean, stable environment.

    Let’s learn

    —

    Why in the News?

    In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of India recognized the existence of a fundamental right to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change (hereinafter ‘the right’). The judgment has garnered significant attention from environmentalists, mostly focusing only on its impacts on the protection of the Great Indian Bustard.  

    The Right

    • Great Indian Bustard Conservation vs. Renewable Energy Development: Rajasthan and Gujarat are home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, but also have significant potential for solar and wind power. A public interest litigation sought conservation of the bustard and a ban on further construction of solar and wind energy infrastructure due to the hazard posed by power lines to the bustards.
    • Supreme Court’s Initial Order: The Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on the laying of overhead power lines in a large area, including priority and potential bustard conservation areas. It also ordered the undergrounding of existing power lines.
    • Government’s Challenge the order: The government challenged the order citing international climate commitments, stating the ban covered a larger area than necessary and undergrounding power lines was impractical. It attributed the bustard decline to factors like poaching and habitat destruction.
    • Supreme Court’s Modification: The Court modified the initial order, recalling the blanket prohibition on transmission lines and tasked a committee to assess the feasibility of undergrounding power lines and identifying conservation measures. The committee’s report is expected by July 2024.
    • Recognition of Right Against Climate Change: The Supreme Court recognized a right against the adverse impacts of climate change, rooted in Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Indian Constitution, along with India’s climate change actions and scientific consensus.
    •  Non-binding Recognition: The Court’s recognition of the right isn’t in the operative part of the judgment, hence not binding. Its influence on future climate action remains to be seen.

    Just transition framework

    • Transition Framework: Conservationist Debadityo Sinha suggests adopting the just transition framework, aiming to make transitions to a low carbon economy more equitable and inclusive. This approach considers the interests of workers, vulnerable communities, and small and medium-sized enterprises affected by slow carbon transition projects like solar energy.

    Advantages of the Just Transition Framework:

    • Precludes adversarial choices: It avoids pitting climate action against biodiversity protection, advocating for inclusive climate action sensitive to varied rights and interests.
    • Expanding the concept to include non-human interests.: If used in the final decision, this case could become a frontrunner in just transition litigation, contributing to expanding the concept to include non-human interests.

    A ‘shared burden’

    • Shared Responsibility: The burden of articulating and enforcing the right falls not only on the state but also on activists, litigants, and academics. They contribute to the process of recognition, articulation, and enforcement of rights, indirectly or directly.
    • Inclusivity and Effectiveness: The focus is on making the right against climate change inclusive and effective, ensuring that it considers diverse perspectives and addresses the needs of all stakeholders, including marginalized communities and non-human interests.
    • Importance of Participation: Active participation from various stakeholders is crucial in shaping the content and implementation of the right against climate change, fostering collaboration between the judiciary, state, activists, litigants, and academics.

    Conclusion 

    The Supreme Court’s recognition of a right against climate change underscores the need for inclusive climate action. Embracing the just transition framework and fostering shared responsibility and participation are crucial for effective implementation.

    BACK2BASICS:
    About Great Indian Bustard (GIB):

    The GIB is the State bird of Rajasthan. It is also considered India’s most critically endangered bird and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act.
    Its population of about 150 in Rajasthan accounts for 95% of its total world population. However, GIBs have been facing a threat to their survival because of intensive agricultural practices, the laying of power lines, and industrialization.

  • Norms tweaked for Green Credit Programme

    Why in the news?

    The Union Environment Ministry has rolled out norms for the Green Credit Programme (GCP).

    Guidelines and Modifications:

    1. The Environment Ministry’s recent guidelines empower ‘States’ to determine afforestation density based on local conditions, acknowledging the variability in forest ecosystems.
    2. Indigenous species are prioritized, and naturally occurring seedlings are retained to foster ecosystem resilience.

    What is Green Credit Programme (GCP)?

    • The GCP as notified on October 13, 2023 by the government of India, is an innovative market-based mechanism.
    • This program is part of the broader ‘LiFE’ campaign (Lifestyle for Environment), and it encourages and rewards voluntary environmentally positive actions.
    • It involves various stakeholders like- individuals, farmers, communities, private sector industries, and companies.
    • The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), based in Dehradun, serves as the GCP Administrator, responsible for programme implementation, management, monitoring, and operation.
    • Initially, the GCP focuses on water conservation and afforestation.

    What are Green Credits?

    • The green credit rules notified under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 defines ‘green credit’ as a single unit of an incentive provided for a specific activity that delivers a positive impact on the environment.
    • Each tree planted and evaluated by the ICFRE after two years could yield one ‘green credit,’ which can be utilized in two ways:
    1. Compliance with forest laws necessitating recompense for forest land diversion.
    2. Reporting under environmental, social, and governance norms or meeting corporate social responsibility requirements.

    Notable Feature: Green Credit Registry

    • The ICFRE, alongside experts, is developing the Green Credit Registry and trading platforms to facilitate the registration, buying, and selling of green credits.
    • To obtain green credits, individuals and entities must register their activities through the central government’s dedicated app/website (www.moefcc-gcp.in).
    • The administrator verifies activities through a designated agency, with self-verification for small projects. Once verified, the administrator issues a tradeable green credit certificate.

    Activities under GCP

    The GCP includes numerous activities, such as:

    Description
    Tree Plantation-based Green Credit Promotes increasing the green cover through tree plantations and related activities.
    Water-based Green Credit Promotes water conservation, harvesting, and efficiency, including wastewater treatment and reuse.
    Sustainable Agriculture-based Green Credit Promotes natural and regenerative agricultural practices, land restoration, and soil health improvement.
    Waste Management-based Green Credit Promotes sustainable waste management practices, including collection, segregation, and treatment.
    Air Pollution Reduction-based Green Credit Promotes measures to reduce air pollution and other pollution abatement activities.
    Mangrove Conservation and Restoration-based Green Credit Promotes conservation and restoration of mangroves, critical ecosystems for coastal protection and biodiversity.
    Ecomark-based Green Credit Encourages manufacturers to obtain Ecomark labels for their goods and services, signifying environmental sustainability.
    Sustainable Building and Infrastructure-based Green Credit Promotes sustainable practices in building and infrastructure development, including energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and eco-friendly construction materials.

    Future prospects

    The programme is currently in a pilot phase, with ongoing deliberations on:

    1. Quantifying the contributions of shrubs and grasses to green credits;
    2. Equivalence between green and carbon credits;
    3. Allocation of credits for compensatory afforestation.

    PYQ:

    [2011] Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

    (a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol

    (b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota

    (c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission

    (d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

  • Places in news: Veeranam Lake 

    Why in the news?

    • Chennai’s main drinking water source Veeranam Lake dries up.
    • Its supply was halted due to the lack of inflow from the Mettur dam located across the Kaveri River.

    About Veeranam Lake

    • Veeranarayanapuram Lake, commonly known as Veeranam Lake, serves as a crucial water source for Chennai city.
    • It is a manmade lake with 16-km long dam. It was about 20 km long and 7 km wide back then in 10th century.
    • It situated approximately 235 km away in the Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu.
    • The lake, located near Kattumannarkoil, has a storage capacity of around 1,465 million cubic feet (mcft) and plays a vital role in supplying water to Chennai.

    Historical Significance of Veeranam Lake

    • Constructed during the 10th century by Rajaditya Chola, a ruler of the Greater Cholas.
    • It was originally named as Veeranarayana Mangalam Lake,
    • It was built with the efforts of Rajaditya Chola and his soldiers during their leisure time while camped at Thirumunaipadi for a war against Pallava kings.

    Water Sources and Inflow

    • Veeranam Lake primarily receives water from the Kollidam River via the Vadavaru River.
    • The lake’s inflow is supplemented by water released from the Mettur dam through the Kollidam River and Lower Anicut, ensuring sufficient water availability during certain periods.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

    (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

    (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

    (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)

    (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

  • Operation Jumbo to capture Wild Elephants 

    Why in the news?

    The Forest Department has resumed Operation Jumbo to capture trouble-causing wild elephants and fix radio collars in Hassan division of Karnataka.

    What is Operation Jumbo?

    • Operation Jumbo is a campaign launched by the Karnataka government to capture and radio-collar rogue wild elephants that frequently enter human habitations.
    • It is effective in five districts of the state, namely Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Ramanagara, and Bengaluru. 
    • The objective of this operation is to manage elephant movement and mitigate conflicts through continuous tracking using GPS-equipped radio collars, which have a battery life of three years.

    Implementation of Operation Jumbo

    • The cost of capturing and radio-collaring each wild elephant is approximately Rs 22 lakh, with Rs 7 lakh spent on each radio collar imported from South Africa.
    • The operation involves a diverse team of 70-80 individuals, including forest officers, veterinarians, mahouts, and other support staff.
    • It includes tasks such as surveillance, tracking, darting wild animals from the back of trained elephants, and securing the rescued tusker.

    Elephants in India

    Details
    Population Estimate
    • India hosts the largest population of wild Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus), with around 29,964 individuals,
    • Approximately 60% of the global population (2017 census).
    Leading States Karnataka holds the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
    Conservation Status
    • IUCN Red List:  Endangered.
    • CMS: Appendix I.
    • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Listed under Schedule I,
    • CITES: Appendix I.
    Conservation Initiatives
    • Project Elephant launched in 1992, covering 23 states across India.
    • Contributed to the increase in wild elephant population from around 25,000 in 1992 to about 30,000 in 2021.
    • Establishment of Elephant Reserves. Total 33 in numbers covering approximately 80,777 Sq.km.

    PYQ:

    [2020] With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements:

    1. The leader of an elephant group is a female.
    2. The maximum gestation period can be 22 months.
    3. An elephant can normally go on calving till the age of 40 years only.
    4. Among the States in India, the highest elephant population is in Kerala.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 4 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 3 and 4 only

  • Mapping: Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

    Why in the news?

    • A pack of wild dogs, or Dholes, in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) have suffered severe exfoliating skin infection which is an alarming fungal and bacterial infection.

    About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

    • Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is situated in Tamil Nadu’s Nilgiris District, at the intersection of Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. 
    • It forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, India’s first biosphere reserve, alongside Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala), Bandipur National Park (Karnataka), Mukurthi National Park, and Silent Valley.
    • The name “Mudumalai” signifies “the ancient hill range,” dating back 65 million years to the formation of the Western Ghats.
    • Flora: The reserve boasts tall grasses, including Elephant Grass, and diverse flora such as giant bamboo, Teak, and Rosewood.
    • Fauna: It is home to flagship species like the Tiger and Asian Elephant, as well as the Indian Gaur, Spotted Deer, Malabar Giant Squirrel, and Jungle Cat, among others.
      • With over 260 bird species, Mudumalai hosts 8% of India’s avian species, including rare birds like the Malabar grey hornbill and Malabar pied hornbill.

     

    Asiatic Wild Dog (Dhole)

    Details
    Name Dhole (Cuon alpinus)
    Native Range Central, South, East, and Southeast Asia
    Distribution in India Most of India south of the Ganges, Central Indian Highlands, Western and Eastern Ghats, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, West Bengal, Terai region of Indo-Gangetic Plain
    Other Names Asian wild dog, Asiatic wild dog, Indian wild dog, whistling dog, red dog, mountain wolf
    Conservation Status
    1. IUCN Red List: Endangered
    2. CITES: Appendix II
    3. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
    Social Structure Lives in big, loosely organized groups with several breeding females
    Factors Contributing to Decline Habitat loss, loss of prey, competition with other species, persecution due to livestock predation, disease transfer from domestic dogs
    Significance Besides the tiger, it is the only large carnivore in India that is under IUCN’s ‘endangered’ category.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] Which of the following are in Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve?

    (a) Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

    (b) Mudumalai, Sathyamangalam and Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Silent Valley National Park

    (c) Kaundinya, Gundla Brahmeswaram and Papikonda Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Mukurthi National Park

    (d) Kawal and Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuaries; and Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve

  • What share of Global CO2 Emissions comes from Aviation?

    Why in the news?

    Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. But it has contributed around 4% to global warming to date

    Year-wise Global Aviation demand, Energy Efficiency, and CO2 emissions

    Global Co2 emissions from aviation 

    The reason behind Aviation accounts for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions:

    • CO2 Emissions: When jet fuel burns, it releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, much like any other combustion process. CO2 as a greenhouse gas has contributed around 4% to global warming to date.
    • Non-CO2 effects: In addition to CO2, aircraft emissions also include other substances like nitrogen oxides, soot, water vapor, and sulfate aerosols. These substances interact with the atmosphere in various ways and can have different climate impacts. For example:
      • Contrails: These are the visible trails of condensed water vapor and ice crystals that form behind aircraft in certain atmospheric conditions. Contrails can contribute to the formation of cirrus clouds, which can have a warming effect on the climate.
      • Induced cirrus cloud formation: Aircraft can also induce the formation of cirrus clouds through their emissions, further contributing to warming.

    Initiatives taken by the Indian Government:

    • India is a Party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), its Kyoto Protocol (KP) and the Paris Agreement (PA).
    • As a Party to the UNFCCC, India periodically submits its National Communications (NCs) and Biennial Update Reports (BURs) to the UNFCCC which includes national Greenhouse Gas (GHG) inventory.
    • The energy sector contributed 75%, Industrial Process and Product Use 8%, the agriculture sector 14%, and the waste sector contributed 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2016.
    • The Land Use Land-Use Change and Forestry  (LULUCF) sector was the net sink and absorbed about 15% of the carbon dioxide in 2016.

    Way Forward:

    • Transitioning to Alternative Fuels: Invest in Research and Development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), such as biofuels, hydrogen, or synthetic fuels, which emit fewer CO2 emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
    • Improving Aircraft Efficiency: Encourage the adoption of more fuel-efficient aircraft and technologies, including advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and efficient engines.
    • Implementing Operational Improvements: Enhance air traffic management systems to optimize flight routes, reduce delays, and minimize fuel consumption during taxiing, takeoff, and landing.

    Mains PYQs:

    1. 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? (2021)
    2. Discuss in detail the photochemical smog emphasizing its formation, effects and mitigation. Explain the 1999 Gothenburg protocol. (2022)

  • Jiadhal River and Change of its Course

    Why in the news?

    • Climate Change is disrupting Jiadhal River’s (Dhemaji district, Assam) tranquil flow, leading to unprecedented shifts in its course and causing upheaval for residents.

    About Jiadhal River:

    • It flows through the districts of Darrang, Udalguri, and Baksa in the northeastern state of Assam.
      • It is also known Kumotiya River after flowing from Gogamukh.
    • Origin: From the Hills of Bhutan, flows through the Assam Himalayas before meandering through the plains of Assam. It is formed by the confluence of several smaller streams.
    • Major tributaries: Kolong River and the Daokao River.
    • It eventually joins the Brahmaputra River near the town of Nalbari.
    • It is known as the ‘Sorrow of Dhemaji’ for the heavy damage caused by annual floods and erosion.

    Factors leading to changes in the Jiadhal River’s Course  

    • Erosion: Flowing water gradually wears away the riverbanks and bed, causing the river to meander and change course.
    • Sediment deposition: Accumulation of sediment can create new channels or alter the flow pattern of the river.
    • Human activities: Dams, channelization, urbanization, deforestation, and mining can disrupt natural river processes, leading to changes in flow and morphology.
    • Climate change: Changes in precipitation, temperature, and glacier melt affect river flow patterns and behavior.
    • Tectonic activity: Uplift, subsidence, and faulting influence river topography and drainage patterns, leading to adjustments in course and behavior.

    PYQ:

    [2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements:

    1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.

    2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.

    3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 and 3 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Decoding the judgment on Jim Corbett

    Why in the news? 

    In its March ruling, the Supreme Court highlighted the corrupt collaboration between politicians, forest officials, and local contractors that led to the illegal felling of 6,000 trees in the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.

    Key points related the judgment

    • Shift from Anthropocentrism to Eco-centrism: The Supreme Court emphasized the need for an eco-centric approach rather than anthropocentrism in ecotourism management.
    • Ban on Tiger Safaris in Core Areas: : The court disagreed with the 2019 guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) permitting tiger safaris on the lines of a zoo in national parks, The court directed the banning of tiger safaris in core areas of national parks, aiming to minimize environmental damage and disturbance to wildlife habitats.
    • Committee Formation for Feasibility Study: A committee was constituted to explore the feasibility of permitting tiger safaris in peripheral areas of national parks across India, indicating a cautious approach towards balancing tourism with conservation goals.

    What the court missed

    Absence of Well-Defined Methodology: The court’s decision to recover the cost of restoration from errant individuals and officers lacks a well-defined methodology, making it challenging to accurately assess the damage done to the green cover of Jim Corbett.

    Suggestive measures 

    • Need for Ecosystem Services-Based Valuation: In light of growing degradation of biodiversity hotspots and support for revenue-generating eco-tourism, there is a need for a valuation method based on ecosystem services, which includes benefits like food, water, and climate regulation.
    • Precedent on Ecosystem Services: The court could have set a precedent by prioritizing ecosystem services over eco-tourism or highlighting the need for a precise law and policy regarding ecosystem services, which play a crucial role in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
    • Reference to International Court of Justice (ICJ) Ruling: The reasoning provided by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Costa Rica v. Nicaragua (2018) regarding the compensability of damage to the environment could have been used to better understand methodologies for evaluating environmental damage and loss of ecosystem services

    Conclusion 

    The Supreme Court’s ruling on Jim Corbett underscores a shift towards eco-centric ecotourism management, banning tiger safaris in core areas. However, the absence of a clear restoration methodology and the need for ecosystem services-based valuation remain unaddressed, suggesting room for improvement.

    Mains PYQ 

    Q How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)

    Why in the news?

    • The recent gathering of major funders and promoters of the carbon offsets market in London raised concerns about the role of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in limiting the market’s growth.
    • SBTi’s stringent criteria for net-zero plans have made it a gold standard in emissions accountability, but some argue it hinders the potential of carbon offsets in combating climate change.

    What is Carbon Offset?

    • A carbon offset broadly refers to a reduction in GHG emissions – or an increase in carbon storage (e.g., through land restoration or the planting of trees) – that is used to compensate for emissions that occur elsewhere.
    • A carbon offset credit is a transferrable instrument certified by governments or independent certification bodies to represent an emission reduction of one metric tonne of CO2, or an equivalent amount of other GHGs.

    What is Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)?

    • The SBTi is a collaborative effort spearheaded by four international organizations:
    1. Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP),
    2. United Nations Global Compact (UNGC),
    3. World Resources Institute (WRI), and
    4. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
    • The SBTi focuses on assisting companies in setting ambitious and scientifically sound greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets.
    Details
    Purpose To drive ambitious corporate action on climate change by providing a framework for setting science-based targets aligned with the Paris Agreement goals.
    Launch Year 2015
    Founding Organizations
    1. Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP),
    2. United Nations Global Compact (UNGC),
    3. World Resources Institute (WRI), and
    4. World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
    Methodologies SBTi offers guidelines and methodologies for companies to set targets that are consistent with the latest climate science and contribute to limiting global warming.
    Global Reach Engages with companies worldwide, collaborating with partners across sectors, regions, and industries to promote adoption of science-based targets.
    Recognition
    • Recognized as a leading platform for corporate climate action;
    • Companies comply to set science-based targets and reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
    • Updates and refines its methodologies and verification processes to reflect advances in climate science and best practices in emissions reduction.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] The ‘Common Carbon Metric’, Supported by UNEP, had been developed for:

    (a) Assessing the carbon footprint of building operations around the world.

    (b) Enabling commercial farming entities around the world to enter carbon emission trading.

    (c) Enabling governments to assess the overall carbon footprint caused by their countries.

    (d) Assessing the overall carbon footprint caused by the use of fossil fuels by the world in a unit time.