A new study reveals that plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula, a mountainous region extending towards South America, has increased more than tenfold in recent decades due to rising temperatures.
What has the study found?
Vegetation in the Antarctic Peninsula increased 14-fold between 1986 and 2021, expanding from less than 1 sq km to nearly 12 sq km.
Mosses and lichens dominate this vegetation, with greening accelerating by 30% between 2016 and 2021.
The changes are linked to anthropogenic climate change and observed through satellite data.
How quickly is Antarctica warming?
Antarctica is warming twice as fast as the global average, at 0.22-0.32°C per decade (compared to 0.14-0.18°C globally).
The AntarcticPeninsula is warming five times faster than the global average and is now almost 3°C warmer than in 1950.
Record-breaking heatwaves have occurred, with temperatures rising up to 28°C above normal in July 2023 and 39°C above normal in March 2022.
Why should we worry about increased vegetation in Antarctica?
Invasive Species: Warming temperatures and increased vegetation disrupt the ecological balance, allowing non-native species to outcompete native flora like mosses and lichens, leading to reduced biodiversity and altered habitats.
Albedo Effect: Increased plant cover lowers the albedo effect, resulting in greater solar energy absorption and further warming, creating a feedback loop that promotes additional vegetation growth.
Soil Formation: Plant life accelerates soil development by adding organic matter, enhancing nutrient cycling, and creating a more hospitable environment for non-native species, thereby increasing the risk of invasives.
Ice Loss and Sea-Level Rise: Higher temperatures from warming and the albedo effect lead to increased ice melt, contributing to global sea-level rise, which threatens coastal ecosystems and human settlements with flooding and erosion.
Way forward:
Strengthen climate action: Accelerate global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable practices to mitigate further warming in Antarctica.
Monitor ecosystems: Establish stricter biosecurity measures and enhanced monitoring to prevent invasive species from spreading and disrupting Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem.
Promote global cooperation: Increase international collaboration on Antarctic research, focusing on climate change impacts, ecosystem protection, and adaptation strategies to minimize global sea-level rise and biodiversity loss.
Mains PYQ:
Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)
Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, USA which caused heavy rain, flooding and strong winds resulting in significant damage and loss of lives.
Hurricane Milton: Origin and Causes
Hurricane Milton was a powerful storm that made landfall in Florida near Siesta Key, causing widespread damage.
It was a Category 5 hurricane with wind speeds of 285 km/h, making it one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
It originated in the Gulf of Mexico, an area connected to the Atlantic Ocean.
Why it was an unusual storm?
Milton went from a Category 1 storm to a Category 5 storm in just 12 hours.
Usually, hurricanes intensify at a slower pace, but Milton’s wind speeds increased by 145 km/hin one day, which is very rare.
Sea-surface temperatures of 31°C were much higher than the 26°C needed for hurricane formation.
This excess heat allowed Milton to intensify quickly.
Most hurricanes follow a westward path, but Milton moved eastward and made landfall on the western coast of Florida.
According to scientists, very few hurricanes have taken this path before.
Wind shear is a change in wind speed and direction that can weaken hurricanes.
In Milton’s case, there was almost no wind shear, allowing the storm to grow stronger without interference.
PYQ:
[2020] Consider the following statements:
1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.
3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q). Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021) Q) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)
Mentor’s Comment: After the U.K. committed to phasing out coal by 2025, it had already reduced coal usage to just 20% of its energy needs. The country focused on a comprehensive transition that supported the workforce and the communities reliant on coal.
In contrast, India has set a longer timeline of 45 years (until 2070) to reach net zero emissions and has made significant strides in increasing renewable energy capacity. However, coal usage has also risen, necessitating the establishment of clear timelines for shutting down coal plants and implementing regional redevelopment programs.
This is crucial as many coal-dependent areas in India are among the poorest. In today’s editorial, we need to ensure an inclusive and fair transition. India needs a well-planned, transparent approach that addresses the unique challenges faced by these communities.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
The closure of the UK’s last coal-fired power plant marks a significant milestone in the global transition to clean energy, reflecting a broader paradigm shift away from coal reliance.
However, this transition has faced challenges and requires tailored strategies for developing nations, as the UK’s experience illustrates a complex history influenced by environmental legislation and geopolitical factors over several decades.
Key Highlights of India’s Performance at Glasgow COP26 Summit:
•Net Zero Commitment: India announced its first-ever net zero emissions target for 2070, which was seen as a significant but late commitment compared to other countries aiming for 205013. •Five Key Targets: Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined five commitments (Panchamrit) for India, including: 1. Achieving 500 GW of non-fossil electricity capacity by 2030. 2. Meeting 50% of energy needs from renewable sources by 2030. 3. Reducing total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030. 4. Reducing emissions intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 levels by 2030. •Focus on Developed Nations: India’s stance emphasized the responsibility of developed countries to provide climate finance and technology transfer, reflecting a call for equity and climate justice in global efforts45. •Criticism: While some activists criticized the 2070 target as insufficiently ambitious, it was viewed positively within India, highlighting the country’s recognition of its role in global climate action amidst its developmental needs13.
Present Dilemma: India and the U.K. are on different paths toward achieving net zero emissions, with India advocating for “phasing down” coal rather than an outright phase-out, as seen at the 2021 Glasgow COP where it pledged to reach net zero by 2070 and meet half its energy needs from renewables by 2050.
Present Status of Cumulative Emissions:
An analysis by Carbon Brief indicated that the U.K. has emitted 10.4 billion tonnes historically, ranking it fourth globally due to its colonial carbon footprint.
India’s per capita emissions were 2 tonnes in 2023, which is less than half the global average (4.6 tonnes) and about a third of the U.K.’s per capita emissions (5.5 tonnes) despite having a population over 20 times larger.
India relies heavily on coal for energy, with about 70% of its energy output coming from coal-fired plants, and it has more than 350 operational mines.
The coal sector employs around 340,000 miners directly, with additional jobs in thermal power plants, highlighting the economic implications of transitioning away from coal.
India’s coal production and consumption are expected to peak between 2030 and 2035, while the country aims to increase its renewable energy capacity significantly.
Despite rising coal use, India is also rapidly expanding its renewable energy capacity, aiming for a balanced approach to meet growing energy demands while addressing climate goals.
India’s Coal Story:
In 1774: India’s first coal mine, the Raniganj coalfield was by the British East India Company, leading to extensive coal extraction across eastern and central states.
In 1920: The Hussain Sagar Thermal Power Station, India’s first coal-fired power plant (1920), began operations, followed by the Trombay power station in 1956, which solidified thermal power as a primary energy source.
In 2022: Britain’s per capita energy consumption was nearly three times that of India, highlighting disparities in energy usage.
At Present, approximately 70% of India’s energy output comes from coal, with around 218 GW of installed capacity and over 350 operational mines, alongside plans for 120 new mines.
What lessons can India learn from the UK’s coal phase-out?
Just Transition Planning: The U.K.’s transition involved comprehensive plans to support displaced workers, highlighting the need for India to develop similar strategies to mitigate socio-economic impacts, especially for informal workers who make up a significant portion of the coal workforce.
Regional Economic Diversification: The U.K. implemented regional redevelopment plans to support areas reliant on coal.
India must also create economic diversification strategies for coal-dependent regions, ensuring new industries can thrive in these communities.
India can leverage existing welfare programs to provide targeted support for communities affected by coal phase-out, ensuring a safety net during the transition period.
Clear Transition Timelines: The U.K. set clear timelines for phasing out coal, which facilitated planning and adaptation in the power sector. India should establish transparent timelines for decommissioning coal plants and transitioning to renewables.
Investment in Renewable Energy: The U.K. successfully increased its renewable energy capacity during its coal phase-out.
India must continue to invest in and expand its renewable energy infrastructure to reduce dependence on coal while meeting energy demands.
India should focus on tailored training programs that align with local job market needs and community involvement.
Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in planning and decision-making processes is crucial. This ensures that the transition addresses specific local needs and concerns, fostering broader support for change.
Way Forward:
Sectoral Diversification: Identify and promote alternative sectors such as agriculture, tourism, pisciculture, food processing, and non-timber forest products to reduce reliance on coal. For example, repurposing abandoned mines for fish farming has shown potential in regions like Jharkhand.
Infrastructure Development: Invest in infrastructure improvements, including transportation and healthcare, to support new economic activities and enhance overall community resilience.
Attract Investment: Create a business case for post-coal economic activities that can attract private investment. This includes developing a clear plan for transitioning to alternative industries that can generate revenue and employment.
Decentralized Planning: Establish district-level transition committees to create tailored short-, medium–, and long-term plans for economic diversification, ensuring that local contexts are considered.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)‘s October 2024 report revealed that 2023 was the driest year for global rivers in 33 years, intensifying stress on water supplies globally.
What factors contributed to 2023 being the driest year for global rivers?
Record High Temperatures: 2023 was marked as the hottest year on record, which significantly contributed to prolonged drought conditions and reduced river flows across many regions globally.
Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures have led to a more erratic hydrological cycle, resulting in both extreme droughts and flooding. This unpredictability has exacerbated water shortages in many areas.
Transition from La Niña to El Niño: The climatic shift from La Niña to El Niño conditions in mid-2023 played a crucial role in altering weather patterns, leading to widespread dry conditions in many regions while simultaneously causing flooding in others.
Glacier Melting: The report indicated that glaciers experienced their largest mass loss in 50 years, which threatens long-term water security for millions who rely on glacial meltwater for their water supply.
How has climate change impacted global water resources and glacier conditions?
Increased Water Scarcity: The report highlighted that approximately 3.6 billion people currently lack reliable access to water for at least one month each year, a number expected to rise to over 5 billion by 2050 due to worsening water scarcity.
Glacier Dependency: Many regions depend on glacial meltwater for their river systems. As glaciers continue to shrink, future water availability is jeopardized, particularly in areas like Europe and North America.
Erratic Water Supply: The hydrological cycle’s acceleration leads to unpredictable rainfall patterns, causing both droughts and floods that disrupt agricultural and industrial water supplies.
What are the implications for global water access and management?
Increased Demand vs. Supply Shortages: With growing populations and rising demand for water resources, the current trends indicate a critical imbalance between supply and demand, leading to heightened competition for available water resources.
Need for Improved Monitoring: The WMO emphasizes the necessity for better data collection and sharing regarding water resources. This is crucial for effective management strategies that can adapt to changing conditions.
Urgent Action Required: There is an urgent need for global cooperation and action to address these challenges. Enhanced monitoring systems and international collaboration are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources.
Way forward:
Strengthen Water Resource Management and Adaptation Strategies: Governments should implement integrated water resource management (IWRM) plans to address both water scarcity and flooding risks.
Enhance Global Cooperation and Data-Driven Decision Making: Countries must prioritize data-sharing, improve monitoring of water resources, and foster cross-border collaborations to manage shared water systems effectively.
The Maharashtra government allocated 255.9 acres of salt pan land across three parcels in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs for rental housing under the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
What is Salt pans?
Salt pans are low-lying coastal areas used for salt cultivation, acting as natural sponges that absorb rainwater and support diverse ecosystems while mitigating flooding.
What is the Maharashtra government doing to relocate people?
Allocation of Land for Housing: The Maharashtra government has issued a Government Resolution (GR) allocating 255.9 acres of salt pan land for the construction of rental housing as part of the Dharavi Redevelopment Project. This land is to be used for slum rehabilitation and affordable housing for economically weaker sections.
Lease Agreement: The land parcels will be leased to the Maharashtra government for 99 years, with the objective of providing housing for residents displaced from Dharavi.
Involvement of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV): The Dharavi Redevelopment Project Private Limited (DRPPL), in which an Adani Group entity holds 80% stake and the State government has a 20% stake, is responsible for the construction and resettlement of laborers working on the land.
Concessional Rate for Land: The land is being provided at a concessional rate of 25% of the prevailing market rate, making it more accessible for development.
Why is the move controversial?
Environmental Concerns: Urban planners and environmentalists have raised concerns about the lack of an impact assessment study before developing large parcels of salt pan land.
Risk of Ghetto Formation: Critics argue that relocating residents to different parts of the city, rather than in-situ rehabilitation (keeping them in their original areas), could lead to the formation of ghettos and further social segregation.
Are salt pan lands ecologically important?
Ecological Role: Salt pan lands are vital as salt marshlands that serve as holding ponds, absorbing rainwater and acting as natural sponges, thereby helping to mitigate flooding.
Biodiversity: These areas support diverse flora and fauna, contributing to the ecological balance of coastal regions.
Natural Defense: The salt pan lands provide a coastal area’s natural defense against flooding and other environmental hazards, highlighting their importance in maintaining regional ecological health.
Way forward:
Integrate Environmental Assessments with Development Planning: The Maharashtra government should implement a framework that integrates environmental impact assessments into the planning process for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project.
Adopt a Community-Centric Approach to Resettlement: The government should engage with affected communities to explore in-situ rehabilitation options and gather input on their housing needs.
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts” Report.
What is the EnviStats India 2024 Report?
The EnviStats India 2024 Report, released by the MoSPI, is the 7th consecutive publication.
It compiles environmental-economic accounts based on the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Framework.
This framework provides a global standard for integrating environmental data with economic statistics, offering insights into the country’s natural resources, ecosystems, and environmental sustainability efforts.
Key Highlights:
Details
Protected Areas (SDG 13 & SDG 15)
– 72% increase in the number of Protected Areas (2000-2023)
– 16% increase in the area of Protected Areas, reflecting biodiversity conservation efforts.
Mangrove Cover (SDG 13 & SDG 15)
– 8% increase in mangrove cover (2013-2021), highlighting positive growth in coastal ecosystem protection.
Ocean Accounts (SDG 14: Life below Water)
– Introduced for the first time, covering the extent and condition of ocean ecosystems.
Energy Use & Physical Asset Accounts (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy & SDG 13: Climate Action)
– Includes Physical Asset Accounts and Physical Supply and Use Tables for Energy, aligned with SEEA-Energy Framework, and data from ministries like Coal and Petroleum.
Soil Nutrient Index (SDG 2: Zero Hunger)
– Updated data on Soil Nutrient Index based on the Soil Health Card 2023-24, reflecting soil health and agricultural sustainability.
Biodiversity & Species Richness (SDG 15: Life on Land)
– Data on faunal and floral diversity, including endangered species like Leopards and Snow leopards, connecting to biodiversity conservation.
Policy Recommendations
The EnviStats India 2024 Report suggests several policy directions based on its findings:
Biodiversity Protection: Strengthen community-led conservation and expand protection of critical ecosystems.
Ocean Ecosystem Management: Use Ocean Accounts for sustainable marine resource management and pollution control.
Soil Health: Encourage sustainable farming practices and better soil management, leveraging Soil Health Cards for improved productivity.
Integrated Planning: Focus on species conservation, habitat restoration, and genetic conservation through data-driven planning.
Q). Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (UPSC CSE 2021) Q). Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (UPSC CSE 2021) Q). Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC CSE 2020) Q). Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (UPSC CSE 2019)
Prelims:
The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge? (UPSC CSE 2011) a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.
Mentor’s Comment: Today’s editorial discusses the limitations in our present governance and management concerning Natural Disasters. The recent landslide event in Kerala is considered one of the deadliest landslides in India’s history, raising urgent concerns about the effectiveness of disaster management strategies in the region, which has a history of similar incidents over the past four decades. Previously, we saw the limitations based on the Disaster Management Act. Now, this article will help you to build a better consensus around the same theme.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On July 30, 2024, the Wayanad district in Kerala experienced devastating landslides that resulted in significant loss of life and property.
The Chief Minister (Kerala) emphasized the need for a reevaluation of disaster preparedness and response approaches, highlighting the helplessness against natural calamities across the state.
Kerala is no longer relatively disaster-free:
The state of Kerala which is bordered by the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, was once viewed as disaster-free, which influenced its development patterns.
The frequency and intensity of disasters have surged in recent decades. Over 250 km of Kerala’s coastline is affected by erosion.
Further, the high population density in the Western Ghats exceeded its vulnerability to disasters.
Lowlands like Vembanad Lake, frequently experience flooding during monsoons.
The 2018 floods were labeled the “floods of the century” by the World Meteorological Organization.
Infrastructure development has often ignored natural drainage and slope stability, leading to increased disaster risks.
Why a Comprehensive inventory mapping is needed?
Physical Geography of the Region: Tectonic activity generally correlates with landslide occurrences.
For example, the Wayanad region is characterized by deep gorges and ravines, which is prone to landslides.
Climate Change Impact: Rapid warming of the Arabian Sea increases risks of extreme weather events like floods and cyclones. For example, the Cyclone Ockhi in 2017.
Research Gaps: Current understanding of landslide causative factors is limited; a nuanced approach is necessary for effective disaster mitigation.
Monitoring Mechanisms: Establishing monitoring systems for rainfall and tremors can provide timely warnings to prevent loss of life.
Shrinking Safe Space: The “safe operating space” for communities in Kerala is diminishing due to increasing natural disasters.
Need for a Paradigm Shift (Way Forward):
Need to work on Disaster Risk Zones: Develop disaster risk zones based on physical and social criteria within a social-ecological framework, aligned with watershed boundaries.
Strengthening the disaster risk governance and invest them in risk reduction to enhance resilience and preparedness would be helpful.
Comprehensive Approach: Emphasize all aspects of the disaster cycle: preparedness, resilience, risk reduction, mitigation, reconstruction, recovery, response, and relief.
The Sendai’s global framework highlights the State’s primary role in disaster risk reduction while advocating for shared responsibility with local governments, private sectors, and communities.
Quadruple Helix Model: Utilize a collaborative model involving community organizations, academia, government, and industry for effective disaster risk management.
Engage communities in creating disaster risk maps through a community-based disaster risk management approach.
At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.
About Little Prespa Lake
Little Prespa Lake, also known as Small Lake Prespa, is located on the Albanian-Greek border.
The majority of the lake lies in Greek territory, with the southern tip extending into Albania.
The total area of the lake is approximately 450 hectares within Albanian territory, though much of this area has now transformed into swamps or dried up.
It is the smaller part of the nearby Great Prespa Lake, which lies to the south.
Historically, the lake was fed by snowmelt and precipitation, but these have reduced significantly due to climate change and human intervention.
In the 1970s, communist authorities in Albania diverted the Devoll River for agricultural irrigation around the city of Korca.
This diversion significantly reduced the water inflow to the lake, beginning its ecological decline.
Impact of Little Prespa Lake’s Drying
The drying has led to the collapse of the fishing industry, depriving locals of their primary livelihood.
The once-thriving aquatic ecosystem has transformed into a marshland, resulting in biodiversity loss as fish populations vanish.
The diversion of the Devoll River for agricultural purposes has exacerbated the lake’s decline.
The lake could completely disappear if current trends continue, threatening the region’s environmental and economic stability.
PYQ:
[2018] Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?
1. Aral Sea
2. Black Sea
3. Lake Baikal
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
