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Subject: Environment

  • Post-glacial ecosystems could help slow down climate change – Study

    Why in the News?

    The retreat of glaciers is one of the most visible indicators of climate change, but it also creates new ecosystems that could play a role in mitigating its effects, according to a global study titled ‘The Development of Terrestrial Ecosystems Emerging After Glacier Retreat’ published in “Nature”.

    How are Glaciers Formed?

    • Glaciers form when snowfall accumulates over time in a particular area where temperatures are consistently cold enough for snow to remain year-round.
    • Over the years, the weight of accumulating snow compresses the lower layers, turning them into firn (a dense snowpack). Further compression transforms firn into ice.
    • Once thick enough, glaciers begin to move under the force of gravity, flowing slowly like rivers of ice. The glacier’s movement is driven by the internal deformation of the ice and sliding at its base, leading to the formation of crevasses and other glacial features.

    What is Glacier Retreat?

    • Glacier retreat refers to the process where glaciers lose mass due to melting and insufficient snowfall to replenish their ice. This phenomenon is accelerated by climate change, leading to rising sea levels and altered water supplies. 
    • As global temperatures rise, glaciers shrink more rapidly, which impacts ecosystems and human communities that rely on glacial meltwater for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower.

    Key Highlights of the Recent Study

    The recent study titled “The Development of Terrestrial Ecosystems Emerging After Glacier Retreat,” published in Nature, presents several significant findings:

    • Ecosystem Development: The study indicates that while glacier retreat is a clear sign of climate change, it also leads to the emergence of new ecosystems that can mitigate climate change effects because of it can enhance carbon capture and storage through biogeochemical processes.
    • Microbial Colonization: Following glacier retreat, microorganisms such as bacteria and algae are the first to colonize the barren landscapes, which helps in soil formation.
      • Within a decade, hardy plants like lichens and grasses establish themselves, further enriching the soil and enabling more complex life forms to thrive.
    • Management Importance:  The study emphasizes that with appropriate strategies to manage it because, these areas can quickly develop, providing habitats for species threatened by climate change and contributing to biodiversity conservation.
    • Water Regulation: In regions like the Himalayas, post-glacial ecosystems are vital for regulating water availability, impacting rivers that support millions of people.
    • Potential for Discoveries: The biodiversity in these areas may lead to new agricultural and medicinal discoveries, highlighting the ecological benefits of protecting and studying these ecosystems

    Way forward: 

    • Ecosystem Management: Implement strategies for managing emerging post-glacial ecosystems to enhance their carbon capture potential and biodiversity conservation, supporting climate change mitigation efforts.
    • Research and Conservation: Prioritize research on these ecosystems, particularly in regions like the Himalayas, to safeguard water resources and explore potential agricultural and medicinal discoveries, benefiting both the environment and local economies.

    Mains PYQ:

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

  • Typhoon Yagi

    Why in the News?

    India has launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance to Southeast Asian countries affected by Typhoon Yagi, including Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.

    Typhoon Yagi: Origin and Impact 

    • Typhoon Yagi began as a tropical storm in the western Philippine Sea on September 1, 2024.
      • Yagi, which means goat or the constellation of Capricornus in Japanese.
    • It made landfall in the Philippines but intensified again due to warm waters in the South China Sea, reaching Category 3 winds by September 4.
    • Yagi further strengthened to a Category 5 typhoon with peak winds of 260 kmph, making it one of only four Category 5 storms recorded in the South China Sea.
    • Although downgraded to a tropical depression, it continued to bring heavy rains and floods to Myanmar and other areas.

    What are Typhoons?

    • A Typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, particularly affecting East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Oceania.
    • They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and can cause severe flooding, storm surges, and damage to infrastructure.

    Key Features of Typhoons:

    • Formation Region: Typhoons form in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, primarily between 100°E and 180°E.
    • Wind Speed: To be classified as a typhoon, sustained winds must exceed 119 km/h.
    • Structure: Like hurricanes, typhoons have a central eye (calm area) surrounded by a violent eyewall where the strongest winds and heaviest rains occur.
    • Season: Typhoons typically occur from May to October, with a peak from August to September.

    Global Terminology:

    • Typhoon: Northwest Pacific Ocean.
    • Hurricane: North Atlantic, Central and Eastern North Pacific Oceans.
    • Cyclone: South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

     

    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?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

  • NGT seeks report from Central Pollution Control Board

    Why in the News?

    The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to submit a fresh report on the generation and treatment of electronic waste by states and Union territories (UTs).

    About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB):

    Details
    Constitution Established in September 1974 under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
    Additional Powers
    • Empowered under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
    • Also works under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    Nodal Ministry Functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
    Main Objective
    • To promote the prevention, control, and abatement of water and air pollution across India.
    • Collects and disseminates technical and statistical data on water and air pollution.
    Key Programs
    • National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP)
    • National Water Quality Monitoring Program (NWQMP)
    • Oversees the National Air Quality Index (NAQI) to provide real-time data on air quality.
    Initiatives
    • Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)
    • Clean Air Campaign

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

    1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.

    2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct-?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  • Controversy over Mumbai’s salt pans

    Why in the News?

    The Centre has recently approved transferring 256 acres of Mumbai’s salt pan land to DRPPL, a joint venture with Adani Realty, for constructing rental housing for slum residents.

    What are Salt Pan Lands?

    • Salt pan lands are low-lying areas where seawater is allowed to flow in and evaporate, leaving behind salt and other minerals.
    • These lands are part of an important ecological system that, along with mangroves, helps in flood control by absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall and high tides.

    Why are Mumbai’s Salt Pan Lands at Risk?

    • Development Pressures: Salt pans are valuable as undeveloped land in Mumbai, leading to proposals for various development projects, including affordable housing and infrastructure.
    • Government Plans: Recent approvals, such as the transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land for the Dharavi Redevelopment Project, have faced criticism due to concerns that such development will encroach on these ecologically sensitive areas.
    • Legal and Administrative Challenges: Past plans for using saltpan lands for development have been put on hold or altered due to legal and environmental challenges, including those concerning the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.

    Why do Salt Pans Matter?

    • Flood Prevention: Salt pans play a crucial role in preventing flooding in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs by acting as natural reservoirs for excess water during heavy rains and high tides.
      • During significant rainfall events, such as the July 2005 deluge, salt pans helped mitigate the impact of flooding, emphasizing their importance in urban flood management.
    • Environmental Protection: They support local biodiversity, including various species of birds and insects. Destroying or altering these lands could disrupt these ecosystems.
    • Climate Resilience: Salt pans contribute to the city’s climate resilience strategy, making their preservation crucial for managing future climate-related challenges.

    National Context:

    • Across India, approximately 60,000 acres are designated as salt pan lands, distributed among states like Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra.
    • These lands are crucial for local ecosystems and flood management, highlighting the broader importance of preserving such areas from development pressures.

    Way Forward: 

    • Strengthen Environmental Regulations: Enhance the enforcement of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms and other environmental regulations to safeguard salt pan lands.
    • Promote Sustainable Land Use Planning: Integrate salt pan lands into urban planning strategies as critical components of flood management and biodiversity conservation.

  • International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    Why in the News?

    Natural geographic separation is happening among Asiatic lion populations in Gujarat, and there is no immediate need to relocate them, says the director general of the International Big Cat Alliance.

    About Asiatic Lion

    • Asiatic Lion, part of the Panthera Leo Leo subspecies, is found only in India, with a distinct belly skin fold.
    • Once spread across West Asia and India, now limited to Gir National Park, where the population increased in 2020.
    • Asiatic lions face threats from diseases, natural disasters, poaching and retaliation for livestock attacks.
    • They are classified as Endangered (IUCN), listed in CITES Appendix I, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
    • The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project (2018-2021) aims for scientific management and community involvement.

     

    About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    Details
    Objective Protect and conserve 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, puma, jaguar, and cheetah.
    Initial Funding ₹150 crore from the Government of India for five years, with additional funding from global agencies.
    Membership Open to 96 range countries with natural big cat habitats.
    Key Activities Advocacy, knowledge sharing, capacity building, eco-tourism promotion, and resource mobilization.
    Governance General Assembly, elected Council, and Secretariat. Secretary General appointed by the Assembly.
    Governance Framework Based on the International Solar Alliance (ISA); finalized by the International Steering Committee.
    India’s Role
    • India is home to 5 of the 7 big cats: tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah.
    • India hosts about 70% of the world’s tiger population and has seen steady growth in its Asiatic lion population.

     

    PYQ:

    [2012] Consider the following:

    1. Black-necked crane
    2. Cheetah
    3. Flying squirrel
    4. Snow leopard

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

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

  • Union Cabinet approves ‘Mission Mausam’

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with a budget of ₹2,000 crore over two years.

    About Mission Mausam

    • Mission Mausam focuses on strengthening R&D in weather surveillance, forecasting, and atmospheric sciences.
    • The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be the nodal body responsible for implementing the mission.
    • It aims to set a new benchmark for high-precision weather forecasting and management.
    • Three institutes under the MoES will lead the implementation of Mission Mausam:
    1. India Meteorological Department (IMD)
    2. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
    3. National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)

    Critical Components of the Mission: 

    • Next-generation radars and satellite systems equipped with advanced sensors.
    • Deployment of high-performance supercomputers to enhance computational capabilities.
    • Development of improved earth system AI models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination.

    Benefits and Applications

    • Mission Mausam is expected to benefit key sectors, including:
      • Agriculture, through improved weather prediction for farming activities.
      • Disaster management, with better preparedness for natural calamities.
      • Defence, aviation, and shipping, through enhanced forecasting for operational safety.
      • Energy, water resources, power, and tourism sectors.
    • The mission will also enhance data-driven decision-making for urban planning, transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.

  • What is Wallace Line?

    Wallace Line

    Why in the news?

    The Wallace Line, a distinct transition zone between Asia and Australia, has long fascinated researchers due to its unique characteristics.

    What is Wallace Line?

    Details
    What is it?
    • A bio-geographical boundary separating the eco-zones of Asia and Australia.
    • It was identified by British explorer Alfred Russel Wallace in 1863 during his explorations.
    • It is an imaginary line that intersects the Lombok Strait between the Indonesian islands of Bali and Lombok to the south, and extends north through the Makassar Strait between Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sulawesi.
    Unique Features
    • Divides species with distinct evolutionary histories.
    • Asiatic species (tigers, elephants) are found to the west; Australian fauna (kangaroos, marsupials) dominate the east.
    • Despite their geographical proximity, these species evolved separately.
    Impact on Wildlife
    • Birds and mammals are particularly influenced, with few species crossing the line.
    • Flora is less affected, though species like Eucalyptus stay on the Australian side.
    Impact on Marine Species
    • While the Wallace Line is a barrier for terrestrial species, it doesn’t stop marine life. 
    • The area between the Wallace Line and the Sahul Shelf (near Australia) is known as the Coral Triangle, the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth.
    Formation
    • Result of Australia’s drift from Antarctica and subsequent collision with Asia around 35 million years ago.
    • Climate shifts led to cooler, drier Australia and tropical Asia.
    • This collision created a deep-water channel that still acts as a natural barrier for species migration.
    Pleistocene Epoch Influence
    • During the Pleistocene epoch, lower sea levels exposed land bridges.
    • Deep waters between Asia and Australia prevented species migration, maintaining the boundary.

     

    Note: 

    Weber Line more accurately defines the balance point where the influence of Asian and Australian species is nearly equal, whereas the Wallace Line marks a sharper divide.

  • Elongated Tortoise (Indotestudo elongata) spotted in Aravallis

    Why in the News?

    The elongated tortoise (Indotestudo elongata), a critically endangered species, was recently spotted in Haryana’s Damdama area during a research survey in the Aravalli hills.

    About Elongated Tortoise:

    Details
    Physical Features
    • Medium-sized body with a yellowish-brown or olive-colored shell
    • Black blotches at the center of each scute
    • Pink ring around nostrils during breeding season
    Habitat
    • Found in Sal deciduous and hilly evergreen forests
    • Distribution includes Southeast Asia, northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and other regions
    Indian Range Present in the Chhota Nagpur plateau and Himalayan foothills at elevations up to 1,000 meters
    Threats
    • Human exploitation for food and traditional medicine
    • Hunting, often with the help of dogs
    • Habitat degradation and illegal wildlife trade
    Ecological Role Significant species in its ecosystems but highly vulnerable to environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures
    Population Decline Significant population decline due to hunting, habitat degradation, and illegal wildlife trade, despite its wide distribution
    Conservation Status
    • Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List
    • Appendix II under the CITES

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following:

    1. Star tortoise

    2. Monitor lizard

    3. Pygmy hog

    4. Spider monkey

    Which of the above are naturally found in India?

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3 and 4

  • India generates highest plastic pollution in world 

    Why in the News?

    A study published last week in the journal Nature revealed that India is responsible for contributing one-fifth of the world’s plastic pollution.

    What did the Paris Agreement (2015) and the UN Environmental Assembly (2022) say on plastic pollution? 

    • Paris Agreement (2015): Primarily on climate change, the Paris Agreement doesn’t directly address plastic pollution. However, the agreement encourages countries to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices. 
    • UN Environmental Assembly (2022): The UNEA agreed in 2022 to develop the first legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution by the end of 2024. Objectives: The treaty aims to curb plastic pollution through measures like phasing out single-use plastics.

    Challenges in Implementation

    • Lack of Cohesive Policies: There is often a disconnect between global agreements and national policies, leading to fragmented approaches that fail to address the scale of plastic pollution effectively.
    • Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many countries, particularly in the Global South, lack the necessary infrastructure for waste management, leading to high levels of unmanaged plastic waste. Inadequate public services and resources exacerbate this situation.
    • Economic Dependencies: Countries reliant on plastic production for economic growth may resist regulations aimed at reducing plastic use, complicating the implementation of international agreements.

    Why do we need more research on this issue? 

    • Understanding Environmental Impact: Comprehensive studies are needed to elucidate the sources and impacts of plastic pollution, including its relationship with climate change and public health.
    • Informing Policy Development: Research can guide policymakers in creating effective strategies for reducing plastic waste and improving waste management systems, ensuring that solutions are tailored to specific regional challenges.
    • Health Implications: As microplastics increasingly infiltrate ecosystems and human bodies, understanding their health impacts is critical for public health initiatives and regulatory frameworks.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Global Plastic Reduction Targets: Implement binding international commitments to reduce plastic production, particularly single-use plastics, and promote sustainable alternatives, aligning with climate goals.
    • Improve Waste Management Infrastructure: Prioritize investment in waste management systems, especially in the Global South, to ensure proper collection, recycling, and disposal, reducing unmanaged plastic pollution.

  • India’s first ‘Teal Carbon’ study

    Why in the News?

    India’s first study on teal carbon was conducted at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district.

    Highlights of the Study

    • The study at KNP aimed to develop holistic solutions for climate change by understanding the potential of teal carbon in mitigating its effects.
    • It highlighted that degraded wetlands could release harmful methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, further exacerbating climate challenges.
    • It suggested the use of biochar, a lightweight black residue comprising carbon and ashes.
      • This biochar can help reduce methane discharges and improve wetland conservation.
    • Specialized instruments like the LI-COR device would be required for real-time measurements of greenhouse gases to further the research.

    What is Teal Carbon?

    Details
    Definition Carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including in vegetation, microbial biomass, and organic matter.
    Key Sources Peatlands, freshwater swamps, natural freshwater marshes.
    Global Storage  Approximately 500.21 petagrams of carbon (PgC).
    Threats Pollution, land-use changes, water extraction, and degradation of wetlands.
    Comparison Distinct from black and brown carbon, which are produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter.
    Benefits of Teal Carbon Ecosystems
    • Greenhouse gas reduction
    • Increase in groundwater levels
    • Flood mitigation
    • Heat island reduction
    • Urban adaptation
    Conservation Importance Effective conservation of wetlands can enhance teal carbon pools, contributing to climate regulation and environmental sustainability.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] What is blue carbon?​

    (a) Carbon captured by oceans and coastal ecosystems.​

    (b) Carbon sequestered in forest biomass and agricultural soils.​

    (c) Carbon contained in petroleum and natural gas.​

    (d) Carbon present in atmosphere.​