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Subject: Environment

  • Elephants have names for each other: New study

    Why in the News?

    • Recent studies utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have revealed that elephants possess unique names used to address each other, placing them among the select animals with this ability.
      • Unlike animals such as parrots and dolphins, elephants do not imitate the calls of those they address, resembling humans in this communicative trait.

    Naming Behavior in Elephants

    • Unlike humans, elephants do not mimic the calls of the addressee, setting their communication apart from other animals.
    • Published in Nature, the study titled ‘African elephants address one another with individually specific name-like calls’ involved researchers from institutions like Colorado State University and Save The Elephants.

    Study Methodology

    • Communication Methods: Contrary to popular belief, elephants predominantly communicate through low-pitched rumbles rather than trumpets, which are primarily emotional expressions.
    • Data Analysis: Researchers analyzed recordings of wild female African savannah elephants and their offspring’s rumbles across various Kenyan national parks spanning from 1986 to 2022.
    • AI Application: Using AI technology, they scrutinized 469 recorded rumbles to detect patterns indicating specific recipients of the communication.
      • Success Rate: The AI model successfully identified the intended elephant recipient in 27.5% of cases, surpassing chance levels.

    Observations

    • Behavioural Observation: To validate their findings, researchers played back recorded rumbles to 17 elephants and noted heightened reactions when elephants heard their ‘names’, indicating recognition of individual names.
    • Unique Communication: Unlike animals that imitate others’ calls, elephants display no evidence of imitation, suggesting a unique communication strategy.

    Significance of the Study

    • Sophisticated Communication: The study underscores elephants’ advanced communication abilities, challenging previous assumptions about their cognitive prowess.
    • Human-Elephant Parallels: It draws parallels between human and elephant communication, fostering greater admiration for elephants and potentially mitigating human-elephant conflicts crucial for conservation efforts.
    • Future Research: Further investigation is warranted to pinpoint the exact location of elephant names within rumbles and explore whether elephants assign names to objects besides individuals.

    Back2Basics: 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’ was launched in 1992, covering 23 states across India.
      • This project contributed to the increase in the 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

  • World Crocodile Day 2024: In 50th year of India’s saurian conservation 

    Why in the news?

    The successful Crocodile Conservation Project in Bhitarkanika National Park is escalating the human-crocodile conflicts affecting local communities.

    About the Crocodile Conservation Project

    • Launch and Objective: The Crocodile Conservation Project was launched in 1975 in Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha. The main objective was to protect the crocodiles’ natural habitat and revive the population through captive breeding due to the low survival rate of hatchlings in nature.
    • Historical Context: Initiated barely three years after the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The project was launched due to the threat of extinction from indiscriminate killing for commercial purposes and severe habitat loss.
    • Implementation and Success: Centers for breeding and rearing saltwater crocodiles, muggers, and gharials were started in 34 locations across various states in India under the guidance of HR Bustard. The project in Bhitarkanika, started by Sudhakar Kar and HR Bustard, has been the most successful, increasing the population from 95 in 1975 to 1,811 in the latest reptile census.
    • Ongoing Efforts: Sudhakar Kar continues to provide technical expertise and methodology for the annual census of saltwater crocodiles even after retirement. Conservation of crocodiles is described as a lifelong mission by Kar.

    IUCN Status of Crocodiles of India

    • The three crocodiles of India, the Saltwater Crocodile, Mugger Crocodile, and Gharial, are listed as Least Concern, Vulnerable, and Critically Endangered respectively on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

    Bhitarkanika National Park 

    • Bhitarkanika National Park is a 145 km² (56 sq mi) protected area in Odisha, eastern India. It was designated as a national park in 1998 and obtained the status of a Ramsar site in 2002.
    • The park is known for its unique mangrove ecosystem, which is the second largest in India. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the endangered saltwater crocodile, Indian python, king cobra, black ibis, and darters.

    About the Issues Faced by Bhitarkanika

    • Human-Crocodile Conflict: The increasing crocodile population has led to rising human-crocodile conflicts. Sudhakar Kar expressed concern over the conflicts, warning locals to avoid entering rivers, creeks, and waterbodies inhabited by estuarine crocodiles.
    • Impact on Local Communities: Conflicts have led to 50 deaths since 2014. Local villagers have criticized politicians for not addressing the safety issues adequately, affecting political outcomes.
    • Preventive Measures: Forest officials have erected barricades around 120 river ghats in and around Bhitarkanika to prevent crocodile attacks on humans.
    • Political Implications: The human-crocodile conflict has influenced local political dynamics, with villagers expressing dissatisfaction with incumbents over safety concerns related to crocodile attacks.

    Conclusion: Construct and maintain more robust protective barriers around water bodies, such as reinforced barricades and secure river ghats. Additionally, create safe, designated areas for water-related activities to minimize the risk of crocodile attacks.

    Mains PYQ:

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

  • EU Environmental Council adopts nature restoration law in historic win for continent’s environment

    Why in the news?

    On June 17, 2024, the EU Environmental Council approved the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), marking a significant victory for environmental conservation across the continent.

    Nature Restoration Law (NRL):

    • Objective and Scope: The NRL aims to restore and preserve biodiversity and ecosystem health across Europe. It targets a wide range of habitats including terrestrial, coastal, freshwater, forest, agricultural, and urban areas. Specific ecosystems such as wetlands, grasslands, forests, rivers, lakes, and marine environments like seagrass beds and coral reefs are covered.
    • Targets and Timelines: Member states are required to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030. This includes all ecosystems identified as in need of restoration. The law sets a longer-term goal for the complete restoration of all degraded ecosystems in Europe by 2050.

    About the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030

    Objective:

    • The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 aims to halt biodiversity loss and restore ecosystems across Europe. It sets ambitious targets to ensure that biodiversity is conserved, valued, and restored for its intrinsic value and for the benefits it provides to people and the planet.

    Targets and Actions:

    • The strategy includes specific targets for 2030, such as protecting at least 30% of EU land and sea areas, with 10% under strict protection, restoring degraded ecosystems, and integrating biodiversity considerations into agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and urban planning.
    • It emphasizes the importance of promoting green infrastructure, sustainable land use, and enhancing ecosystem services to support biodiversity.

    Policy Instruments and Implementation:

    • The strategy integrates biodiversity considerations into key EU policies and sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, forestry, climate action, and regional development.
    • It encourages the use of innovative financing mechanisms, partnerships with stakeholders, and international cooperation to achieve its goals.

    Monitoring and Review:

    • The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 includes a robust monitoring framework to track progress towards its targets and assess the effectiveness of actions taken.
    • Regular reviews and updates are planned to ensure that the strategy remains relevant and adaptive to new challenges and scientific knowledge..

    Challenges in Nature Restoration Law (NRL)

    • Implementation Complexity: One of the primary challenges is the complexity of implementing the NRL across diverse ecosystems and landscapes within EU member states. Each country may have varying capacities, resources, and existing environmental conditions, making uniform implementation challenging.
    • Cost and Funding Requirements: Restoring 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 requires significant financial resources. The NRL involves costs related to restoration projects, monitoring, enforcement, and stakeholder engagement. Securing adequate funding and ensuring sustained financial support over the long term is crucial but challenging.

    Conclusion: Create dedicated funding mechanisms or expand existing EU funds specifically for biodiversity restoration under the NRL. This could include grants, subsidies, and low-interest loans tailored to support restoration projects across member states.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: India’s New Cheetah Habitat

    Why in the News?

    • Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will become the second home for cheetahs in India, after Kuno National Park. The final decision on importing cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa will be made after the monsoon season to avoid infection risks.

    Cheetah Reintroduction in India:

    • In India, cheetahs disappeared in the early 1950s due to hunting and the loss of their habitat.
    • The ‘Action Plan for Reintroduction of Cheetah in India /Project Cheetah (2022)’ aims to bring cheetahs from African countries to various national parks.
    • It is spearheaded by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
    • Recently, cheetahs from Namibia were reintroduced in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh.

    About Cheetah:

    • The cheetah is a fast-running big cat native to Africa and central Iran, capable of speeds up to 80 to 128 km/h.
    • They live in various habitats like savannahs, arid mountains, and hilly deserts.
    • Cheetahs live in three main groups: females with cubs, male coalitions, and solitary males.
    • They hunt during the day, preferring dawn and dusk.
    • The global cheetah population was 6,500 mature individuals, according to the most recent IUCN assessment in 2021.
    • They are listed as VULNERABLE by the IUCN.
    • The Asiatic Cheetah is one of the five subspecies of cheetah, critically endangered and found only in Iran.

     

    About Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

    • Located in western Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 368.62 sq km.
    • It spans the Mandsaur (187.12 sq km) and Neemuch (181.5 sq km) districts, bordering Rajasthan.
    • Situated on a flat rocky plateau characterized by shallow topsoil and exposed sheetrock.
    • It is divided by the Chambal River, with the Gandhi Sagar dam and reservoir within its boundaries.
    • Flora and Fauna:
      • Flora: The sanctuary features a savannah ecosystem with open grasslands interspersed with dry deciduous trees. Riverine valleys within the sanctuary support evergreen vegetation.
      • Fauna: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including species like leopards, sloth bears, striped hyenas, grey wolves, golden jackals, jungle cats, Indian foxes, and marsh crocodiles.

    Habitat Suitability for Cheetahs

    • Officials cite Gandhi Sagar as having an ideal habitat parallel to Maasai Mara (a National Park) in Kenya, suitable for cheetahs.
    • Plans include expanding the cheetah habitat to around 2,000 sq km, contingent upon cooperation with Rajasthan’s Bhainsrodgarh sanctuary.

    PYQ:

    [2024]  Consider the following statements:

    1. Lions do not have a particular breeding season.

    2. Unlike most other big cats, cheetahs do not roar.

    3. Unlike male lions, male leopards do not proclaim their territory by scent marking.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

    [2012]  Consider the following: (2012)

    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

  • Formula for Flapping Frequency across Flying and Swimming Animals

     

    Why in the news?

    • Researchers at Roskilde University in Denmark discovered a formula that correlates the flapping frequency of winged and swimming animals to their mass and wing/fins size.
      • The formula applies universally across a diverse range of species, from insects to birds, bats, penguins, whales, and even robotic ornithopters.

    Formula for Flapping Frequency

    • The formula was derived from Newton’s second law (F= mass x acceleration) applied to animals flapping wings to stay airborne.
    • Factors considered in the derivation included air density, wing size, and the forces generated by wing movements.

    Research Methodology

    • The researchers derived the formula theoretically from Newton’s second law, relating the force needed to stay airborne or submerged to the wing/fins’ motion, air/water dynamics, and animal mass.
    • They incorporated empirical observations into a constant C to account for specific shape and flight kinematics variations.

    Application and Validity

    • The formula’s validity was tested across various animals:
      • 176 insect data points (e.g., bees, moths, dragonflies)
      • 212 bird data points (from hummingbirds to swans)
      • 25 bat data points

    Formula Extension to Swimming Animals

    • The formula also predicts the frequency of fin/fluke movements in swimming animals.
    • Adjustments are made for water density and buoyancy effects, excluding fish with swim bladders.

    Limitations and Modifications

    • The formula applies well in conditions with high Reynolds numbers (Re), where fluid flow is streamlined.
    • At low Re values, where viscosity dominates, modifications are needed.
    • The equation holds as long as animal density variations do not exceed a factor of ten.

    Insights and Future Research

    • Insights from the formula include understanding flight efficiency and potential evolutionary pathways for winged animals.
    • Future research aims to explore further insights hidden within the C constant, potentially revealing deeper principles governing animal flight and swimming dynamics.

    PYQ:

    [2024] The organisms “Cicada, Froghopper and Pond skater are:

    (a) Birds

    (b) Fish

    (c) Insects

    (d) Reptiles

  • In news: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

    Why in the News?

    • Ashwatthama, a 38-year-old elephant, died of electrocution near Karnataka’s Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.
      • The High Court of Karnataka suo motu initiated a PIL petition to inquire about this incident attributed to a lack of care and diligence by concerned authorities.

    Nagarahole Tiger Reserve

    • Located in the Western Ghats in Karnataka; Spans over 643 square kilometers.
    • Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and a tiger reserve in 1999.
    • Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a Project Tiger, Project Elephant reserve.
    • Managed by the Karnataka Forest Department with efforts focused on conservation, ecotourism, and community engagement.
    • The reserve is crisscrossed by several rivers such as the Kabini River, Lakshmana Tirtha River, and Moyar River.
      • Flora and Fauna: Known for its diverse ecosystem, including tropical and moist deciduous forests, home to a variety of wildlife such as tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur, and several species of deer and birds.

    Protective Measures: Project Elephant

    • It was launched in the year 1992 as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with the following objectives:
      • To protect elephants, their habitat & corridors
      • To address issues of man-animal conflict
      • The welfare of captive elephants
    • It covers 23 states across India.
    • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provides financial and technical support to major elephant range states in the country through the project.
    • It contributed to the increase in the wild elephant population from around 25,000 in 1992 to about 30,000 in 2021.

    Status of Elephant Conservation 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.

     

    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

  • No outcome in Bonn: why money is key to climate action

    Why in the news?

    The Bonn climate meeting failed to define a new climate finance goal, crucial for finalizing a sum exceeding $100 billion annually by the end of 2024.

    Key Highlights of the Climate Meeting in Bonn, Germany

    • Failure to Define New Climate Finance Goal: The recent climate meeting in Bonn did not make significant progress in setting a new climate finance goal. This new goal is supposed to replace the existing $100 billion per year target, which needs to be finalized by the end of 2024.
    • Outcome: The meeting only produced a lengthy 35-page “input paper” summarizing various countries’ demands and concerns, without providing any concrete numbers or agreements. This paper is expected to be developed into a formal negotiating draft for COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

    Search for a New NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal)

    • Importance of Climate Finance: Money is essential for climate action, including mitigation, adaptation, and other tasks like collecting and reporting climate data, which require substantial funds, especially in developing countries.
    • Existing Commitment: Developed countries had promised to mobilize $100 billion annually from 2020 to help developing countries fight climate change. This target is now being re-evaluated to increase the amount post-2025.

    Previous Assessment

    • Current Needs: It is widely recognized that developing countries now require trillions of dollars annually. A UNFCCC assessment indicated that these countries need about $6 trillion by 2030 for climate actions, with adaptation needs alone requiring $215 billion to $387 billion annually.
    • Energy Transition: The global shift to clean energy requires investments of about $4.3 trillion per year until 2030 and around $5 trillion annually thereafter until 2050 to achieve global net-zero emissions.
    • Developing Countries’ Demands: India has proposed that developed countries should provide at least $1 trillion annually after 2025, while Arab and African countries have suggested figures of $1.1 trillion and $1.3 trillion, respectively.

    Debate Over Contribution

    • Original Responsibility: According to the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, only the 25 countries listed in Annexure 2, along with the European Economic Community, are responsible for providing climate finance to developing countries.
    • Shifting Responsibility: These countries argue that other nations, such as China, Gulf countries, and South Korea, are now economically capable and should also contribute. However, countries like China have stated they do not intend to take on additional responsibilities beyond their current efforts.
    • Developed Countries’ Stance: While acknowledging that the new target must be higher than the existing $100 billion per year, developed countries have not made any specific offers publicly.

    Way forward:

    • Clear Definition of Climate Finance: Establish a universally accepted definition of climate finance to prevent discrepancies in reporting and ensure transparency.
    • Precise Targets and Timelines: Set clear, incremental targets leading up to the final goal, with defined timelines for achieving these targets. This will provide a roadmap for both developed and developing countries.

    Mains PYQ:

    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 IAS/2021)

  • ‘Cold Lava’ Rivers flow in Philippines after Mount Canlaon eruption

    Why in the News?

    • After Mount Canlaon erupted in the Philippines, cold lava started flowing through streets and rivers.
      • It was followed by ashfall, and dangers like floods and mudflows downstream.

    What is Cold Lava?

    • Cold lava, also known as “lahar,” is a mixture of water and rock fragments that flows rapidly down the slopes of a volcano, often triggered by heavy rainfall or volcanic eruptions.
    • The mixture forms a concrete-like substance that destroys everything in its path.
    • This can also include smooth, glassy textures or rough and jagged textures.

    Another example of cold Lava in the world

    • Mount Merapi, Indonesia (2023): An eruption of Mount Merapi resulted in the deaths of at least 23 climbers and spewed ash up to 3,000 meters into the air, covering towns and villages

    How harmful is Cold Lava?

    • Rain can carry cold lava down the slopes of a volcano during an eruption and into the path of nearby towns or villages.
    • According to the United States Geological Survey, cold lava has the power to crush and bury things in its path.
    • It also moves quickly like wet concrete and is considered more destructive than hot lava.

    About Mount Canlaon

    • Mount Canlaon, located in the Philippines, is an active stratovolcano known for its frequent eruptions and volcanic activity.
    • It is situated on the island of Negros in the Visayas region of the Philippines.
    • It is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its high volcanic activity.
    • It poses hazards such as ash fall, lava flows, pyroclastic flows, and lahars (mudflows) that can endanger nearby communities and agriculture.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] 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.

  • Why heatwaves have not been included as a notified disaster in the Disaster Management Act?

    Why in the news?

    The current period of intense heat in several regions has once more sparked debates about the potential inclusion of heatwaves as officially recognized disasters under the Disaster Management (DM) Act of 2005.

    What are Notified Disasters?

    • According to the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005, a disaster is defined as a “catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence” arising from natural or man-made causes that result in substantial loss of life, destruction of property, or environmental damage and is beyond the coping capacity of the affected community.
    • Funds: The DM Act allows states to draw money from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for managing these disasters.
    • Current Notified Disasters: There are currently 12 categories of notified disasters: cyclones, drought, earthquake, fire, flood, tsunamis, hailstorms, landslides, avalanches, cloudbursts, pest attacks, and frost and cold waves.

    Why Heatwaves Were Not Included as Notified Disasters?

    • Common Occurrence: Heatwaves were historically considered regular events during summer months in many parts of India. They were not seen as exceptional or unusual disasters warranting specific disaster management provisions under the DM Act, 2005.
    • Perception of Predictability: Unlike sudden-onset disasters such as earthquakes or cyclones, heatwaves were perceived as relatively predictable and part of seasonal weather patterns. This perception led to a belief that they could be managed through general public awareness and local interventions rather than formal disaster response mechanisms.
    • Not fit in definition of Disaster: When the DM Act was formulated, disasters were defined as events that caused substantial loss of life, property, or environmental damage beyond the coping capacity of the affected community. At that time, the impacts of heatwaves were typically viewed as localized health issues rather than widespread disasters.
    • Lack of Urgency: There was a lack of urgency in recognizing heatwaves as disasters requiring national-level response frameworks. The focus of disaster management efforts initially leaned towards more acute and visible calamities like cyclones, floods, and earthquakes.

    Why is the Centre Not Adding Heatwaves as a Notified Disaster Now?

    • Financial Concerns: One of the primary concerns is the potential financial burden of declaring heat waves as a notified disaster. Under the current provisions, the government is obligated to provide monetary compensation for lives lost during notified disasters, which is set at Rs 4 lakh per victim.
    • The reluctance of Finance Commissions: Despite requests from various states, the 15th Finance Commission has not recommended adding heatwaves to the list of notified disasters. They argue that the existing categories adequately cover disaster response needs, and they have provided provisions for states to utilize a portion of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for local disasters like heatwaves.

    Conclusion: Engage with the Finance Commission and other relevant bodies to reassess the inclusion of heatwaves as a notified disaster. Highlight the evolving nature of heat waves, their increasing frequency, and the need for dedicated funding and support mechanisms.

    Mains PYQ: 

    Q 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?  (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • India is the World’s Second Largest emitter of Nitrous Oxide

    Why in the News?

    • India ranks as the world’s second-largest contributor (after China) to nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), accounting for approximately 11% of global man-made emissions in 2020 as per data published in the journal Earth System Science Data.
      • The top five country emitters by volume of anthropogenic N2O emissions in 2020 were China (16.7%), India (10.9%), the United States (5.7%), Brazil (5.3%), and Russia (4.6%).

    About Nitrous Oxide

    • Nitrous oxide (N2O), a colourless and odourless gas, is a potent greenhouse gas, 300 times more powerful than CO2. Despite its small atmospheric fraction, it ranks third in concentration after CO2 and methane (CH4). It’s a crucial target for environmental research and efforts to mitigate climate change impacts.

    Sources of Emission:

    1. Natural Sources: N2O is naturally produced in processes such as microbial nitrogen cycling in soil and water bodies, volcanic activity, and biomass burning.
    2. Anthropogenic Activities: Human activities significantly contribute to N2O emissions, with the primary sources being:
    • Agricultural practices, including the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and animal manure.
    • Industrial processes such as combustion of fossil fuels and wastewater treatment.
    • Combustion of biomass and waste.
    • Use of nitrous oxide in medical and dental procedures (as a sedative) and in food packaging.

    Impact on Climate Change:

    • Greenhouse Gas: N2O is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) much higher than that of carbon dioxide (CO2).
    • Ozone Depletion: In addition to its role in climate change, N2O also contributes to ozone depletion in the stratosphere, further exacerbating environmental concerns.

    Environmental and Health Effects:

    • Environmental Pollution: N2O emissions can lead to pollution of soil, water bodies, and air, affecting ecosystems and human health.
    • Health Risks: While N2O is relatively non-toxic at ambient levels, prolonged exposure or high concentrations can pose health risks, including respiratory issues and neurological effects.

    Global Nitrous Oxide Emissions

    • Atmospheric Concentration: The concentration of atmospheric N2O reached 336 parts per billion in 2022, about 25% above pre-industrial levels.
    • Next to Carbon Emissions: In comparison, the concentration of carbon dioxide was 417 parts per million in 2022.
    • Persistent Lifespan: Once emitted, N2O stays in the atmosphere for longer than the average human lifespan (117 years), making its climate and ozone impacts long-lived.
    • Contribution to Climate Change: These emissions are responsible for 6.4% of the effective radiative forcing of greenhouse gases and have added about 0.1°C to current global warming.
    • Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizers: N2O emissions from human activities have increased by 40% in the past four decades, with agricultural production using nitrogen fertilizers and animal manure contributing 74% of total anthropogenic N2O emissions in the last decade.

    Call for Action and Future Outlook

    • Scientists warn that anthropogenic N2O emissions must decline by at least 20% relative to 2019 levels by 2050 to align with net-zero emission pathways consistent with the Paris Agreement.
    • Nitrogen fertilizers, which are heavily subsidized in India, contribute significantly to N2O emissions. Urgent reforms are needed to promote alternative production systems and mitigate emissions.

    India’s Policy Initiatives to Curb Nitrogen Pollution

    • Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) (2010): This policy encourages the adoption of controlled-release fertilizers to enhance nutrient management efficiency.
    • Soil Health Cards (2015): Provided to farmers, these cards offer insights into soil nutrient levels and tailored fertilizer recommendations, promoting balanced nutrient application.
    • Bharat Stage (BS VI) Emission Standards (2016): These stringent regulations for vehicles and industries aim to reduce the emission of nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, thereby mitigating air and water pollution.
    • Nano Urea (2021): Marketed by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), Nano Urea is a patented fertilizer approved for commercial use, designed to curb excessive and indiscriminate conventional urea use while boosting crop yields.

    PYQ:

    [2016] Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture?

    (a) Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms

    (b) Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil

    (c) Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into the atmosphere by crop fields

    (d) It is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops