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Subject: Environment

  • On India’s ‘heat action plans’ | Explained

    Why in the news?

    Come summer, we are used to seeing heat alerts from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for various parts of India. This year, these alerts began in February itself.

    What is a heatwave?

    • According to the IMD, the definition of a heatwave depends on the physiography of regions.
    • The IMD will declare a heatwave if the maximum temperature recorded at a station is 40 degrees Celsius or more in the plains, 37 degrees Celsius or more in the coast, and 30 degrees Celsius or more in the hills.

    Heat Action Plans (HAPs) to tackle heatwave 

    • Aim: HAPs aim to increase preparedness and lower the adverse impacts of extreme heat by outlining strategies and measures to prepare for, address, and recover from heat waves.
      • The National Disaster Management Authority and IMD are reported to be working with 23 States to develop HAPs.
    • Issue with Database: There is no centralized database on HAPs, but at least 23 HAPs exist at the State and city level, with a few States, such as Odisha and Maharashtra, laying out district-level HAPs.

    Key components of Heat Action Plans (HAPs)  

    Limitation 

    • Challenges related to Determining Heatwaves: While a national threshold is currently used to determine heatwaves, determining them at smaller scales such as states, districts, and cities poses a challenge due to variations in local factors like the urban heat island effect, type of roofing, and proximity to water or green bodies, as well as humidity.
    • Inconsistent Methods and Vulnerability Assessments: The methods used for vulnerability assessments in HAPs are inconsistent because of the diverse physiography of regions
    • Addressing Vulnerable Populations: While HAPs prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, targeted interventions often fail to account for varying needs based on local socio-economic and demographic factors.
    • Resource Allocation and Financing: Implementation of HAPs varies depending on local government priorities and available capacities because at the local level Fund crunch.
    • Integration and Collaboration: HAPs are currently standalone plans with limited finance, highlighting the need for integration with broader action plans promoting urban resilience and climate adaptation to pool resources effectively.

    Way Forward:

    • Determination at Local Scales: Invest in local monitoring systems that capture variations in temperature, humidity, and other relevant factors.
    • Standardizing Methods: Establish guidelines for conducting vulnerability assessments that account for diverse physiography and local context.
    • Tailoring Interventions: Conduct comprehensive community consultations to understand the unique needs of vulnerable populations in different localities.
    • Funding and Resources: Advocate for increased funding for HAPs at the national and local levels through budget allocations, grants, and public-private partnerships.
    • Integration and Collaboration: Establish inter-agency task forces or committees to coordinate HAPs with other relevant initiatives, such as urban planning, public health, and disaster management.

    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)

  • 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

  • India’s Arctic imperative

    Why in the news? 

    The Indian government appears interested in capitalizing on seabed mining and resource exploitation in the Arctic

    About Artice Region:

    • The Arctic region is rich in energy resources, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and tidal power.
    • The Arctic covers an area of approximately 8 million square kilometers, with interests belonging to Denmark, Canada, Iceland, Finland, Russia, Norway, Sweden, and the United States

    The reason behind the growing interest in the Arctic Region:

    • Climate Change Concerns: India’s increased interest in the Arctic stems from scientific data revealing accelerated warming in the region.
    • Trade Route Opportunities: India seeks to capitalize on the opening up of Arctic sea routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route, to enhance its trade efficiency.
    • Geopolitical Considerations: India’s focus on the Arctic is also driven by geopolitical factors, including concerns over China’s expanding presence and Russia’s decisions regarding access to Arctic routes.
    • Historical Engagement: India’s involvement in the Arctic dates back to 1920 with the signing of the Svalbard Treaty.

    Indian Initiatives:

    • Arctic Council: As an Observer in the Arctic Council, India actively participates in various working groups and expert meetings. India’s involvement in these discussions helps in understanding Arctic governance issues and contributes to the development of sustainable policies for the region.
    • INS Himadri: In 2019, India launched its first scientific expedition to the Arctic with the INS Himadri, an ice-class research vessel. The expedition aimed to study climate change, oceanography, and marine biodiversity, furthering India’s expertise in polar research.
    • PAME: India’s commitment to sustainable development in the Arctic is reflected in its engagement with Arctic Council initiatives like the ‘Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment’ (PAME).

    Way Forward – Potential for Collaboration:

    • Green Energy and Clean Industries: India’s current policy emphasizes cooperation with Arctic countries, particularly Norway, in green energy and clean industries. This aligns with India’s goal of positioning itself as a responsible stakeholder in global environmental initiatives.
    • Transformational Partnership: Collaboration with Norway could be transformative for India, offering opportunities for increased participation in Arctic Council working groups
    • Scientific Research and Environmental Protection: A partnership with Norway is expected to focus on scientific research, climate, and environmental protection. These areas align with India’s Arctic Policy pillars, emphasizing the importance of addressing environmental challenges through research and cooperation.

  • 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.