After the launch of the Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project, the Tamil Nadu government gears up to assess the population of Nilgiri Tahr (state animal).
The Forest Departments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala will collaborate in a synchronized way.
Nilgiri Tahr Conservation Project (2022 to 2027):
Under The Nilgiri Tahr project, the Tamil Nadu government plans to develop a better understanding of the Nilgiri Tahr population through-
Surveys and radio telemetry studies;
Reintroduce the Tahrs to their historical habitat;
Address proximate threats; and
Increase public awareness of the species.
October 7 will be celebrated as ‘Niligiri Tahr Day’ in honour of E.R.C. Davidar, who was responsible for pioneering one of the first studies of the species in 1975.
Historic significance of Nilgiri Tahr:
Evidence in Tamil Sangam literature dating back to 2,000 years.
The late Mesolithic (10,000-4,000 BC) paintings highlight the significance of the Tahr in folklore, culture, and life.
About Nilgiri Tahr
It is endemic to the Nilgiri Hills and the southern portion of the Western Ghats in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala in Southern India.
It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu.
The Nilgiri tahr inhabits the open montane grassland habitat of the South Western Ghats montane rain forests eco-region.
At elevations from 1,200 to 2,600 metres (3,900 to 8,500 ft), the forests open into grasslands interspersed with pockets of stunted forests, locally known as sholas.
It is estimated that there are 3,122 Nilgiri Tahrs in the wild. It has become locally extinct in around 14% of its traditional shola forest-grassland habitat.
Conservation Status:
IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered
Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I
Eravikulam National Park in Anamalai hills of Kerala is home to the largest population of this Tahr.
October 7 is celebrated as ‘Nilgiri Tahr Day’ to honour E.R.C. Davidar, the man who was responsible for conducting first studies of the species in 1975.
On April 3, Taiwan was struck by an earthquake of 7.4 magnitude. This was strongest in last 25 years.
Reason behind the earthquake in Taiwan
In the Taiwan region, the Philippine Sea plate is moving northwest towards the Eurasian plate at a velocity of about 7.8 cm per year, which is faster than the motion of the Indian plate.
Lying 160 km off the coast of China, Taiwan was formed at a convergent boundary of the Philippine and Eurasian plates in the western Pacific Ocean. It is a country of strong earthquakes.
Why other countries should take lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience?
In 1999, the Chi-Chi earthquake of magnitude 7.7 occurred in the central part of Taiwan and impacted the western region. It killed more than 2,430 people and left 11,305 wounded. It caused more than 50,000 buildings to collapse and partially damaged as many.
In 2024, Hualien earthquake killed at least 13 people and injured about 1,000. Most of the deaths were caused by earthquake-triggered rockfalls and not by toppled buildings. Despite being of nearly comparable magnitude, the 2024 earthquake has caused minimal damage compared to the 1999 earthquake.
Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness
Advanced Monitoring and Early Warning Systems: Taiwan boasts the most advanced earthquake-monitoring network and early warning systems, allowing for quick detection and alerting of seismic activity.
Public Awareness Campaigns and Drills: Widespread awareness campaigns and regular drills on earthquake safety have significantly improved the public’s understanding of earthquake risks and proper safety protocols.
Government Regulations and Incentives: The government constantly updates earthquake safety requirements for both new and existing buildings. Additionally, incentives such as subsidies are offered to residents to improve the quake resistance of buildings, encouraging compliance with safety standards.
Scientific Judgments for Seismic Risk: Utilizing knowledge of earthquake frequency and severity in different areas, Taiwan is able to make sound scientific judgments regarding seismic risk.
Utilization of New Technologies: Taiwan employs cutting-edge technologies such as seismic dampers and base isolation systems to enhance building resilience. For example, Taipei 101, the nation’s iconic building, features a tuned mass damper—a massive steel sphere suspended by cables within the tower—which acts as a pendulum to counteract building motion during earthquakes.
What India can learn from Taiwan?
Importance of Seismic Safety Regulations: India, especially in tectonically unstable regions like the Himalayas, must prioritize seismic safety regulations in all infrastructure projects.
Customized Seismic Codes: Similar to Taiwan, India should develop seismic codes tailored to specific regions based on local earthquake activity, building types, and construction materials. These customized codes can better address the unique seismic risks faced by different parts of the country.
Utilization of Traditional Architectural Styles: In some parts of India, traditional architectural styles may possess inherent earthquake resistivity. By rediscovering and encouraging the use of these traditional techniques, India can promote earthquake-resistant building practices that are culturally and environmentally sustainable.
Integration of Seismic Zonation Maps: Indian code IS 1893 already specifies seismic designs based on seismic zonation maps. It’s crucial for India to integrate these maps effectively into urban planning and construction practices to ensure that buildings are designed and located in accordance with seismic risk assessments.
Conclusion
Earthquakes is natural disasters with unpredictable occurrences, can have devastating effects on society. However, their impact can be mitigated through preventive measures such as early warning systems, construction regulations, and raising awareness about earthquake preparedness.
Mains PYQ
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 IAS/2021)
Mains question for practice
Q Analyzing Taiwan’s earthquake preparedness following the April 3rd 7.4 magnitude earthquake, explore lessons for India’s earthquake resilience strategy.
Q) ‘Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC IAS/2022)
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 2017)
Prelims
With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017) 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets. 3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).Select the correct answer using the codes given below: a) 1 and 2 only b) 3 only c) 2 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3
Note4Students:
Prelims: Climate Change Reports;
Mains: Environmental Governance; Climate Justice;
Mentor comments:Recently, climate variability in the form of floods and cyclones has destroyed crops, property and infrastructure, as well as in negative impacts on human health and well-being. All of these impacts set back general socio-economic development. Also globally, Climate change impacts, an array of Internationally guaranteed Human Rights. States have their own set of challenges to take effective measures to redress these climate impacts, and therefore, to mitigate climate change, and to ensure that all human beings have the necessary capacity to adapt to the climate crisis. We must ensure climate justice requires climate action to be consistent with existing human rights, standards, and principles.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
The European Court of Human Rights has ruled that countries have a responsibility to protect their citizens from the consequences of climate change, setting a legal precedent for future climate litigation.
Recently, our Supreme Court has also underscored the urgency of recognizing climate change as a human rights crisis.
These two landmark decisions have set important precedents for legal accountability and policy action to address the adverse impacts of climate change on individuals and communities.
How is the Climate crisis interrelated with Human Rights?
The 5th Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change confirms that climate change is caused by anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases.
This year’s unprecedented heat was accompanied by other alarming trends, including ocean heat accumulation, sea level rise, Antarctic Sea ice loss, and glacier retreat.
Among other impacts, climate change negatively affects people’s rights to health, housing, water, and food.
Countries such as Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Finland, South Korea, South Africa, and Philippines have enacted comprehensive climate laws that have facilitated the mobilization of public sector resources, increased capacity for climate action, and promoted cross-sectoral collaboration.
Challenges faced by India:
Rising Temperatures and Natural Disasters: More than 80% of its population lives in districts that are at risk of climate-induced disasters. They are majorly affecting livelihoods, food security, and exacerbating existing socio-economic inequalities.
Agri-dependent Population: With a 1.2 billion growing population and its high dependence on agriculture, India probably will be severely impacted by continuing climate change.
Melting of Himalayan Glaciers: Global observations of melting glaciers suggest that climate change is well underway in the region, with glaciers receding at an average rate of 10–15 meters per year.
Forest Wealth on decrease: India’s forests are already changing because of socioeconomic pressures; virgin forest areas are less dense and monocultures and plantations are preferred to native species. These conditions will be greatly exacerbated by climate change.
Forest Fires: As per State of the Forest Report 2019, over 36% of India’s forest cover is prone to fires, recently being the Nilgiri Forest Fires.
Efforts made by the Indian Government:
Worked on Decoupling Emissions: India has achieved two of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets:
First, by reducing the emissions intensity of its GDP by 33% to 35% from the 2005 level.
Second, by achieving 40% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel sources, well ahead of the target year of 2030.
Sustainable Development Goals: India’s localization model for the SDGs, has successfully integrated into local-level planning through multi-tiered and multi-stakeholder processes.
For example, in programs like poverty alleviation, food security, access to clean water and sanitation, and gender equality.
Judicial Intervention: Looking at the impacts of climate change from a rights perspective, affecting humanity’s right to health, life, and liberty, the Supreme Court has brought them within the purview of Constitutional Fundamental Rights.
Measures to Enhance India’s Climate Governance:
To Mitigate Climate Change: States must act to limit anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (e.g. mitigate climate change), including through regulatory measures, to prevent to the greatest extent possible the current and future negative human rights impacts of climate change.
Restoring Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change: States must build adaptive capacities in vulnerable communities, by devoting adequate resources to the realization of the economic, social and cultural rights of all persons, particularly those facing the greatest risks.
To Ensure Effective Remedy for Human Rights: States should be accountable to rights-holders for their contributions to climate change including for failure to adequately regulate the emissions of businesses under their jurisdiction.
To Ensure Equity: Those who have contributed the least to greenhouse gas emissions (i.e. the poor, children, and future generations) are those most affected. Hence bringing Equity is a must.
Mains PYQ Relevance: Q) Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under depleting scenarios. (UPSC IAS/2020) Q) What is water stress? How and why does it differ regionally in India? (UPSC 2019)
Prelims
Q) If National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? (UPSC 2012) 1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through recycling of waste water.The water requirement of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for use of ocean water. 2. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India. 3. The expenses incurred by farmers for digging bore wells and for installing motors and pump sets to draw groundwater will be completely reimbursed by the Government. Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Note4Students:
Prelims: World Earth Day;
Mains: Environmental Governance;
Mentor comments:Prolonged water stress can have devastating effects on public health and economic development. More than two billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water; and nearly double that number more than half the world’s population—are without adequate sanitation services. Without better water management, population growth, economic development and climate change are poised to worsen water stress.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
On account of Earth Day (April 22), India needs to be prepared for water stressed challenges. Recently, IMD has also predicted a hotter summer and longer heat waves from April to June.
Present Scenario:
India houses 18% of the world’s population (2.4% of the earth’s surface area), having just 4% of global freshwater resources.
Nearly half of its rivers are polluted, and 150 of its primary reservoirs are at just 38% of their total live storage capacity.
India is the largest user of groundwater in the world.
The Present challenge before the Indian Govt. to combat Climate Change:
Heavy Investment: India has invested heavily in disaster preparedness, but the nature of climatic shocks will continue to change. There will be sudden shocks (heavy rainfall, rapid declines in water availability) as well as slow onset but periodic stresses (reduced water retention in soils, changes in trend lines for rainfall).
Lack of Preparedness: India is programmed to consider acute stresses (heat, water, or extreme weather) as temporary, to be handled often as disaster relief. Seasonal disaster preparedness and responses are no longer sufficient to tackle climate risks.
High Interdependence: The climate is directly related to the economy, and the economic production frontier will expand or shrink depending on the intersections between land, food, energy, and water. Climate action cannot be left to a few particular sectors.
Relationship between Water and the Economy
A key component of the Economy:
Agriculture: The India Employment Report 2024 shows that Agriculture still employs around 45% of the population and absorbs most of the country’s labor force. Precipitation is the primary source of soil moisture and both blue (rivers and aquifers) water and green (vegetation) water impact the food we grow.
Allied Sectors: The Council on Energy, Environment, and Water (CEEW) study showed that monsoon rainfall is changing patterns in India, with 55% of ‘tehsils’ or sub-districts seeing a significant increase of more than 10% in southwest monsoon rainfall.
A key component of the Clean Energy Transition:
Green hydrogen: It is seen as a crucial pillar for decarbonizing industry and long-distance transport sectors. The Green hydrogen is produced using water and electricity sourced from renewables. Pumped storage hydropower which acts as a natural battery is an important component of a clean but reliable power system.
If there is a climate crisis, it will impact hydrometeorological disasters. According to the UN World Water Development Report 2020, almost 75% of natural disasters in the last two decades were related to water.
What does the Effective Water Governance need?
Needs to recognize Interactions with Food and Energy Systems: Although India has adopted several policies, most do not recognize this nexus while planning or at the implementation stage.
For example, while the scaling up of green hydrogen is desirable, the link with water availability is not always considered.
Similarly, the impact of scaling up solar irrigation pumps on groundwater levels must be analyzed to deploy the technology where there is an optimal mix of solar resources and higher groundwater levels.
Need to identify the Food-Land-Water nexus: Policies need to be designed differently, based on local evidence and community engagement. India needs to focus on the judicious use of blue and green water through water accounting and efficient reuse.
For Example, the National Water Mission targets increasing water use efficiency by 20% by 2025.
Similarly, the Atal Mission on Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 calls for reducing non-revenue water, which is lost before it reaches the end user, to less than 20% in urban local bodies.
Need for Water Accounting Principles: The present policies and programs are not backed by any baseline set using water accounting principles that will help quantify freshwater use. It is essential for promoting water use efficiency and creating incentives for investments in treated wastewater reuse.
For example, in the absence of water use data for the reference year, it is difficult to quantify the potential water saving in one sector, such as agriculture.
Need to leverage financial tools: Financial commitments for climate change adaptation in the water and agriculture sectors are still relatively small. It is necessary to raise money for climate adaptation in the water sector.
For Example, India’s Green Credit Programme has the potential to partially bridge the adaptation funding gap by encouraging investment in wastewater treatment, desalination plants, and agricultural extension services.
Similarly, investments in India under Corporate Social Responsibility, there is a potential to leverage about ₹12,000 crore worth of investments every year.
Conclusion: A water-secure economy is the first step towards a climate-resilient one. It is possible to make a start by pursuing more coherence in water, energy and climate policies, creating data-driven baselines to increase water savings, and enabling new financial instruments and markets for adaptation investments.
The women from a Self-Help Group in Kanker district (Chhattisgarh), have spared 10 decimals of land for multi-layer farming to mitigate land degradation and under-nutrition, and to secure round-the-year incomes.
How does the relationship between Climate Change and Nutrition result in Food insecurity?
Impact on Food Chain: Climate change affects food value chains, agricultural yields, nutritional quality, food access, and energy-intensive processes, exacerbating existing challenges in food security and nutrition.
Lack of Access: The Rome Declaration on Nutrition highlights the global challenges in providing sufficient, safe, diverse, and nutrient-rich food for everyone, with approximately 800 million people lacking reliable access to food and two billion suffering from iron and zinc deficiencies.
Disparities in Diets: Disparities in production systems and individual dietary choices lead to populations being unable to maintain balanced diets, contributing to malnutrition and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Results into Gender Disparities: Women are disproportionately affected by climate change and poor nutrition, but gender-just food systems, where women have equal rights and access to resources, contribute to resilience against shocks like drought.
Suggestive measures for reducing Emissions
Plant-Based Diet: A diet higher in plant-based foods is more environmentally sustainable than one with more animal foods. Substituting animal products with plant-based meats and dairy alternatives can lower emissions.
Mitigating CO2 Concentration: Higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations can lead to lower concentrations of protein, iron, and zinc in crops, highlighting the need to mitigate climate change impacts on food nutrition.
Value-Chain Approach: Adopting a value-chain approach can optimize dietary choices while lowering emissions, benefiting communities at the household level.
For Example, Initiatives like the Millet Mission in Chhattisgarh aim to promote millet cultivation, showcasing its nutritional value, low water footprint, climate resilience, and potential to address both nutritional and environmental concerns.
Scaling up diversified Food Production: Scaling up and decentralizing diversified food production systems can reduce emissions by promoting underutilized indigenous foods and improving resilience to climate change.
Monitoring Emissions: Continuous and extensive monitoring of emissions linked to food production and distribution is necessary, with accessible assessment tools for local communities to actively participate in emission reduction efforts.
Conclusion: Crops grown in regenerative and sustainable systems tend to have higher levels of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other beneficial phytochemicals compared to conventionally grown counterparts. By prioritizing soil health and biodiversity, regenerative and sustainable agriculture systems government and farmers can collaboratively promote nutrient-dense foods that nourish our bodies and support overall health and well-being.
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)
The Chipko Movement, initiated in Uttarakhand in early 1973, commemorates its 50th anniversary.
About Chipko Movement
The Chipko Movement originated in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand (then part of the state of Uttar Pradesh) in India.
It was triggered by the deforestation activities carried out by contractors, which threatened the livelihoods of local communities and led to environmental degradation.
It is said to be inspired by the Bishnoi community in Rajasthan. The Bishnois are known for their environmentalism. (non-violent resistance)
The movement derived its name from the act of villagers hugging trees and physically preventing them from being felled, thereby protecting the forests.
The movement was led by local activists, primarily women from rural areas, who played a significant role in its success. Prominent leaders included Sunderlal Bahuguna, Chandi Prasad Bhatt (founded an organization called Dasholi Gram Swarajya Mandal ) and Gaura Devi, among others.
Villagers used traditional methods of protest, such as forming circles around trees and tying sacred threads (rakhi) on them to symbolize their unity and commitment to conservation.
Recognition: Sunderlal Bahuguna, was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian award.
Impact of Chipko Movement
It inspired similar movements in different parts of India, such as the Narmada Bachao Andolan, Appiko Movement (Karnataka) and the Silent Valley Movement.
It demonstrated the significance of Eco-Feminism and the impact that a non-violent, peaceful and environment-loving community can have.
Indonesia witnessed a series of eruptions from Mount Ruang, a stratovolcano located in North Sulawesi Province.
About MountRuang
Ruang is situated in the Sangihe Islands arc, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
It comprises an island that is 4 by 5 kilometers wide, with a summit containing a partial lava dome reaching an altitude of 725 meters (2,379 ft).
From its summit, peaks such as Klabat, Siau, and Ternate can be observed in the south, north, and east, respectively.
The volcano’s first recorded eruption was in 1808.
Why so many volcanic eruptions in Indonesia this year?
Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes.
It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.
What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’?
The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or Pacific Rim, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
Volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin form the so-called Ring of Fire.
It is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes – more than 450 volcanoes.
Also, about 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.
Its spread
Its length is over 40,000 kilometres and traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc covering Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Indonesia.
It is moving up to the Philippines, Japan, and stretching eastward to the Aleutian Islands, then southward along the western coast of North America and South America.
Seismic activity of the region
The area is along several tectonic plates including the:
Pacific plate,
Philippine Plate,
Juan de Fuca plate,
Cocos plate,
Nazca plate, and
North American plate.
The movement of these plates or tectonic activity makes the area witness abundant earthquakes and tsunamis every year.
Along much of the Ring, tectonic plates move towards each other creating subduction zones.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements:
The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian Territory.
Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Mains PYQ Relevance: Q “The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws. (UPSC IAS/2022) Q Does the right to a clean environment entail legal regulation on burning crackers during Diwali? Discuss in the light of Article 21 of the Indian Constitution and judgments of the apex in this regard. (UPSC IAS/2015)
Prelims:
With reference to India’s Desert National Park, which of the following statements are correct? (UPSC CSE 2020) 1. It is spread over two districts. 2. There is no human habitation inside the Park. 3. It is one of the natural habitats of the Great Indian Bustard. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Note4Students:
Prelims: Recent Supreme Court judgments;
Mains: Environmental Governance;
Mentor comments: Mrs. Indira Gandhi once in herStockholm Conference speech which was derived from ‘Atharva Veda’ to outline the need for maintaining Ecological Balance, concluded “What of thee I dig out, let that quickly grow over. Let me not hit thy vitals or thy heart. ” On similar lines, the efforts made by the Supreme Court of India in the Constitutionalization of Environmental Problems can be very much attributed when it Constitutionalized the subject of Environmental Governance by adding Article 48(A) and 51-A (g) through the 42nd Constitutional Amendmentin 1976. Further, in the M C Mehta vs Union of India case (1985), the Supreme Court introduced the ‘Doctrine of Absolute Liability’ which undermines the hazardous industries liable for harming the ecological balance by their industrial activities. This time too (in April 2024), the Apex Court said the Rights to Life (Article 14) and Right to Equality (Article 21)cannot be fully realized without a clean, stable environment.
Let’s learn
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Why in the News?
In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court of India recognized the existence of a fundamental right to be free from the adverse impacts of climate change (hereinafter ‘the right’). The judgment has garnered significant attention from environmentalists, mostly focusing only on its impacts on the protection of the Great Indian Bustard.
The Right
Great Indian Bustard Conservation vs. Renewable Energy Development: Rajasthan and Gujarat are home to the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, but also have significant potential for solar and wind power. A public interest litigation sought conservation of the bustard and a ban on further construction of solar and wind energy infrastructure due to the hazard posed by power lines to the bustards.
Supreme Court’s Initial Order: The Supreme Court imposed a blanket ban on the laying of overhead power lines in a large area, including priority and potential bustard conservation areas. It also ordered the undergrounding of existing power lines.
Government’s Challenge the order: The government challenged the order citing international climate commitments, stating the ban covered a larger area than necessary and undergrounding power lines was impractical. It attributed the bustard decline to factors like poaching and habitat destruction.
Supreme Court’s Modification: The Court modified the initial order, recalling the blanket prohibition on transmission lines and tasked a committee to assess the feasibility of undergrounding power lines and identifying conservation measures. The committee’s report is expected by July 2024.
Recognition of Right Against Climate Change: The Supreme Court recognized a right against the adverse impacts of climate change, rooted in Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life) of the Indian Constitution, along with India’s climate change actions and scientific consensus.
Non-binding Recognition: The Court’s recognition of the right isn’t in the operative part of the judgment, hence not binding. Its influence on future climate action remains to be seen.
Just transition framework
Transition Framework: Conservationist Debadityo Sinha suggests adopting the just transition framework, aiming to make transitions to a low carbon economy more equitable and inclusive. This approach considers the interests of workers, vulnerable communities, and small and medium-sized enterprises affected by slow carbon transition projects like solar energy.
Advantages of the Just Transition Framework:
Precludes adversarial choices: It avoids pitting climate action against biodiversity protection, advocating for inclusive climate action sensitive to varied rights and interests.
Expanding the concept to include non-human interests.: If used in the final decision, this case could become a frontrunner in just transition litigation, contributing to expanding the concept to include non-human interests.
A ‘shared burden’
Shared Responsibility: The burden of articulating and enforcing the right falls not only on the state but also on activists, litigants, and academics. They contribute to the process of recognition, articulation, and enforcement of rights, indirectly or directly.
Inclusivity and Effectiveness: The focus is on making the right against climate change inclusive and effective, ensuring that it considers diverse perspectives and addresses the needs of all stakeholders, including marginalized communities and non-human interests.
Importance of Participation: Active participation from various stakeholders is crucial in shaping the content and implementation of the right against climate change, fostering collaboration between the judiciary, state, activists, litigants, and academics.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s recognition of a right against climate change underscores the need for inclusive climate action. Embracing the just transition framework and fostering shared responsibility and participation are crucial for effective implementation.
BACK2BASICS: About Great Indian Bustard (GIB):
The GIB is the State bird of Rajasthan. It is also considered India’s most critically endangered bird and is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act. Its population of about 150 in Rajasthan accounts for 95% of its total world population. However, GIBs have been facing a threat to their survival because of intensive agricultural practices, the laying of power lines, and industrialization.
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)
The Union Environment Ministry has rolled out norms for the Green Credit Programme (GCP).
Guidelines and Modifications:
The Environment Ministry’s recent guidelines empower ‘States’ to determine afforestation density based on local conditions, acknowledging the variability in forest ecosystems.
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.
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:
Compliance with forest laws necessitating recompense for forest land diversion.
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:
Quantifying the contributions of shrubs and grasses to green credits;
Equivalence between green and carbon credits;
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.
