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Subject: Environment

  • Climate action needs an updated lexicon

     

    Cyclone 'Michaung' likely to make landfall on today; rain alert in many states | Latest News India - Hindustan Times

    Central idea 

    The article discusses the impact of shifting baseline syndrome on our perception of environmental changes, particularly in the context of unprecedented rainfall in south Tamil Nadu. It emphasizes the importance of officialese, or official vocabulary, in effectively communicating climate scenarios, addressing challenges in aligning definitions with lived experiences. The article also explores the global implications of terminological precision in climate negotiations and highlights the need for updated language to navigate evolving climate realities.

    Key Highlights:

    • South Tamil Nadu experiences unprecedented rainfall, reversing a northeast monsoon deficit to a 5% excess within 24 hours.
    • Shifting baseline syndrome distorts perceptions of environmental changes, impacting our understanding of losses and resource availability.
    • Climate change introduces a future-oriented shifting baseline, challenging language and memorialization of evolving climate scenarios.

    Key Challenges:

    • The deceptive simplicity of defining ‘devastating’ events, influenced by shifting baseline syndrome and community memory.
    • Official vocabulary and definitions, such as those for extreme weather events, may not align with lived experiences and evolving climate realities.
    • The role of officialese in communication, accountability, and global negotiations faces challenges in updating and aligning with ground realities.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Shifting baseline syndrome
    • Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs)
    • Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
    • Officialese
    • Medical certificate of cause of death (MCCD)
    • Loss and damage fund

    Key Quotes and Statements:

    • “What we consider to be ‘devastating’ is deceptively simple because of the shifting baseline syndrome.”
    • “As the impacts of climate change become clearer, we confront a different kind of shifting baseline, one that stretches into the future.”

    Key Examples and References:

    • Reference to unprecedented rainfall in Thoothukudi and Tiruchendur compared to Chennai’s Cyclone Michaung-induced rainfall.
    • Examples of official vocabulary limitations, like classifying both Chennai and Thoothukudi under ‘extremely heavy’ rainfall despite varying impacts.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Rainfall data: Thoothukudi recorded 361.4 mm, Tiruchendur 679 mm, and Chennai 500 mm within specific periods.
    • Impact of shifting baseline syndrome on underestimating environmental losses over time.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Discussion on the challenge of aligning lived experiences with official definitions, impacting trust in institutions.
    • The importance of updating officialese to bridge the gap between evolving climate scenarios and language used in official reports.
    • Global implications of officialese in climate negotiations, particularly related to the ‘loss and damage’ fund.

    Way Forward:

    • Advocacy for localized officialese that reflects State-level laws and community context.
    • Emphasis on the need for new official words to describe unprecedented climate events to ensure effective communication and global cooperation.
    • Acknowledgment of the human toll in defining ‘devastation,’ including challenges in medical certifications and disaster responses.

  • Fewer migratory birds in Sultanpur National Park this season

    Sultanpur National Park

    Central Idea

    • The Sultanpur National Park has observed a 20-30% decrease in the number of migratory birds this season, as reported by forest department officials.
    • Estimates show a reduction in bird numbers, with current figures ranging between 8,000 to 10,000, compared to the expected 15,000.

    About Sultanpur National Park

    • Sultanpur NP is located at Sultanpur village on Gurugram-Jhajjar highway, 15 km from Gurugram, Haryana and 50 km from Delhi.
    • It was a bird sanctuary, ideal for birding and bird lookers. Its area covers approximately 142.52 hectares.
    • Migratory birds start arriving in the park in September. Birds use the park as a resting place till the following March-April.
    • During summer and monsoon months the park is inhabited by many local bird species.
    • In April 1971, the Sultanpur Jheel inside the park (an area of 1.21 sq. km.) was accorded Sanctuary status under section 8 of the Punjab Wildlife Preservation Act of 1959.
    • The status of the park was upgraded to National Park in July 1991 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    Significance of the NP

    • Spanning 1.42 sq km, it is recognized as a national park, wildlife sanctuary, and a Ramsar site since 2021.
    • It is one of the few NPs in the small state of Haryana.
    • Another NP in Haryana is Kalesar National Park.

    Important Fauna at the Park

    • Mammals: Blackbuck, Nilgai, Hog deer, Sambar, Leopard etc.
    • Birds: Siberian Cranes, Greater Flamingo, Demoiselle Crane etc.

    Annual Migratory Patterns

    • Typical Arrival: Migratory birds usually begin arriving in the first week of October.
    • Annual Visitation: By the end of January each year, around 22,000 birds visit Sultanpur Park. However, this year’s numbers are anticipated to be much lower.

    Possible Reasons for Reduced Migration

    • Temperature Changes: Wildlife experts suggests that milder winters in regions like Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe might be influencing migration patterns.
    • Food Availability: If migratory birds continue to find sufficient food in their native regions, they may not feel compelled to migrate.
    • Local Climate Impact: The local temperature at Sultanpur Park has not dropped significantly to align with the birds’ migratory patterns.
    • Effect of Smog: Smog and air pollution could also be contributing factors to the altered migratory behavior.

  • An uphill struggle to grow the Forest Rights Act

    Forest Rights Act, 2006 | IASbaba

    Central idea

    The Forest Rights Act (FRA) aims to rectify historical injustices faced by forest communities, addressing issues through individual and community forest rights. Implementation challenges, political opportunism, and bureaucratic resistance hinder the FRA’s potential to democratize forest governance. Despite recognizing past injustices, the FRA’s full realization faces obstacles.

    Key Highlights:

    • The Forest Rights Act (FRA) and its Aim: The FRA, enacted in 2006, seeks to rectify historical injustices faced by forest-dwelling communities due to colonial forest policies.
    • Acknowledgment of Injustices: It recognizes the disruption caused by the colonial takeover of forests, imposition of eminent domain, and subsequent injustices post-Independence.
    • Addressing Issues through Recognition: The FRA tackles ‘encroachments,’ access, and control by recognizing individual and community forest rights, fostering decentralized forest governance.

    Key Challenges:

    • Implementation Hurdles: Challenges include political opportunism, forester resistance, bureaucratic apathy, and a distorted focus on individual rights.
    • Concerns in Individual Rights Recognition: Shabby recognition of individual forest rights, especially in ‘forest villages,’ remains a concern.
    • Obstacles in Community Rights Recognition: Slow and incomplete recognition of community rights to access and manage forests (CFRs) faces opposition from the forest bureaucracy.

    Key Terms and Phrases:

    • Defining Concepts: Individual Forest Rights (IFRs), Community Forest Rights (CFRs), ‘Forest encroachments,’ Eminent domain, ‘Grow More Food’ campaign, Net Present Value fees, Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Forest (Conservation) Act 1980.

    Key Quotes:

    • Highlighting the Lag in Delivering Promises: “17 years after it was enacted, the FRA has barely begun to deliver on its promise of freeing forest-dwellers from historic injustices.”
    • Opposition to CFRs: “The forest bureaucracy vehemently opposes CFRs as it stands to lose its zamindari (control).”

    Key Statements:

    • FRA’s Remarkable Aspects: The FRA stands out for acknowledging historical injustices and providing redress through the recognition of individual and community forest rights.
    • Lacunas in Implementation: Implementation challenges include political misrepresentation, bureaucratic hindrance, and slow recognition of community rights.

    Key Examples and References:

    • State Recognition of CFRs: Maharashtra, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh are highlighted as states recognizing CFRs, with Maharashtra enabling their activation through de-nationalizing minor forest produce.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • Scale of Challenge: Estimates indicate that 70%-90% of the forests in central India should be under CFRs, emphasizing the magnitude of the challenge in implementing community rights.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Addressing Issues in Individual Rights Focus: The article critiques the distorted focus on individual rights, digital processes causing hardships, and the forest bureaucracy’s opposition to community rights.
    • Importance of Understanding FRA’s Intent: Emphasizes the need for a deeper understanding of the FRA’s intent to address historical injustices and democratize forest governance.

    Way Forward:

    • Comprehensive Recognition: To realize the FRA’s potential, there is a need for comprehensive recognition of both individual and community forest rights.
    • Appreciation of Intent: Political leaders, bureaucrats, and environmentalists must appreciate the spirit and intent of the FRA to ensure meaningful implementation and address historical injustices.

  • [pib] Indian Tent Turtles rescued in Lucknow

    Indian Tent Turtles

    Central Idea

    • The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Zonal Unit, Lucknow, acted on specific intelligence to intercept an illegal wildlife trade of 436 baby Indian Tent turtles.

    About Indian Tent Turtles

    Details
    Scientific Classification Pangshura tentoria, Family: Geoemydidae
    Diet Mainly herbivorous, active swimmer.
    Habitat Prefers still water pools on river sides and slow running water near river banks.
    Distribution Native to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
    Conservation Status – Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

    – IUCN Status: Least Concern

    – CITES: Appendix II.
    Major Threats Illegal trade in the pet market due to its attractive appearance.

  • How the Hottest Summer ever affected the Arctic?

    arctic

    Central Idea

    • Unprecedented Warmth: The Arctic experienced its warmest summer on record in 2023, warming nearly four times faster than the global average since 1979.
    • NOAA’s Comprehensive Study: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Arctic Report Card, a peer-reviewed analysis by 82 scientists from 13 countries, details the critical impacts of this warming.

    Key Findings and Consequences of the Arctic Warming

    [1] Thawing of Subsea Permafrost

    • Accelerated Thawing Process: Warmer ocean temperatures are causing a faster thawing of subsea permafrost, which contains organic matter.
    • Release of Greenhouse Gases: This thawing leads to the decay of organic matter and the release of methane and carbon dioxide, intensifying global warming and ocean acidification.
    • Research Challenges: The extent of greenhouse gas release from subsea permafrost and its future impact on global warming remains uncertain due to limited research.

    [2] Food Insecurity

    • Decline in Salmon Populations: In Western Alaska, populations of Chinook and chum salmon were 81% and 92% below the 30-year mean, respectively.
    • Size Reduction and Species Variation: The size of adult salmon has decreased, and while Chinook and chum salmon declined, sockeye salmon numbers were 98% above the 30-year mean.
    • Impact on Indigenous Communities: These changes have led to fishery closures and significant cultural and food security impacts in Indigenous communities.

    [3] Raging Wildfires

    • Canada’s Severe Wildfire Season: Canada experienced its worst wildfire season, with over 10 million acres burned in the Northwest Territories.
    • Evacuations and Air Quality Impact: The fires led to mass evacuations and affected air quality, reaching as far as the southern United States.

    [4] Severe Flooding

    • Mendenhall Glacier Thinning: The Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska has thinned dramatically, causing annual floods.
    • Significant Flooding Event: In August 2023, a glacial lake burst through its ice dam, leading to unprecedented flooding and severe property damage in Juneau.

    [5] Greenland Ice Sheet Melting

    • Rare Melting Events: The highest point on Greenland’s ice sheet experienced melting for only the fifth time in 34 years.
    • Continued Mass Loss: Despite above-average winter snow accumulation, the ice sheet lost approximately 350 trillion pounds of mass between August 2022 and September 2023.
    • Contribution to Sea-Level Rise: Greenland’s ice sheet melting is the second-largest contributor to global sea-level rise.

    Conclusion

    • Immediate and Long-Term Impacts: The record-breaking temperatures in the Arctic have immediate consequences for local communities and long-term implications for global climate patterns.
    • Need for Further Research: Enhanced research is crucial to understand the full scope of Arctic warming and to develop effective mitigation strategies.
    • Global Responsibility: The findings highlight the urgent need for concerted global efforts to address climate change and its far-reaching impacts.

  • Opportune moment to rediscover Chennai’s hydrology

    Opportune moment to rediscover Chennai's hydrology - The Hindu

    Central idea 

    The article underscores the recurring floods in Chennai, attributing them to climate change while questioning the extent to which historical human errors and negligence contribute. Emphasizing the need for comprehensive measures, it calls for hydrological mapping, restoration of neglected water bodies, and ecological conservation to achieve flood resilience and sustainable water supply.

    Key Highlights:

    • Climate Change Attribution: Frequent floods in Chennai, attributed to climate change, raise questions about the impact of historical human errors and the effectiveness of conventional wisdom in flood mitigation.
    • Devastating Impact: Neglected irrigation tanks, encroachment on water bodies, and inadequate watershed management contribute to devastating floods, with the 2023 flood considered the worst in 47 years.
    • Need for Comprehensive Measures: The need for comprehensive hydro-elevation mapping, restoration of water bodies, and protection of ecological hotspots is emphasized for flood resilience and sustainable water supply.

    Key Challenges:

    • Historical Neglect: Neglected irrigation tanks and encroachment on water bodies contribute to over 80% runoff, worsening flood impacts.
    • Urban Expansion: Rapid urban expansion in Chennai, without considering ecological hotspots, leads to the loss of water bodies and wetlands.
    • Inadequate Maintenance: Major waterways and drainage systems suffer from heavy encroachments, sludge deposits, and lack of year-long maintenance.

    Key Terms:

    • Hydro-elevation Mapping: Mapping of upstream-downstream watersheds to understand water dynamics and drainage systems.
    • Ecological Hotspots: Areas with high biodiversity and ecological importance, crucial for flood resilience.
    • Storm Water Drain Network: A 2,900-kilometer network designed to manage stormwater runoff in the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) area.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Decode Chennai’s urban and peri-urban hydrology”: Emphasizes the need to understand and intervene in the interconnected hydrological conditions of Chennai.
    • “Converting disaster into opportunity”: Encourages turning flood challenges into an opportunity for sustainable water supply.

    Key Quotes:

    • “Are we hiding behind climate change for all the blunders made so far?”: Questions the tendency to attribute all flood-related issues to climate change.
    • “Have we learned any lessons from past flood events?”: Raises concerns about the lack of corrective measures despite repeated floods.

    Key Examples and References:

    • Chennai’s 3,588 irrigation tanks neglected, contributing to high runoff and flood damage.
    • Loss of water bodies and Pallikaranai marsh land due to rapid urban expansion.
    • The 2023 flood considered the worst in 47 years, highlighting the escalating impact of floods.

    Key Statements:

    • “Chennai city and the CMA can be permanently saved from floods”: Encourages a proactive approach to flood resilience through scientific interventions and ecological protection.
    • “Hiding behind climate change for all accumulated blunders”: Challenges the attribution of all flood-related issues to climate change without addressing historical neglect and errors.

    Key Facts:

    • The CMA to be expanded from 1,189 sq.km to 5,904 sq.km as part of Master Plan III, necessitating protection of ecological hotspots.
    • Rapid urban expansion in Chennai cited as one of the fastest in the country.

    Key Data:

    • 4,000 water bodies in the proposed CMA area, requiring protection from encroachments.

    Critical Analysis:

    • Challenges the effectiveness of conventional approaches and calls for a shift towards scientific and meaningful interventions in water management.
    • Emphasizes the need for a balance between urban expansion and ecological conservation for sustainable flood resilience.

    Way Forward:

    • Comprehensive Mapping: Conduct hydro-elevation mapping to understand water dynamics and drainage systems.
    • Restoration and Protection: Restore water bodies to original or increased capacity, protect ecological hotspots, and enforce “no development zones.”
    • Sustainable Urban Planning: Integrate ecological considerations into urban planning to prevent irreversible damage from urban expansion.

  • Is India doing enough to tackle climate change?

     

     

    Key Highlights:

    • Shift in Focus: COP28 saw a historic shift as all 198 signatories agreed to “transition away” from all fossil fuels, moving beyond the earlier emphasis on coal.
    • India’s Role: India played a crucial role in modifying language at COP26 and supported the UAE Consensus at COP28, signaling a departure from coal-centric agreements.

    Key Challenges:

    • Loopholes and Criticism: The COP28 outcome faced criticism for not achieving a complete fossil fuel phase-out, with concerns about loopholes such as nuclear abatement and carbon capture.
    • Developing Country Struggles: Developing countries, lacking expertise, face challenges in effectively de-carbonizing sectors and raising ambition due to financial constraints.

    Key Terms:

    • COP28: The 28th United Nations’ Conference of the Parties.
    • UAE Consensus: The agreement to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.
    • Loss and Damage Fund (LDF): Operationalized at COP28, the fund addresses climate impacts but currently falls short in funding.

    Key Phrases:

    • “Transitioning away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly, and equitable manner.”
    • “Compromise after 30 years” regarding the LDF funding.
    • “Deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.”

    Key Quotes:

    • Harjeet Singh: “The outcomes have been unprecedented and historic.”
    • Karthik Ganesan: “It’s a maze of words. What is clear is that subsidies for fossil fuels must go.”

    Key Statements:

    • Developing countries insist on technology transfer and removal of trade barriers for effective renewable energy transition.
    • India faces a dilemma in balancing economic growth, environmental concerns, and contributions to global climate initiatives.

    Key Examples and References:

    • India’s role in modifying language at COP26 and supporting the UAE Consensus at COP28.
    • Comparison of the economic value of coal and solar sectors in India.

    Key Facts and Data:

    • The LDF has raised $700 million, falling short of the trillions needed to address climate impacts.
    • India is the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases with a significantly smaller per capita emission rate.

    Critical Analysis:

    • The COP28 outcome is criticized for loopholes and a lack of ambition, emphasizing the need for a balance between economic growth and environmental concerns.
    • The dichotomy of India’s role as a regional power, emerging economy, and its responsibility to contribute to global climate initiatives is highlighted.

    Way Forward:

    • Developing countries must focus on technology transfer and removing trade barriers for effective renewable energy transition.
    • India needs to reassess its economic paradigm, prioritizing environmental concerns and adopting a sustainable growth model.
    • Continued engagement, contribution, and learning from large countries like India are essential for global climate justice movements.

  • [pib] Indian Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

    Central Idea

    • The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has introduced the Indian Forest & Wood Certification Scheme to promote sustainable management of forests and trees outside forests.

    Understanding Forest Certification

    • Definition: Forest certification is a process for evaluating the quality of timber, wood, pulp products, and non-timber forest products against set standards.
    • Purpose: It ensures that forest products are sourced from responsibly managed forests or recycled materials.

    Forest and Wood Certification Scheme

    • Voluntary Certification: The scheme offers voluntary third-party certification to encourage sustainable forest management and agroforestry.
    • Certification Types: Includes Forest Management Certificates, Trees outside Forest Management Certificate, and chain of custody certification.
    • Standards: The Forest Management certification is based on the Indian Forest Management Standard, which includes 8 criteria, 69 indicators, and 254 verifiers.

    Implementation and Oversight

    • Scheme Operating Agency: The Indian Institute of Forest Management, Bhopal, will manage the scheme.
    • Accreditation Body: The Quality Council of India will accredit certification bodies to assess adherence to the standards.
    • Advisory Council: The Indian Forest and Wood Certification Council, comprising members from various eminent institutions and ministries, will oversee the scheme.

    Significance of Forest Certification

    • Buyer Assurance: Helps buyers identify products sourced from well-managed forests or recycled materials.
    • Discouraging Illegal Sources: Aims to reduce the use of supplies from illegal sources.
    • Holistic Benefits: Ensures that forest activities contribute to environmental, social, and economic benefits.

  • Specie in news: Saiga Antelope

    Saiga Antelope

    Central Idea

    • The Saiga Antelope has been reclassified from ‘Critically Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

    About Saiga Antelope

    Details
    Scientific Name Saiga tatarica
    Physical Characteristics Notable for its distinctive bulbous nose; relatively small, with a thin build and long, thin legs
    Habitat Primarily found in the steppe region of Central Asia and Eastern Europe
    Population Distribution Predominantly in Kazakhstan and Russia, with smaller populations in Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Mongolia
    Conservation Status IUCN Red List: Near Threatened

    CITES: Appendix II
    Major Threats Poaching for horns (used in traditional medicine), habitat loss, and disease outbreaks like pasteurellosis
    Diet Herbivorous, feeding on a variety of grasses and plants
    Breeding Known for its rapid population growth under favorable conditions; breeds in large herds
    Migration Notable for long-distance seasonal migrations
    Cultural Significance Featured in the folklore and culture of the local steppe communities

  • COP28 : Understanding CCS and CDR

    ccd ccs

    Central Idea

    • At the COP28 climate talks in Dubai, discussions have centered on carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon-dioxide removal (CDR) technologies.
    • The interpretation of ‘abatement’ is crucial in understanding the role and limitations of CCS and CDR in climate action.

    Understanding CCS and CDR

    • CCS: This involves capturing CO₂ emissions at their source, such as in the fossil fuel industry and industrial processes, and storing them to prevent atmospheric release.
    • CDR: Encompasses natural methods like afforestation and technological approaches like direct air capture for absorbing and storing atmospheric CO₂.
    • COP28 Discussions: The term “unabated fossil fuels” in the draft texts refers to fossil fuel combustion without CCS. The texts advocate phasing out such fuels and enhancing emission removal technologies.

    Scale and Efficacy of CCS and CDR

    • IPCC’s AR6 Report: Heavily reliant on CDR for meeting the 1.5 degrees C temperature limit, assuming significant CO₂ sequestration by 2040.
    • Challenges: Direct mitigation to reduce emissions is daunting, making CDR crucial.
    • CCS Limitations: Effective CCS requires high capture rates, permanent storage, and minimal methane leakage from upstream processes.

    Concerns and Implications of CCS and CDR

    • Land Use for CDR: Large-scale CDR methods, especially technological ones, require significant land, raising equity, biodiversity, and food security concerns.
    • Impact on the Global South: CDR projects in the Global South could infringe on indigenous land rights and compete with agricultural land use.
    • Financial and Ethical Questions: The cost and responsibility of implementing CDR at scale raise questions about who should bear these burdens.

    Pitfalls of CCS and CDR

    • Potential for Increased Emissions: CCS and CDR could inadvertently create leeway for continued or increased greenhouse gas emissions.
    • IPCC Emission Scenarios: To limit warming to 1.5 degrees C, significant reductions in coal, oil, and gas use are required by 2050, with or without CCS.
    • Gas Emissions Pathways: Higher reliance on CCS and CDR could lead to emission pathways with a greater contribution from gas.

    Conclusion

    • Critical Decade Ahead: The next decade is pivotal in determining the viability and scalability of CDR methods.
    • Balancing Act: While CCS and CDR offer potential solutions for emission reduction, their implementation must be carefully managed to avoid unintended consequences and ensure equitable and effective climate action.
    • Future of Climate Negotiations: The discussions and decisions at COP28 regarding CCS and CDR will significantly influence the trajectory of global climate action and the pursuit of the 1.5 degrees C target.