Methane emissions from fuel use in 2023 reached nearly record levels, totalling 120 million tonnes (Mt), as per the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Methane Tracker 2024.
What is Global Methane Tracker (GMT)?
The IEA’s Methane Tracker is an online database that tracks oil and gas-related methane sources globally.
It provides estimates of emissions across various sectors, including oil, natural gas, coal, and bioenergy, with the energy sector contributing nearly 40% of human-related methane emissions
It provides current estimates of methane emissions and highlights potential reductions achievable through existing technologies.
GMT 2024: Key Findings
Elevated Emissions: Satellite data revealed a more than 50% increase in large methane emissions in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Top Emitters: The United States and Russia emerged as the largest emitters of methane from oil and gas operations, contributing significantly to global emissions.
Fossil Fuel Leaks: Over 5 Mt of methane emissions were attributed to major fossil fuel leaks globally, including a significant blowout incident in Kazakhstan lasting over 200 days.
Cost of Emission Cut: Reducing methane emissions from fossil fuels by 75% by 2030 would require about $170 billion in spending – less than 5% of the income generated by the fossil fuel industry in 2023.
About Methane Pollution
Methane, is an organic compound composed of carbon and four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
Second-biggest anthropogenic contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, 80 times more potent.
Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures warming caused by substances relative to carbon dioxide over a century.
Energy, agriculture, and waste sectors are primary emitters, responsible for 30% of global warming.
Livestock emissions, including manure and gastroenteric releases, account for 32% of human-caused emissions.
Global steps to curb Methane Emissions
Paris Agreement Goal: To limit warming to 1.5°C, methane emissions from fossil fuels must be reduced by 75% by 2030, necessitating substantial efforts and investments.
Global Methane Pledge: Launched at UN COP26 climate conference in Glasgow. Over 90 countries signed, led by the United States and the European Union (India not signed up).
First Global Stocktake (GST): Released at COP28, called for countries to accelerate and substantially reduce non-carbon-dioxide emissions globally, including methane, by 2030. But it stopped short of providing a quantifiable target.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2016:
Q.In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index?
Carbon dioxide
Carbon monoxide
Nitrogen dioxide
Sulphur dioxide
Methane
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Popocatepetl, Mexico’s most dangerous active volcano has erupted 13 times in the past day, hurling columns of ash and smoke into the sky.
AboutPopocatepetl Volcano
Popocatepetl — which means “Smoking Mountain” in the Aztec Nahuatl language — is located in central Mexico roughly 72 km southeast of Mexico City.
Popocatepetl is situated in the eastern half of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, in Central Mexico.
It lies on the border between the states of Puebla and Morelos.
The summit of Popocatepetl stands at an elevation of about 5,426 meters above sea level, making it the second-highest peak in Mexico after Citlaltepetl (Pico de Orizaba).
Geological Details
Popocatepetl is a stratovolcano (composite volcano) characterized by its steep, conical shape built up by successive layers of volcanic ash, lava flows, and pyroclastic materials.
It is one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, with documented eruptions dating back to the 14th century.
In the modern era, significant eruptions have occurred in 1947, 1994, 2000, 2005, and ongoing activity since 2013.
The volcano’s eruptions are primarily andesitic to dacitic in composition, characterized by the eruption of viscous lava flows and explosive eruptions producing ash clouds, pyroclastic flows, and lahars (mudflows).
Try this PYQ from CSE Mains 2021
Q. Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.
The Supreme Court halted the Assam government’s attempt to revoke a 26-year-old notification establishing the Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, home to a significant rhino population.
What was the reason behind this decision?
The Supreme Court asserted that withdrawing a notification for a wildlife sanctuary required permission from the National Board of Wildlife, and clarified its order does not impede actions to protect forest dwellers’ rights.
About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Often dubbed as ‘Mini Kaziranga,’ Pobitora shares a similar landscape and vegetation to its renowned counterpart.
The sanctuary shelters various endangered species, including one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, leopard cats, fishing cats, jungle cats, feral buffaloes, wild pigs, and Chinese pangolins.
Approximately 72% of Pobitora’s area comprises a wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum grasses, while the rest is covered by water bodies.
About One-Horned Rhino:
IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable.
Habitat– Rhinos are mainly found in Assam, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
Assam has an estimated 2,640 rhinos in four protected areas, i.e. Pabitora Wildlife Reserve, Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and Manas National Park.
About 2,400 of them are in the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR).
Prelims Question:
Which wildlife sanctuary boasts the highest density of one-horned rhinos globally, second only to Kaziranga National Park in Assam?
a) Manas National Park
b) Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary
c) Rajiv Gandhi Orang National Park
d) Jim Corbett National Park
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The latest survey conducted by the Primate Research Centre NE India (PRCNE), Assam Forest Department has estimated a population of approximately 7,396 Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) in India.
AboutGolden Langur
Details
Identification
Recognizable by the color of their fur, which gives them their name.
Fur color changes with the seasons.
Young langurs are almost pure white.
Geographic Range
Found in Assam, India, and neighboring Bhutan year-round.
Inhabits an area bordered by the foothills of Bhutan (north), Manas river (east), Sankosh river (west), and Brahmaputra river (south).
Habitat
Occupies moist evergreen and tropical deciduous forests, along with some riverine areas and savannahs in Assam and Bhutan.
Prefers living in the upper canopy of sub-tropical forests in the south and temperate forests in the north.
Conservation Status
IUCN: Endangered
CITES: Appendix I
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Habitats
Ripu Reserve Forest and Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary serve as vital habitats.
Fragmented habitats face instability and threats.
Try this PYQ from CSE Prelims 2012:
Which one of the following groups of animals belongs to the category of endangered species?
(a) Great Indian Bustard, Musk Deer, Red Panda and Asiatic Wild Ass
(b) Kashmir Stag, Cheetal, Blue Bull and Great Indian Bustard
(c) Snow Leopard, Swamp Deer, Rhesus Monkey and Saras (Crane)
(d) Lion-tailed Macaque, Blue Bull, Hanuman Langur and Cheetal
[wpdiscuz-feedback id=”pby4tjohr1″ question=”Please leave a feedback on this” opened=”1″]Post your answers.[/wpdiscuz-feedback]
A recent state government notification has struck fear in Rajasthan community dwellers about losing access to forest produce and livelihoods.
Communities, particularly those in western Rajasthan, are concerned about the state’s proposal to classify Oran, Dev-vans and Rundhs (sacred groves) as deemed forests.
What are Sacred Groves?
Sacred groves of India are forest fragments of varying sizes, which are communally protected, and which usually have a significant religious connotation for the protecting community.
It usually consists of a dense cover of vegetation including climbers, herbs, shrubs and trees, with the presence of a village deity and is mostly situated near a perennial water source.
Sacred groves are considered to be symbols of the primitive practice of nature worship and support nature conservation to a great extent.
The introduction of the protected area category community reserves under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 has introduced legislation for providing government protection to community-held lands, which could include sacred groves.
Historical references
Indian sacred groves are often associated with temples, monasteries, shrines, pilgrimage sites, or with burial grounds.
Historically, sacred groves find their mentions in Hindu, Jain and Buddhist texts, from sacred tree groves in Hinduism to sacred deer parks in Buddhism for example.
Sacred groves may be loosely used to refer to natural habitat protected on religious grounds.
Other historical references to sacred groves can be obtained in Vrukshayurveda an ancient treatise, ancient classics such as Kalidasa’s Vikramuurvashiiya.
There has been a growing interest in creating green patches such as Nakshatravana
Regulation of activities in Sacred Grooves
Hunting and logging are usually strictly prohibited within these patches.
Other forms of forest usage like honey collection and deadwood collection are sometimes allowed on a sustainable basis.
NGOs work with local villagers to protect such groves.
Traditionally, and in some cases even today, members of the community take turns to protect the grove.
Threats to such grooves
Threats to the groves include urbanization and over-exploitation of resources.
While many of the groves are looked upon as abode of Hindu deities, in the recent past a number of them have been partially cleared for construction of shrines and temples.
Total grooves in India
Around 14,000 sacred groves have been reported from all over India, which act as reservoirs of rare fauna, and more often rare flora, amid rural and even urban settings.
Experts believe that the total number of sacred groves could be as high as 100,000.
They are called by different names in different states:
The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) recently released data shedding light on air pollution levels across urban centers in India during February 2024.
Surprisingly, Meghalaya’s Byrnihat emerged as the most polluted ‘city’ in the nation, sparking concerns about air quality in the otherwise cleaner Northeast region.
About Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA)
CREA is a non-profit think tank researching energy and air pollution based in Helsinki (Finland).
It was established in 2019 with the goal of tracking the impacts of air pollution by providing data-backed research products.
Key Insights
(1) Alarming Pollution Levels in NE
Pollution Pinnacle: Byrnihat, an industrial town near the Assam border, recorded the highest levels of PM2.5 pollution in India, with a monthly average concentration of 183 µg/m3.
Byrnihat vs. National Averages: Byrnihat’s PM2.5 levels were significantly higher than those in Bihar’s Araria, the second-most polluted city, highlighting the severity of pollution in the former.
Northeastern Representation: Other northeastern cities such as Nalbari, Agartala, Guwahati, and Nagaon also featured among the 30 most polluted cities in India, indicating a broader regional trend of worsening pollution levels.
(2) Cleanest Cities and Regional Disparities
Positive Performers: Sivasagar, Silchar, Aizawl, and Imphal emerged as the cleanest cities in the region, with PM2.5 concentrations below the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS).
National Rankings: Sivasagar secured the second position nationally, underscoring its exemplary air quality standards.
(3) Silver Lining: Improvements and Opportunities
Positive Trends: February witnessed a notable improvement in air quality, with 36 cities classified under the ‘good’ category, reflecting positive strides in pollution mitigation efforts.
Opportunities for Progress: The data signals opportunities for collaborative action and policy interventions to address environmental challenges and safeguard public health.
Implications and Recommendations
Monitoring Imperative: The data underscores the urgent need to enhance air quality monitoring infrastructure in the northeastern states to effectively track pollution levels.
Environmental Concerns: Unregulated industrial operations, inadequate public transportation, rampant construction, and other factors contribute to the deteriorating air quality in the region, necessitating stringent regulatory measures.
The proposal to declare the start of the Anthropocene Epoch, signifying the impact of human activity on Earth’s geological history, has sparked debate among scientists.
Despite mounting evidence of human-induced changes to the planet, a recent vote by a scientific committee has rejected the notion.
Understanding Geological Time
Geologic Time Scale: Geoscientists use the Geologic Time Scale (GTS) to measure Earth’s history, categorizing it into aeons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages.
Chronostratigraphic Classification: The GTS is based on chronostratigraphic units, marked by significant geological events, shaping the planet’s conditions.
The Proposed ‘Human Epoch’
Holocene Epoch: The Holocene began approximately 11,700 years ago, following the Last Glacial Period, coinciding with the rise of human civilization.
Anthropocene Proposal: The Anthropocene concept suggests that human activities have altered Earth significantly, warranting recognition as a distinct geological epoch.
Understanding the Anthropocene Epoch
Coined Term: The Anthropocene epoch was first coined by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen and biology professor Eugene Stoermer in 2000.
Human Impact: The Anthropocene represents the geological time interval characterized by radical changes in the Earth’s ecosystem due to human impact, particularly since the onset of the Industrial Revolution.
Environmental Changes: Numerous phenomena associated with the Anthropocene include global warming, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, mass-scale soil erosion, deadly heat waves, and environmental deterioration.
Geological Strata: The AWG’s website states that these changes are reflected in a distinctive body of geological strata, with the potential to be preserved into the far future.
Rejection of the Proposal
Scientific Deliberations: Despite the Anthropocene Working Group’s proposal, the Subcommission on Quaternary Stratigraphy voted against declaring the Anthropocene epoch.
Criticism and Concerns: Critics argue against defining the Anthropocene based on recent events, questioning the significance of the proposed start date and the boundary between epochs.
Geological Implications
Definition of Epochs: The rejection highlights the challenge of defining geological epochs based on human-induced changes, given the traditional criteria for epoch delineation.
Permanence and Recognition: While the vote does not negate human impact on the planet, it raises questions about the formal recognition of the Anthropocene as a distinct epoch.
Future of the Anthropocene Concept
Beyond Epochs: Some scientists propose viewing the Anthropocene as an “event” rather than a formal epoch, acknowledging its transformative nature without conforming to traditional geological classifications.
Relevance and Recognition: Regardless of formal classification, the concept of the Anthropocene underscores the profound impact of human activity on Earth’s systems, shaping discussions on environmental stewardship and sustainability.
Back2Basics: Geological Time Scale
The Geological Time Scale is a system used by geologists and palaeontologists to divide Earth’s history into distinct time intervals based on significant geological and biological events.
It provides a framework for organizing and understanding the vast expanse of time since the formation of the Earth, approximately 4.6 billion years ago, up to the present day.
The Scale is divided into several hierarchical units, including eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages.
Here is a simplified overview of the major divisions:
(1) Eon: The largest division of time on the Geological Time Scale. The history of Earth is typically divided into four eons:
Hadean Eon: Represents the earliest stage of Earth’s history, from its formation to around 4 billion years ago.
Archean Eon: Covers the period from around 4 billion to 2.5 billion years ago. It includes the formation of the Earth’s crust, the emergence of life, and the development of the first continents.
Proterozoic Eon: Encompasses the time between 2.5 billion and 541 million years ago. It includes significant evolutionary developments, such as the emergence of complex multicellular life.
Phanerozoic Eon: The current eon, spanning from 541 million years ago to the present. It is further divided into eras.
(2) Era: The second-largest division of time, encompassing longer periods of geological history within an eon. The Phanerozoic Eon is divided into three eras:
Paleozoic Era: Covers the time from 541 million to 252 million years ago. It is known for the diversification of life, including the appearance of complex marine organisms, fish, insects, and the first terrestrial plants.
Mesozoic Era: Spans from 252 million to 66 million years ago. It is often referred to as the “Age of Reptiles” and includes the dominance of dinosaurs, as well as the rise of mammals and birds.
Cenozoic Era: Extends from 66 million years ago to the present. It is sometimes called the “Age of Mammals” and includes the diversification and proliferation of mammals, the appearance of humans, and the development of modern ecosystems.
(3) Period: A subdivision of an era, representing a distinct interval of time characterized by specific geological and biological events. For example:
The Paleozoic Era is divided into periods such as the Cambrian, Ordovician, Silurian, Devonian, Carboniferous, and Permian.
The Mesozoic Era is divided into periods including the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous.
The Cenozoic Era is divided into periods such as the Paleogene, Neogene, and Quaternary.
(4) Epoch: A smaller subdivision of a period, representing a shorter interval of time. Epochs are defined by more localized geological and biological changes.
(5) Age: The smallest division of time on the Geological Time Scale. Ages represent relatively brief periods, often defined by specific fossil or rock layers.
The recent Supreme Court ruling on tiger safaris in Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park has ignited discussions on wildlife conservation and tourism development.
The Court has condemned the unlawful felling of over 6,000 trees for constructing buildings under the guise of eco-tourism.
About Jim Corbett National Park
Details
Establishment
Established on August 8th, 1936 (originally as Hailey National Park)
Part of World Wide Fund for Nature’s Terai Arc Landscape Program
Flagship Species
Focus on Bengal tiger, Asiatic elephant, Great One-horned rhino
Geographical Features
Ridges, streams, plateaus, ravines, grasslands, deciduous woods, pine forests
Importance
Designated as Important Bird Area by Birdlife International;
Key role in wildlife conservation efforts
Court’s Decision on Jim Corbett NP
Petition against Captive Animal Holding: The Supreme Court addressed a petition opposing captive animal holding in the national park.
Permitted Tiger Safaris: The Court allowed the establishment of tiger safaris in peripheral and buffer zones with specified conditions.
Balancing Tourism and Ecosystem Preservation: The Court aimed to maintain a delicate balance between promoting tourism and preserving sensitive ecosystems within Jim Corbett National Park.
Impact of Tourism on Locals & Wildlife
Tourism as a Livelihood: Locals rely on tourism for income, with transportation, tourist safaris, food centers, and accommodation facilities contributing significantly.
Infrastructure and Conservation: Tourism infrastructure obstructs wildlife corridors, impacting conservation efforts. The phasing out of Dhikala tourism complex is deemed necessary to comply with legal requirements.
Animal-Centric Approach: The Supreme Court emphasizes an animal-centric approach over tourist-centric policies to ensure conservation in national parks.
The inauguration of the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna marks a significant step towards the conservation of the Gangetic Dolphin.
The NDRC aims to facilitate in-depth studies on various aspects of Gangetic dolphins, including behavior, survival skills, food habits, and mortality factors.
Led by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, this pioneering institute promises to advance scientific understanding and foster conservation efforts for this iconic species.
Key Facts about Gangetic Dolphin
Details
Discovery
Platanista gangetica also known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” was officially discovered in 1801.
Habitat
Historically distributed in major river systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, including the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu.
Features
Essentially blind, hunts by emitting ultrasonic sounds.
Frequently found alone or in small groups, usually with a calf.
Females larger, give birth once every 2-3 years.
Importance
Indicator of river ecosystem health.
Designated National Aquatic Animal (2009) and State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
Major Threats
Unintentional killing in fishing gear.
Poaching for dolphin oil.
Habitat destruction due to development and pollution.
Prelims: Q1. Recently, there was a growing awareness in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Girardinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of [UPSC CSE 2019]
a) Anti-malarial drug b) Biodiesel c) Pulp for the paper industry d) Textile fiber
Q2. If the National Water Mission is properly and completely implemented, how will it impact the country? [UPSC CSE 2012]
1. Part of the water needs of urban areas will be met through the recycling of wastewater. 2. The water requirement of coastal cities with inadequate alternative sources of water will be met by adopting appropriate technologies that allow for the use of ocean water. 3. All the rivers of Himalayan origin will be linked to the rivers of peninsular India. 4. 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
Mains: 1. How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? ( UPSC CSE 2019)
2. ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India are affected by climate change? (UPSC CSE 2017)
3. Bring out the relationship between the shrinking Himalayan glaciers and the symptoms of climate change in the Indian subContinent. (UPSC CSE 2014)
From The Hindu
Note4Students:
Mains: Biodiversity Conservation strategies;
Prelims: Plastic Pollution; Himalayan Ecosystem;
Mentor comments:Plastic pollution is widespread, reaching from mountaintops to ocean depths, even infiltrating human lungs and placenta. Microplastics, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items, are found in various environments like the Himalayan mountains, rivers, and lakes. Unscientific plastic disposal is causing soil and water pollution in the Indian Himalayan Region and impacting its biodiversity, which is having an adverse impact on the fresh water sources that communities downstream depend on. Empowering local bodies and creating the necessary infrastructure for waste management in the Indian Himalayan Region need immediate attention.
Let’s Learn.
Why in the News?
Recently, the NGT issued notices to the MoEFCC, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Himalayan states on waste dumping in eco-sensitive areas by tourists and commercial establishments.
What do the Recent Reports reveal about Himalayan Plastic Pollution?
The Himalayan Clean up that was conducted by the Integrated Mountain Initiative with Zero Waste Himalayas and the National Productivity Council of India’s waste audit results (2023) showed that 92.7% of trash was plastic, with 72% of waste being non-recyclable plastic.
The Social Development for Communities Foundation highlighted towns drowning in plastic waste, prompting notices from the National Green Tribunal to address waste dumping in eco-sensitive areas.
About the recent Plastic Waste Crisis and the Changing Consumption Patterns:
Rapid Urbanization: Unplanned urbanization and altered production-consumption patterns contribute significantly to the plastic waste crisis in the Indian Himalayan Region. Local communities face challenges due to poor waste management practices, impacting their health and environment.
Tourism Impact: The surge in tourist numbers exacerbates the plastic waste issue, with over 400 million tourists visiting Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh since 2010. Plastic waste is found extensively in the region, affecting wildlife like Greater adjutant storks in Assam and causing pollution in rivers such as the Nambul in Manipur.
Legal Mandate for Waste Management in the Indian Himalayan Region:
Regulatory Framework:
Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) 2016: Forms part of the regulatory framework for plastic waste management in India, emphasizing waste segregation at source.
Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016 and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) 2022: Comprise the legal mandate for plastic waste management at the country level, with a focus on waste segregation and disposal.
State Initiatives:
Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim Laws: Both states have enacted special laws banning plastics, with Himachal Pradesh implementing a buy-back policy for non-recyclable plastics.
Mizoram and Tripura: Mizoram has made by-laws under PWM, while Tripura has enacted municipal by-laws and established a State-level task force to combat single-use plastics.
What are the Challenges being faced during Implementation?
Waste Segregation and Management Issues:
Mandate for Segregation: SWM/PWM/EPR collectively mandate waste segregation at the source, including different types of plastics, for effective disposal.
Reality Check: Despite the requirement on paper, landfills are overwhelmed with mixed waste, indicating a gap between policy and practice.
Implementation and Local Bodies:
Lack of By-laws: Only few states and local bodies have enacted necessary by-laws to implement waste management mandates effectively.
Power Devolution: Unclear collaboration mandates between local bodies and producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) hinder effective waste management.
Infrastructure Challenges:
Deficient Infrastructure: Inadequate infrastructure impedes waste management efforts, leading to landfill overflow and environmental pollution.
Hill Areas Neglect: While SWM recognizes hill areas’ special needs, these considerations are often overlooked in mandates for local bodies and PIBOs under PWM and EPR.
Way Forward:
Addressing Data gaps: Closing data gaps on waste generation, utilizing existing schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission and Finance Commission grants, and leveraging initiatives such as the Swachh Bharat Kosh Trust and Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) can bolster waste management efforts in the region.
Allocating Resources: Empowering local bodies, establishing necessary infrastructure, promoting waste segregation through public education, and considering the unique challenges of mountain waste management are essential steps.
Supporting Biodiversity: Ensuring geographical fairness in Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) targets and valuing EPR certificates in the region can incentivize proper waste processing. Collaboration among various schemes like Smart Cities can further advance scientific waste management practices in the Indian Himalayan Region.
