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Subject: Environment

  • Slowing of Overturning Circulation in Antarctic

    overturning

    Central Idea

    • Recent research indicates that the Antarctic overturning circulation, a global network of ocean currents, is slowing down at a faster rate than previously predicted.
    • The overturning circulation is crucial for redistributing heat, carbon, and nutrients, and maintaining Earth’s climate stability and deep-ocean oxygen levels.

    What is Overturning Circulation?

    • The overturning circulation (OC) refers to the large-scale circulation pattern in the global ocean, involving both surface and deep currents.
    • It is a network of ocean currents that plays a crucial role in redistributing heat, carbon, and nutrients around the globe.
    • It is driven by the sinking of dense, cold, oxygen-rich water from the ocean surface to the deep ocean and the rising of less dense water in different regions.

    How does it work?

    • It operates on a global scale and involves the sinking and rising of water masses driven by density differences.
    • Cold, dense water sinks in certain regions, while warmer, less dense water rises in other areas, creating a continuous flow of water.

    Key components and processes

    • Antarctic Bottom Water: Cold, dense water forms near Antarctica and sinks to the ocean floor, spreading northward along the seafloor.
    • North Atlantic Deep Water: Another dense water mass forms in the North Atlantic and sinks to great depths.
    • Thermohaline Circulation: Temperature and salinity differences drive the sinking and rising of water masses, influencing the overturning circulation.
    • Deep Ocean Currents: Once the dense water sinks, it flows along the deep ocean basins, connecting various regions of the world ocean.

    Observing and studying the OC

    • Monitoring the overturning circulation is challenging due to its vast scale and complex dynamics.
    • Observations include ship-based measurements, moored instruments, floats, satellites, and numerical models.
    • Scientists use a combination of measurements and simulations to understand the behavior and changes in the overturning circulation.

    Importance of the Overturning Circulation

    • Heat redistribution: The overturning circulation helps regulate Earth’s climate by transporting heat from the equator to the poles and vice versa.
    • Assist carbon cycle: It plays a vital role in redistributing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, impacting the global carbon cycle.
    • Nutrient cycling: The circulation also facilitates the transport of nutrients, affecting marine ecosystems and productivity.

    Consequences of a Slowing OC

    • Climatic changes: A slowdown in the overturning circulation can have significant consequences for Earth’s climate and marine ecosystems.
    • Nutrient disruption: It can disrupt the transport of heat, carbon, and nutrients, leading to changes in regional and global climate patterns.
    • De-oxygenation: Reduced oxygen supply to the deep ocean can affect deep-sea marine life and potentially lead to shifts in species distribution.

    Impact of Melting Antarctic Ice

    • Melting Antarctic ice disrupts the formation of Antarctic bottom water, a key component of the overturning circulation.
    • Freshening of surface waters due to melt-water makes them less dense and less likely to sink, slowing down the circulation.

    Future Outlook

    • Antarctica’s ice loss is expected to continue and accelerate with global warming.
    • Anticipated freshening due to increased ice loss will prolong the slowdown and further decrease deep-ocean oxygen levels.
    • The consequences of the slowdown extend beyond Antarctica, affecting the global ocean, climate change, and sea level rise.
    • Urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is necessary to address these issues.

    Way forward

    • Intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
    • Implement measures to mitigate ice loss from Antarctica and address the freshening of surface waters.
    • Promote scientific research and monitoring to understand and respond to the ongoing changes.
    • Raise awareness about the importance of the overturning circulation and its impact on climate and marine ecosystems.

     

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  • Is Project Cheetah failing?

    cheetah

    Following the death of three cheetah cubs this week, the Centre has appointed a new steering committee, comprising national and international experts, to oversee the implementation of Project Cheetah.

    What is Project Cheetah?

    • After being reported extinct in India for seven decades, the cheetah is set to make a comeback through ‘Project Cheetah’.
    • The Government of India reintroduced eight African cheetahs, consisting of five females and three males, at the Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

    Origin and Approval of Project Cheetah

    • Project Cheetah received approval from the Supreme Court of India in January 2020 as a pilot program to reintroduce the cheetah species to the country.
    • The initiative was first proposed in 2009 by Indian conservationists in collaboration with the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), a non-profit organization headquartered in Namibia.
    • The CCF is dedicated to the preservation and rehabilitation of cheetahs in their natural habitats.

    Chronology of events

    • Medieval times: During the Mughal Period, they were extensively used for hunting, and Emperor Akbar owned a menagerie of 1,000 cheetahs. Various states in Central India, particularly Gwalior, had cheetahs for a long time.
    • 1947: The country’s last three surviving cheetahs were shot by Maharaja Ramanuj Pratap Singh, the ruler of a small princely state in Chhattisgarh. India’s last spotted cheetah died in the Sal forests of Chhattisgarh’s Koriya district in 1948, leading to the animal’s official extinction in India in 1952.
    • 1970s: The first concrete efforts to reintroduce the cheetah began in the 1970s during talks with Iran’s Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi. The plan involved swapping India’s Asiatic lions for Iran’s Asiatic cheetahs.
    • 2009: Another attempt was made to acquire Iranian cheetahs, but it was unsuccessful as Iran did not permit the cloning or export of its cheetahs.
    • 2012: The reintroduction project was halted in 2012 when the Supreme Court ordered a stay on it.
    • 2020: In 2020, South African experts surveyed four potential reintroduction sites: Kuno-Palpur, Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and Madhav National Park.

    Basis of recent translocation

    • Coexistence approach: India’s approach is unique as it aims to reintroduce the cheetah in an unfenced protected area using a coexistence approach.
    • Fenced protection: Fencing has been successful in other countries but limits population growth and range.
    • Perfect breeding area selection: Kuno NP’s core conservation area is largely free of human-made threats.

    Various challenges

    • Retaliatory killing: Anthropogenic threats like snaring for bush meat and retaliatory killings pose risks to the cheetahs.
    • Fencing issues: Maintaining cheetahs and their prey base in an enclosure is considered impossible.
    • Habitation stress: Captivity and changes in habitat induce anxiety and stress, hindering reproduction.
    • Acclimatization issues: The climate, prey species, and overall conditions in Kuno forest may not stimulate mating and reproduction.
    • Prolonged captivity: Concerns are raised about the prolonged captivity of cheetahs before translocation, which may have increased stress and vulnerability.

    Is the project a failure?

    (1) Understanding adaptation challenges

    • The deaths among cheetahs must be considered in light of their natural lifespan and the difficulties they face in adapting to Indian conditions.
    • Daksha, a female cheetah, died from injuries sustained during a violent mating attempt by two males, which aligns with known predator behavior.

    (2) Immediate assessment is an absurdity

    • The success of wildlife breeding programs is not an overnight phenomena. It is premature to judge at this juncture.
    • The increase in lion and tiger populations in Gir, Gujarat also took sustained efforts over decades.

    (3) Complexities and Publicity of the Project

    • The cheetahs’ arrival in India followed extensive government planning, Supreme Court hearings, negotiations with multiple countries, logistical challenges, and the PM’s involvement.
    • The project received significant publicity. This necessarily doesn’t mean that the PM has a Midas touch.

    Conclusion

    • The relocation program is considered an experiment, and every death and birth should not be seen as a definitive success or failure.
    • However, clear criteria and timelines must be established for project managers to determine if adjustments are necessary.

     

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  • Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction: G20’s Role and Priorities

    Central Idea

    • The G20 nations, representing a population of 4.7 billion people, are exposed to significant risks from natural disasters and face substantial vulnerabilities. In the World Risk Index, four G20 countries are among the top 10 most vulnerable nations. The economic impact of disasters in the G20 countries alone amounts to an estimated annual average loss of $218 billion. It is imperative to prioritize disaster risk reduction measures to mitigate these losses and protect development gains.

    G20’s Role in Driving Global Goals

    • Platform for International Cooperation: The G20 provides a platform for international cooperation and collaboration among the world’s major economies. It brings together leaders from diverse nations to discuss global challenges, share best practices, and coordinate efforts to address common goals.
    • Influence and Economic Power: The G20 nations represent a significant share of the global economy, accounting for approximately 85% of global GDP and two-thirds of the world’s population. Their collective influence and economic power give them the capacity to drive global initiatives and mobilize resources to address pressing issues.
    • Promoting Policy Coherence: The G20 promotes policy coherence by fostering dialogue and coordination among its member nations. Through discussions, agreements, and joint statements, the G20 seeks to align policies and actions to address global challenges, including those related to disaster risk reduction.
    • Innovative Financing Mechanisms: The G20 has the ability to explore and promote innovative financing mechanisms for global goals. This includes mobilizing financial resources from governments, multilateral institutions, capital markets, insurance companies, philanthropies, and communities. By maximizing the impact of financial resources, the G20 can support initiatives related to disaster risk reduction and other priority areas.
    • Advancing International Frameworks and Agreements: The G20 plays a vital role in advancing international frameworks and agreements related to disaster risk reduction. For instance, the G20 can support the implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, which provides a global roadmap for reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience.
    • Sharing Best Practices and Lessons Learned: Through the G20 platform, member countries can share best practices, experiences, and lessons learned in disaster risk reduction. This exchange of knowledge and expertise contributes to the development of effective strategies, policies, and approaches that can be replicated and scaled up globally.
    • Driving Innovation and Research: The G20 can drive innovation and research by promoting investment in research and development related to disaster risk reduction. This includes supporting scientific advancements, technological innovations, and data-driven approaches that enhance understanding, preparedness, and response to disasters.
    • Influencing Global Agendas: As major economies, the G20 nations have significant influence on global agendas. By prioritizing and advocating for specific issues, such as disaster risk reduction, the G20 can shape global discourse, policies, and actions, mobilizing international attention and resources towards addressing these challenges

    The vulnerability of G20 countries to disasters

    • Geographic Location: Several G20 countries are located in regions prone to specific hazards. For instance, countries like Japan, Indonesia, Mexico, and Turkey are situated in seismically active zones, making them vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis. Coastal nations, including the United States, China, India, Brazil, and Australia, face the risks of tropical cyclones, storm surges, and coastal flooding.
    • Climate Extremes: G20 countries experience a wide range of climate-related hazards. For instance, Canada and Russia face risks associated with extreme cold, while Australia and Brazil are susceptible to wildfires and droughts. Heatwaves and heavy rainfall leading to floods pose significant risks in countries like India, Germany, and South Korea.
    • Population Density: Several G20 countries have high population densities, increasing their vulnerability to disasters. The concentration of people and infrastructure in urban areas amplifies the potential impacts of hazards such as earthquakes, floods, and storms. Cities like Tokyo, Mexico City, Mumbai, Istanbul, and Shanghai face unique challenges due to their large populations and exposure to multiple hazards.
    • Infrastructure and Urbanization: Rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure planning can exacerbate vulnerability to disasters. Poorly constructed buildings, inadequate drainage systems, and improper land use practices can heighten the impacts of hazards. G20 countries with rapid urban growth, such as China and India, face challenges related to resilient urban development.
    • Socioeconomic Factors: Socioeconomic factors such as poverty, inequality, and limited access to resources can increase vulnerability to disasters. Countries with significant disparities in wealth distribution, such as India, Brazil, and South Africa, often face challenges in adequately addressing disaster risks and providing timely response and recovery.
    • Environmental Degradation: G20 countries also grapple with environmental degradation, which can exacerbate vulnerability to disasters. Deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of wetlands and natural buffers diminish the ability of ecosystems to mitigate and absorb the impacts of hazards. This is particularly relevant for countries like Brazil, Indonesia, and Russia, which are home to ecologically sensitive regions

    India’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)

    • Initiating a New Workstream in G20: India has taken a proactive step by initiating a new workstream within the G20 focused on disaster risk reduction. This highlights India’s recognition of the importance of international collaboration and concerted efforts to address disaster risks at a global level.
    • Five Priorities Outlined in the Working Group: In the first meeting of the G20 working group on disaster risk reduction, India put forth five priorities to guide the group’s efforts. These priorities include universal coverage of early warning systems, emphasis on disaster and climate-resilient infrastructure, improving financing frameworks, enhancing response capabilities, and applying ecosystem-based approaches to disaster risk.
    • Transforming Disaster Financing: India has spearheaded efforts to transform the way governments finance disaster risk reduction. Recognizing the limitations of traditional budget allocations, India has explored innovative financing tools and mechanisms. This includes creating reserve funds, dedicated lines of credit, and leveraging global resources to support disaster-resilient infrastructure development.
    • Targeted Efforts to Reduce Losses: India has made targeted efforts to reduce losses from disasters through comprehensive risk management strategies. By focusing on areas such as flood risk management, India has implemented measures to minimize the impacts of extreme weather conditions, protect lives, and enhance disaster preparedness.
    • Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI): India and the United States currently co-chair the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. The CDRI aims to promote investments in resilient infrastructure and foster international collaboration to enhance disaster resilience globally. India’s leadership in this coalition reflects its commitment to driving resilience-building efforts.
    • Implementation of Sendai Framework: India has aligned its disaster risk reduction efforts with the Sendai Framework, a global framework for DRR. The 10-point agenda outlined by India’s Prime Minister after the adoption of the Sendai Framework guides the country in the implementation of comprehensive DRR strategies.

    Key Themes for Future Action

    • Reimagining Financing for Disaster Risk Reduction: Explore innovative financing tools, including reserve funds, dedicated lines of credit, and global resource mobilization. While green financing has gained momentum, greater attention should be given to disaster risk financing, especially for countries like India with increasing capital expenditure.
    • Differential Strategies for Extensive and Intensive Risks: Develop targeted approaches to reduce losses from frequent but moderate impact events (extensive risks) such as heatwaves, lightning, floods, and landslides. These events accumulate significant losses and necessitate specific risk reduction measures.
    • Convergence of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation: Integrate efforts to address both disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. Analytical and implementation capacities for disaster risk reduction should support climate change adaptation, ensuring synergies between flood management structures and adaptation efforts.
    • Priority Access to Early Warning Systems: Early warning systems, such as cyclone early warnings, should be treated as global public goods, accessible to all populations irrespective of their economic strength. The G20 can lead by example, setting up mechanisms to ensure universal access to early warning systems in line with the UN Secretary General’s initiative.
    • Multi-tiered and Multi-sectoral Effort: Disaster risk reduction requires an integrated approach across levels and sectors. Integration from local to global levels and horizontal collaboration across sectors will enhance readiness to manage unknown risks, considering the interlinkages and interdependence of the world

    Need for Convergence of Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation

    • Shared Risks and Drivers: Both DRR and CCA address risks associated with natural hazards and climate change impacts. Disasters are often exacerbated by climate change, while climate change can intensify the frequency and severity of disasters. Converging efforts allows for a comprehensive and integrated approach to address these shared risks and underlying drivers.
    • Synergies in Solutions: DRR and CCA strategies share common elements and can leverage synergies in their solutions. For example, building disaster-resilient infrastructure can contribute to climate change adaptation by considering future climate scenarios. Similarly, nature-based solutions, such as protecting and restoring ecosystems, can provide benefits for both disaster risk reduction and climate resilience.
    • Efficiency and Resource Optimization: Converging DRR and CCA efforts allows for the efficient use of resources, avoiding duplication and maximizing the effectiveness of interventions. Instead of implementing separate and parallel initiatives, integrated approaches can streamline efforts, optimize funding, and improve overall outcomes.
    • Integrated Risk Management: Combining DRR and CCA enables a holistic approach to risk management. By integrating climate projections, vulnerability assessments, and disaster risk assessments, decision-makers can develop comprehensive risk management strategies that address both current and future risks.
    • Co-benefits for Sustainable Development: Integrating DRR and CCA contributes to sustainable development goals. By reducing disaster risks and enhancing climate resilience, communities can protect livelihoods, preserve ecosystems, ensure food security, and promote social well-being. This integrated approach aligns with the broader agenda of sustainable development.
    • Policy and Institutional Integration: Convergence of DRR and CCA necessitates policy coherence and institutional coordination. Aligning strategies, frameworks, and institutions responsible for DRR and CCA facilitates better integration of risk reduction and adaptation measures. This coordination strengthens governance structures and enhances implementation effectiveness.
    • Adaptive Capacity Building: Addressing the interconnected challenges of disasters and climate change requires enhancing adaptive capacities at various levels. By combining efforts, stakeholders can work collaboratively to build capacities for disaster response, early warning systems, community engagement, and climate-resilient practices, thereby enhancing overall resilience.

    Conclusion

    • Disaster preparedness has been a priority of India for last few years. India has taken significant steps in transforming disaster risk reduction financing and targeted loss reduction efforts. Chairing the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure alongside the United States, India’s commitment to disaster preparedness is reflected in the creation of a new workstream under the G20. By leveraging their economic power, promoting policy coherence, and fostering international cooperation, the G20 can contribute to building a safer, more resilient, and sustainable world.

    Also read:

    India’s G20 Presidency and Disaster Risk Management

     

  • Alarming Decline in Antarctic Sea Ice: A Harbinger of Global Concerns

    Antarctic

    Central Idea

    • The recent record-breaking drop in Antarctic Sea ice extent on February 19 has raised significant concerns about the impacts of global warming. This worrying trend, accompanied by rising global temperatures, poses a threat to coastal cities and has far-reaching consequences for weather patterns and underwater ecosystems. As sea ice continues to melt and global sea levels rise, urgent action is needed to address the environmental challenges presented by this alarming decline.

    Melting Sea Ice and Rising Sea Levels: A worrying trend

    • Over the past six years, the Antarctic Sea ice cover has witnessed substantial declines, resulting in a rise in global sea levels.
    • NASA reports that meltwater from Antarctic ice accounts for approximately one-third of the global average sea level rise since 1993.
    • The sea ice extent in 2023 has often been notably lower than the levels seen in 2022, which had the second-lowest summer sea ice extent in Antarctica.
    • The Antarctic Sea ice extent as of May 21, 2023, has significantly shrunk compared to the median extent between 1981 and 2010
    • The April temperature in the Antarctic region in 2023 was 0.93°C higher than the 1910-2000 average for that month, marking the second-highest increase in the millennium.

    Antarctic

    Impact decline in Antarctic Sea ice on Global Weather and Ecosystems

    • Weather Pattern Alterations: The Southern Ocean, surrounding Antarctica, plays a crucial role in transferring heat from the atmosphere to the global oceans. Increased melting of Antarctic sea ice introduces cold, fresh water into the ocean, disrupting the circulation patterns of hot, cold, fresh, and salty water globally. This alteration in temperature and density can subsequently affect weather patterns, including wind patterns, precipitation, and storm formation.
    • Oceanic Currents and Nutrient Flows: Changes in water temperature and density due to melting sea ice can disrupt oceanic currents and nutrient flows. These currents are vital for distributing heat, nutrients, and oxygen across the world’s oceans. The disturbance in these flows can have cascading effects on marine ecosystems, impacting the distribution and availability of nutrients for various organisms.
    • Impact on Underwater Ecosystems: Sea ice serves as a critical habitat for various organisms, including algae, krill, and other marine life. Diminishing sea ice reduces the availability of food and alters the feeding patterns and reproductive cycles of species dependent on these ecosystems. This disruption can have significant consequences for the entire Antarctic food chain, affecting species such as whales, seals, penguins, and seabirds.
    • Altered Albedo Effect: The decline in sea ice coverage reduces the Earth’s albedo effect. Albedo refers to the ability of a surface to reflect sunlight back into space. Sea ice has a high albedo, meaning it reflects a significant portion of incoming solar radiation. As sea ice diminishes, darker ocean water absorbs more solar radiation, leading to increased warming and amplifying the overall warming trend.
    • Feedback Loops: The impacts of melting sea ice create feedback loops that exacerbate the effects of climate change. For example, as sea ice melts, more heat is absorbed by the ocean, further accelerating the melting process. These feedback loops contribute to the amplification of warming trends and the intensification of associated environmental changes.

    Facts for prelims

    What is ice-albedo feedback cycle?

    • The ice-albedo feedback cycle, also known as the snow-ice albedo feedback, refers to a positive feedback mechanism that amplifies the effects of global warming. It involves the interaction between ice or snow cover and solar radiation.
    • The albedo of a surface refers to its ability to reflect sunlight. Ice and snow have high albedo values, meaning they reflect a significant portion of incoming solar radiation back into space.
    • This reflection helps to cool the Earth’s surface. However, when ice or snow melts, it reveals darker surfaces beneath, such as dark ocean water or land, which have lower albedo values. These darker surfaces absorb more solar radiation, leading to increased warming
    • The ice-albedo feedback cycle operates in both polar regions, but it is particularly significant in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, where extensive ice and snow cover exist.
    • The reduction in sea ice extent and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets contribute to this feedback mechanism, accelerating the warming trend and exacerbating the impacts of climate change.

    Understand this way: How do the ice-albedo feedback cycle operate?

    • Initial Warming: Due to various factors, including greenhouse gas emissions, the Earth’s temperature increases, leading to the melting of ice and snow cover.
    • Reduced Albedo: As ice and snow melt, the reflective white surface is replaced by darker surfaces with lower albedo values. These surfaces absorb more solar radiation rather than reflecting it back into space.
    • Increased Heating: The absorption of more solar radiation by darker surfaces results in increased heating of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere.
    • Further Melting: The increased heating leads to more melting of ice and snow, further reducing the overall ice and snow cover.
    • Amplification of Warming: With less ice and snow cover, more heat is absorbed, contributing to a positive feedback loop. The amplified warming results in further ice and snow melt, creating a cycle of increasing temperatures.

    Impact of Rising Sea Levels on coastal communities around the worldwide

    • Increased Flooding and Erosion: As sea levels rise, coastal areas are more susceptible to storm surges, high tides, and extreme weather events. This puts low-lying regions, including coastal cities and communities, at greater risk of inundation, property damage, and displacement of residents.
    • Coastal Infrastructure Vulnerability: Increased flooding and erosion can lead to the degradation and loss of critical infrastructure, disrupting transportation, energy supply, and essential services. This vulnerability can have substantial economic, social, and public safety implications.
    • Threat to Freshwater Resources: Rising sea levels can infiltrate freshwater sources and contaminate underground aquifers, particularly in coastal regions where freshwater and saltwater interfaces occur. This intrusion of saltwater can compromise drinking water supplies, agricultural irrigation, and ecosystems dependent on freshwater resources, exacerbating water scarcity issues.
    • Displacement of Communities: As coastal areas become uninhabitable due to sea-level rise and increased flooding, communities may face the prospect of forced relocation. This displacement can result in the loss of homes, cultural heritage, and livelihoods, leading to social disruption, economic challenges, and psychological impacts on affected populations.
    • Ecological Impacts: Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands, provide critical habitats, buffer against storms, and support biodiversity. Rising sea levels can inundate and degrade these ecosystems, leading to the loss of valuable ecological services, increased vulnerability to coastal hazards, and reduced coastal resilience.
    • Economic Consequences: The impacts of sea-level rise and coastal flooding can disrupt tourism, fishing, and shipping industries, leading to economic losses, job displacements, and decreased productivity. Additionally, the costs of coastal protection measures and infrastructure adaptations to rising sea levels can place a significant burden on local economies and governments.

    Way Forward

    • Strengthening International Cooperation: Collaborate at global forums to address climate change and its impact on Antarctica, emphasizing the need for reduced emissions and sustainable practices.
    • Enhanced Monitoring and Research: Invest in further research to understand the dynamics of melting sea ice, its impact on ecosystems, and potential mitigation strategies.
    • Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encourage sustainable practices and responsible tourism in the Antarctic region to minimize human impact on the fragile ecosystem.
    • Climate Resilience Planning: Develop robust climate resilience plans for coastal cities and communities, considering rising sea levels and potential threats posed by diminishing sea ice.
    • Raising Public Awareness: Educate the public about the consequences of melting Antarctic sea ice, fostering a collective sense of responsibility and encouraging individual actions to mitigate climate change.

    Conclusion

    • The alarming decline in Antarctic sea ice poses grave threats to global sea levels, weather patterns, and underwater ecosystems. Urgent action is required to mitigate climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable practices. Through international collaboration, research, and public awareness, we can strive to protect the Antarctic region and safeguard coastal communities worldwide from the impacts of melting sea ice. The time to act is now, as the consequences of inaction will be felt by future generations.

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    Must read:

    Oceans absorb 90% of human-induced planet warming: Study

  • Antarctic Sea Ice Cover at Record Low

    antarctic

    Central Idea

    • Sea ice in Antarctica reached its smallest area on record in February for the second consecutive year, continuing a decade-long decline.

    Ice cover decline: Key data

    (1) Square km decline

    • The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) provided the figures, highlighting the significant decrease in Antarctic sea ice.
    • On February 16, the ocean surface covered by ice around Antarctica shrank to 2.09 million square kilometers (800,000 square miles), the lowest level since satellite records began.

    (2) Warming trends

    • Both the North and South poles have experienced significant warming, with temperatures rising by approximately 3 degrees Celsius compared to late 19th-century levels, three times the global average.
    • Arctic sea ice has been diminishing by about 3 percent per year since the late 1970s, while sea ice in Antarctica has remained relatively constant with large annual variations.

    (3) Regional variances and vulnerabilities

    • Recent ice cover reduction during the southern hemisphere summer has been most pronounced in West Antarctica, which is more vulnerable to the impacts of global warming compared to East Antarctica.
    • Antarctica witnessed its first recorded heatwave in 2020, with temperatures 9.2 degrees Celsius above the mean maximum. Unusual temperature spikes have been observed in various parts of Antarctica.
    • The Arctic has also experienced significant declines in sea ice, with the record minimum sea ice extent occurring in 2012.

    Impact of declining Ice Cover

    • Global sea level rise: Melting ice in Antarctica contributes to rising sea levels worldwide.
    • Disruption of ecosystems: Declining ice cover disrupts habitats and food sources for ice-dependent species.
    • Increased warming: Less ice reflects sunlight, leading to more heat absorption and further ice melting.
    • Changes in ocean circulation: Declining ice cover can disrupt currents and impact global climate patterns.
    • Release of stored carbon: Melting ice releases trapped carbon, potentially affecting marine ecosystems and contributing to climate change.
    • Amplification of global warming: Reduced ice cover creates a positive feedback loop, exacerbating climate change.
    • Disruption of biodiversity and food chains: Changing ice conditions impact species relying on ice algae and affect the overall Southern Ocean ecosystem.

    Future projections

    • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicted with high confidence that the Arctic Ocean would become practically ice-free in September at least once by mid-century.
    • The decreasing trends in both Arctic and Antarctic sea ice highlight the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on the Polar Regions.

     

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  • India-EU discuss ways to resolve Carbon Border Tax

    Central Idea

    Why such move?

    • The EU is India’s second-largest trading partner and export market.
    • India has expressed confidence that the intention behind CBAM was not to create a trade barrier but to promote sustainability.
    • CBAM has potential impact on India’s Steel and Aluminum sectors.

    Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

    Proposed by European Union (EU)
    Purpose To reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and prevent competitive disadvantage against countries with weaker environmental regulations
    Objectives Reduce carbon emissions from imported goods

    Promote a level playing field between the EU and its trading partners

    Protect EU companies that have invested in green technologies

     

    How does CBAM work?

    Coverage Applies to imported goods that are carbon-intensive
    Integration Covered by the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), which currently covers industries like power generation, steel, and cement
    Implementation CBAM taxes would be imposed on the carbon content of imported goods at the border, and the tax rates would be based on the carbon price in the EU ETS
    Exemptions Possible exemptions for countries that have implemented comparable carbon pricing systems
    Revenue Use Revenue generated from CBAM taxes could be used to fund the EU’s climate objectives, such as financing climate-friendly investments and supporting developing countries’ climate efforts

     

    Who will be affected by CBAM?

    Details
    Countries Non-EU countries, including India, that export carbon-intensive goods to the EU
    Items Initially covers iron and steel, cement, aluminium, fertilisers, and electric energy production
    Expansion The scope of the CBAM may expand to other sectors in the future

    Advantages offered

    • Encourages non-EU countries to adopt more stringent environmental regulations, reducing global carbon emissions.
    • Prevents carbon leakage by discouraging companies from relocating to countries with weaker environmental regulations.
    • Generates revenue that could be used to support EU climate policies.

    Challenges with CBAM

    • Difficulty in accurately measuring the carbon emissions of imported goods, especially for countries without comprehensive carbon accounting systems.
    • Potential for trade tensions with the EU’s trading partners, especially if other countries implement retaliatory measures.

    Ways to ease impact of CBAM

    To minimize the impact of CBAM, India can consider several actions:

    • Set up a carbon trading mechanism: To reflect the level of development and adjust the carbon tax paid domestically when paying CBT to the EU.
    • Re-designate taxes on essential products: Make these as carbon taxes, which could help lower the net impact of CBT.
    • Create a cadre of energy auditors: To ensure fair assessment of carbon emissions for products and help the industry calculate carbon intensity and adopt cleaner technologies.
    • Start an industry awareness program: To educate sectors affected by CBT and create a dedicated group involving government, industry associations, and researchers.
    • Devise a WTO-compatible retaliation mechanism: To counter CBT, considering that developing countries exporting to developed nations will also suffer from it.
    • Sign new Free Trade Agreements (FTAs): After resolving the CBT issue, as high CBT would undermine the benefits of zero import duties.
    • Expose the perceived hypocrisy: Utilize global platforms to expose offshoring pollution of developed countries and proposing to tax imports, while not addressing their own consumption patterns.

    Conclusion

    • The CBAM is a proposed policy by the EU to reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and to promote a level playing field between the EU and its trading partners.
    • Although the CBAM has its challenges, it has the potential to incentivize non-EU countries to adopt more stringent environmental regulations and reduce global carbon emissions.

     

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  • Monsoon onset in Kerala on June 4

    monsoon

    Central Idea: The monsoon is likely to set in over Kerala with a “slight delay” on June 4, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. The usual onset date over Kerala is June 1, within a seven-day window.

    What does the “Onset of Monsoon” mean?

    • The onset of the monsoon over Kerala marks the beginning of the four-month, June to September southwest monsoon season over India.
    • It brings more than 70 per cent of the country’s annual rainfall.
    • It marks a significant transition in the large-scale atmospheric and ocean circulations in the Indo-Pacific region.
    • The IMD announces it only after certain newly defined and measurable parameters, adopted in 2016, are met.
    • The onset is a significant day in India’s economic calendar.

    How does IMD predict the monsoon?

    • Broadly, the IMD checks for the consistency of rainfall over a defined geography, its intensity, and wind speed:
    1. Rainfall: The IMD declares the onset of the monsoon if at least 60% of 14 designated meteorological stations in Kerala and Lakshadweep record at least 2.5 mm of rain for two consecutive days at any time after May 10.
    2. Wind field: The depth of westerlies should be upto 600 hectopascal (1 hPa is equal to 1 millibar of pressure) in the area bound by the equator to 10ÂșN latitude, and from longitude 55ÂșE to 80ÂșE. The zonal wind speed over the area bound by 5-10ÂșN latitude and 70-80ÂșE longitude should be of the order of 15-20 knots (28-37 kph) at 925 hPa.
    3. Heat: The INSAT-derived Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) value (a measure of the energy emitted to space by the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere) should be below 200 watt per sq m (wm2) in the box confined by 5-10ÂșN latitude and 70-75ÂșE latitude.
    • The onset is not officially declared until the prescribed conditions (above) are met.

    Factors considered by IMD

    • The IMD uses a specialised model that forecasts the arrival dates within a four-day window.
    • It uses six predictors:
    1. Minimum temperatures over northwest India
    2. Pre-monsoon rainfall peak over south Peninsula
    3. Outgoing long-wave radiation (OLR) over the South China Sea
    4. Lower tropospheric zonal wind over the southeast Indian Ocean
    5. Upper tropospheric zonal wind over the east equatorial Indian Ocean, and
    6. OLR over the southwest Pacific region

    Back2Basics: Long Period Average (LPA)

    • The IMD predicts a “normal”, “below normal”, or “above normal” monsoon in relation to a benchmark “long period average” (LPA).
    • The LPA of rainfall is the rainfall recorded over a particular region for a given interval (like month or season) average over a long period like 30 years, 50 years, etc.
    • LPA refers to the average rainfall recorded from June to September for the entire country, the amount of rain that falls every year varies from region to region and from month to month.
    • The IMD’s prediction of a normal monsoon is based on the LPA of the 1971-2020 period, during which India received 87 cm of rain for the entire country on average.
    • It has in the past calculated the LPA at 88 cm for the 1961-2010 period, and at 89 cm for the period 1951-2000.

    Why LPA is needed?

    • The IMD records rainfall data at more than 2,400 locations and 3,500 rain-gauge stations.
    • Because annual rainfall can vary greatly not just from region to region and from month to month, but also from year to year within a particular region or month.
    • An LPA is needed to smooth out trends so that a reasonably accurate prediction can be made.
    • A 50-year LPA covers for large variations in either direction caused by freak years of unusually high or low rainfall, as well as for the periodic drought years.
    • It also takes into account the increasingly common extreme weather events caused by climate change.

    Range of normal rainfall

    The IMD maintains five rainfall distribution categories on an all-India scale. These are:

    1. Normal or near normal, when the percentage departure of actual rainfall is +/-10% of LPA, that is, between 96-104% of LPA;
    2. Below normal, when departure of actual rainfall is less than 10% of LPA, that is 90-96% of LPA;
    3. Above normal, when actual rainfall is 104-110% of LPA;
    4. Deficient, when departure of actual rainfall is less than 90% of LPA; and
    5. Excess, when the departure of actual rainfall is more than 110% of LPA.

     

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  • Groundwater Extraction and Land Subsidence

    groundwater

    Central Idea: Groundwater extraction in northwestern India, including Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and Faridabad, has led to land subsidence and structural damage.

    What is Groundwater?

    • Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock.
    • It is stored in and moves slowly through geologic formations of soil, sand and rocks called aquifers.
    • Aquifers are typically made up of gravel, sand, sandstone, or fractured rock, like limestone.
    • Water can move through these materials because they have large connected spaces that make them permeable.
    • Aquifers, hand-dug wells, and artesian wells are different types of sources of groundwater.

    Reasons for Depletion

    • Increased demand for water for domestic, industrial and agricultural needs and limited surface water resources lead to the over-exploitation of groundwater resources.
    • Limited storage facilities owing to the hard rock terrain, along with the added disadvantage of lack of rainfall, especially in central Indian states.
    • Green Revolution enabled water-intensive crops to be grown in drought-prone/ water deficit regions, leading to over-extraction of groundwater.
    • Frequent pumping of water from the ground without waiting for its replenishment leads to quick depletion.
    • Subsidies on electricity and high MSP for water-intensive crops is also leading reasons for depletion.
    • Inadequate regulation of groundwater laws encourages the exhaustion of groundwater resources without any penalty.
    • Deforestation, unscientific methods of agriculture, chemical effluents from industries, and lack of sanitation also lead to pollution of groundwater, making it unusable.
    • Natural causes include uneven rainfall and climate change that are hindering the process of groundwater recharge.

    Impact of groundwater depletion

    • Lowering of the water table: Groundwater depletion may lower the water table leading to difficulty in extracting groundwater for usage.
    • Reduction of water in streams and lakes: A substantial amount of the water flowing in rivers comes from seepage of groundwater into the streambed. Depletion of groundwater levels may reduce water flow in such streams.
    • Subsidence of land: Groundwater often provides support to the soil. When this balance is altered by taking out the water, the soil collapses, compacts, and drops leading to subsidence of land.
    • Increased cost for water extraction: As the depleting groundwater levels lower the water table, the user has to delve deep to extract water. This will increase the cost of water extraction.

    Mechanism of Land Subsidence

    • The relationship between excessive groundwater extraction and land subsidence became evident through the analysis of data from Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites.
    • Excessive groundwater withdrawal, coupled with limited monsoon rain, has resulted in critically low groundwater levels in the region.
    • Land subsidence occurs when underlying aquifers, which are deep water channels storing percolated water, are not adequately recharged.
    • The depletion of aquifers causes the layers of soil and rock above them to sink gradually.
    • This sinking of soil is similar to “soil settlement” observed in mining operations.

    Regulation of Groundwater in India

    (1) Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA)

    • It has the mandate of regulating groundwater development and management in the country.
    • It is constituted under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
    • CGWA issues advisories, public notices and grant No Objection Certificates (NOC) for ground water withdrawal.

    (2) National Aquifer Mapping and Management Programme (NAQUIM)

    • The NAQUIM is an initiative of the Ministry of Jal Shakti for mapping and managing the entire aquifer systems in the country.
    • It maintains the Hydrological Map of India.

    (3) Atal Bhujal Yojana 

    • It is a Central Sector Scheme, for sustainable management of groundwater resources with community participation in water-stressed blocks.

    Way Forward

    • Routine survey: There should be regular assessment of groundwater levels to ensure that adequate data is available for formulating policies and devising new techniques.
    • Assessment of land use pattern: Studies should be carried out to assess land use and the proportion of agricultural land falling under overt-exploited units.
    • Changes in farming methods: To improve the water table in those areas where it is being overused, on-farm water management techniques and improved irrigation methods should be adopted.
    • Reforms in power supply subsidies: The agricultural power-pricing structure needs to be revamped as the flat rate of electricity adversely affects the use of groundwater.
    • Monitoring extraction: There should be a policy in place to monitor the excessive exploitation of groundwater resources to ensure long-term sustainability.

     

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  • Palghat Gap: A break in the Western Ghats

    palghat

    Central Idea: The article discusses the Palghat (Palakkad) Gap, a significant corridor in the Western Ghats of India. It provides information about the geological origin of the gap.

    What is Palghat Gap?

    • The Palghat Gap is a 40 km wide corridor in the Western Ghats, known for its steep hills and serving as a gateway to Kerala.
    • It is a crucial passage for roads and railways connecting Coimbatore and Palakkad.
    • The Bharathappuzha River flows through the Palghat Gap.
    • The vegetation in the gap is classified as dry evergreen forest, different from the tropical rainforests of the Western Ghats.
    • The Palghat Gap marks a distinct divide in the flora and fauna of the region.

    Geological origin of the Palghat Gap

    • The Palghat Gap is a geological shear zone running from east to west.
    • Shear zones are weak regions in the Earth’s crust, occasionally causing tremors in the Coimbatore region.
    • The formation of the Palghat Gap occurred when the continental shelves shifted after the separation of Australia and Africa from the Gondwana landmass.
    • India and Madagascar were connected until volcanic activity led to their split, with a similar gap called the Ranotsara Gap in Madagascar.

    Biogeographic distinctions and ancient history

    • The biogeographic distinctions in species north and south of the Palghat Gap may be attributed to an ancient river or an incursion of the sea in the distant past.
    • Elephant populations on the Nilgiris side of the gap have different mitochondrial DNA from elephants in the Anamalai and Periyar sanctuaries.
    • DNA analysis of the White-bellied Shortwing, an endemic bird species, shows divergence between populations in the Nilgiris and the Anamalai regions.

    Biodiversity south of the Palghat Gap

    • The southern region of the Western Ghats, located south of the Palghat Gap, exhibits high species richness and phylogenetic diversity.
    • A recent study reports over 450 tree species, including ancient species like Magnolia champaca, dating back 130 million years.
    • The warm weather and moist air of the southern Western Ghats support a diverse range of life, making it an island refuge during cycles of ice ages and droughts.
    • The southern Western Ghats receive rainfall more evenly throughout the year compared to the northern region.

    Back2Basics: Western Ghats

    • The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri mountain range, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world.
    • It spans an area of 160,000 sq. km. and stretches for 1,600 km parallel to the western coast of the Indian peninsula, passing through the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
    Description
    Flora and Fauna The Western Ghats are home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 227 reptile species, 179 amphibian species, 290 freshwater fish species, and 6,000 insect species.
    Geological Significance The Western Ghats, known as the “Great Escarpment of India,” are older than the Himalayas. They influence India’s monsoon weather patterns by intercepting rain-laden monsoon winds from the southwest during late summer.
    Geographic Features Stretching north to south along the western edge of the Deccan Plateau, the Western Ghats separate the plateau from the narrow coastal plain called the Western Coastal Plains, which lies along the Arabian Sea.
    Catchment Area The Western Ghats cover a vast catchment area for complex riverine drainage systems, contributing to almost 40% of India’s total drainage. The range acts as a barrier, blocking southwest monsoon winds from reaching the Deccan Plateau.

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  • Species in news: Alligator Gar

    alligator-gar

    Central Idea: The Jammu and Kashmir Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) discovered a rare type of fish known as “Alligator Gar” for the first time during the ongoing cleaning of famous Dal Lake in Srinagar.

    Alligator Gar

    Information
    Scientific Name Atractosteus spatula
    Size and Weight Up to 8 feet in length, over 300 pounds
    Appearance Long, narrow body; crocodile-like head; sharp teeth
    Distribution Central and North America, freshwater habitats
    Fossil Record Traces back to the Early Cretaceous, over 100 million years ago
    Feeding Habits Voracious predator, feeds on fish, turtles, waterfowl, etc.
    Coloration Brown or olive on upper body, lighter underside
    Longevity Can live for several decades
    Conservation Status Least Concerned (IUCN)

     

     

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