Civilsdaily

Subject: Climate Change

1. Global Warming and Issues
2. All about Pollution

  • Strengthening the roots of an agri-carbon market

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    Why in the News?

    In India, current carbon credit projects by private organisations should be reviewed to ensure they are fair and work effectively.

    What are the current carbon credit projects? 

    • Collaborative Initiatives: NABARD, ICAR, and State Universities have listed five agricultural carbon credit projects in the Verra registry to promote sustainable agriculture.
    • Carbon Farming Projects: Over 50 projects targeting 1.6 million hectares aim to generate 4.7 million carbon credits annually, but none are registered, leaving farmers without financial benefits.

    Note: Verra is a carbon credit registry that manages the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), ensuring high-quality carbon credit projects and facilitating transparent trading of carbon credits.

    What are the key challenges facing agricultural carbon markets?

    • Lack of Communication and Training: A significant portion of farmers (45%) reported inadequate communication regarding carbon farming practices, and over 60% lacked training in new techniques. This gap in knowledge can hinder the effective implementation of sustainable practices necessary for generating carbon credits.
    • Exclusion of Marginalized Communities: Many existing carbon farming projects have not adequately included smallholders and marginalized communities, with women representing only 4% of participants. This lack of inclusivity limits the socioeconomic benefits that carbon markets could provide to a broader segment of the farming population.
    • Financial Incentives: A notable 28% of farmers discontinued sustainable practices by the second year due to insufficient financial incentives. The absence of timely payments for carbon credits further discourages participation and undermines project sustainability.
    • Unregistered Projects: Despite over 50 agricultural carbon farming projects being listed in the Verra registry, none have been officially registered, meaning no carbon credits have been issued and farmers have not received any financial compensation.
    • Quality Assurance: Ensuring that projects deliver reliable environmental benefits is crucial. If projects fail to produce credible carbon credits, it may lead to a loss of confidence among buyers, which would ultimately deprive farmers of income and discourage sustainable practices.

    How can farmers be incentivized to participate in carbon markets?

    • Higher Prices for Inclusive Projects: Offering premium prices for carbon credits from projects that actively include smallholders and marginalized communities can encourage broader participation and ensure equitable benefits.
    • Effective Communication and Training Programs: Establishing robust communication channels and providing regular training on sustainable agricultural practices will empower farmers to adopt new techniques confidently.
    • Guaranteed Timely Payments: Implementing a system that ensures farmers receive prompt payments for their carbon credits will enhance trust in the market and encourage ongoing participation in sustainable practices.
    • Collaboration with Research Institutions: Partnering with national and international research organizations can help identify suitable regions for carbon farming, ensuring that interventions are effective and do not compromise food security.
    • Bundling Small Farmers into Cooperatives: Creating Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) can help reduce transaction costs, improve bargaining power, and facilitate easier access to carbon markets for smallholder farmers.

    What role do technological advancements play in enhancing agri-carbon markets?

    • Improved Measurement Techniques: Advances in digital technologies such as remote sensing, satellite imagery, drones, and sensors will enhance the monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes essential for assessing soil carbon levels and GHG emissions accurately.
    • Data Accessibility: The increasing availability of technology will allow farmers to access real-time data on their farming practices, enabling them to make informed decisions that align with sustainable methods required for carbon credit generation.
    • Enhanced Project Implementation: Technology can streamline project management by facilitating better communication between stakeholders, tracking progress, and ensuring compliance with additionality and permanence criteria necessary for successful carbon credit projects.
    • Scalability of Projects: Digital tools can help scale successful carbon farming initiatives by providing frameworks that can be replicated across different regions, thus expanding the reach of agricultural carbon markets in India.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Inclusivity and Farmer Incentives: Promote inclusive projects that actively engage smallholders and marginalized communities by offering premium prices for carbon credits, ensuring timely payments, and bundling farmers into cooperatives for better market access.
    • Leverage Technology for Efficiency: Utilize advanced digital tools like remote sensing and real-time data systems to improve monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) processes, enhance project scalability, and ensure effective implementation of carbon credit initiatives.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Should the pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set up under UNFCCC be maintained even though there has been a massive slide in the value of a carbon credit? Discuss with respect to India’s energy needs for economic growth.. (UPSC IAS/2014)

  • Arctic Tundra is emitting more Carbon than it absorbs: NOAA

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    Why in the News?

    • The Arctic Tundra, a frozen treeless biome, has traditionally served as a carbon sink, storing vast amounts of carbon for thousands of years.
      • However, recent changes in this ecosystem are turning it into a source of greenhouse gases (GHGs), primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

    What is Arctic Tundra?

    • Arctic Tundra is cold, treeless biome located in the northernmost regions of Earth, primarily within the Arctic Circle.
    • Climate:
      • Experiences long, harsh winters and short, cool summers.
      • Temperatures range from -28°C in winter to 3°C in summer.
      • Ground is permanently frozen, restricting plant root growth and shaping the ecosystem.
      • Experiences 24-hour daylight in summer and long polar nights in winter.
    • Biodiversity and Vegetation:
      • Limited to low-growing vegetation like mosses, lichens, grasses, and small shrubs, adapted to short growing seasons.
      • Hosts animals like Arctic foxes, polar bears, caribou, and migratory birds, though overall biodiversity is low.
    • Adaptations:
      • Animals: Thick fur and fat layers in species like polar bears to survive extreme cold.
      • Plants: Shallow roots for quick nutrient absorption during short summers.

    How does the Arctic Tundra store Carbon?

    • The Arctic tundra stores carbon primarily through a process where plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere via photosynthesis.
      • This carbon gets trapped in the soil and organic matter (plants and animals) that accumulate over time.
    • The cold Arctic climate slows the decomposition of plant and animal remains, meaning that organic materials, including carbon, remain locked in the permafrost.
      • This permafrost acts as a natural storage system, preventing CO2 from being released back into the atmosphere.
    • Scientists estimate that the Arctic tundra holds about 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon, which is roughly double the amount of carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Why is the Arctic Tundra emitting more carbon than absorbing it?

    • Rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing the permafrost to thaw at an accelerated rate.
      • When permafrost thaws, microbes in the soil become active, breaking down the organic material trapped in the frozen ground, which results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), two potent greenhouse gases.
      • The Arctic has been warming at a rate four times faster than the global average.
      • 2024 was the second-warmest year on record for the region, contributing significantly to the thawing of the permafrost.
    • Wildfires in the Arctic have become more frequent and intense, further accelerating the thawing of permafrost. Wildfire smoke also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
    • Between 2001 and 2020, the combination of rising temperatures and increased wildfires led to the Arctic tundra releasing more carbon than it absorbed, marking a significant shift in its role from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter.

    PYQ:

    [2012] Climate is extreme, rainfall is scanty and the people used to be nomadic herders. The above statement best describes which of the following regions?

    (a) African Savanna

    (b) Central Asian Steppe

    (c) North American Prairie

    (d) Siberian Tundra

  • First Ice-Free day in the Arctic could come by 2030: Study

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    Why in the News?

    A recent study suggests that the Arctic Ocean may experience its first ice-free day—where sea ice falls below one million square kilometres—by 2030, or even sooner.

    Key Highlights of the Study

    • First Ice-Free Day Prediction: The study predicts that the Arctic Ocean could experience its first ice-free day (less than one million square kilometres of sea ice) by 2030, or even sooner, depending on climatic conditions.
    • Simulations and Models:
      • 11 different climate models were used to run 366 simulations from 2023 to 2100 to assess the future of Arctic sea ice.
      • Most simulations predict the ice-free day within 7 to 20 years, with some models suggesting it could happen as early as September 2027.
    • Conditions for Ice-Free Day: The occurrence of an ice-free day will depend on a combination of unusually warm seasons and stormy weather, which accelerates the melting of the sea ice.
    • Impact on Sea Ice: Once the first ice-free day occurs, it could be followed by an ice-free period lasting between 11 to 53 days, potentially leading to the first ice-free month.

    How does the Arctic Tundra store Carbon?

    • The Arctic tundra stores carbon primarily through a process where plants absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere via photosynthesis.
      • This carbon gets trapped in the soil and organic matter (plants and animals) that accumulate over time.
    • The cold Arctic climate slows the decomposition of plant and animal remains, meaning that organic materials, including carbon, remain locked in the permafrost.
      • This permafrost acts as a natural storage system, preventing CO2 from being released back into the atmosphere.
    • Scientists estimate that the Arctic tundra holds about 1.6 trillion metric tonnes of carbon, which is roughly double the amount of carbon in the Earth’s atmosphere.

    Why is the Arctic Tundra emitting more carbon than absorbing it?

    • Rising temperatures in the Arctic are causing the permafrost to thaw at an accelerated rate.
      • When permafrost thaws, microbes in the soil become active, breaking down the organic material trapped in the frozen ground, which results in the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), two potent greenhouse gases.
      • The Arctic has been warming at a rate four times faster than the global average.
      • 2024 was the second-warmest year on record for the region, contributing significantly to the thawing of the permafrost.
    • Wildfires in the Arctic have become more frequent and intense, further accelerating the thawing of permafrost. Wildfire smoke also contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
    • Between 2001 and 2020, the combination of rising temperatures and increased wildfires led to the Arctic tundra releasing more carbon than it absorbed, marking a significant shift in its role from a carbon sink to a carbon emitter.

    Why does it matter?

    • Climate Change Acceleration: The loss of sea ice will amplify the Albedo effect, causing the Arctic region to absorb more sunlight and heat, which will accelerate global warming and trigger extreme weather events in mid-latitudes.
    • Rising Sea Levels: The loss of Arctic ice contributes to sea level rise, with potential long-term impacts on coastal populations and ecosystems, particularly if the Greenland ice sheet melts completely, which could raise sea levels by 6 meters.
    • Ecosystem and Species Impact: The melting of sea ice will threaten species that rely on the ice for habitat, such as polar bears, walruses, and reindeer, disrupting the Arctic food chain.
    • Human and Infrastructure Threats: Arctic communities and their infrastructure are at risk as the region warms at four times the global average, threatening the livelihoods of people living in these areas.

    Back2Basics: Albedo Effect

    arctic albedo

    • It refers to the measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface.
    • It is expressed as a percentage; a surface with a high albedo reflects more sunlight, while a surface with a low albedo absorbs more.
    • Light-colored surfaces like ice and snow have high albedo, reflecting most of the sunlight, whereas dark surfaces like oceans and forests have low albedo, absorbing more heat.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.

    [2012] The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere because it absorbs:

    (a) the water vapour of the air and retains its heat
    (b) the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation
    (c) all the solar radiations
    (d) the infrared part of the solar radiation

  • [4th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Reflections on Baku’s ‘NCQG outcome’

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    Q)  Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are India’s commitments at this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Mentor’s Comment:  UPSC Mains have focused on India’s changing policy towards climate change (2022) and COP26 (2021).

    The recent UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded with significant yet contentious outcomes, particularly regarding the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. This editorial reflects on the implications of the NCQG and the broader context of climate negotiations.

    This editorial content can be used to present the significance of ‘Climate finance for developping countries’ and the challenges associated at Global stage.

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    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    COP29 dubbed the “Finance COP,” was expected to deliver an ambitious outcome on the NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance). However, it fell short by neglecting equitable burden-sharing and climate justice, overlooking the financial needs of the Global South.

    Why do the Developing countries need Finance for climate change? 

    • Upfront Costs of Clean Technologies: Renewable energy technologies often have high upfront costs, which require government support to make them affordable to consumers, especially in developing countries.
    • Long-term Benefits but High Initial Investment: While renewable technologies have lower long-term operational and fuel costs, the high initial investment remains a significant barrier.
    • Financial Gaps and Urgency: Developing countries need urgent upscaling of finance to meet transformational goals. The pressure on government resources is compounded by the need for fiscal prioritization toward development activities.
    • Debt Issues and Risk: High debt burdens in developing countries prevent them from accessing affordable capital, making it difficult to incentivize private investment in green technologies.
    • High Cost of Capital: Developing countries face much higher lending rates, limiting their ability to access financial markets at favourable rates for climate action.
    • International Support Needed: Finance from developed countries, particularly in the form of public grants instead of loans, is essential to support the transition to green energy in developing nations.

    What are the roles of the NCQG (New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance)?

    • Origins and Rationale: The NCQG was designed to address the shortcomings of previous climate finance pledges, including the $100 billion annual commitment made at Cancun in 2010. The NCQG aims to establish clearer, more accountable climate finance goals.
      • NCQG aims to establish a new financial target post-2025 to support developing countries, succeeding the $100 billion annual commitment from developed nations.
    • Addressing Climate Finance Gaps: NCQG seeks to bridge climate finance gaps by ensuring both the quantity and quality of financial instruments meet developing nations’ needs.
      • By setting a collective goal, NCQG promotes trust and cooperation among nations to effectively implement the Paris Agreement.
    • Catalyzing Private Investment: NCQG encourages private sector investment by signalling stability and commitment to climate finance.
    • Supporting Climate Resilience: The goal help developing countries adapt to climate impacts and transition to low-carbon economies with necessary funding.
    • Upholding Principles of Equity: NCQG is grounded in Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), ensuring tailored support for developing countries based on their specific needs and capacities.

    What are the challenges?

    • Financial Needs of Developing Countries: The UNFCCC’s Second Needs Determination Report estimated that $5 trillion to $7 trillion would be required by 2030 to meet the needs of 98 developing countries. Developing nations have requested $1.3 trillion annually by 2030.
    • Disappointing Outcome at COP29: Developed countries agreed to a $300 billion annual commitment by 2035, which is seen as insufficient compared to the needs of the developing world. This amount does not represent a significant shift in financial flows and falls short of transformative action.
    • Lack of Commitment to Climate Justice: The NCQG falls short in terms of equitable burden-sharing, failing to adequately recognize the financial needs of the global south and climate justice.

    Way forward: 

    • Increase Financial Commitments: Developed countries must significantly enhance their financial commitments, moving beyond the $300 billion annually agreed at COP29, and align with the $1.3 trillion requested by developing nations to meet urgent climate goals.
    • Ensure Equitable Burden-Sharing: Future climate finance discussions must prioritize climate justice, adhering to the principles of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), ensuring that developed countries take on a larger share of the financial burden.
    • Focus on Grants over Loans: Developed countries should provide more finance in the form of public grants rather than loans, addressing the debt burdens of developing countries and enabling them to invest in green technologies without further exacerbating fiscal constraints.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/schooling-in-india-in-times-of-poor-air-quality/article68918906.ece

  • COP-29 discussions flagging, no progress made on issues critical to developing countries: India

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    Why in the News?

    The first week of the COP29 summit in Baku ended without major progress, as stark divisions between developed and developing nations hindered agreements on climate finance, trade measures, and equitable climate responsibilities.

    What is a COP meeting? 

    • Establishment and Early Meetings: The COP was established in 1995 following the adoption of the UNFCCC in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The first COP (COP1) took place in Berlin, Germany, where parties began to negotiate binding commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
      • This initial meeting set the stage for subsequent negotiations and agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, which established legally binding targets for developed countries to reduce emissions.
    • Evolving Focus and Agreements: Over the years, COP meetings have evolved to address not only mitigation strategies but also adaptation, finance, and technology transfer to developing countries.
      • The landmark Paris Agreement was adopted at COP21 in 2015, establishing a global framework for climate action with commitments from all countries to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

    What is the status of climate finance commitments from developed countries?

    • Unmet Financial Pledges: Developed countries have failed to fulfill the $100 billion annual climate finance goal set in 2009, leading to growing frustration among developing nations.
    • Loans Dominate Finance: Nearly 70% of climate finance provided so far is in the form of loans, creating a debt burden for vulnerable economies.
    • Demand for $1.3 Trillion Annually: The G-77/China bloc has called for a significant increase in climate finance to $1.3 trillion annually, with a focus on grants and concessional funding instead of debt-inducing mechanisms.
    • Equity in Climate Finance: Developing nations demand accountability and emphasize that climate finance should address both mitigation and adaptation needs equitably.

    How will the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP) support developing countries?

    • Capacity Building: The MWP aims to enhance the capabilities of developing countries to implement Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) effectively.
    • Technology Transfer: A robust technology implementation program with dedicated financial backing is proposed to ensure equitable access to climate technologies.
    • Adaptation Finance: The MWP includes provisions for scaling up financial resources to assist countries in adapting to climate impacts, especially for those most vulnerable.
    • Equity in Responsibility: The MWP aligns with the principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities” (CBDR), ensuring that mitigation efforts consider historical emissions and current capacities.

    What measures will be taken to address unilateral trade actions impacting developing nations? (Way forward)

    • Criticism of CBAM: Developing nations, including India and Bolivia, criticized the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which they view as a discriminatory trade barrier violating equity principles.
    • Call for Equity: Developing nations argue that CBAM shifts the burden of climate action to economies with minimal historical emissions, impacting industrial growth and development.
    • Opposition to External Regulations: India emphasized that mitigation measures must align with NDCs and national sovereignty, opposing attempts to impose external climate regulations.
    • Collaboration Against Trade Barriers: The BASIC bloc, AOSIS, and the Arab Group are working together to resist measures like CBAM and push for trade policies that consider the needs of the Global South.
    • Reforms in Multilateral Financial Systems: Countries like South Africa advocate for multilateral reforms to ensure fairer financial systems and debt relief for vulnerable economies.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC IAS/2021)

  • Article 6.4 of the Carbon Market

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    Article 6.4 of the Carbon Market

    Why in the News?

    • At the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the adoption of Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement has paved the way for global carbon trading under UN supervision.
      • This new development allows UN member countries to trade carbon credits globally.

    What is Article 6.4?

    • Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a global carbon market to facilitate carbon credit trading between countries.
      • It is part of Article 6, which outlines mechanisms for international cooperation in achieving net-zero emissions.
    • Objective: Enable countries to offset their emissions by investing in emission reduction projects in other countries.
    • It establishes a global carbon market overseen by a UNFCCC Supervisory Body.
      • This body would develop rules, monitors credit issuance, and ensures compliance with international standards.
    • It allows countries to generate and trade Emission Reduction Credits (ERCs), which represent reductions in CO₂ or equivalent greenhouse gases.
      • Credits are earned from approved climate projects and can be traded globally.
    • Through subsections like Article 6.2, countries can use ITMOs (Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes) to meet their NDCs, which are tradeable units representing emissions reductions.

    Significance of Article 6.4

    • Cost-Effective Climate Action: By enabling global carbon markets, Article 6.4 could save an estimated $250 billion annually in implementing climate plans, providing a cost-efficient path to emission reductions.
    • Support for NDCs: The mechanism helps countries meet their NDC targets under the Paris Agreement, allowing more flexibility and incentivizing investments in green projects worldwide.
    • Economic Growth and Climate Mitigation: Carbon markets foster investments in clean energy, create jobs in climate-focused sectors, and link economic growth with climate action.
    • Encourages Sustainable Development: Article 6.4 incentivizes sustainable projects in developing countries, promoting green technology transfer and supporting local economies.

    Types of Carbon Credit Projects under Article 6.4

    • Emission Reduction Projects
      • Energy Efficiency Improvements: Reducing energy consumption (e.g., efficient lighting, better insulation).
      • Renewable Energy: Replacing fossil fuels with solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.
    • Emission Removal Projects
      • Reforestation and Afforestation: Increasing forest cover to absorb CO₂.
      • Soil Carbon Sequestration: Storing carbon in soil through agricultural practices.
    • Carbon Storage Projects
      • Geological Storage: Storing CO₂ in deep underground formations.
      • Biochar Production: Locking carbon in biochar, enhancing soil fertility.
    • Technological Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
      • Direct Air Capture: Capturing CO₂ from the air and storing it underground or using it industrially.
      • Ocean-Based Solutions: Enhancing ocean CO₂ absorption, such as through algae cultivation.

    Issues with Article 6.4

    • Carbon Offsetting Criticisms: Critics argue that offsetting doesn’t reduce global emissions but shifts responsibility, allowing countries to continue emitting while claiming neutrality.
    • Carbon Accounting Challenges: Unreliable carbon accounting can lead to “phantom credits,” where emissions reductions are overstated or inaccurately recorded, failing to match actual reductions.
    • Greenwashing Risks: Some countries and companies may use carbon credits as a form of greenwashing, claiming carbon neutrality while continuing to pollute.
    • Equity and Climate Justice Concerns: Developing nations, which contribute less to global emissions, are the most vulnerable to climate impacts.
    • Potential for Reversal Risks: Projects that store carbon in natural reservoirs risk releasing it back into the atmosphere. Some standards allow projects to end monitoring if reversal risk is considered “negligible,” which remains undefined and problematic.

     

    PYQ:

    [2011] Regarding “carbon credits”, which one of the following statements is not correct?

    (a) The carbon credit system was ratified in conjunction with the Kyoto Protocol.

    (b) Carbon credits are awarded to countries or groups that have reduced greenhouse gases below their emission quota.

    (c) The goal of the carbon credit system is to limit the increase of carbon dioxide emission.

    (d) Carbon credits are traded at a price fixed from time to time by the United Nations Environment Programme.

  • [9th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Staying cool, but with clean tech, global collaborations

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    Q) Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Q) Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above bjective? Explain. (UPSC CSE 2022)

    Q) Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at the World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)

    Mentor’s Comment:  At COP28, 63 countries pledged to reduce cooling emissions by 68% by 2050 through the Global Cooling Pledge. Hence, expanded commitments are necessary at COP29 to enhance participation in global cooling initiatives and strengthen partnerships across sectors.

    Today’s editorial emphasizes the critical role of international cooperation in developing sustainable cooling technologies to combat climate change. It underscores the importance of collaboration among nations to develop clean technologies that not only address immediate cooling needs but also contribute to long-term sustainability goals.

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    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The recent international agreements and initiatives, such as the Wilmington Declaration by the Quad nations and commitments made at COP28 focuses on the urgent need for sustainable cooling technologies in the context of global warming and climate change.

    Key Initiatives and Collaborations taken by countries:

    • Wilmington Declaration: Issued by the Quad nations (Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S.) on September 21, 2024. It focuses on sustainable energy solutions with an emphasis on high-efficiency cooling systems.
    • Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment: The Kigali Amendment, adopted in 2016, aims to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent greenhouse gases commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning. Initiatives like the Kigali • Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP) provide technical support and capacity building for countries, particularly those in the developing world. 
    • U.S.-India Partnership: India has committed to significant investments in solar and cooling infrastructure in the Indo-Pacific region. Joint plans include expanding manufacturing capacities for energy-efficient air conditioners and ceiling fans.

    What were the key Commitments from COP28?
    • On Energy Transition Goals: Countries committed to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. A goal was set to triple global renewable energy capacity to 11,000 GW by 2030.
    • On Global Stocktake (GST): The first GST assessed progress towards the Paris Agreement, emphasizing the need for significant reductions in fossil fuel consumption by 2050.
    • On Loss and Damage Fund: An agreement was reached to establish a Loss and Damage Fund with initial contributions of about $800 million to support vulnerable nations affected by climate change.
    • On Methane Emissions Reduction: Countries committed to reducing global methane emissions by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030, with new regulations introduced by several nations. While no complete fossil fuels phase-out was agreed upon, discussions included calls for the gradual elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies.
    • On Sustainable Agriculture Initiatives: Nearly 160 nations signed a declaration to integrate food systems into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by 2025. Around $12.8 billion was pledged to the Green Climate Fund to support developing nations in their climate efforts.

    Significance of Global Collaborations for Clean Technologies

    • Accelerating Innovation: Countries can combine their scientific knowledge, leading to faster advancements in clean technologies. 
      • Collaborative efforts can attract funding and resources, speeding up the development of critical solutions.
    • Addressing Global Challenges: Coordinated responses are essential for tackling climate change effectively, as seen with initiatives like the Global Cooling Pledge. 
      • International partnerships help establish common standards, facilitating trade and effective implementation of technologies.
    • Economic Growth: Investing in clean technologies creates new industries and job opportunities, driving economic growth. 
    • Supporting Developing Economies: Involving diverse stakeholders ensures that solutions are accessible and meet the needs of vulnerable populations and their capacity building.

    What role do emerging markets play in the global cleantech landscape?

    • Growing Energy Demand: Emerging markets are expected to account for 90% of global energy demand growth by 2035, making them crucial for shaping future energy consumption.
    • Decarbonization Efforts: These markets contribute about 75% of global carbon emissions, highlighting the need for sustainable practices to achieve climate goals.
    • Innovation Hubs: Emerging economies are becoming centers for innovation in clean technologies, supported by initiatives that address barriers to investment.
      • Renewables now make up around 75% of new power generation in emerging markets, presenting significant investment potential for clean energy projects.
    • International Collaboration: Global cooperation is essential to help these markets transition to clean energy by aligning regulations and sharing best practices.
      • Transitioning to renewable energy can alleviate energy poverty, providing access to electricity and clean cooking solutions for underserved Nations.

    What are the challenges and opportunities associated with financing clean technology initiatives?

    1) Challenges:

    • High Cost of Capital: Clean energy projects in emerging markets often face financing costs that are significantly higher than in developed countries, sometimes up to seven times more expensive, which inflate risk premiums for investors.
    • Limited Access to Funds: Emerging economies account for two-thirds of the global population but receive only one-fifth of clean energy investments. This disparity creates a funding gap that hinders the transition to sustainable energy systems.
    • High Reliance on Public Financing: Many clean energy projects in developing countries rely heavily on public sources of finance. However, these sources are often insufficient to meet the growing investment needs, especially post-COVID-19, which has strained public finances further.
    • Regulatory and Policy Barriers: Uncertain regulatory environments and lengthy procedures for project approvals can deter investment. For example, subsidies favoring fossil fuels and restrictions on foreign investment further complicate financing efforts.

    2) Opportunities:

    • Growing Demand for Clean Energy: The increasing global focus on sustainability and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions create a favorable environment for investing in clean technologies. Emerging markets are positioned to lead this transition by leveraging their renewable resources.
    • Innovative Financing Models: Blended finance approaches, which combine public and private funding, can help mitigate risks and attract investment in clean technologies. Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) can play a crucial role by providing guarantees or risk capital.
    • Technological Advancements: Advances in clean technology are reducing costs and improving efficiency, making it easier to attract investment.
      • For example, technologies like solar PV and wind power are becoming more financially viable, encouraging investment from both domestic and international sources.
    • Carbon Markets: The establishment of domestic carbon markets provides new revenue streams for clean energy projects, enhancing their financial viability. This can attract both local and international investors looking for sustainable investment opportunities.
    • International Collaboration: Global partnerships can facilitate knowledge sharing and provide access to capital for clean technology initiatives.
      • For example, initiatives like the World Economic Forum‘s efforts to mobilize investment in emerging economies highlight the importance of collaborative approaches 

    Way Forward: While financing clean technology initiatives faces notable challenges, particularly in emerging markets. Addressing the barriers effectively could unlock substantial investments needed for a successful transition to clean energy systems globally. COP29 must build on the momentum of COP28 by expanding cooling commitments.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/staying-cool-but-with-clean-tech-global-collaborations/article68846559.ece

  • Glacial Lakes rise as glaciers retreat

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    Why in the News?

    Since 1977, the South Lhonak Lake, a glacial lake in Sikkim has expanded significantly, growing from 17 hectares to 167 hectares by 2023.

    Formation of Glacial Lakes:

    • When a glacier melts and retreats, the hollow left behind often fills with water, creating a glacial lake.
    • The rocky moraine at the glacier’s end can act as a natural dam, holding the water to form the lake.
    • Glacial lakes act as hydrological buffers, regulating water flow from melting ice, which can sometimes pose challenges to downstream communities.
    • Glacial lakes often have a vivid blue color, similar to swimming pools, due to the scattering of light by fine rock particles (rock flour) in the water.
    • There are several types of glacial lakes, each formed by specific processes and glacier dynamics:
      • Moraine-Dammed Lakes: Formed when moraine debris piles up at the end of a glacier and traps meltwater behind it. These are common and pose risks of outburst flooding.
      • Kettle Lakes: This was created when a chunk of glacier ice is buried in the moraine and eventually melts, leaving a depression filled with water.
      • Cirque Lakes: Formed in circular basins (cirques) carved by glaciers at high elevations. These lakes are often small and located at the glacier’s original head.
      • Pro-glacial Lakes: Situated in front of the glacier, between the ice and the moraine dam. These lakes are sometimes formed when the glacier’s snout melts and deposits water in the valley.
      • Tarn Lakes: Formed in depressions left behind in the cirques or basins after the glacier has completely melted.

    Major Glacial Lakes in India

    India’s Himalayan region is home to numerous glacial lakes, each with unique characteristics:

    • Gurudongmar Lake (Sikkim): One of the highest lakes in the world at 5,430 meters above sea level, fed by glacial melt and known for its religious significance.
    • Chandra Taal (Himachal Pradesh): A stunning crescent-shaped lake in the Lahaul-Spiti region at 4,300 meters. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and fed by glacier melt.
    • Samiti Lake (Sikkim): Located along the trek to Kanchenjunga and known for its clear blue waters and reflective quality.
    • Satopanth Tal (Uttarakhand): Found in the Garhwal Himalayas, this lake lies close to Satopanth Glacier and is considered sacred by locals.
    • South Lhonak Lake (Sikkim): A growing lake fed by three glaciers, expanding rapidly due to climate change and posing risks of glacial lake outburst floods.

    PYQ:

    [2019]  Consider the following pairs:

    Glacier: River

    1. Bandarpunch: Yamuna
    2. Bara Shigri: Chenab
    3. Milam: Mandakini
    4. Siachen: Nubra
    5. Zemu: Manas

    Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
    (a) 1, 2 and 4 only
    (b) 1, 3 and 4 only
    (c) 2 and 5 only
    (d) 3 and 5 only

  • Why the goal to arrest global temperature rise to 1.5°C is unrealistic?

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    Why in the News?

    Over nine years ago, the world promised to cut emissions significantly, but it hasn’t succeeded. As a result, the goal of keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees is now out of reach.

    Is the 1.5°C Target Still Achievable?

    • Rising Emissions: Global emissions are still increasing, with 2023 seeing record levels. Despite clean energy advancements, emissions reductions have been insufficient to meet the pace required for the 1.5°C target.
    • Potential for Emission Peaking: The UNEP Emissions Gap Report suggests that emissions could peak by 2023 or 2024 if significant additional measures are taken, but global actions remain inconsistent and often insufficient.
    • Need for Accelerated Action: For the 1.5°C goal, global emissions need to drop by at least 43% by 2030 from 2019 levels.
      • Current projections indicate only a 2.6% reduction by 2030, far short of the required cuts.
    • Technological and Financial Challenges: Achieving the 1.5°C target hinges on rapid technological deployment, energy transition, and substantial financing for climate action. However, these remain constrained by a lack of coordination and resources.

    Implications of Exceeding the 1.5°C Limit

    • Increased Frequency of Extreme Events: Exceeding 1.5°C would lead to more frequent and severe extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and intense storms.
    • Impacts on Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Many species and ecosystems are sensitive to small temperature changes; coral reefs, for instance, face near-total collapse beyond 1.5°C warming.
    • Threats to Human Health and Livelihoods: Exceeding 1.5°C could lead to more heat-related illnesses, loss of productivity, water scarcity, and risks to food security, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
    • Feedback Loops: Warming beyond 1.5°C may activate feedback loops (e.g., Arctic ice melt, permafrost thawing), which could lead to irreversible changes and make further warming difficult to control.

    Should We Reconsider the Focus on the 1.5°C Target?

    • Adaptation vs. Mitigation: Given the increasing difficulty of limiting warming to 1.5°C, some argue for a shift in focus towards adaptation strategies to manage the unavoidable impacts of higher temperatures.
    • Realigning Expectations: While the 1.5°C target was critical to rally global climate action, a shift towards realistic, achievable goals may better support gradual but sustained progress, especially if mitigation pathways fall short.
    • Moving Towards a ‘Just Transition’: With a likely overshoot of the 1.5°C target, there is a greater need to ensure that climate adaptation and resilience measures do not disproportionately burden low-income countries and communities.
    • Science-Based Overshoot Scenarios: The IPCC and other scientific bodies continue to assess overshoot scenarios (e.g., temporarily exceeding 1.5°C and then returning below it later) to guide global climate strategies. However, returning to a lower temperature after an overshoot requires substantial and sustained negative emissions, which are currently unfeasible at scale.

    Way forward: 

    • Prioritize Scalable Emissions Reductions and Resilient Adaptation: Accelerate global transition to renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and reduce methane and other non-CO₂ emissions. Simultaneously, invest in adaptation measures to help vulnerable communities manage the impacts of warming beyond 1.5°C.
    • Strengthen Climate Finance and International Cooperation: Mobilize substantial climate funding for developing nations to support both mitigation and adaptation efforts. Enhance cross-border technology sharing and policy alignment to enable collective, equitable climate action.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)

  • Mount Fuji

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    Mount Fuji

    Why in the News?

    Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has set a new record for the longest delay in snowfall since records began in 1894.

    Why delay in snowfall at Mount Fuji? 

    • Higher Temperatures: Japan’s hottest summer on record and above-average October temperatures have delayed the cooling needed for snow.
    • Heatwave: Japan experienced numerous “extremely hot” days with temperatures exceeding 35°C, even into September.
    • Jet Stream Shift: A northerly shift in the sub-tropical jet stream brought warmer air over Japan, further hindering snow formation.

    About Mount Fuji:

    Details
    Location Honshu Island, Japan, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo.
    Height 3,776 meters (12,389 feet), making it the tallest mountain in Japan.
    Type of Volcano Stratovolcano, characterized by a conical shape formed from alternating layers of lava flow, ash, and tephra.
    Eruptions Last major eruption occurred in 1707 (Hoei eruption), causing ash to fall on Edo (now Tokyo).
    Geological Formation Formed through volcanic eruptions over thousands of years; current shape solidified around 300,000 years ago.
    Climate Varied climate with decreasing temperatures at higher altitudes; snow caps the summit from November to May.
    Surrounding Area Part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park; surrounded by five lakes: Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Sai, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu.
    Cultural Significance • National symbol of Japan
    • Sacred in Shintoism, associated with the deity Konohanasakuya-hime
    • Known as one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains
    Art and Literature A popular subject in traditional Japanese art (e.g., Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji), referenced in poetry and literature.
    UNESCO World Heritage Site Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 for its cultural significance and beauty.
    Cultural Festivals Hosts various festivals, such as the Fuji Shiba-sakura Festival, celebrating local flora.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment.

  • Biodiversity COP16

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    Why in the News?

    For the upcoming Annual Climate Change meeting set to take place in Baku (Azerbaijan), on November 11, countries are currently gathered in Cali, Colombia, for the biennial UN Biodiversity Conference.

    What is the significance of COP16 in the context of Global biodiversity?

    • Post-Kunming-Montreal Framework Implementation: COP16 is the first meeting after the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) in 2022, which set ambitious targets for biodiversity conservation, including the 30 x 30 initiative (conserving 30% of lands and oceans by 2030).
    • Elevated Focus on Biodiversity: The conference seeks to bring biodiversity discussions to the forefront, similar to climate change negotiations, acknowledging the interconnectedness of biodiversity and climate crises.
    • Strengthening Global Commitments: COP16 aims to accelerate actions to halt biodiversity loss and set the stage for tracking the implementation of the GBF’s goals and targets, emphasizing the urgency of reversing ecosystem degradation.

    Key Agendas for COP16:

    • 30 x 30 Targets: A key focus will be expediting progress on the 30 x 30 goals, ensuring protected areas cover at least 30% of lands and oceans, and initiating restoration in at least 30% of degraded ecosystems.
    • National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs): Countries will discuss and submit their NBSAPs, outlining time-bound actions to achieve GBF targets. Only 32 out of 196 countries have submitted NBSAPs so far.
    • Access and Benefit Sharing (Nagoya Protocol): Negotiations will continue on sharing the benefits from genetic resources, particularly the use of digital genetic information, ensuring fair distribution of profits, especially to indigenous communities.
    • High Seas Treaty Alignment: Discussions will focus on the agreement for the conservation of marine biodiversity beyond national jurisdictions, including establishing protected marine areas and equitable sharing of resources.
    • Financing Biodiversity Conservation: Mobilizing $200 billion per year by 2030, including $20-30 billion annually from developed to developing countries, will be a key topic.

    How will countries align their NBSAPs with the Global Biodiversity Framework?

    • Time-Bound Action Plans: NBSAPs will mirror the approach of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, setting national goals aligned with the GBF’s targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
    • Monitoring and Reporting: Countries will have to ensure that their NBSAPs reflect the GBF’s goals and include mechanisms for tracking progress, adapting strategies, and reporting regularly to the CBD Secretariat.
    • Integrating Regional Priorities: The NBSAPs will need to account for country-specific biodiversity challenges and regional ecological characteristics while aligning with the global targets set under the Kunming-Montreal Framework.

    What role do various stakeholders play in achieving the objectives set out at COP16?

    • National Governments: Responsible for formulating and implementing NBSAPs, mobilizing financial resources, and creating policies that align with the GBF’s goals.
    • Indigenous and Local Communities: Vital for implementing conservation initiatives, especially in biodiversity-rich areas, and ensuring the fair sharing of benefits derived from traditional knowledge and resources.
    • Private Sector and Corporations: Expected to contribute to financing biodiversity conservation, adopt sustainable practices, and support the development of biodiversity credits and conservation-related projects.
    • International Organizations and NGOs: Will play a role in monitoring progress, providing technical assistance, advocating for biodiversity-friendly policies, and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation.
    • Scientific and Academic Institutions: Crucial for research, data collection, and providing evidence-based recommendations to guide biodiversity conservation strategies and the sustainable use of natural resources.

    Way forward: India needs to enhance it’s regulatory frameworks and establish robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure the effective implementation of biodiversity conservation goals, including the 30 x 30 targets, and prevent the exploitation of ecosystems.

    Previous Years Question:

    Q). Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC CSE 2021)

     

    Q). Explain the purpose of the Green Grid Initiative launched at World Leaders Summit of the COP26 UN Climate Change Conference in Glasgow in November, 2021. When was this idea first floated in the International Solar Alliance (ISA)? (UPSC CSE 2021)

  • The case for a nature restoration law in India

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    Why in the News?

    The urgent global issue of ecosystem degradation affects India significantly, with nearly 30% of its land degraded. India’s need for a comprehensive nature restoration law is critical, drawing inspiration from the EU’s NRL

    Why does India need a Nature Restoration Law?

    • High Land Degradation: Nearly 30% of India’s land is degraded, with areas like Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan severely affected.
    • Rising Desertification: The extent of desertification in India has increased significantly, impacting ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
    • Biodiversity Loss: The degradation of natural habitats threatens India’s rich biodiversity and contributes to the global biodiversity crisis.
    • Climate Change Mitigation: Degraded ecosystems lose their ability to act as carbon sinks, worsening climate change impacts.
    • Economic Implications: Land degradation affects agriculture, water security, and livelihoods, necessitating legal intervention for sustainable management.

    What should the Nature Restoration Law in India include?

    • Legally Binding Restoration Targets: Similar to the EU’s NRL, set mandates to restore a specific percentage of land and water bodies by 2030 and 2050.
    • Multi-Ecosystem Approach: Include provisions for forests, agricultural lands, rivers, wetlands, and urban areas to ensure comprehensive ecosystem restoration.
    • Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms: Establish a framework for monitoring progress, conducting periodic reviews, and reporting on restoration outcomes.
    • Funding and Incentive Mechanisms: Provide financial support and incentives for states, communities, and private entities engaging in restoration projects.
    • Integration with Existing Programs: Align with ongoing initiatives like the Green India Mission and watershed programs for enhanced effectiveness.

    What are the potential benefits of implementing such a law?

    • Environmental: Restoring degraded lands can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and increase carbon sequestration, aiding climate resilience.
    • Economic: Could generate economic returns through improved agricultural productivity, job creation, and enhanced water security.
    • Social: Restoration projects can create rural employment opportunities and support sustainable livelihoods, especially in degraded areas.
    • Alignment with International Commitments: Helps India achieve its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 15, and meet Paris Agreement targets.

    Way forward: 

    • Adopt a Comprehensive Restoration Framework: India should enact a Nature Restoration Law with legally binding targets, integrating multi-ecosystem restoration approaches and aligning with existing environmental programs.
    • Strengthen Monitoring and Funding Mechanisms: Establish robust monitoring frameworks for progress evaluation and provide financial incentives for restoration efforts, ensuring effective implementation and long-term sustainability.

  • Climate change impact harsher on poorer farmers in India: FAO report

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    Why in the News?

    On October 16, 2024, the FAO said that poor households around the world lose 5% of their income each year due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods.

    About FAO: 

    • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is indeed a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN), established to lead international efforts aimed at combating hunger and improving food security and nutrition globally.
    • It founded on October 16, 1945, FAO operates from its headquarters in Rome, Italy, and comprises 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union.

    Key Objectives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):

    • Eradicate Hunger and Malnutrition: The FAO aims to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition worldwide by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and increasing food availability.
    • Promote Sustainable Agriculture: The organization encourages sustainable management of natural resources and resilient agricultural systems to combat climate change and preserve biodiversity.
    • Reduce Rural Poverty: FAO works to improve the livelihoods of rural populations through economic development, social protection measures, and improved access to markets.
    • Enhance Food Systems: It focuses on improving food production, distribution, and consumption to ensure the global population has access to nutritious, safe, and affordable food.
    • Respond to Crises: The FAO assists countries in addressing food-related emergencies and building resilience against future shocks, such as natural disasters and conflicts.

    Key Highlights of the Present Report by FAO:

    • Economic Losses from Climate Stress: The report highlighted that poor households globally lose 5% of their income due to heat stress and 4.4% due to floods annually, compared to better-off households.
    • Impact on Rural Poor in India: It found that rural poor households in India are affected by climate stress differently, with reduced off-farm employment opportunities during droughts, forcing them to allocate more resources to agriculture.
    • Structural Inequalities: The report noted that poor households’ vulnerability to climate stressors is rooted in structural inequalities, calling for policy measures such as expanding social security.
    • Recommendations for Livelihood Support: Suggested scaling up anticipatory social protection programs and improving off-farm employment opportunities to reduce reliance on negative coping strategies.
    • Gender and Employment Barriers: The report urged addressing gender disparities in non-farm employment through gender-transformative approaches to tackle discriminatory norms.

    What is NITI Aayog’s Response?

    • Efforts to Combat Climate Change: NITI Aayog highlighted India’s proactive measures, such as the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project, which supports farmers’ adaptation to severe climate conditions.
    • Social Safety Nets: Emphasized India’s implementation of a nationwide employment guarantee scheme and extensive food distribution efforts during the pandemic as evidence of social protection measures.
    • Women’s Workforce Participation: Cited data from the Periodic Labour Force Surveys showing increased female participation in the workforce, indicating progress in addressing gender issues.
    • Open to FAO Suggestions: Acknowledged the value of considering the FAO’s recommendations for further policy improvement while emphasizing India’s existing initiatives.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Social Protection: Expand anticipatory social protection programs and climate-resilient agricultural practices to support vulnerable households, reducing income losses from climate stress.
    • Address Structural Inequalities: Enhance off-farm employment opportunities, tackle gender disparities, and implement policies targeting the root causes of vulnerability to climate-related risks.

  • As the world warms and cool

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    Why in the News?

    The rising demand for cooling is leading to increased fossil fuel consumption for electricity generation, which in turn contributes to climate change and gradually elevates atmospheric temperatures.

    What are the primary impacts of climate change on human societies?

    • Heat-Related Health Risks: Increased temperatures and more frequent heatwaves lead to higher incidences of heat-related illnesses and deaths. For instance, global heatwaves already result in approximately 12,000 fatalities annually.
    • Threats to Food Security: Extreme temperatures and unstable weather patterns negatively impact agricultural productivity, affecting food quality and availability, and driving up prices.
    • Access to Essential Services: Over 1.1 billion people face immediate risks due to inadequate access to cooling, impacting health services (like vaccine storage), food preservation, and economic productivity.
    • Increased Mortality: By 2050, deaths from extreme heat are projected to surge, with the World Health Organization predicting up to 255,000 heat-related fatalities each year.

    How Can Societies Effectively Adapt to the Ongoing Changes in Climate?

    • Promoting Energy-Efficient Cooling: Improve the efficiency of cooling devices to reduce energy demand and mitigate climate impacts. This includes transitioning away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) under international agreements like the Kigali amendment.
    • Nature-Based Solutions: Implement alternatives to mechanical cooling, such as planting shade trees and using smart building designs to naturally regulate temperatures.
    • Policy and Technological Innovations: Governments should enforce strict compliance with energy efficiency standards for cooling equipment and incentivize the development of sustainable cooling technologies.

    What Role Does International Cooperation Play in Addressing Climate Change?

    • Global Agreements: Initiatives like the Paris Agreement and the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol emphasize the need for unified international action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development goals.
    • Shared Resources and Technology Transfer: International efforts, such as those led by Rwanda and the African Group, advocate for access to energy-efficient technologies, particularly for developing nations.
    • Enhancing Compliance and Monitoring: Countries are urged to strictly adhere to global agreements, such as phasing down HFCs, to achieve climate targets and protect vulnerable populations.

    Way Forward:

    • Accelerate the Transition to Energy-Efficient Cooling: Enhance international efforts to double the average energy efficiency of cooling devices and support the shift to climate-friendly refrigerants.
    • Integrate Cooling Solutions into Climate and Development Policies: Recognize cooling as a development issue and address its critical role in poverty alleviation and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

  • As the green patch spreads in Antarctica, here’s what is worrying scientists

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    Why in the News?

    A new study reveals that plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula, a mountainous region extending towards South America, has increased more than tenfold in recent decades due to rising temperatures.

    What has the study found?

    • Vegetation in the Antarctic Peninsula increased 14-fold between 1986 and 2021, expanding from less than 1 sq km to nearly 12 sq km.
    • Mosses and lichens dominate this vegetation, with greening accelerating by 30% between 2016 and 2021.
    • The changes are linked to anthropogenic climate change and observed through satellite data.

    How quickly is Antarctica warming?

    • Antarctica is warming twice as fast as the global average, at 0.22-0.32°C per decade (compared to 0.14-0.18°C globally).
    • The Antarctic Peninsula is warming five times faster than the global average and is now almost 3°C warmer than in 1950.
    • Record-breaking heatwaves have occurred, with temperatures rising up to 28°C above normal in July 2023 and 39°C above normal in March 2022.

    Why should we worry about increased vegetation in Antarctica?

    • Invasive Species: Warming temperatures and increased vegetation disrupt the ecological balance, allowing non-native species to outcompete native flora like mosses and lichens, leading to reduced biodiversity and altered habitats.
    • Albedo Effect: Increased plant cover lowers the albedo effect, resulting in greater solar energy absorption and further warming, creating a feedback loop that promotes additional vegetation growth.
    • Soil Formation: Plant life accelerates soil development by adding organic matter, enhancing nutrient cycling, and creating a more hospitable environment for non-native species, thereby increasing the risk of invasives.
    • Ice Loss and Sea-Level Rise: Higher temperatures from warming and the albedo effect lead to increased ice melt, contributing to global sea-level rise, which threatens coastal ecosystems and human settlements with flooding and erosion.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen climate action: Accelerate global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, focusing on renewable energy and sustainable practices to mitigate further warming in Antarctica.
    • Monitor ecosystems: Establish stricter biosecurity measures and enhanced monitoring to prevent invasive species from spreading and disrupting Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem.
    • Promote global cooperation: Increase international collaboration on Antarctic research, focusing on climate change impacts, ecosystem protection, and adaptation strategies to minimize global sea-level rise and biodiversity loss.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Major cities of India are becoming vulnerable to flood conditions. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • 2023 driest for global rivers in 33 years, reveals WMO’s report

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    Why in the News?

    The World Meteorological Organization (WMO)‘s October 2024 report revealed that 2023 was the driest year for global rivers in 33 years, intensifying stress on water supplies globally.

    What factors contributed to 2023 being the driest year for global rivers?

    • Record High Temperatures: 2023 was marked as the hottest year on record, which significantly contributed to prolonged drought conditions and reduced river flows across many regions globally.
    • Climate Change Impact: Rising temperatures have led to a more erratic hydrological cycle, resulting in both extreme droughts and flooding. This unpredictability has exacerbated water shortages in many areas.
    • Transition from La Niña to El Niño: The climatic shift from La Niña to El Niño conditions in mid-2023 played a crucial role in altering weather patterns, leading to widespread dry conditions in many regions while simultaneously causing flooding in others.
    • Glacier Melting: The report indicated that glaciers experienced their largest mass loss in 50 years, which threatens long-term water security for millions who rely on glacial meltwater for their water supply.

    How has climate change impacted global water resources and glacier conditions?

    • Increased Water Scarcity: The report highlighted that approximately 3.6 billion people currently lack reliable access to water for at least one month each year, a number expected to rise to over 5 billion by 2050 due to worsening water scarcity.
    • Glacier Dependency: Many regions depend on glacial meltwater for their river systems. As glaciers continue to shrink, future water availability is jeopardized, particularly in areas like Europe and North America.
    • Erratic Water Supply: The hydrological cycle’s acceleration leads to unpredictable rainfall patterns, causing both droughts and floods that disrupt agricultural and industrial water supplies.

    What are the implications for global water access and management?

    • Increased Demand vs. Supply Shortages: With growing populations and rising demand for water resources, the current trends indicate a critical imbalance between supply and demand, leading to heightened competition for available water resources.
    • Need for Improved Monitoring: The WMO emphasizes the necessity for better data collection and sharing regarding water resources. This is crucial for effective management strategies that can adapt to changing conditions.
    • Urgent Action Required: There is an urgent need for global cooperation and action to address these challenges. Enhanced monitoring systems and international collaboration are essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water resources.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Water Resource Management and Adaptation Strategies: Governments should implement integrated water resource management (IWRM) plans to address both water scarcity and flooding risks.
    • Enhance Global Cooperation and Data-Driven Decision Making: Countries must prioritize data-sharing, improve monitoring of water resources, and foster cross-border collaborations to manage shared water systems effectively.

  • Little Prespa Lake on Albanian-Greek Border slowly dying

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    At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.

    Why in the News?

    At the Albanian-Greek border, Little Prespa Lake is slowly drying.

    About Little Prespa Lake

    • Little Prespa Lake, also known as Small Lake Prespa, is located on the Albanian-Greek border.
    • The majority of the lake lies in Greek territory, with the southern tip extending into Albania.
    • The total area of the lake is approximately 450 hectares within Albanian territory, though much of this area has now transformed into swamps or dried up.
    • It is the smaller part of the nearby Great Prespa Lake, which lies to the south.
    • Historically, the lake was fed by snowmelt and precipitation, but these have reduced significantly due to climate change and human intervention.
    • In the 1970s, communist authorities in Albania diverted the Devoll River for agricultural irrigation around the city of Korca.
    • This diversion significantly reduced the water inflow to the lake, beginning its ecological decline.

    Impact of Little Prespa Lake’s Drying

    • The drying has led to the collapse of the fishing industry, depriving locals of their primary livelihood.
    • The once-thriving aquatic ecosystem has transformed into a marshland, resulting in biodiversity loss as fish populations vanish.
    • The diversion of the Devoll River for agricultural purposes has exacerbated the lake’s decline.
    • The lake could completely disappear if current trends continue, threatening the region’s environmental and economic stability.

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which of the following has/have shrunk immensely/dried up in the recent past due to human activities?

    1. Aral Sea

    2. Black Sea

    3. Lake Baikal

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3

  • The La Nina and North India’s pollution

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    Why in the News?

    The delayed onset of La Niña and the late retreat of the monsoon have diminished hopes that Delhi’s residents might enjoy improved air quality this winter compared to previous years.

    What is Triple-dip La- Nina?

    Triple-dip La Niña refers to the rare occurrence of La Niña persisting for three consecutive years, causing prolonged cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific and influencing global weather patterns, including stronger monsoons.

    How has the triple-dip La Niña phenomenon influenced air quality in North India?

    • No dispersion of pollutants: The delayed onset of La Niña has led to stagnant air and calm winds, preventing the dispersion of pollutants. In previous winters, La Niña helped improve air quality with stronger winds and atmospheric circulation.
    • Trapped air pollutants: The slower monsoon retreat resulted in extended periods of high humidity, reduced atmospheric mixing, and trapped pollutants near the surface, contributing to deteriorated air quality.

    What meteorological factors contributed to the observed anomalies in air quality?

    • Monsoon Retreat and Humidity: The delayed retreat of the monsoon contributes to prolonged periods of high humidity and calm winds. These conditions reduce atmospheric mixing, trapping pollutants near the surface and leading to elevated levels of PM2.5 and PM10.
    • Stagnant Winds: The absence of La Niña conditions results in stagnant surface winds, which hinder the dispersion of pollutants. This stagnation is particularly problematic given the regional emissions from stubble burning and other sources.
    • Stubble Burning: With prevailing north-north-westerly winds, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana could significantly worsen Delhi’s air quality if it occurs at even half the intensity seen in previous years.

    What implications does this have for future climate and air quality management strategies?

    • Need for Broader Focus: There is a growing recognition that air quality management must shift from a localized emission-centric approach to one that considers larger meteorological patterns and regional airsheds.
    • Policy Recommendations: Policymakers should prioritize mitigating PM2.5 emissions over PM10, as PM2.5 poses greater health risks.
    • Integration of Climate Factors: Future air quality strategies should integrate climate change considerations, recognizing that local emissions are only part of the equation.

    Way forward:

    • Adopt Regional Airshed Management: Shift from a localized approach to a broader airshed strategy, accounting for meteorological patterns and regional pollution sources to improve air quality management.
    • Prioritize PM2.5 Mitigation and Climate Integration: Focus on reducing PM2.5 emissions, which pose higher health risks, and incorporate climate change factors into long-term air quality policies for comprehensive solutions.

  • How global warming affect forecasting?

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    Why in the News?

    The record warming of 2023-2024 is offering a clearer view of the impacts of global warming. The range of extreme events experienced globally has spanned from deadly heatwaves to devastating cyclones and floods, as well as droughts and wildfires.

    Impact of Warming on Predictability:

    • Increased Variability: The record warming of 2023-2024 highlights the unpredictability of climate systems under global warming, complicating forecasts for natural phenomena like El Niño, monsoons, and hurricanes.
    • Natural Variability: Warming may extend the timescale of natural decadal variability, making it harder to distinguish between short-term fluctuations and long-term trends in climate behaviour.
    • Model Limitations: Despite advances, climate models are imperfect in capturing changes in dominant climate modes due to warming, leading to inconsistencies in predicting events like monsoon trends.

    Types of Climate Models to forecast the weather: 

    1. General Circulation Models (GCMs): These models simulate the physics of the climate system by representing the interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, land, and ice. They divide the Earth into a three-dimensional grid and calculate climate variables like temperature and humidity in each grid cell.
    2. Earth System Models (ESMs): An advanced subset of GCMs that includes biogeochemical cycles, allowing them to simulate interactions between climate and ecological processes, such as carbon and nitrogen cycles.
    3. Regional Climate Models (RCMs): These focus on smaller geographic areas to provide more detailed climate projections by using outputs from GCMs as inputs for localized simulations.
    4. Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs): These combine climate science with socioeconomic factors to analyze how human activities influence climate change and to project future emissions scenarios.

    Challenges in Forecasting Extreme Weather:

    • Inconsistent Predictions: Predictions for extreme weather events in 2023, such as the monsoon and hurricane seasons, were less accurate, revealing the limitations of current models and observational networks.
    • Unforeseen Factors: Unanticipated contributions, like the impact of the Hunga Tonga volcano or wildfire-induced CO2 emissions, exacerbated warming in ways models failed to predict, illustrating the unpredictability of new factors.
    • Censorship Concerns: The rapid response required from social media platforms to act on content flagged as misleading within 36 hours created concerns about censorship and freedom of expression.

    Future of Weather Prediction Models:

    • Need for Model Improvements: There is ongoing work to refine models and incorporate the latest technologies, including AI and machine learning, to improve weather prediction accuracy at hyperlocal scales.
    • Natural Modes and Uncertainty: The predictability of natural modes (El Niño, La Niña, IOD) may decrease with relentless warming, making future climate forecasts increasingly uncertain.
    • Short-Term Focus: A shift toward short-term predictions (up to a decade or two) may offer more reliable projections due to the inherent difficulty in predicting long-term scenarios under continuous global warming.

    Way forward: 

    • Enhanced Climate Models: Invest in improving climate models with cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning, and advanced sensors to increase the accuracy of short-term forecasts and better capture the impact of natural variability under warming.
    • Localized Early Warning Systems: Develop robust, hyperlocal early warning systems to better prepare for extreme weather events, focusing on disaster management and reducing vulnerabilities in high-risk communities.

  • A climate crisis agenda remains urgent

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    Why in the News?

    Although voters voiced concerns about the climate crisis, it was overlooked during the Lok Sabha election campaign.

    2023 Climate Targets of Indian Government

    • Renewable Energy Goals: India aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030, with a target for 50% of its total energy needs to come from renewable sources.
    • Emissions Goals: The updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) set a goal to reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 45% compared to 2005 levels by 2030.
    • Carbon Sink Targets: India plans to create an additional carbon sink of 2.5–3 billion metric tons of CO2 equivalent through enhanced forest and tree cover by 2030.
    • Net Zero Commitment: Aiming for net zero emissions by 2070, India has committed to significant reductions in projected emissions, including a pledge to reduce one billion tonnes of emissions from now until 2030.
      • As of late 2023, India has already achieved a cumulative electric power capacity from non-fossil fuel sources at approximately 43.81%, ahead of its initial targets.

    Why is addressing the climate crisis an urgent priority for policymakers and the global community?

    • The Paris Agreement includes a commitment for developed countries to mobilize $100 billion per year by 2020 to support climate action in developing countries. This target was extended until 2025, with new financial goals.
      • The next five years are crucial for India’s climate action to meet its ambitious 2030 targets, as the Roadmap for 2025 Climate Change Funds are about to end.
    • India’s heavy dependence on coal, with clean energy contributing only 22% of the electricity mix, underscores the need for an urgent transition.
    • Immediate attention is required to manage heat stress, improve air quality, handle waste, and enhance energy efficiency.

    What specific actions or policies can be implemented?

    • Enhanced Carbon Markets: Launching the ‘India Carbon Market’ in 2026 aims to help achieve Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and could become the world’s largest emissions trading system by 2030.
    • Mitigating Pollutants: Focus on reducing CO2 and short-lived superpollutants like methane, black carbon, and hydrofluorocarbons, which have significant short-term warming effects.
      • Integrating specific treaties into the Paris Agreement, similar to the Montreal Protocol, with a new treaty targeting methane reductions by 2030 would be helpful.
    • Financial Incentives: Developing financial mechanisms and nuanced carbon trading approaches to encourage faster climate action and effective pollutant management.

    What challenges or barriers exist in the implementation of a comprehensive climate crisis agenda?

    • Governance and Coordination: Need for a Constitutional nodal authority to ensure coordinated climate action across various government levels and stakeholders.
    • Economic and Social Factors: Rising temperatures and associated crises like unemployment and high living costs contribute to public disengagement from climate issues.
    • Political and Voter Engagement: The 2024 Lok Sabha election’s lack of focus on climate issues highlights the challenge of integrating climate action into mainstream political agendas and addressing voter concerns.

    Way forward: 

    • Create a Constitutional Nodal Authority: Form a central body with the authority to oversee, coordinate, and enforce climate policies across various government levels, ensuring effective and unified action.
    • Prioritize Climate Issues in Political Platforms: Make climate action a central theme in political campaigns and public discussions to boost awareness, engagement, and support for climate policies and initiatives.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC IAS/2017)