Advancing Carbon Abatement Technologies
Context: At COP28 in Dubai, UAE, draft decisions have proposed the reduction and elimination of carbon emissions through the adoption of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon-Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies. The focus is on addressing unabated fossil fuels, emphasizing the imperative to “phase out” the combustion of these fuels without employing CCS technologies for […]
Social Barriers in Shifting Towards Sustainable Mobility
Context: Addressing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation is a critical priority for India’s pursuit of net zero emissions. Globally, the largest contributor to mobility emissions is passenger road vehicles, a trend mirrored in India where approximately 14% of total emissions are linked to mobility. Relevance: GS3- Environmental Pollution Mains Question: Sustainable Urban Mobility centred around […]
Low Implementation of SO2 Emission Reduction
Context: An analysis by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) reveals that less than 8% of India’s coal-based power plants have adopted the recommended SO2 emission reduction technology mandated by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). This raises concerns about the efficacy of measures to control Sulfur […]
Using Climate Science in Conference of Parties Meetings
Context: Since 1995, when the inaugural United Nations Conference of Parties (COP) took place, there has been a significant transformation in its nature. Initially characterized by formal, exclusive gatherings attended by bureaucrats and technocrats, these events have evolved into lively spectacles resembling carnivals. Relevance: GS3- Environment Mains Question: COP meetings must use climate science to promote justice […]
Soil Pollution can Lead to a Major Catastrophe
Context: Soil and water are vital components crucial for sustaining life on Earth, encompassing human existence. Regrettably, the present generation is causing harm to this life-sustaining resource. Development projects and ascetic practices have led to the conversion of fertile agricultural lands into flats and gardens with exotic plants. Relevance: GS3- Environment- Environmental Pollution and Degradation […]
Harvest the Odisha Story to Ensure Food Security
Context: As global leaders convene for COP28, the increasingly dire consequences of the climate crisis cast a somber shadow over the planet’s future, jeopardizing peace and prosperity. Unchecked climate change is anticipated to lead to a 20% increase in hunger and malnutrition, while global warming is expected to cause a 21% decline in food productivity. Relevance: […]
Ban on the Use of Sugarcane Juice and Sugar Syrup in Ethanol Production
Context: The Centre’s recent ban on using sugarcane juice and sugar syrup for ethanol production in the 2023-24 supply year aims to maintain adequate sugar availability for domestic consumption and stabilize prices. However, the government has permitted the use of B-molasses for ethanol production. Relevance: GS-III: Environment and Ecology, GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure Dimensions of the Article: What is Ethanol […]
UNEP’s Action Plan for Cooling Sector Emission Reduction
Context: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has put forth an action plan outlined in the report “Keeping it Chill: How to meet cooling demands while cutting emissions,” with the goal of significantly decreasing emissions from the global cooling sector. This initiative has the potential to make a substantial impact, foreseeing a 60% reduction in […]
Climate Change Performance Index
Context: Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2024 was released on the sidelines of the ongoing COP28 at Dubai. India ranked 7th in this year’s Climate Change Performance Index, up one spot from the previous one. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: India’s Climate Action: Fourth Strongest Germanwatch Annual Performance Index: Top […]
The Global Climate 2011-2020 Report
Context: Few indicators capture the severity of the climate crisis as effectively as the condition of glaciers, a crucial element of the cryosphere. The World Meteorological Organization’s recent publication, “The Global Climate 2011-2020,” provides a comprehensive overview of the Earth’s reaction to greenhouse gas emissions. Relevance: GS3- Environment- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Environmental Impact Assessment. Mains Question: […]