Insufficient Funds will not Mitigate Climate Change
Context: Climate finance has become a focal point in discussions on global climate action, particularly during COP28 in Dubai. The finance day at COP28 marked a significant breakthrough in international financial architecture, with influential countries and financial institutions committing to innovative mechanisms aimed at supporting low-income and vulnerable nations in their efforts against climate change. Relevance: GS-3- […]
Significant Steps in Waste Management
Context: In a recent written reply in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change highlighted the significant steps taken to tackle waste management in the country. Relevance: GS II: Environment and Ecology Highlighted Initiatives in Waste Management: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Mechanism: Waste Processing Capacity: Swachh Bharat Mission for Solid Waste Management: Waste Management […]
Climate Change Impact on Species
Context: The recent update of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, revealed at the 28th Conference of Parties, highlights the growing impacts of climate change on a wide array of species. The updated list comprises 157,190 species, with 44,016 facing the threat of extinction. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology […]
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 […]