Yak Domestication in Bangga Tibet
Context: A recent study reveals the earliest evidence of human domestication of yaks in Bangga, a settlement in the Shannan prefecture of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. Shannan, located along the Brahmaputra River and sharing borders with Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh, serves as the archaeological site for this significant discovery. Relevance: GS III: Conservation Dimensions […]
Fossil Fuels and the Rapid Retreat of Glaciers
Context: The recently concluded Conference of Parties (COP28) marked a pivotal move toward ending the fossil fuel era for the preservation of humanity. Interestingly, this landmark decision was made in Dubai, the stronghold of the powerful oil-producer group Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). During a meeting with mountain countries at COP28, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored […]
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 […]