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Biodiversity & Environment
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What do you understand by Eutrophication?
Eutrophication is a process by which a body of water becomes excessively enriched with nutrients, leading to an overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants. This process can have detrimental effects on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and overall environmental health. Key Points: Definition and PRead more
Eutrophication is a process by which a body of water becomes excessively enriched with nutrients, leading to an overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants. This process can have detrimental effects on water quality, aquatic ecosystems, and overall environmental health.
Key Points:
Conclusion
Eutrophication is a significant environmental issue characterized by excessive nutrient enrichment in water bodies, leading to adverse effects such as oxygen depletion, loss of biodiversity, and water quality degradation. Recent examples, including Lake Erie, Chilika Lake, and the Dead Sea, highlight the global relevance of this issue. Addressing eutrophication requires comprehensive management strategies, including nutrient control, improved wastewater treatment, and restoration projects to ensure the health and sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.
See lessWhen was the Environmental Protection Act implemented in India?
The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) was implemented in India on December 19, 1986. This act represents a significant legislative milestone aimed at safeguarding the environment and addressing various environmental issues. Key Points: Purpose and Objectives The primary objective of the EPA is to pRead more
The Environmental Protection Act (EPA) was implemented in India on December 19, 1986. This act represents a significant legislative milestone aimed at safeguarding the environment and addressing various environmental issues.
Key Points:
Conclusion
The Environmental Protection Act, implemented on December 19, 1986, has been a cornerstone of India’s environmental legislation. It provides a legal framework for protecting and improving the environment, addressing pollution, and promoting sustainable development. Recent examples, including Supreme Court rulings and updated regulations, highlight the ongoing relevance of the EPA in tackling contemporary environmental issues and ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
See lessExplain the role of Nanotechnology towards a more sustainable environment.
ASSIGNMENT
ASSIGNMENT
See lessExplain the risks and benefits of GMOs being utilised to improve biodiversity in degraded ecosystems.
GMOs stands for Genetically Modified Organisms. These organisms whose genetic material has been altered, meaning their genes have been changed, to give them specific traits. It can be used to improve biodiversity in degraded ecosystems, but it's a double edged sword. Benifits GMOs can introduce desiRead more
GMOs stands for Genetically Modified Organisms. These organisms whose genetic material has been altered, meaning their genes have been changed, to give them specific traits. It can be used to improve biodiversity in degraded ecosystems, but it’s a double edged sword.
Benifits
For example – GMO cotton in India has reduced Pesticide use , benefiting non-target species.
Risk
For example – GMO salmon in Canada have raised concerns about escaping and interbreeding with wild populations.
For better understanding, the use of GMO mosquitoes to combat Zika virus in Brazil sparked debate. While they can reduce disease transmission, their impact on native mosquito populations and ecosystems is unknown.
In conclusion, GMOs can be a tool for ecosystem restoration, but careful risk assessment , regulation , monitoring are crucial to avoid repercussions and ensure biodiversity Betterments.
See lessWhat do you think is the future of green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen, or sustainable hydrogen, is obtained without generating any harmful environmental pollutants. Its inherent benefits include zero waste generation, renewable nature of energy, and ease of storage and transport. Generated by the electrolysis process and its only by-product beingRead more
Green hydrogen, or sustainable hydrogen, is obtained without generating any harmful environmental pollutants. Its inherent benefits include zero waste generation, renewable nature of energy, and ease of storage and transport. Generated by the electrolysis process and its only by-product being water, green hydrogen can be a protagonist of the global energy transition for a cleaner and greener Earth.
Primarily, green hydrogen acts as a means of decarbonizing transport, especially in the maritime and aviation industries which account for 4.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Replacing these heavily combustible synthetic fuels, with green hydrogen can significantly bring these emissions down. Similarly, in the petrochemical and metallurgy industries, contributing to 6-7% CO2 emissions, green hydrogen can cause the decarbonisation of these industries. It can also act as a long-term system for energy storage due to its longevity and large compressible volume. Apart from that, green hydrogen can also be used for domestic purposes, as it is capable of reaching the desired temperature.
One might think, about the cost of using green hydrogen as its cost of production is higher than most. However, it’s something that must be done for the world to survive in the future. Thus, several government initiatives should be implemented to allocate the required funds to bring down the installation and production costs of green hydrogen.
See lessWrite a note on "Problem of Equilibrium between Economic Development and Carbon Emission." (200 Words) [UPPSC 2020]
Problem of Equilibrium between Economic Development and Carbon Emission Introduction: Balancing economic development and carbon emissions is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As countries strive for economic growth, the environmental impact, particularly in the form of greenhouse gasRead more
Problem of Equilibrium between Economic Development and Carbon Emission
Introduction: Balancing economic development and carbon emissions is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As countries strive for economic growth, the environmental impact, particularly in the form of greenhouse gas emissions, often increases. Finding a sustainable equilibrium is crucial for achieving long-term development goals without exacerbating climate change.
Economic Development vs. Carbon Emissions: Economic development traditionally relies on industrialization, which is energy-intensive and often dependent on fossil fuels. This has led to a significant rise in carbon emissions. For instance, countries like China and India have seen rapid economic growth, but this has been accompanied by increased emissions, contributing to global warming.
Challenges:
Recent Example: India, under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, aims to reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 33-35% by 2030 from 2005 levels. However, the balancing act remains challenging as the country also targets to become a $5 trillion economy by 2025, which requires sustained economic growth.
Conclusion: Achieving equilibrium requires innovative solutions like green technologies, sustainable practices, and international cooperation. The challenge is not just to grow economically but to ensure that this growth is sustainable and inclusive without compromising the environment.
See lessWhat are the ethical considerations surrounding waste management in developing countries, especially when waste from wealthier nations is exported there?
Developing countries that don’t have the means to manufacture high-quality products usually import waste to improve their economy. Most developing countries follow this global waste trade even though the imported waste has negative consequences due to the environmentally hazardous waste materials frRead more
Developing countries that don’t have the means to manufacture high-quality products usually import waste to improve their economy. Most developing countries follow this global waste trade even though the imported waste has negative consequences due to the environmentally hazardous waste materials from wealthier nations.
A major way to rectify the above situations is to reuse or recycle materials like metals and plastics to reduce environmental degradation. When dumps, landfills and incinerators are used to manage waste properly, there is a considerable decrease in environmental risk.
See lessDefine Biodiversity. why are tropical countries rich in biodiversity? Explain. (125 Words) [UPPSC 2019]
Biodiversity Defined Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including the diversity of species, genes, ecosystems, and ecological processes. It encompasses the variety within and between species, as well as the variety of ecosystems. Tropical Countries and Biodiversity 1. FavorabRead more
Biodiversity Defined
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms on Earth, including the diversity of species, genes, ecosystems, and ecological processes. It encompasses the variety within and between species, as well as the variety of ecosystems.
Tropical Countries and Biodiversity
1. Favorable Climate:
2. Complex Ecosystems:
3. Evolutionary History:
Conclusion: Tropical countries are rich in biodiversity due to their favorable climate, complex ecosystems, and long evolutionary history, making them vital for global ecological balance.
See lessCritically examine the challenges of conservation of wild life. (125 Words) [UPPSC 2020]
Challenges of Wildlife Conservation 1. Habitat Destruction: Deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization lead to significant loss of natural habitats. For instance, the degradation of the Sundarbans mangroves threatens the Bengal tiger population. 2. Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: PoachiRead more
Challenges of Wildlife Conservation
1. Habitat Destruction: Deforestation, urbanization, and industrialization lead to significant loss of natural habitats. For instance, the degradation of the Sundarbans mangroves threatens the Bengal tiger population.
2. Poaching and Illegal Wildlife Trade: Poaching and the illegal wildlife trade threaten species like the rhino and elephant. The black market for wildlife products, such as ivory, exacerbates the problem.
3. Human-Wildlife Conflict: Encroachment and agricultural expansion often result in conflict between humans and wildlife. For example, elephant raids in Kerala and Assam cause property damage and loss of life.
4. Climate Change: Climate change impacts ecosystems and species distribution. For example, polar bears face challenges due to melting sea ice in the Arctic.
5. Insufficient Funding and Management: Many conservation efforts suffer from limited funding and ineffective management. The Project Tiger initiative, despite its success, still faces funding and implementation issues.
In summary, effective wildlife conservation requires addressing these multifaceted challenges through integrated management, community involvement, and global cooperation.
See lessEnvironmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Introduction: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies are crucial for evaluating the potential effects of projects before government approval. Coal-fired thermal plants, especially those located at coal pitheads, have significant environmental impacts that must be carefully assessed. EnvironmeRead more
Introduction: Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies are crucial for evaluating the potential effects of projects before government approval. Coal-fired thermal plants, especially those located at coal pitheads, have significant environmental impacts that must be carefully assessed.
Environmental Impacts of Coal-Fired Thermal Plants:
Recent Examples:
Conclusion: Coal-fired thermal plants at coal pitheads pose several environmental challenges, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and pollution, land degradation, and health impacts. EIA studies are essential to identify and mitigate these impacts, ensuring that such projects comply with environmental standards and contribute to sustainable development. As India continues to rely on coal for energy, improving the environmental performance of these plants and transitioning to cleaner energy sources are critical for minimizing their ecological footprint.
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