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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. (200 words) [UPSC 2014]
Introduction: The pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms (CDMs) under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) remains a topic of debate due to the significant drop in carbon credit values. However, maintaining these mechanisms is crucial for India, giveRead more
Introduction: The pursuit of carbon credits and clean development mechanisms (CDMs) under the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) remains a topic of debate due to the significant drop in carbon credit values. However, maintaining these mechanisms is crucial for India, given its energy needs and economic growth goals.
Significance of Carbon Credits and CDMs:
Challenges Due to Decline in Carbon Credit Value:
Relevance to India’s Energy Needs:
Recommendations:
Conclusion: Despite the decline in carbon credit values, maintaining the pursuit of carbon credits and CDMs is vital for India’s energy needs and economic growth. These mechanisms support climate mitigation, sustainable development, and energy security. Reforming the CDM framework and exploring alternative funding options will help India achieve its development goals while addressing climate change.
See less‘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? (250 words) [UPSC 2017]
Impact of Climate Change on India 1. General Impact on India: **1. Temperature Rise: Increase in Temperature: India has experienced a noticeable rise in average temperatures, leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves. For example, the 2015 heatwave resulted in over 2,000 deaths in Andhra PradeshRead more
Impact of Climate Change on India
1. General Impact on India:
**1. Temperature Rise:
**2. Extreme Weather Events:
**3. Agricultural Impact:
**2. Impact on Himalayan States:
**1. Glacial Melt:
**2. Increased Flood Risk:
**3. Ecosystem Disruption:
**3. Impact on Coastal States:
**1. Sea Level Rise:
**2. Saltwater Intrusion:
**3. Storm Surge:
Conclusion:
- Climate change poses significant threats to India, affecting temperature patterns, extreme weather events, agriculture, and ecosystems. Himalayan states face challenges like glacial melt and ecosystem disruption, while coastal states are vulnerable to sea level rise, saltwater intrusion, and storm surges. Addressing these impacts requires comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies, including enhancing disaster preparedness, investing in resilient infrastructure, and implementing sustainable water and agricultural practices.
See lessNot many years ago, river linking was a concept but it is becoming a reality in the country. Discuss the advantages of river linking and its possible impact on the environment. (150 words) [UPSC 2017]
River Linking in India: Advantages and Environmental Impact **1. Advantages of River Linking: **1. Water Resource Management: Enhanced Availability: River linking projects aim to transfer water from surplus rivers to deficit regions, improving water availability for drinking, irrigation, and industrRead more
River Linking in India: Advantages and Environmental Impact
**1. Advantages of River Linking:
**1. Water Resource Management:
**2. Agricultural Benefits:
**3. Flood Control:
**2. Possible Environmental Impact:
**1. Ecological Disruption:
**2. Soil Erosion and Sedimentation:
**3. Impact on Local Communities:
Recent Example:
Conclusion:
- River linking can offer substantial benefits in terms of water management, agriculture, and flood control. However, it is crucial to address the environmental and social impacts through comprehensive planning and mitigation strategies.
See lessHow does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (250 words) [UPSC 2018]
Biodiversity Variation in India and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 1. Biodiversity Variation in India: Geographic Diversity: India’s biodiversity is shaped by its diverse geographic features. From the Himalayas to the Western Ghats, and from the Thar Desert to the coastal regions, each region suRead more
Biodiversity Variation in India and the Biological Diversity Act, 2002
1. Biodiversity Variation in India:
2. Biological Diversity Act, 2002:
3. Conclusion: India’s biodiversity is characterized by its extensive geographic and ecological variety, which supports a rich array of plant and animal species. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 plays a crucial role in conserving and managing these resources by providing a structured approach to local conservation efforts, benefit-sharing, and regulatory oversight. This helps address challenges to biodiversity and supports sustainable management of India’s natural heritage.
See lessWhat is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use in the context of wetland conservation, Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
Wetland Definition and Ramsar Concept of 'Wise Use': 1. What is a Wetland? Wetland refers to areas where water is the primary factor controlling the environment and the associated plant and animal life. Wetlands include marshes, swamps, bogs, and floodplains. They play critical roles in water filtraRead more
Wetland Definition and Ramsar Concept of ‘Wise Use’:
1. What is a Wetland?
2. Ramsar Concept of ‘Wise Use’:
Example:
In summary, wetlands are vital ecosystems that require careful management to ensure their sustainability, as exemplified by the Ramsar Convention’s ‘wise use’ principle.
See lessWhat are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid wastes which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (150 words) [UPSC 2018]
Impediments in Disposing Huge Quantities of Discarded Solid Wastes **1. Infrastructure Limitations: Inadequate Waste Management Facilities: Many regions lack the necessary infrastructure for efficient waste collection, segregation, and disposal. For example, in urban areas like Delhi, inadequate wasRead more
Impediments in Disposing Huge Quantities of Discarded Solid Wastes
**1. Infrastructure Limitations:
**2. Waste Segregation Challenges:
**3. Increasing Waste Generation:
Safe Removal of Toxic Wastes
**1. Proper Treatment Methods:
**2. Regulatory Framework:
**3. Public Awareness and Participation:
Addressing these impediments and adopting effective waste management practices are essential for mitigating the environmental impact of solid and toxic waste.
See lessDefine the concept of carrying capacity of an ecosystem as relevant to an environment. Explain how understanding this concept is vital while planning for sustainable development of a region. (250 words) [UPSC 2019]
Carrying Capacity of an Ecosystem 1. Definition of Carrying Capacity: Concept: The carrying capacity of an ecosystem refers to the maximum number of organisms or species that an environment can support sustainably over time without degrading the ecosystem's biological community and resource base. ItRead more
Carrying Capacity of an Ecosystem
1. Definition of Carrying Capacity:
2. Importance in Sustainable Development:
1. Resource Management:
2. Environmental Impact Assessment:
3. Urban Planning:
4. Biodiversity Conservation:
5. Climate Change Adaptation:
6. Community Well-Being:
Understanding and applying the concept of carrying capacity is crucial for sustainable development as it guides resource use, planning, and conservation efforts to ensure that both human and ecological needs are met without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs.
See lessCoastal sand mining, whether legal or illegal, poses one of the biggest threats to our environment. Analyze the impact of sand mining along the Indian coasts, citing specific examples. (150 words) [UPSC 2019]
Impact of Coastal Sand Mining on Indian Coasts 1. Environmental Degradation: Beach Erosion: Coastal sand mining accelerates beach erosion, leading to loss of coastal land and increased vulnerability to storm surges. For instance, excessive sand mining in Kochi, Kerala has exacerbated beach erosion aRead more
Impact of Coastal Sand Mining on Indian Coasts
1. Environmental Degradation:
2. Ecosystem Disruption:
3. Water Pollution:
4. Social and Economic Effects:
Addressing the impacts of coastal sand mining requires stringent regulations, effective enforcement, and sustainable management practices to protect coastal environments and communities.
See lessHow does the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2020 differ from the existing EIA Notification, 2006? (150 words) [UPSC 2020]
Differences Between Draft EIA Notification 2020 and Existing EIA Notification 2006 Public Consultation Process: Draft EIA 2020: Reduces the mandatory public consultation process for projects that are considered "beyond the threshold limits," allowing for a streamlined approval process. EIA 2006: ReqRead more
Differences Between Draft EIA Notification 2020 and Existing EIA Notification 2006
These changes reflect a shift towards a more streamlined, but potentially less rigorous, environmental assessment process.
See lessDescribe 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? (250 words) [UPSC 2021]
Major Outcomes of COP26 1. Global Carbon Neutrality Goal: One of the significant outcomes of COP26 was the adoption of a global goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This commitment, endorsed by many nations, aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the most seRead more
Major Outcomes of COP26
1. Global Carbon Neutrality Goal: One of the significant outcomes of COP26 was the adoption of a global goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This commitment, endorsed by many nations, aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change.
2. Phasing Down Coal: The conference saw a historic agreement to phase down unabated coal power and inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. This was a key development in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, although the final language was softened from an initial phase-out to a phase-down, reflecting negotiations between coal-dependent nations and other parties.
3. Climate Finance: Developed countries reiterated their commitment to provide $100 billion annually in climate finance to developing nations by 2025. This is aimed at supporting climate adaptation and mitigation efforts in vulnerable countries.
4. Glasgow Climate Pact: The Glasgow Climate Pact was adopted, which includes commitments to strengthen national climate plans (Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) and enhance global efforts to adapt to climate impacts.
Commitments Made by India
1. Net-Zero Emissions Target: India committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, marking a significant pledge towards long-term climate goals.
2. Renewable Energy Expansion: India set a target to increase its non-fossil fuel energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030 and meet 50% of its energy needs from renewables by 2030.
3. Green Bonds: India announced plans to issue green bonds to finance climate projects, emphasizing its commitment to mobilize climate finance for sustainable development.
4. Enhancing Adaptation Efforts: India also pledged to strengthen its climate adaptation efforts, focusing on improving resilience against climate impacts and supporting vulnerable communities.
Recent Examples: India’s pledge to enhance renewable energy was reflected in its efforts to build large-scale solar parks and invest in wind energy projects, contributing to its renewable capacity goals.
Overall, COP26 marked a significant step in global climate diplomacy, with critical commitments aimed at reducing emissions, enhancing climate finance, and accelerating the transition to a sustainable future. India’s contributions underscore its role in global climate action while balancing developmental needs.
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