Discuss the impact of air pollution on human health and the environment in India. What measures can be taken to mitigate these impacts, and how effective are the existing policies in addressing the issue?
Model Answer Introduction The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Glasgow in November 2021. This conference aimed to accelerate global climate action and secure commitments from nations to mitigate clRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Glasgow in November 2021. This conference aimed to accelerate global climate action and secure commitments from nations to mitigate climate change.
Major Outcomes of COP26
- Methane Pledge: The European Union and the United States launched a significant pledge to reduce global methane emissions by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030. This initiative has the potential to prevent an increase of 0.2 degrees Celsius in global warming.
- Deforestation Pledge: Over 100 national leaders committed to halting and reversing deforestation and land degradation by 2030. This agreement builds on the 2014 New York Declaration of Forests, which involved 40 countries.
- Climate Finance: There was a strong call for increased climate finance, with India emphasizing that developed nations should mobilize at least USD 1 trillion annually to support climate action in developing countries, surpassing the previous commitment of USD 100 billion made in 2009.
- Infrastructure for Resilient Island States (IRIS): India launched the IRIS initiative to enhance infrastructure for small island developing nations (SIDNs), which are particularly vulnerable to climate change impacts.
- One Sun One World One Grid Group (OSOWOG): India and the UK initiated this group to harness solar energy and facilitate its seamless transmission across borders.
India’s Commitments at COP26
- Net-zero Emissions: India committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070, demonstrating its long-term climate action strategy.
- Non-Fossil Energy Capacity: The country aims to increase its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030, promoting renewable energy sources.
- Carbon Intensity Reduction: India pledged to reduce its economy’s carbon intensity by 45% by 2030, indicating a commitment to sustainable development.
- Renewable Energy Adoption: India aims to fulfill 50% of its energy requirements through renewable sources by 2030.
- Carbon Emissions Reduction: The country committed to reducing 1 billion tonnes of carbon emissions from its projected total by 2030.
Conclusion
COP26 resulted in significant commitments and initiatives aimed at addressing climate change. India’s pledges, including achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 and expanding renewable energy capacity, reflect its dedication to sustainable development and global climate action.
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Air pollution in India significantly impacts human health and the environment. High levels of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, premature deaths, and aggravate asthma and bronchitis. ThRead more
Air pollution in India significantly impacts human health and the environment. High levels of pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2) cause respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, premature deaths, and aggravate asthma and bronchitis. The World Health Organization links air pollution to millions of annual deaths in India.
Environmentally, air pollution harms ecosystems, reduces agricultural productivity, and contributes to climate change by increasing greenhouse gas concentrations. Acid rain, resulting from air pollutants, damages soil and water bodies, affecting biodiversity.
Measures to mitigate these impacts include:
Existing policies, such as the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), aim to reduce particulate pollution by 20-30% by 2024. While these policies are a step in the right direction, their effectiveness depends on robust implementation, regular monitoring, and public awareness campaigns to ensure compliance and long-term success.
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