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What is the importance of carbon trading, and what are the key features of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023 introduced by the Government of India? (200 words)
Model Answer Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Carbon trading is a key mechanism in addressing climate change by reducing GHG emissions. It provides a market-based solution where entities that exceed their emissions targets can buy credits from those who reduce their emissions, creating financRead more
Model Answer
Reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Carbon trading is a key mechanism in addressing climate change by reducing GHG emissions. It provides a market-based solution where entities that exceed their emissions targets can buy credits from those who reduce their emissions, creating financial incentives for emission reductions. For example, trading in sulfur dioxide permits successfully helped reduce acid rain in the U.S. Carbon trading systems have been adopted globally, covering over 21% of global emissions by 2021, up from 15% in 2020-Effectiveness and Flexibility**
Carbon trading is often more cost-effective than imposing direct regulations or taxes on emissions, allowing industries to meet emissions targets without the heavy burden of direct control measures. This flexibility helps reduce the overall societal costs of combating climate change .
Alih the Paris Agreement
Carbon markets align with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, encouraging international cooperation by facilitating the trade of carbon credits. This fosters a collective global effort to achieve emissions reduction goals .
Promoting Innd Financial Benefits
The system incentivizes industries to innovate and adopt cleaner technologies to reduce emissions. It also offers financial rewards for entities that emit less than their allowed limits by enabling them to sell unused credits .
Key Features oon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023
Governance and Oversight
The Ministry of Power has set up the CCTS framework to regulate carbon markets in India. The National Steering Committee (NSC), led by the secretaries of Power and Environment, provides direct oversight of the Indian carbon market .
Role of Bureau of Energy Effic)
BEE will administer the carbon market, setting emission reduction targets, issuing carbon credit certificates, and accrediting carbon verification agencies .
Regulatory Bodies and Functions
The CCTS 2023 is an essential step in India’s climgy, helping to integrate domestic efforts with global initiatives for climate mitigation.
See lessWhat are the reasons for transitioning to net zero emissions, and what strategy has India implemented to reach its net zero target? (200 words)
Model Answer Preventing Climate Crisis: According to the IPCC report 2018, GHG emissions must reach net zero by 2050 to limit global warming to below 1.5°C and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. This target was incorporated in the Glasgow Climate Pact at COP26 (2021). Protecting Human HealthRead more
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India’s Strategy for Achieving Net Zero
India aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. To reach this target, the country has adopted the following strategies:
Conclusion
Through these actions, India aims to transition to a low-carbon economy while contributing to global climate action.
See lessHow do ethnic and indigenous communities contribute to the conservation of biodiversity in India? (200 words)
Model Answer Ethnic and indigenous communities in India, comprising around 68 million people, play a pivotal role in the conservation of biodiversity. Living in proximity to forests, they have developed sustainable practices that help preserve the natural environment over generations. 1. Cultural anRead more
Model Answer
Ethnic and indigenous communities in India, comprising around 68 million people, play a pivotal role in the conservation of biodiversity. Living in proximity to forests, they have developed sustainable practices that help preserve the natural environment over generations.
1. Cultural and Religious Integration Many tribal communities integrate conservation into their cultural beliefs, often treating certain plants or animals as sacred. For example, the Gond tribe in the Western Ghats protects sacred groves of the mango tree (Mangifera Indica) due to their belief in the tree being the abode of deities. This cultural reverence helps maintain biodiversity by preventing the destruction of these ecosystems.
2. Use of Traditional Knowledge Indigenous communities possess traditional ecological knowledge, passed down through generations. This knowledge enables them to utilize a wide range of plant species without overexploiting them. For example, tribes in southern India use up to 1,500 plant species, compared to the 100-150 species typically relied upon by others. This diversity helps prevent overharvesting of any single species and promotes ecosystem balance.
3. Sustainable Practices in Agriculture Tribal communities in India follow sustainable agricultural practices that ensure species conservation. For instance, the Kadars in Tamil Nadu selectively harvest mature yam plants, and the Gaddi and Gujjar tribes practice controlled grazing to prevent the overgrowth of wild grasses. These methods contribute to maintaining the health of local ecosystems.
4. Species-Specific Conservation Some indigenous tribes avoid hunting certain species they consider sacred. The Adi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, for example, does not hunt tigers, sparrows, or pangolins, believing these creatures bring good fortune. Such species-specific taboos contribute to species preservation.
5. Environmental Movements and Collective Responsibility Indigenous communities have initiated numerous environmental movements to protect ecosystems, such as the Bishnoi movement in Rajasthan and the Jungle Bachao Andolan in Bihar. Furthermore, they practice collective responsibility by ensuring that saplings are not destroyed and only necessary resources are collected from nature.
6. Collaboration with Government Many tribal communities collaborate with governmental bodies and NGOs in conservation efforts. The Singchung Bagun Village Community Reserve in Arunachal Pradesh, for instance, was created to protect a rare bird species through a joint effort between the Bagun tribe, researchers, and the forest department.
In conclusion, ethnic and indigenous communities have developed an in-depth understanding of local ecosystems, contributing significantly to the conservation of biodiversity in India. Recognizing their vital role and adopting a rights-based approach can greatly enhance India’s conservation efforts.
See lessWhat factors are contributing to the rapid growth and spread of invasive alien species, and how do they pose specific threats to a country like India? (200 words)
Model Answer Globalization and Trade: Increased international trade, transportation, and tourism have facilitated the movement of non-native species. For example, the Argentine ant has become a significant threat to native Hawaiian arthropods due to global shipping routesIllegal Wildlife Trade: TheRead more
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Harmful Effects India
In summary, the spread of IAS is driven by globalizati and a lack of natural predators, which disrupt ecosystems, economies, and human health. Addressing this challenge is crucial for India’s biodiversity conservation and sustainable development efforts.
See lessWhat factors have contributed to the steady increase in light pollution in various parts of India in recent years, and what are its impacts on biological organisms? (200 words)
Model Answer Light pollution, the excessive and unwanted artificial light disrupting natural nightscapes, has been steadily increasing in India in recent years. Several factors contribute to this growing issue: Street Lights: Street and highway lighting account for approximately 43% of the country'sRead more
Model Answer
Light pollution, the excessive and unwanted artificial light disrupting natural nightscapes, has been steadily increasing in India in recent years. Several factors contribute to this growing issue:
Implications on Bioganisms
Light pollution has profound effects on biological organisms, disrupting their natural behavior and ecological processes:
In conclusion, light pollution is increasingly becoming a significanental issue in India, impacting both human health and the natural world. There is an urgent need for responsible lighting practices, including smart systems and shielding lights, to mitigate its adverse effects.
See lessIn the context of environmental conservation and biodiversity restoration, explain the concept of 'rewilding.' What principles should guide rewilding initiatives? (200 words)
Model Answer Rewilding is an innovative approach to environmental conservation aimed at restoring ecosystems that have been altered by human activities to their natural state. It involves allowing wildlife and natural processes to reclaim areas that are no longer under human management, helping to rRead more
Model Answer
Rewilding is an innovative approach to environmental conservation aimed at restoring ecosystems that have been altered by human activities to their natural state. It involves allowing wildlife and natural processes to reclaim areas that are no longer under human management, helping to rejuvenate biodiversity and ecosystem functions.
Principles Guiding Rewilding Initiatives
Rewilding efforts should include the reintroduction of keystone species that play a critical role in ecological balance. These species help restore trophic interactions and contribute to ecosystem health. For instance, the reintroduction of the rare pygmy hog in Assam’s Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve is an example of this principle in action.
Rewilding requires securing core areas that support diverse species, restoring connectivity between these regions, and ensuring that humans and wildlife can coexist peacefully. Critical Wildlife Habitats, such as those established in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, help protect these essential areas.
Local community support is vital for the success of rewilding projects. In the Western Himalayan region, local communities actively protect snow leopard habitats, showing the importance of involving indigenous knowledge and fostering stewardship.
Rewilding initiatives should prioritize the recovery of ecological processes and interactions that once existed in healthy ecosystems. These efforts must be based on scientific evidence and local knowledge to guide restoration.
Rewilding projects should address the impacts of climate change by incorporating adaptive strategies. For example, the ecological restoration in the Aravali Biodiversity Park uses climate-resilient tree species like babool and ghatbor.
A successful rewilding approach must integrate both scientific research and local, traditional knowledge. Sacred groves in the Western Ghats, managed with a blend of religious and ecological understanding, exemplify this approach.
Continuous monitoring and adaptive management strategies are essential for ensuring rewilding projects remain effective and can evolve based on changing ecological and climatic conditions.
These principles form the foundation for rewilding efforts that aim to restore biodiversity, mitigate climate change, and achieve long-term ecological sustainability.
See lessWhat is a cloudburst, and why are instances of cloudbursts increasing in the Himalayan states of India? Provide two examples of recent cloudburst incidents. (200 words)
Model Answer A cloudburst is a weather phenomenon characterized by intense rainfall, often exceeding 100 mm per hour, occurring within a short duration (typically less than an hour) over a small area of approximately 20-30 square kilometers. This sudden downpour may be accompanied by thunder, lightnRead more
Model Answer
A cloudburst is a weather phenomenon characterized by intense rainfall, often exceeding 100 mm per hour, occurring within a short duration (typically less than an hour) over a small area of approximately 20-30 square kilometers. This sudden downpour may be accompanied by thunder, lightning, and hail. Cloudbursts can lead to flash floods, landslides, and significant devastation, particularly in mountainous regions like the Himalayas.
Reasons for Increasing Instances of Cloudbursts in Himalayan States
Several factors contribute to the increasing frequency of cloudbursts in India’s Himalayan states:
Recent Cloudburst Incidents
Conclusion
The growing frequency of cloudbursts in the Himalayan states is linked to climate change, deforestation, and shifting weather patterns. These extreme weather events pose significant challenges, requiring urgent mitigation strategies such as forest conservation and adoption of sustainable practices.
See lessWhat are the effects of the receding ice caps in the Arctic region on global climate, marine ecosystems, and the global economy? (200 words)
Model Answer The Arctic ice caps are receding at an alarming rate, with a 13% loss per decade and a 95% decrease in the oldest, thickest ice over the past 30 years. If unchecked emissions continue, the Arctic could experience ice-free summers by 2040. This has far-reaching implications for global clRead more
Model Answer
The Arctic ice caps are receding at an alarming rate, with a 13% loss per decade and a 95% decrease in the oldest, thickest ice over the past 30 years. If unchecked emissions continue, the Arctic could experience ice-free summers by 2040. This has far-reaching implications for global climate, marine ecosystems, and the global economy.
Impact on Global Climate
Impact on Marine Ecosystem
Impact on the Global Economy
Conclusion
The receding ice caps in the Arctic pose severe risks to both the environment and the global economy. Addressing this issue requires reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in adaptive infrastructure, and promoting international cooperation for mitigation efforts.
See lessHow would you define Nature-based Solutions (NBS)? Explain how NBS can assist in adapting to different hazards. (200 words)
Model Answer Definition of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) Nature-based Solutions (NBS) refer to the sustainable management, protection, and restoration of natural or modified ecosystems to address societal needs while enhancing environmental and economic resilience. NBS include practices such as increRead more
Model Answer
Definition of Nature-based Solutions (NBS)
Nature-based Solutions (NBS) refer to the sustainable management, protection, and restoration of natural or modified ecosystems to address societal needs while enhancing environmental and economic resilience. NBS include practices such as increasing green cover through forestry, constructing green roofs, and developing rain gardens. These solutions integrate nature into urban planning and disaster risk reduction, aiming to solve environmental, social, and economic challenges.
How NBS Assist in Adapting to Hazards
NBS can play a crucial role in adapting to a range of natural hazards:
Challenges and Opportunities in India
To fully harness the potential of NBS, India needs to increase investment, improve governance, and empower local communities. Regional and international cooperation is also crucial for the effective implementation of these solutions.
See lessWhy has the quality of river water in India shown little improvement despite numerous efforts by various stakeholders? Provide examples. (200 words)
Model Answer Why Has the Quality of River Water in India Shown Little Improvement? Despite extensive efforts by various stakeholders, the quality of river water in India has shown little improvement. Several factors contribute to this ongoing challenge: 1. Ineffective Sewage Treatment InfrastructureRead more
Model Answer
Why Has the Quality of River Water in India Shown Little Improvement?
Despite extensive efforts by various stakeholders, the quality of river water in India has shown little improvement. Several factors contribute to this ongoing challenge:
1. Ineffective Sewage Treatment Infrastructure
One of the major obstacles to improving river water quality is the lack of adequate sewage treatment facilities. For example, while the five states through which the Ganga flows generate around 10,000 million liters of sewage daily, their combined treatment capacity is only about 4,000 million liters, or just 40% of the required capacity. This imbalance leads to untreated sewage being discharged into rivers, contributing to pollution.
2. Inadequate Monitoring and Data Collection
Effective monitoring of water quality remains a challenge in India. Although the National Mission for Clean Ganga intends to monitor water quality at 134 stations, it is currently only being conducted at 97 stations. This insufficient data collection hampers efforts to understand the extent of pollution and take appropriate corrective measures.
3. Uncontrolled Waste Discharge
Untreated waste continues to flow into rivers, further exacerbating pollution. According to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), untreated sewage is discharged into 60% of the Ganga, making it one of the most polluted rivers in the country. Similarly, untreated waste from textile and chemical manufacturing units contributes to the pollution of rivers like the Sabarmati.
4. Impact of Unplanned Tourism and Agricultural Run-off
Unregulated tourism activities have also emerged as a threat to water bodies, particularly through increased plastic waste, as seen near the Indus River in Ladakh. Additionally, agricultural run-off, especially from excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides, contaminates river water and groundwater. The CPCB has reported the presence of harmful metals like manganese and copper in rivers such as the Yamuna, further degrading water quality.
Conclusion
Despite measures like the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and programs like the Namami Gange and National River Conservation Plan, significant improvements in river water quality are hindered by factors such as inadequate infrastructure, lax monitoring, and unregulated waste discharge. Addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts from both the central and state governments, including better waste management infrastructure, stricter law enforcement, and active public participation.
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