Roadmap for Answer Writing 1. Introduction Introduce the significance of solar energy in India’s renewable energy landscape. Mention the vast potential of solar energy and India’s targets under the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Fact to Use: India has an estimated solar energy availability of ...
Human activities, particularly coastal development, significantly affect the vulnerability of coastal areas to tsunamis. This interaction between anthropogenic factors and natural disasters plays a crucial role in shaping the resilience of coastal communities. Understanding these dynamics is essentiRead more
Human activities, particularly coastal development, significantly affect the vulnerability of coastal areas to tsunamis. This interaction between anthropogenic factors and natural disasters plays a crucial role in shaping the resilience of coastal communities. Understanding these dynamics is essential for UPSC Mains aspirants.
1. Coastal Development and Its Implications
Urbanization and Infrastructure Growth:
Rapid urbanization along coastlines leads to increased construction of buildings, roads, and other infrastructures. For example, cities like Tokyo and Miami have expanded extensively along their coasts. This development often encroaches on natural buffers such as mangroves and sand dunes, reducing the area’s ability to absorb tsunami energy and protect inland areas.
Loss of Natural Barriers:
The destruction of natural barriers like coral reefs and mangroves diminishes the coastline’s resilience. The 2011 Japan tsunami highlighted this issue, where the loss of mangrove forests due to coastal development contributed to the inundation of coastal areas, exacerbating damage.
2. Impact on Vulnerability
Increased Population Density:
High population density in coastal regions leads to greater vulnerability. For instance, in Indonesia, the rapid development of coastal tourism infrastructure has attracted large populations to areas like Bali, increasing the risk of loss of life and property during a tsunami event.
Economic Pressures:
Coastal development is often driven by economic incentives, which can compromise safety measures. The 2018 Sulawesi tsunami demonstrated how unregulated development in vulnerable coastal zones can lead to disastrous outcomes, as many buildings were constructed without adequate risk assessments.
3. Environmental Degradation
Pollution and Ecosystem Disruption:
Coastal development often leads to pollution and habitat degradation, which negatively impacts marine ecosystems. The degradation of coral reefs due to coastal construction not only threatens biodiversity but also reduces the natural barriers that mitigate tsunami impacts.
Climate Change Exacerbation:
Human activities contribute to climate change, which may amplify tsunami vulnerability through rising sea levels and increased storm intensity. The interaction between climate change and coastal development needs to be addressed in disaster risk reduction strategies.
4. Mitigation and Adaptive Strategies
Sustainable Development Practices:
Promoting sustainable coastal development can mitigate vulnerability. Countries like New Zealand have adopted policies that prioritize environmental preservation alongside development, ensuring natural buffers are maintained.
Community Awareness and Preparedness:
Building community resilience through awareness programs and evacuation drills is essential. After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, many countries implemented community-based disaster preparedness initiatives, enhancing local capacity to respond effectively to tsunami threats.
Conclusion
Human activities, particularly coastal development, significantly influence tsunami vulnerability by altering natural landscapes, increasing population densities, and contributing to environmental degradation. Effective management strategies that emphasize sustainable development, preservation of natural barriers, and community preparedness are vital in reducing vulnerability. This multifaceted approach is crucial for UPSC Mains aspirants to understand in the context of disaster management and environmental policy.
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Model Answer Introduction India possesses immense potential for solar energy, with an estimated availability of 4,000 trillion kWh per year. This renewable energy source is a key element of India’s energy strategy, with a target of generating 100 GW of solar power out of 175 GW of total renewable enRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
India possesses immense potential for solar energy, with an estimated availability of 4,000 trillion kWh per year. This renewable energy source is a key element of India’s energy strategy, with a target of generating 100 GW of solar power out of 175 GW of total renewable energy by 2022, as outlined in the Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). Currently, India has an installed solar capacity of 43 GW (Source: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy).
Regional Variations
Ideal Regions for Solar Energy
The desert areas of Rajasthan and Kutch in Gujarat are prime locations for solar energy generation due to their barren lands and high insolation levels. These regions receive abundant sunlight throughout the year, making them ideal for large-scale solar projects.
Low Potential Areas
Conversely, the Himalayan and northeastern regions of India have lower potential for solar energy generation. These areas experience challenging terrain and lower insolation levels, which limit the feasibility of solar energy projects.
Moderate Regions
Coastal states, such as Kerala, exhibit moderate solar energy potential. The long monsoon season affects solar generation compared to states in the heartland of India, which generally receive more consistent sunlight.
Rooftop Solar Potential
Urban areas offer significant opportunities for rooftop solar installations. The rooftop solar panel program can substantially contribute to India’s solar energy goals, especially in metropolitan cities where space is limited.
Challenges to Solar Energy Development
Despite the potential, several challenges hinder the solar energy program in India:
Conclusion
The Indian government has initiated several policies to bolster the solar energy market, including the SARAL Index, PM KUSUM, and floating solar plants in Gujarat. With its low carbon footprint, solar energy holds the potential to replace conventional energy sources and help India meet its commitments under the INDCs and the Panchamrit proposals presented at COP 26. Addressing regional variations and challenges will be crucial for harnessing India’s solar energy potential effectively.
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