Model Answer

Introduction

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) refers to a set of technologies, practices, and approaches designed to remove and durably store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. As per the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), achieving net negative CO2 emissions is critical to combating climate change, and CDR plays an essential role in this process.

Methods of CDR

1. Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees helps capture CO2 through natural processes, storing carbon in biomass and soil. Agroforestry and tree planting initiatives are vital to enhancing this process.
2. Peatland Restoration: Re-wetting and re-vegetating degraded peatlands capture and store carbon in the soil, preventing the release of CO2.
3. Biochar: This method involves converting organic waste into stable, carbon-rich material through pyrolysis, which can be stored in the soil, promoting soil health.
4. Enhanced Rock Weathering: By accelerating the natural weathering process with silicate rocks like basalt, CO2 is permanently stored as solid carbonate minerals.
5. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Biomass is used as an energy source, while CO2 released during conversion is captured and stored.
6. Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS): Industrial chemical processes capture CO2 directly from the air and store it in geological formations or products.
7. Marine-based Techniques: Techniques like ocean fertilization and coastal wetland management use biological or geochemical processes to capture CO2.

Challenges of CDR

1. Competition for Land: Techniques like afforestation and BECCS require significant land, potentially competing with agricultural and energy needs.
2. Impact on Biodiversity: Practices like single-species afforestation or ocean fertilization can harm biodiversity and disrupt food webs.
3. Potential for Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions: Improper combustion of biochar or destruction of wetlands could release CO2 back into the atmosphere.
4. High Costs: Methods like DACCS and ocean fertilization are costly and may be unfeasible for developing nations.

Conclusion

While CDR is not a substitute for deep emissions reductions, it is a crucial tool for achieving net negative emissions. To maximize its potential, appropriate governance and policies are necessary to manage risks and challenges effectively.

Model Answer

Recovery of the Ozone Layer: Measures and Impact

Recent scientific assessments indicate that the ozone layer is projected to heal by 2066, primarily due to international efforts to combat ozone depletion. The ozone layer is crucial for blocking harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to serious health issues such as skin cancer and cataracts, as well as detrimental effects on ecosystems (World Meteorological Organization, 2021).

Key Initiatives for Ozone Recovery

1. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985)

This convention laid the groundwork for international cooperation to monitor and protect the ozone layer. It encouraged research on ozone depletion and established a platform for countries to exchange information regarding the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) (United Nations Environment Programme, 1985).

2. Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987)

A landmark treaty, the Montreal Protocol aimed to phase out nearly 100 ODS, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). This legally binding agreement has been pivotal in reducing the use of these harmful chemicals globally. The Ozone Fund was also created to assist developing countries in their transition away from ODS (UNEP, 1987).

3. Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol (2016)

This amendment focuses on phasing down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which, while not ozone-depleting, are potent greenhouse gases. By targeting HFC reductions, the Kigali Amendment enhances the Montreal Protocol’s role in addressing climate change (UNEP, 2016).

Conclusion

The collaborative global efforts outlined above have significantly contributed to the recovery of the ozone layer. If current policies are maintained, the ozone layer is expected to return to its 1980 levels by 2066 over Antarctica, demonstrating the effectiveness of these measures in protecting both human health and the environment (World Meteorological Organization, 2021). It is essential to continue understanding the interplay between ozone recovery and climate change to ensure long-term sustainability.

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

• Global Warming: As the ice caps shrink, they expose darker ocean or land beneath, which absorbs more sunlight, thereby increasing global temperatures. Additionally, thawing ice and permafrost release methane, further accelerating climate change.
• Modification of Climate Patterns: The loss of ice leads to less reflected heat, which could intensify global heatwaves. Simultaneously, the destabilization of the Polar Jet Stream can cause colder winters as it shifts south, bringing frigid air into mid-latitude regions.

Impact on Marine Ecosystem

• Habitat Loss: Ice-dependent species such as seals, walruses, and penguins face habitat destruction, making them vulnerable to extinction .
• Altered Food Chains: The melting of sea ice disrupts the algae growth on which zooplankton, fish, and seals depend, thus disturbing the entire marine food web.
• Ocean Salinity: Freshwater influx from melting ice alters ocean salinity, harming species like corals and mollusks that depend on specific salt concentrations .

Impact on the Global Economy

• Shipping Routes: Melting ice opens up new shipping lanes, such as the Northern Sea Route, reducing shipping distances and costs .
• Resource Extraction: The receding ice enables access to previously unreachable resources, including oil, gas, and minerals.
• Tourism: The retreat of ice has boosted polar tourism, benefiting local economies.

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.

Model Answer

1. 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).
2. Protecting Human Health: Reducing emissions can significantly reduce air pollution. A study in GeoHealth journal states that lowering emissions from power plants in G20 countries could prevent nearly 300,000 deaths by 2040.
3. Promoting Innovation and Economic Growth: Transitioning to net-zero emissions stimulates innovation in clean technologies, which can drive economic growth. The shift towards renewable energy and cleaner production methods will create new business opportunities.
4. Ensuring Energy Security: Renewable energy sources, unlike fossil fuels, are not subject to price volatility and can provide stable, sustainable energy, enhancing national energy security.

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:

1. Low Carbon Electricity Systems:
   • The National Electricity Plan 2023 aims to achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030.
   • The PLI scheme (2022) promotes domestic manufacturing of solar modules.
   • The Energy Storage Obligation and National Hydrogen Energy Mission (2023) focus on enhancing renewable energy capabilities.
2. Integrated Transport System:
   • India signed the 100% EV Declaration at COP26 and plans to electrify all two-wheelers by 2026.
   • The FAME scheme and Bharat Stage VI emissions standards aim to reduce vehicular emissions.
3. Low Emission Industrial Systems:
   • The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) and amendments to the Energy Conservation Act (2022) encourage energy efficiency and emission reduction in industries.
4. Sustainable Urbanization:
   • Initiatives like the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) promote sustainable urban development.

Conclusion

Through these actions, India aims to transition to a low-carbon economy while contributing to global climate action.