60th Meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies
Context: As the world prepares for the 29th Conference of Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC later this year, the Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has urged developed countries to fulfill their financial commitments in combating climate change. Additionally, the 60th meeting of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) is scheduled to take place […]
Forest Fires in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest
Context: Recently, Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has experienced its largest forest fires on record in the first four months of 2024. These fires have been fueled by a record drought in the Amazon region, driven by the El Nino climate phenomenon and global warming, leading to extremely dry conditions. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions […]
IUCN Report Warns of Global Mangrove Ecosystem Collapse
Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has released a new report indicating that half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapsing. This is the IUCN’s first comprehensive global assessment of mangroves. The report, titled “Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems,” was unveiled on International Day for Biodiversity (22nd May). Relevance: […]
Environmental Concerns Over Sky Lantern Festival Near Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting Site
Context: Recently, the traditional Chinese sky lantern festival has ignited outrage among environmentalists and wildlife conservationists due to its proximity to a nesting site of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. According to environmentalists, the bamboo or metal wire frames of these lanterns take months to decompose and pose a significant threat by trapping wildlife, including […]
Study Highlights Worsening Heat Stress in India’s Megacities
Context: A study by the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment reveals that India’s major cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad—are facing increasing heat stress. This is attributed to rising relative humidity over the past two decades. Additionally, the study indicates that these cities are experiencing warmer nights due to the urban heat island […]
What Are Microplastics?
Context: Recently, a study revealed the widespread occurrence of microplastics in the testicles of both humans and canines, potentially associated with decreased sperm count, with polyethene emerging as the predominant microplastic followed by PVC. Relevance: GS III- Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: What are Microplastics? Microplastics are tiny plastic debris that are smaller than 5 mm in […]
Mitigating the e-waste Crisis
Context: Today, with advancements in science and technology, computers and mobile devices have become essential to our work and personal lives, making it difficult to imagine life without them. However, this widespread usage leads to a growing problem of e-waste, as consumers frequently upgrade their gadgets, resulting in a high turnover of electronic devices. Relevance: GS3- […]
World Bank Report Highlights Global Water Crisis
Context: The World Bank’s new report, “Water for Shared Prosperity,” unveiled at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia, underscores the severe global water crisis and its significant impact on human and economic development worldwide. Relevance: GS I: Water Resources Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Report on Water and Sanitation Global […]
Critical Challenges of Combating Oil Spills at Sea
Focus: GS-III Environment and Ecology Why in News? Recently, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) organised a ‘Pollution Response Seminar and Mock Drill’ in Haldia, West Bengal. How dangerous are oil spills? How are oil spills cleaned? There are a few ways to clean up oil spills. including skimming, in situ burning and by releasing chemical […]
Supreme Court Orders Closure of Mines Near Sariska Tiger Reserve
Context: Recently, the Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to close 68 mines operating within a 1-kilometre radius of the critical tiger habitat (CTH) in the Sariska reserve. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: About Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH) Key Facts about Sariska Tiger Reserve Project Tiger Introduction: Objectives: Implementation: Success […]