Bumpy Road to COP29
Context: The road to COP29 to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku appears bumpy after the mid-year climate talks in Bonn, Germany concluded on June 13, with little progress, according to researchers from the Centre for Science and Environment. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology About Mitigation Work Programme: The Mitigation Work […]
Eco-Sensitive Areas in Western Ghats
Context: Recently, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa, three of the six states where the Centre has proposed eco-sensitive areas (ESAs) to protect the Western Ghats, have requested a reduction in the extent of these ESAs to permit development projects. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) Overview of ESZs in […]
Background of the E-flows Monitoring System Launch
Context: The Union Jal Shakti Ministry launched an e-flow ecological monitoring system that allows real-time planning and monitoring of projects, river water quality, and other key parameters. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Background of the E-flows Monitoring System Launch: E-flows Monitoring System: Significance of the E-flows Monitoring System: About Namami […]
About Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)
Context: A new study released June 11, 2024, has reported the first significant decrease in atmospheric concentrations of potent ozone-depleting substances (ODS) known as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology About Ozone-depleting substances (ODS): The Montreal Protocol: Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol: -Source: The Hindu
About Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
Context: An elephant that was part of the historic Mysuru Dasara celebrations died of electrocution near Karnataka’s Nagarahole Tiger Reserve recently. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology About Nagarahole Tiger Reserve: -Source: Indian Express
Rising Nitrous Oxide Emissions
Context: According to a new study by the Global Carbon Project (GCP) titled “Global Nitrous Oxide Budget (1980-2020),” nitrous oxide emissions have been rising continuously between 1980 and 2020. The study found that in 2021 and 2022, nitrous oxide was released into the air faster than ever before, despite the need to cut greenhouse gases […]
Enhanced Oceanographic Research Needed to Address Ocean Crises
Context: Recently, the UNESCO State of Ocean Report 2024 highlighted the need for enhanced oceanographic research and data collection to address escalating ocean crises, including warming, acidification, deoxygenation, and rising sea levels. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key Findings of the State of Ocean Report 2024: Data and Research Gap: […]
India’s Green Energy Rise, Including ‘Green Coal’
Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s latest report highlights a significant surge in global optimism about India’s economic prospects, particularly within the energy sector. This year, green energy projects valued at approximately Rs 700 billion are set to commence, marking a major milestone in investment. Relevance: Mains Question: What is green coal and how does it differ from the traditional […]
Advisory Opinion of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Context: International climate change litigation reached a significant milestone on May 21, 2024, when the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) issued an advisory opinion requested by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS). This opinion addressed the specific obligations of Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law […]
Fight to Preserve our Fragile Ecosystems
Context: The planet is facing unprecedented environmental challenges. On May 29, 2024, media reports revealed that Delhi recorded an astonishing temperature of over 50 degrees Celsius, marking an 80-year record. Additionally, the Capital City is on the brink of a severe water crisis, exacerbated by political disputes and blame games. Relevance: GS3- Environment- Pollution and Conservation […]