Global Lag in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals
Context: The world is substantially behind in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the United Nations in 2015, according to a recent UN report. These goals, which address a range of areas such as poverty reduction, hunger eradication, and environmental conservation, were set to be accomplished by 2030. However, the UN Sustainable Development […]
Environmental Performance Index 2024
Context: The Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy and the Columbia Center for International Earth Science Information Network released the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) for 2024. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Overview of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Importance of the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Challenges Related to the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Key Highlights […]
SDG 7 Energy Progress Report 2024
Context: SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024, released recently, finds that the world remains off course to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 for energy by 2030. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: About SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024 Highlights of the 2024 Report: Disparities and Challenges: India’s Progress: -Source: […]
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: […]