Tiding Air Quality of Delhi
Context: Every year, Delhi and parts of the surrounding states, including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, face a critical point in their annual air quality. This is the period when the southwest monsoon retreats, taking with it the atmospheric drafts that typically help disperse pollutants resulting from various human activities like construction, transportation, power generation, […]
Giving the Urban Indian a Better Life
Context: The central theme of World Cities Day for this year, observed on October 31, was “Financing Sustainable Urban Future for All.” The focus is on ensuring that financial resources are directed towards addressing the flawed urbanization that is currently shortening urban futures, thereby making cities more livable and safe. It is deeply concerning that air pollution is responsible […]
Graded Response Action Plan
Context: Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas invokes 8-point action plan as per Stage-IV of the GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect to prevent further deterioration of air quality in the region Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: What is the Graded Response Action Plan? […]
Stocktaking Climate Finance — a Case of Circles in Red Ink
Context: Climate finance plays a vital role in upholding the trust of developing nations in future climate change negotiations. The issues regarding climate finance are expected to take centre stage at the Conference of the Parties (COP 28) meeting in Dubai, scheduled for November 30 to December 12, as part of Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report, […]
About Rajaji Tiger Reserve
Context: The Uttarakhand government recently decided to establish Rajaji Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation to accelerate the ecological, economic, social, and cultural development of the landscapes in and around the reserve. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology About Rajaji Tiger Reserve: Rajaji Tiger Reserve, formerly known as Rajaji National Park, is a significant wildlife reserve located […]
Coastal Adaptation Initiatives
Context: A study in the journal Nature Climate Change has assessed the coastal adaptation efforts in various regions, including Indian coastal areas like Mumbai, Ghoramara in Sundarbans, Puri in Odisha, and the Konkan regions. The study classifies these initiatives as ‘moderate-to-high’ concerning their adaptation measures. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: […]
Challenges in India’s Transition to Green Hydrogen: Pollution Concerns
Context: A study by the environmental think-tank Climate Risk Horizons (CRH) warns that India’s shift to green hydrogen production could lead to increased pollution unless measures are taken to control fossil fuel emissions during the process. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: What is Green Hydrogen? Green Hydrogen Importance Current Challenges […]
Moral Anchoring for a Global Climate Policy
Context: In the face of the climate crisis, it is imperative that we reassess our approach to development and reject anything that harms the environment. We have a profound connection with our planet, as the intricate web of life continues to unfold with each breath we take and every step we take on its soil. […]
20 Vital Signs of Earth
Context: A global team of scientists has issued a warning in a study published in the journal BioScience, stating that twenty of the 35 critical indicators of the Earth’s health have deteriorated to an unprecedented extent, endangering life on our planet. Relevance: GS3- Environment Dimensions of the article: More on the study results Analysis of […]
About International Solar Alliance
Context: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) will soon publish its inaugural ‘global solar stocktake report.’ This initiative is inspired by the first-ever ‘Global Stocktake’ conducted by the United Nations Conference of Parties, scheduled to take place in Dubai later this year. Relevance: GS3- Environment Dimensions of the article: About the Report: […]