World Crosses Critical Planetary Boundaries: Study Reveals Alarming Trends
Context: A recent study published in the journal Science Advances reveals that the world has exceeded six out of the nine planetary boundaries crucial for preserving Earth’s stability and resilience. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Planetary Boundaries Nine Crucial Planetary Boundaries Consequences of Boundary Breach Key Highlights of the Study: […]
About The Solar Radiation Management
Context: In India, this year witnessed the driest August in a hundred years from a rainfall perspective. Although scientists have not established a direct connection between this unusual occurrence and the tumultuous repercussions of climate change, it highlights the ongoing risk of erratic weather patterns, their potential impact on the economy, and the significance of […]
India’s Forest Policy Needs Revaluation
Context: The extensive forested regions that span India’s varied landscapes are far more than just geographic features. They serve as the often-overlooked protectors of our planet, undertaking a significant task in preserving essential ecological services and combating the challenges posed by climate change. Any form of economic development that comes at the expense of these […]
What Is E-Waste Management?
Context: The Indian Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) has published a report titled ‘Pathways to Circular Economy in the Indian Electronics Sector.’ This report emphasizes the pressing requirement to reconsider e-waste management and identifies potential opportunities for its utilization. According to the report, this shift could create an additional market opportunity worth USD 7 billion. […]
About The One Sun One World One Grid
Context: A day-long conference on “Transnational Grid Interconnections for One Sun, One World, One Grid (OSOWOG)” was recently held in New Delhi. Relevance: GS-III: Environment and Ecology (Conservation of the Environment, International Treaties and Agreements), GS-II: International Relations (India’s neighbors, Foreign Policies affecting India’s Interests), GS-III: Industry and Infrastructure (Solar Energy, Renewable Energy), GS-III: Science […]
United Nations Global Stocktake Report
Context: The climate crisis became intricately entwined with the G20 summit in Delhi, especially in the conversations about clean energy, sustainable development, and the shared responsibility needed to prevent it. Relevance: GS3- Environment Mains Question: The recently released UN Global Stocktake Report must form the basis of negotiations to aid the discovery and adoption of […]
Push to Criminalize Ecocide
Context: The Maya train project in Mexico, designed to connect tourists with historic Maya sites, has raised concerns about its possible adverse effects on the environment and culture. This controversy highlights the discussion around “ecocide” and the increasing worldwide push to make environmental harm a criminal offense. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of […]
India is staring at Water Poverty
Context: Based on recently released data from the India Meteorological Department, the South-West monsoon for the June to August 2023 period has been inadequate in 42 percent of the districts (see the table for reference). Specifically, in August, the country witnessed a rainfall deficit of 32 percent compared to the normal average, with the southern […]
About The Zero Draft Plastic Pollution Treaty
Context: The second meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) concluded with the member states mandating the INC secretariat to develop a zero draft to end plastic pollution including in the marine environment. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Zero Draft Plastic Pollution Treaty Plastic Pollution: A Global Environmental Crisis Plastic […]
About The Marine Sand Watch
Context: Recently, a newly launched data platform called “Marine Sand Watch” sheds light on this critical issue, revealing the scale of sand extraction and its far-reaching consequences. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Marine Sand Watch The Marine Sand Watch is a significant initiative aimed at monitoring and tracking activities related […]