Moulding the Himalayas Needs Caution
Context: As efforts to rescue 41 workers trapped in a tunnel near Silkyara in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, remain weeks away from completion, concerns arise once again about the trajectory of infrastructure development in the Himalayas. The question arises whether the current approach of expanding roads, extensive construction of hydropower projects, and an unchecked emphasis on tourism […]
Fleet Electrification to Tackle Urban Pollution
Context: The air quality index (AQI) in numerous cities across India has consistently reached the red zone on multiple occasions this year. This has posed significant health risks to millions of individuals, highlighting the urgent need to prioritize mitigation strategies. Relevance: GS3- Environment- Environmental Pollution and Degradation Mains Question: Discuss the need for truck fleet electrification in […]
Need for Climate-smart Agriculture in India
Context: The two primary challenges confronting humanity in the 21st century are climate change and food insecurity. Ongoing repercussions of climate change, including phenomena like heat waves, flash floods, droughts, and cyclones, are adversely affecting both lives and livelihoods. Environmental effects on farming output compound the difficulties, making traditional farming practices less effective. Farmers are compelled to […]
What Is Greenwashing
Context: The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) recently proposed guidelines that aim to check Greenwashing in ads. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: What Is Greenwashing? Examples of Greenwashing Effects of greenwashing -Source: Business Standard
UN Warning on Unprecedented Greenhouse Gas Surge
Context: The United Nations has issued a warning, drawing attention to the unprecedented surge in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, reaching new records in 2022. The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) 19th Annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin emphasizes the alarming implications of this surge, anticipating increased temperatures, intensified extreme weather events, and elevated sea levels. Relevance: […]
Emission Gap Report 2023
Context: Ahead of COP28, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released a report titled ‘Emissions Gap Report 2023: Broken Record — Temperatures hit new highs, yet world fails to cut emissions (again)’. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: About Emissions Gap Report United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Major Insights from the […]
Global Tiger Conservation Initiatives: Reporting and Commitments
Context: Countries have reported their tiger population data from 2010 to 2022 to the Global Tiger Recovery Program (GTRP) and the United Nations Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as part of GTRP 2.0, a program designed to guide tiger conservation efforts from 2023 to 2034. The initiative stems from the commitment made […]
Urbanisation- Shaping the future of sustainable cities
Context: As the world witnesses increasing urbanisation, the relationship between cities and carbon emissions has become a focal point in the ongoing climate crisis. In 2020, urban centers released an astonishing 29 trillion tonnes of carbon dioxide into the air. Relevance: GS3- Environment Mains Question: As the world becomes increasingly urbanized, the relationship between urban areas […]
India’s Bioeconomy Ambition and Biotechnology Funding Challenges
Context: India targets a rise in the Bioeconomy’s GDP contribution from 2.6% to 5% by 2030, according to the ‘Bioeconomy Report 2022’ by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). However, biotechnology funding remains at 0.0001% of the GDP, with limited recovery post-Covid-19. The ‘Guidelines for Genetically Engineered Insects’ issued in April 2023 offer procedural roadmaps but […]
About Loss and Damage Fund
Context: In light of the escalating climate crisis, the ‘Loss and Damage’ (L&D) fund and adaptation have recently come into focus. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Loss and Damage Fund: Addressing Irreversible Climate Consequences Genesis and Historical Accountability: COP 19 and Fund Inception: Subsequent Developments and Challenges: Stalemate at TC4 and TC5: […]