Environment Mains 365 Summary PDF

ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 LEGEND BHAIYA 1 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Table of Contents: Climate Change:  Climate change and agreements Disaster Management:  India and climate action at a Glance  Climate equa...

ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 LEGEND BHAIYA 1 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Table of Contents: Climate Change:  Climate change and agreements Disaster Management:  India and climate action at a Glance  Climate equality at a Glance  Disaster management in India at a glance  Indian Traditional practices and climate changes  Infrastructure resilience at a glance  Climate changes Impacts  Heatwave management in india at a glance  Mitigation and Adaptation  Earthquake management in india at a glance  Cryosphere and Climate change at Glance  Glacial Lake outburst flood  Ozone Hole  Landslide management in India at a glance  Carbon Farming and Carbon Border adjustment  Crowd disaster management in india at a glance Mechanism  Fire safety regulations in India  Forest fires management in india at a glance Air pollution:   Urban Air pollution in India at a Glance Water and Land Degradation:  The Water (Prevention and Control of pollution) Amendment act,2024.  Ground water Management in India at a glance Sustainable Development:  Sustainable development goals at a glance  Sustainable tourism at a glance  Sustainable Finance  Sustainable lifestyle  Sustainable Agriculture in India  Waste management  Miscellaneous Renewable Energy and Alternative energy sources:  Renewable energy in India at a glance  Solar energy in India at a Glance  Hydrogen energy in India at a glance  Ethanol blending in India at a glance  Tidal energy  Energy transition in India at a glance  Electric vehicles In India at a glance Conservation Efforts  Forest Conservation in India at a glance  Wildlife conservation and protection  Wetland conservation in India at a glance LEGEND BHAIYA  2 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA  Developed countries must urgently deliver on the USD 100 billion/year goal through 2025.  Adherence to the precautionary principle in the COP28 Highlights implementation of geo-engineering technologies.  Enhanced capacity-building support by operating entities Recently, the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the of the Financial Mechanism (e.g., GEF). UNFCCC took place in Dubai, UAE, resulting in the adoption of the UAE Consensus. Loss and Damage (L&D) Pillars of COP28: COP28 climate conference in Dubai officially operationalized the loss and damage fund to assist  Fast-tracking a just, orderly, and equitable energy vulnerable countries. transition Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund: It entails compensation  Fixing climate finance from wealthy industrialized nations, historically  Focusing on people, lives, and livelihoods responsible for climate change, to poorer nations facing  Underpinning everything with full inclusivity severe climate impacts despite low carbon footprints.  First announced during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt) Key Outcomes in 2022.  Launch of Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency  Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for L&D was Pledge (India not a signatory) established at COP19 in 2013 to address L&D in  Introduction of the Global Cooling Pledge for COP28 developing countries.  Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter India's Stand on the Fund:  Initiation of the Global Green Credit Initiative (GGCI) by India Strong advocate for expanding the L&D fund to all developing nations, not just small island states and the COP28 UAE Declarations: least developed countries.  Agriculture, Food, & Climate  Climate and Health  Climate Relief, Recovery & Peace Other Initiatives  Adoption of the Global Goal on Adaptation-UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience  Launch of COP28 Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action Partnership  Appointment of the Youth Climate Champion. Challenges in L&D Fund: Issues Persisting from COP28  Lack of a universally agreed definition for categorizing L&D activities.  Failure to agree on rules for the global carbon market.  Insufficient data and processes for systematic collection,  Attempts by the US to implement regulations were recording, and reporting of L&D impacts. blocked by the EU, Africa, and Latin America.  Low financial pledges (~$700 million) compared to the  Current levels of climate finance are insufficient to meet estimated annual funding requirement in the hundreds the adaptation finance gap. of billions.  Promotion of marine geoengineering technologies like  Limited technical capacity in developing countries to Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). model L&D scientifically. Way Forward India's Concerns at COP28  Build on COP28 UAE Consensus to establish a universally  Climate and Health Declaration. acceptable definition of L&D.  Equity and Justice.  Implement mitigation and adaptation actions globally to  Fossil Fuel Cuts prevent and minimize L&D. Way Forward  Integrate the concept of L&D into national and international climate action policies. LEGEND BHAIYA  3 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA India and Climate Action  Strengthen targets to achieve higher emissions reductions aligned with a 1.5°C pathway. India's Climate Targets  Enhance climate change knowledge management and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Goals (2030): institutional coordination.  Reduce Emissions Intensity of GDP by 45% from 2005 Green Credit Program (GCP) levels. Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change  Achieve about 50% cumulative electric power installed (MoEFCC) notified rules for Green Credit Program (GCP) 2023. capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources.  Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes About Green Credit (GC): Incentives provided for activities of CO2 equivalent through forest and tree cover. benefiting the environment, traded on a dedicated exchange similar to carbon credits. Panchamrita Targets (COP26 Glasgow): Key Differences:  Achieve net zero emissions by 2070.  Increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030. Green Benefits individuals and communities.  Meet 50% of energy requirements from renewable Credit sources by 2030. Carbon Primarily benefits industries and corporations.  Reduce carbon intensity of the economy by less than Credit Underlying Legislation 45% by 2030.  Cut total projected carbon emissions by one billion  Green Credit Program (GCP) under the Environment tonnes by 2030. (Protection) Act, 1986. Achievements/Progress:  Carbon Credit Trading Scheme under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.  Reduced emission intensity of GDP by 33% from 2005 to Purpose: 2019.  Achieved 45.5% (203 GW) of installed electricity capacity  Market-based mechanism to incentivize environmentally from non-fossil fuel sources as of June 2024. positive actions voluntarily. Challenges/Issues in Achieving Climate Targets:  This setup provides overview of India's climate targets, achievements, challenges, and initiatives like the Green  Overall rating remains "Highly insufficient" according to Credit Program. Climate Action Tracker.  Aligned with the 'LIFE' (Lifestyle for Environment)  Challenges include slow decommissioning of coal-based Initiative. plants, high greenhouse gas emissions (including  Encourages industries, companies, and entities to fulfill methane), and constraints in scaling renewable energy. environmental obligations voluntarily.  Established under "The Environment (Protection) Act, Policies/Schemes/Initiatives: 1986" with the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as the nodal agency.  Governed by an inter-ministerial Steering Committee.  Policies: National Action Plan on Climate Change , Key Highlights of Green Credit Rules (Amended): National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change , Climate  Forest Departments of all States and Union Territories Change Action Program etc. mandated to identify degraded land.  Schemes: PM-KUSUM, Solar rooftop program, ultra-  Focus on eco-restoration of degraded forest areas under mega solar parks, Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) the GCP. scheme, Ujjwala, IJJALA, FAME India scheme, etc.  Number of trees planted varies based on site conditions.  International Initiatives: International Solar Alliance  Tree plantation to be completed within two years as (ISA), Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure instructed by ICFRE. (CDRI).  Other Rules: Preference given to indigenous species. Way Forward:  Plantation of high-quality seedlings and retention of naturally growing seedlings emphasized.  Halt new coal power capacity and develop a sustainable plan for retiring existing capacity. Carbon Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023: LEGEND BHAIYA 4 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Ministry of Power (MoP) announced reforms in the Carbon  Indian industry stakeholders have limited experience Credits Trading Scheme (CCTS). with cap-and-trade markets.  Complex Institutional Framework. Major Reforms Announced:  Difficulties in setting realistic emission reduction targets.  Bureau of Energy Efficiency tasked with developing  Balancing targets to avoid oversupply (lower prices) or standards and registering projects under an offset undersupply (higher prices) of carbon credits. mechanism.  Renewable Energy Shortage.  BEE to validate carbon credits (beyond verification). Way Forward:  Non-OEs can now register decarbonization projects and  Streamline and strengthen institutional structure. generate carbon credits voluntarily.  Formulate transparent, well defined Methodology to set emission targets. Significance of Reforms: Climate Equality:  Deepens the Indian carbon credit market by including Non-OEs. Types of Inequalities  Enables foreign decarbonization projects to choose India Carbon Developed countries emit a Unequal high for certification, reducing reliance on overseas standards Inequality share of global CO2 emissions. agencies. between Nations: About CCTS, 2023: Carbon Higher income groups within countries  Establishes a carbon credit trading market to support Inequality typically have significantly higher carbon India's decarbonization goals. within Nations: emissions.  Carbon credit equals one tonne of CO2 removed, reduced, or sequestered from the atmosphere. Key Features: Current Situation (Emission Gap Report 2023):  Globally, the richest 10% account for 48% of emissions.  Specifies the structure for both voluntary trading and  Bottom 50% of households contribute only 12% of global compliance in the Indian Carbon Market. greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.  Creation of Accredited Carbon Verification Agencies (ACVAs) for verification activities. Need to Address Inequality: Institutional Framework:  Acknowledge historical contributions to climate change.  National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market  Ensure climate measures do not exacerbate social and (NSCICM) for governance and monitoring. economic disparities.  Bureau of Energy Efficiency identifies and recommends  Design policies that are targeted and equitable, sectors for inclusion in the Indian carbon market to the enhancing efficiency of climate investments. Ministry of Power.  Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC): Measures Taken Regulates trading of Tradable Carbon Credit Certificates  Geneva Pledge on Human Rights and Climate Action (TCCC). (2015): Promotes sharing of best practices between  Grid Controller of India Limited (GCIL): Acts as the human rights and climate experts. registry for obligated and non-obligated entities in the  UNDP Climate Promise Initiative: Aims to foster climate carbon market. action globally. Other Initiatives in India's Carbon Markets  Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) India's Efforts:  Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) Scheme  Energy Saving Certificates (ESCerts) under Perform  Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 Achieve and Trade (PAT) Scheme and Forest Rights Act, 2006: Protect rights of indigenous communities.  Global Hydrogen Trading Mechanism (GHTM):  Supreme Court Recognition: Acknowledged the right to  Voluntary Carbon Market in Agriculture Sector: be free from adverse effects of climate change under Challenges to CCTS: Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. LEGEND BHAIYA  5 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA  Renewable Energy Initiatives: Initiatives like the  6.7 million children displaced in India (2015-2021) due to International Solar Alliance (ISA) promoting accessible weather-related events. renewable energy.  In Bangladesh, girl marriages increased by 50% during heatwaves lasting over 30 days. Way Forward:  In Ethiopia, approximately 20% of girls and 5% of boys  Implement policies that discourage investments in miss school to fetch water under normal circumstances. polluting and fossil fuel activities. Factors Behind Children's Vulnerability :  Increase public investments in low-carbon energy infrastructure, transportation, and energy efficiency.  Limited physical capabilities.  Prioritize investment in the production and collection of  Economic and social inequality. climate inequality statistics to inform policy-making.  Only 2.4% of climate finance supports projects focusing on children. Indian Traditional Practices & Climate Change: MITIGATION AND WAY FORWARD Agriculture: Ensure child-critical services are shock-responsive, portable, and inclusive.  Natural Farming: Examples include Zero-Budget Natural Enhance children's adaptive capacities and resilience for Farming (ZBNF), enhancing soil health and reducing a climate-changed world. water usage. Focus humanitarian and development policies, actions,  Adaptation to Sea Level Rise: Kuttanad Kaliyanam and investments on children and young people under farming in Kerala involves below sea level paddy UNFCCC. cultivation.  Water Use Efficiency: Meghalaya's bamboo drip Climate Change Impact on Women irrigation system. Data: Girls often receive less food than boys during climate-  Architecture and Housing: Traditional techniques like related food shortages. Dhajji-Dewari and Taq system in Kashmir provide resilience against extreme weather. Women comprise 43% of the agricultural labor force in  Sacred Grooves: Act as repositories of traditional crop developing countries, facing significant impacts from climate varieties and medicinal plants, preserving genetic change. resources.  Rainwater Harvesting: Traditional methods like Jhalaras Only 2% of gender-tagged international adaptation finance is in Rajasthan and Zabo in Nagaland mitigate drought gender-responsive (Adaptation Gap Report). effects. Women and children are 14 times more likely than men to Issues with Adoption of Traditional Practices: die during disasters (UNDP). 80% of people displaced by  Risks of declining agricultural productivity. climate change are women (UN figures).  Some practices, like ZBNF, lack scientific validation.  Threatened by modernization and a lack of Women's Role in Climate Action: documentation.  Women's expertise in natural resource management can  Concerns over foreign entities patenting India's inform effective climate action strategies. traditional knowledge.  Women often act as first responders and play crucial Conclusion: Engage communities in participatory roles in post-disaster recovery efforts. mapping and ethnographic research to document and  Climate investments can be enhanced through grassroots preserve traditional knowledge and Integrate traditional women's organizations. knowledge into national climate change policies to  Countries with higher proportions of women in enhance resilience. parliament tend to have stricter climate policies. Way Forward: Climate Change Impact:  Adaptation initiatives should identify and address gender-specific impacts, especially in sectors like water CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS ON CHILDREN and food security. Impact on Vulnerable Sections :  Develop technologies that consider women's priorities, needs, and roles. LEGEND BHAIYA 6 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA  Ensure climate action policies are Gender-Aware, Climate Change Impact on Health: Gender-Sensitive and Gender-Responsive. Climate Change Impact on Elderly Population: Impacts  Elderly face higher susceptibility to heat-related illnesses and mortality during heatwaves.  Heat-related deaths among those over 65 have increased by 70% in the past two decades (WHO).  Extreme weather events and migration of family members can lead to increased social isolation among the elderly.  Extreme weather events can cause economic hardship, resulting in the loss of assets, pensions, disability benefits, and other essential resources. Way Forward: Constraints:  Increase Awareness. Low-income countries face a financing gap for addressing  Ensure accessible infrastructure, transportation options, the health impacts of climate change. and healthcare services are available to meet the needs There is a lack of effective use of climate information by of seniors. health actors to prepare for and respond to climate- related health risk. Impact of Climate Change on Rural Poor: Research and knowledge gaps, inadequate access to local meteorological observations, insufficient human and Impact institutional capacity. Poor households lose about 5% of their total income Steps Taken annually due to heat stress compared to wealthier households. COP28 UAI Declaration: Unveiled the Declaration on Low-income communities bear the brunt of climate Climate and Health (India has not yet signed). hazards, experiencing property damage, livelihood World Health Summit (WHS): Annual summit held in losses, and economic setbacks. Berlin, Germany. In 2019, countries like Bangladesh, China, India, and the Alliance for Transformative Action on Climate and Philippines each saw over 4 million displacements due to Health (ATACH): Initiative by the World Health disasters (IPCC). Organization (WHO) focusing on climate and health. Mitigation: India's Initiatives: Mobilize resources from initiatives like the Green Climate National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Fund to promote climate justice. Health. Empower local communities with climate-resilient Environmental Health Surveillance initiatives through strategies like WWF's community- National Health Mission. based conservation. Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS), 2022: Guidelines Implement UN recommendations on climate finance to for developing green and climate-resilient hospitals. ensure marginalized groups. Way Forward: Adopting a 'One Health' Approach Building Climate-Resilient, Low-Carbon Health Systems. Tailored Climate Information and Services. Climate Change Impact on Indian Sub-continent: Impact: LEGEND BHAIYA  7 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA India's average temperature increased by approximately Transition Challenges: Low and middle-income countries 0.7°C from 1901 to 2018. face economic and institutional hurdles in shifting to low- Frequency of daily precipitation extremes (>150 mm per carbon energy day) rose by about 75% from 1950 to 2015. Initiative: Global Methane Pledge North Indian Ocean experienced a sea-level rise at a rate Powering Past Coal Alliance of 3.3 mm per year from 1993 to 2017. Energy Transition Partnerships (ETP) Increased Ambition Target set in COP 26 (Aim to achieve Extreme Events: Net-Zero emissions by 2070). Arabian Sea witnessed a 52% increase in cyclonic storms National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) from 2001 to 2019 (IISER study). IPCC AR6 Recommendations: Marine heatwaves expected to increase significantly, from 20 days per year to 220-250 days per year. Limit global warming to 1.5°C. Frequency of extreme positive Indian Ocean Dipole Peak global greenhouse gas emissions before 2025. events projected to increase nearly threefold over the Achieve global net zero CO2 emissions by the early 21st century. 2050s. EG: In Mauritius, UNDP supported the government in installing battery energy storage capacity Way Forward: funded by the Green Climate Fund. Collaborate through platforms like Coalition for Disaster Climate Finance Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to develop infrastructure that can withstand climate impacts. Climate finance refers to funding from various sources Improve hyper-local weather forecasting to better (public, private, and alternative) aimed at supporting actions prepare for extreme weather events. for climate change mitigation and adaptation, as defined by Implement climate-smart agriculture practices to the UNFCCC. enhance food security and resilience. Current Needs: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION The global transformation to a low-carbon economy requires Global: an estimated USD 4-6 trillion annually (Emission Gap Report 2022). Global average CO2 concentration was 417.9 ppm in 2022 (WMO Bulletin). Between USD 6-8 trillion from 2015 to 2030 is needed to Methane (CH4) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) levels have risen transform current energy systems, and approximately USD 10 by 26.4% and 124% respectively since pre-industrial trillion to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. times (WMO, 2022). Significance of Climate Finance: Global greenhouse gas emissions increased by 1.2% from 2021 to 2022 (UNFCCC Report, 2023). I Facilitates a just transition to low-carbon energy systems, especially in low- and middle-income countries. India: Addresses loss and damage and enhances resilience India has contributed 5% to global warming to date (IPCC against climate change impacts in developing nations. Report, 2023). Supports restoration of natural capital and biodiversity. In 2022, India accounted for 8% of global CO2 emissions, Major Constraints: ranking third highest globally (Emission COP Report, 2023). Only about 8% of total climate financing in 2019-2020 Per capita carbon emissions were 2 tonnes per person was allocated to adaptation efforts. per year in 2021, among the lowest globally. Approximately 94% of current climate investment is driven by debt or equity seeking returns. CHALLENGES IN MITIGATION: Global Initiatives: Adaptation Finance: Needs are 10-10 times higher than current public flows (Adaptation Commission Report, Loss and Damage Fund: Operationalized to assist vulnerable 2023). countries in coping with climate change impacts, established NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions): Minimal during COP 28. progress since COP 27. LEGEND BHAIYA  8 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Green Climate Fund (GCF): Established in COP 16 (2010), Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Developed eco-labelling aiming to mobilize USD 100 billion annually by 2020 to standards (IS/ISO 14024:1999). support climate action in developing countries. Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Regulated by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to address New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG): consumer rights violations and misleading advertisements. SEBI (Security and Exchange Board of India): Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) norms and guidelines on green bonds. UN's High-Level Expert Group: Focus on preventing greenwashing through initiatives like the TechSprint on Net-Zero Emissions Commitments of Non-State Entities. WAY FORWARD Transparency and Accountability Harnessing Technology. New commitments under the Paris Agreement for enhancing Utilize AI, natural language processing, and machine climate finance. learning to combat greenwashing and effectively measure project impacts. Other Funds and Mechanisms: Adaptation Fund, Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF), Least Developed Countries Fund DECARBONISATION IN INDIA: (LDCF), Global Environment Facility (GEF), Clean Technology Decarbonization is process of reducing or removing carbon Fund (CTF), among others. dioxide and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Initiatives in India atmosphere. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC): Aspects: Established in August 2015 to finance adaptation Reducing GHG emissions. activities. Absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. Priority Sector Lending: Directed towards renewable energy projects to boost green investments. Challenges in Decarbonization : SIDBI's Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF): Approved by GEF to support sustainable development initiatives. High Dependence on Conventional Fuels. Union Budget 2022-23: Introduced sovereign green Contributes about 60% to India's energy mix. bonds to fund green infrastructure projects. Challenges in adopting low-carbon technologies, CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage), etc. Recommendations Shortage of green finance. Lack of bankable projects for investors. Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance Skill gap in the labor force. (IHLEG): Advocate for boosting tax revenues, phasing out harmful Way Forward: subsidies, Aim to increase private finance substantially beyond Establish an administrative setup at the ministry level current levels. integrating MoPNG, MNRE, and Ministry of Power and Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) should triple Coal to coordinate energy-related initiatives. their support by 2030. Utilize NITI Aayog's modelling expertise to forecast future trends, crucial for planning, monitoring, and course GREENWASHING correction. Formulate an Expert Group on Energy Transition with NEED FOR REGULATING GREENWASHING: industry representatives from diverse sectors to provide Erosion of Public Trust.EG:: In 2015, the US EPA exposed strategic inputs. Volkswagen for using software to manipulate emission tests in its Clean Diesel cars. Transport Sector: Emissions from India's Transport Impact on Innovation. Sector: Contributes to 14% of energy-related CO2 emissions in INITIATIVES TO PREVENT GREENWASHING India. LEGEND BHAIYA  9 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Among the top three greenhouse gas-emitting sectors in Potent climate forcers with shorter atmospheric lifespans the country. than CO2 but higher warming potential. Emissions grew by 37.5% from 1990 to 2019 (Towards Impact of SLCPs: Decarbonising Transport 2023). Challenges in Decarbonisation: Second largest contributor to human-caused climate High deployment costs for technologies like electric warming, responsible for up to 45% of global warming. vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure. Ground-level ozone exposure leads to health issues like Consumer hesitancy due to cost and safety concerns. lung inflammation and allergies. Insufficient focus on fuel standards. Black carbon deposition accelerates ice melt on High reliance on fossil fuels in power generation (43% of snowfields. total installed capacity). Solutions to Reduce SLCPs: Initiatives to Decarbonise the Transport Sector Promote farm-scale anaerobic digestion and eliminate Targets: Achieve 45% mode share for rail freight by 2030; open burning in agriculture. 30% EV market share by 2030. Implement pre-mining de-gasification and recover Implementation of Bharat Stage VI Emission Standards. methane from coal mine ventilation air. Ethanol blending in petrol targeted to reach 20% by Treat biodegradable municipal waste to produce 2025. compost or bioenergy, reducing methane emissions. Establishment of Forum for Decarbonizing Transport by NITI Aayog. Climate Engineering: FAME India under the National Electric Mobility Mission Objective: Intervene in the climate system to address global Plan. warming, not by reducing GHG emissions directly. Way Forward Shift towards sustainable mobility to reduce energy Methods: Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) and Solar Radiation consumption without limiting mobility. Modification (SRM). Transition to clean energy sources in transport to cover remaining demand with carbon-neutral energy. Significance: Aim for carbon neutrality in transport by 2050 through Mimics natural processes. large-scale transformation. Temporarily reduces the urgency for GHG emissions Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCPs) reductions. Fills gaps in climate policy. Global Potential Risks: Adverse impacts on ozone layer, rainfall, crop production, and ocean acidification. Increased dependency on technology. High costs potentially exacerbating global inequalities. Ethical Issues Uncertainties and synergistic environmental risks. Transparency in decision-making. Major Research and Development Program (MRDP) by DST to study geoengineering implications. IITM developing Earth system models for solar geoengineering simulations. alliance dedicated to reducing SLCPs, with India joining in 2019. UNESCO's Recommendations: Key Outcomes of CCAC Conference 2024: Introduce laws to regulate climate actions, prevent harm, and prohibit weaponization. Establishment of CCAC Technology and Economic Ensure inclusive participation in climate action from Assessment Panel. marginalized groups. LEGEND BHAIYA 10 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Promote open collaboration and continuous monitoring Acidity levels in the western Arctic Ocean are increasing three of climate actions. to four times faster than in other ocean waters. Enhance institutional, technological, and ethical Governance: Arctic lacks a single governing treaty like capacities for effective climate action. Antarctica; instead, it falls under multiple national Impact of Climate Change on Cryosphere: jurisdictions. The last decade has seen the seven worst years of ice loss, Initiatives for Arctic Region: threatening the disappearance of tropical, mid-latitude, and Arctic Council promotes cooperation among Arctic states Polar Region glaciers; for EG: Venezuela may lose all its for environmental protection and sustainable glaciers first. Himalayas could lose 50% of their current ice by development. 2100. UN High Seas Treaty aims to address climate change Impact of Melting Cryosphere: impacts. India's Arctic Policy focuses on studying climate change's Melting affects Earth's energy balance maintained by high impact on India's climate and energy security. albedo; releases stored carbon in permafrost; strengthens Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) extreme weather events and raises sea levels. initiatives. If all glaciers and ice sheets melted, global sea levels would Conclusion: Exploration in the Arctic should prioritize safety rise by over 60 meters (NASA). and sustainability, minimizing ecosystem disruption from Steps Taken to Protect Glaciers: resource exploitation. Himalayan Monitoring Assessment Program (HIMAP) by Hindu Kush Himalayas: ICIMOD.  Spans approximately 4.3 million square km across UNESCO's World Glacier Monitoring Services. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, 2025 declared International Year of Glacier Preservation Nepal, and Pakistan. by UN.  Extends about 3,500 km from east to west. National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem under NAPCC since 2008. Significance of HKH Region: Himansh Research Station established in Chandra basin, Himachal Pradesh, 2016.  Home to world's highest peaks including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga, known as the Third Pole or Water India's Interest in Arctic: Tower of Asia. Ministry of Earth Sciences launched India's first Winter Scientific Expedition to the Arctic. Significance: Arctic climate changes affect global monsoons and sea levels. Arctic holds significant undiscovered oil, natural gas, coal, and mineral resources. Potential new shipping routes and mineral extraction. Crucial for understanding global climate patterns and their links, like Arctic-Himalayan connections. Arctic Amplification:  Source of 10 major Asian river systems.  Hosts 4 Global Biodiversity Hotspots. Arctic is warming over twice as fast as the global average.  Supports livelihoods of 240 million people. Melting Sea Ice: Sea ice extent in 2022 is significantly below Climatic Risks: the long-term average.  Increasing intensity and frequency of climate change Changing Chemistry of Arctic Ocean: hazards. LEGEND BHAIYA 11 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA  Predictions of up to 75% glacier melt by 2100 due to  Human-made contributors are ozone-depleting global warming (Asian Development Bank). substances (ODSs) like chlorine, bromine, CFCs, carbon  Economic losses from disasters totaled $545 billion from tetrachloride, and halons. 1985 to 2014. Initiatives:  The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1985 under the Global initiatives for protecting Himalayan Ecosystem: Vienna Convention, aims to eliminate ODS production and use.  Building Adaptation and Resilience in HKH Initiatives.  The 2016 Kigali Amendment further targets the reduction  International Centre for Integrated Mountain of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Development.  According to UNEP, the ozone layer is expected to  Hindu Kush Himalayan Monitoring and Assessment recover within four decades. Programme (HIMAP) coordinated by ICIMOD India's Efforts:  Himalayan Adaptation Network by IUCN.  India has surpassed the 35% reduction goal for  Living Himalayas Initiative by the World Wide Fund for Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), achieving a 44% Nature (WWF). reduction from 2020 levels and eliminating HCFC 141b.  Initiatives include adherence to the Vienna Convention India's Initiatives: and Montreal Protocol, a phased HCFC management plan, and the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) for  National Mission on Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem, sustainable cooling solutions. launched by india as part of  India's Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate  National Action Plan on Climate Change. SECURE Change (MOEFCC) oversees efforts through its Ozone (Securing livelihpods, conservation, sustainable use and Cell. restoration of high range Himalayan ecosystems) Himalaya by MoEFCC and the UNDP. Carbon Farming: The European Parliament and European Council are Ozone Hole: collaborating to establish the EU's first Carbon Removal Certification Framework, aimed at promoting carbon farming. As per recent study, from 2020-22, ozone hole has grown larger and thinner over Antarctica. Since 2004, researchers About Carbon Farming: Carbon farming employs saw a total reduction of 26% at the core of ozone hole. regenerative agricultural techniques to enhance agricultural About Ozone hole: productivity, restore ecosystems, and combat climate change  Exceptionally depleted ozone in the stratosphere by storing carbon and reducing emissions. (between 10 KM and 40 KM above the Earth's surface) over Artic/ Antarctic.  Methods include agroforestry, conservation farming  Ozone layer is a thin shield of gas in Earth's atmosphere (minimizing soil disturbance), integrated nutrient that protects the Earth, absorbing the sun's ultraviolet management, and renewable energy production from rays. grasslands conservation. Arctic hole: Antarctic Hole: First observed in 2011 during First identified in 1985. Potential Benefits: spring. Forms in August and Caused by the Arctic vortex dissipates by late  Carbon Sequestration: Agricultural soils can absorb 3-8 trapping cold air, November due to polar billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent annually. maintaining high stratospheric clouds that  Supporting Farmers' Income: Carbon credit systems concentrations of ozone- catalyze reactions incentivize farmers by offering additional income through depleting substances that releasing chlorine atoms. environmental services. lead to ozone depletion. Challenges: Causes of Ozone Layer Depletion:  Natural factors include changes in the Antarctic polar vortex, aerosols from wildfires and volcanic eruptions, and variations in the solar cycle. LEGEND BHAIYA 12 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Challenges include inadequate policy support and insufficient  Globally, air pollution was the 2nd largest risk factor of resources to invest in sustainable land management practices, especially for small-scale farmers. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism: The Ministry of Commerce and Industry highlights the role of green energy in helping industries manage the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). About CBAM: CBAM is a policy tool aimed at pricing carbon death, causing 8.1 million deaths in 2021 (State of Global emissions associated with carbon-intensive goods entering Air Report, 2024). the EU, promoting cleaner industrial practices in non-EU  Affects buildings, forests, and aquatic life. countries.  Contributes to climate change through short-lived climate pollutants like black carbon, ozone, methane,  Covers goods from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and etc. Switzerland.  Operates like a non-tariff barrier (NTB) impacting Indian Regulatory Measures to improve air quality: exports, particularly iron, steel, and aluminum products  Acts: Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. valued at USD 8.2 billion to the EU in 2022.  Statutory Bodies: Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB),  Designed to comply with WTO rules. Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) under the CAQM in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act 2021.  Monitoring: SAMEER app, System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023. Way Forward  Implementing a system where polluters pay for emissions, similar to the EU Emission Trading System.  Deploying G-enabled autonomous robots in South Korea to monitor air quality in industrial areas.  Utilizing NASA's Tropospheric Emissions Monitoring of Potential Impact on India: Pollution (TEMPO) satellite for monitoring air pollution  CBAM could significantly affect India's exports. India is from space. adopting low-carbon technologies and promoting Air Pollution In Major Cities :Delhi initiatives like the Green Hydrogen Mission to mitigate its impact.  Change in wind direction towards Northwest post-  Negotiations with the EU are ongoing to exempt MSMEs monsoon, bringing dust from Rajasthan, Pakistan, and from CBAM regulations. Afghanistan.  Vehicle emissions contribute 40% of PM2.5 emissions in Air Pollution: Delhi. Acc to Urban air pollution in India (2023 World Air Quality  Stubble burning in National Capital Region (NCR): report, IQAir): Temperature Inversion: Ranked 3rd globally in air pollution.  Occurs when a layer of warmer air traps cooler air near Annual average PM2.5: 54.4 µg/m3 (10 times WHO the ground. guideline of 5 µg/m3).  During temperature inversion, the inversion height lowers, restricting pollutant dispersion into the upper 9 out of 10 world's most polluted cities in India (e.g., atmosphere. Begusarai, Guwahati, and Delhi in Top 3).  Concentration of pollutants increases under inversion Impacts of Urban Air Pollution : conditions. LEGEND BHAIYA 13 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Case of Mumbai Implementation: Led by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), with City Action Plans (CAPs) executed at state and Reasons for air pollution increase: municipal levels.  Disruption in local wind patterns:  Swachh Vayu Survekshan: Ranks cities based on CAP  Disturbed cycle between sea-to-land and land-to-sea implementation and air quality improvements. winds leads to higher levels of Particulate Matter (PM).  Dip in La Niña: Cooling ocean surface alters wind Progress and Challenges patterns.  Progress: Some cities have shown improvements in  Creates temperature gradient between city and nearby PM2.5 and PM10 levels. hills, directing winds and dust towards the city.  Challenges: Include insufficient air quality monitors, poor Cloud Seeding: data capture, underutilization of funds, and issues with fiscal strategy and trans-boundary emissions. Researchers are exploring the potential of cloud seeding to address Delhi's air pollution issues. Way Forward:  Cloud seeding is a technique used to enhance  Adopt standardized air quality monitoring methods and precipitation by introducing substances into clouds. invest in technological tools.  Chemicals used: Includes salts such as silver iodide,  Strengthen fiscal responses and mandate compliance potassium iodide, sodium chloride, or materials like dry with clear targets. ice.  Encourage private sector involvement and enhance stakeholder cooperation for effective implementation. Conditions required: Effective in clouds with suitable temperature (-10 to -12 degrees Celsius), at least 50% cloud THE WATER (PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF POLLUTION) cover, and relative humidity above 75%. AMENDMENT ACT, 2024: Applications: Recently passed by Parliament, amending the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.  Can help clear particulate matter and pollutants like smog and haze from the atmosphere. Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Union territories passed  Used in hydroelectric power generation, fog dispersal, resolutions to adopt the amendments, invoking Article 252 of cyclone modification, and controlling forest fires. the Constitution. Challenges: About Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974:  Potential toxicity of substances like silver iodide to aquatic life.  Prevent and control water pollution and maintain water  Debate over human intervention in natural processes wholesomeness nationwide. and regulatory concerns.  Central Pollution Control Boards (CPCB) and State  High operational costs and unpredictable weather Pollution Control Boards (SPCB). impacts.  Initially applicable in 25 states. Conclusion: Collaborative efforts are needed to establish Key Amendments (Water Amendment Act, 2024) clear guidelines and ethical standards for cloud seeding  Chairman of SPCB: Previously nominated by state projects, considering potential long-term impacts on government; now terms and conditions prescribed by the ecosystems and weather patterns. central government. 5 Years of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)  Consent Exemptions: State governments empowered to exempt certain industrial categories from requiring About NCAP permission. Aim: Improve air quality in 131 cities identified as non-  Penalties: Decriminalizes violations, imposes fines attainment cities (NAC) and Million Plus Cities exceeding ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15 lakh. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).  Heads of departments held accountable for violations, subject to penalties. Targets: Achieve up to 40% reductions in PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations by 2025-26. Other Provisions: LEGEND BHAIYA 14 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA  Tampering with Monitoring Devices: Fine ranging from  National Water Mission: Aims to conserve water ₹10,000 to ₹15 lakh. resources and ensure sustainable management.  Adjudicating Officers: Appointed by central government  Water Conservation Initiatives: Implemented through for penalty determination. schemes like Atal Bhujal Yojana.  Environment Protection Fund: Receives penalty  Sahi Fasal Campaign: Promotes sustainable agricultural proceeds. practices to reduce water consumption.  Appeals: May be filed before the National Green Way Forward: Recommendations by World Resource Tribunal, with a deposit of 10% of the penalty. Institute's Atlas: Criticism:  Implement nature-based solutions and green  Challenges in enforcing penalties due to logistical and infrastructure. cultural reasons.  Encourage commitments to invest in mangrove  Amendments criticized for potentially ignoring climate restoration and wetland conservation. and water crisis concerns.  Implement strategies to resolve water crises in  Raises concerns over state authority in managing SPCBs. agriculture.  Cities should formulate action plans to enhance Conclusion: There is need for Stakeholder Engagement resilience against urban water challenges. through consultations with environmental experts, industry representatives, and civil society organizations to refine the URBAN WATER CRISIS IN INDIA: amendments and address concerns. Bengaluru faced its severest water crisis in decades, Extreme Water Stress: highlighting the broader issue of urban water scarcity in India. Extreme Water Stress Occurs when a country uses at least Definition: Inadequate access to clean and safe water, 80% of its available water supply. exemplified by recent crises in cities like Bengaluru and Chennai. High Water Stress: Indicates withdrawal of 40% of available water supply. "Day Zero": Term used when water resources become critically scarce due to drought worsened by climate change. Current Situation: Reasons Behind the Crisis:  25 countries, including India, face extreme water stress (World Resources Institute - WRI).  Projected doubling of India's water demand by 2030 due  Half of the world's population lives under highly water- to rapid urbanization (UN Report). stressed conditions for at least one month annually (WRI  India houses 18% of the world's population but only Data). possesses 4% of global water resources.  Over-extraction worsened by unplanned urbanization. Impacts:  Notably seen in polluted water bodies like Bellandur Lake  By 2050, 31% of global GDP will be vulnerable to high (Bengaluru). water stress, with India, Mexico, Egypt, and Turkey Key Initiatives to Tackle the Crisis: accounting for over half of this exposure (WRI Data).  60% of the world's irrigated agriculture faces extreme  National Water Mission (NWM): Focuses on integrated water stress (WRI Data). water development and conservation.  Urban River Management Plans (URMPs): Implemented Causes of Global Extreme Water Stress: in 60 cities under Namami Gange to manage urban  Overexploitation of water resources, especially for rivers. agriculture.  Jal Shakti Abhiyan - Catch the Rain Campaign: Promotes  Unsustainable water use policies. water conservation nationwide.  Climate change disrupting the hydrological cycle and Way Forward reducing water availability.  Promote green-blue infrastructure and wetland  Lack of investment in water infrastructure. restoration.  Sustainable Water Management: Implement models like Initiatives Taken in India: Telangana's Shallow Aquifer Management (SAM). LEGEND BHAIYA 15 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA  Educate and involve communities, like the recycled water Objective: Integrated mission to reduce pollution and campaign in Orange County, USA. conserve the Ganga and its tributaries.  Collaborate internationally, such as the LOTUS-HR Key Features: Central Sector Scheme implemented by program between Netherlands and India for sewage National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). treatment in Delhi. Major States Covered: Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Groundwater Management in India: Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal.  India is the world's largest user of groundwater, Achievements: extracting 25% of the global supply annually.  Indo-Gangetic basin has surpassed the groundwater  885 out of 1072 Grossly Polluting Industries (GPIs) depletion tipping point. monitored via Online Continuous Effluent Monitoring  Over 60% of monitored wells show declining water levels Stations. over the last decade.  Dissolved Oxygen levels in the Ganga within acceptable limits as per 2022 survey. Reasons for Decline in Groundwater: Challenges:  Rapid increase in borewells (1 million to 20 million in 50 years).  Slow pace with only 232 out of 409 projects completed  Long-term decline in monsoonal rainfall due to climate by December 2022. change.  Limited capacity of sewage treatment plants (STPs) to  State subsidies on power (including solar pumps) for handle major basin state sewage. agriculture.  Financial management issues with released funds below  Other Factors such as Population growth, urbanization, allocations by June 2023. and industrial demands outpacing supply. Way Forward: Impacts of Groundwater Decline:  Verify efficiency of existing STPs through independent  Reduced surface water availability due to interconnected assessments. aquifers.  Innovate revenue models for sustainable water  Land subsidence from shrinking aquifers. infrastructure operations.  Threats to food security and farmer livelihoods.  Restore local water bodies integral to river conservation.  Increased costs for water extraction and energy. WATER TRADING: Government Initiatives for Groundwater Management: NITI Aayog's proposal for water trading to enhance treated  National Aquifer Mapping & Management Programme wastewater reuse. (NAQUIM) About Water Trading  Jal Kranti Abhiyan  Atal Bhujal Yojana Market mechanism treating water as a tradable commodity.  Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY)  Master Plan for Artificial Recharge to Groundwater 2020 Mechanism: Companies can purchase water from third parties for reuse. Suggestions to Improve Groundwater Management: Need for Treated Wastewater Reuse  Shift to less water-intensive crops like pomegranates and cumin.  Address urban water pollution with only 40% of wastewater treated.  Policy reforms like separating agricultural and household electricity connections.  Balance spatial water distribution and tackle water scarcity.  Restructure governance with recommendations from the Mihir Shah Committee.  Manage overuse in agriculture, a net virtual exporter of water. NAMAMI GANGE PROGRAMME (NGP) Challenges: About NGP  Establishing appropriate pricing and storage for treated wastewater. LEGEND BHAIYA 16 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA  Ensuring continuous supply amidst maintenance and LAND DEGRADATION AT A GLANCE: quality issues. Land degradation refers to Reduction in land's ability to  Lack of economic value for water hindering market produce benefits under specific management. development. India: 29.7% degraded land, significant acidity in arable land. Way Forward Global: Cultivated soils lost 75% of original carbon, 50%  Establish Independent Regulatory Authorities (IRAs) for topsoil lost via erosion. water allocation and pricing.  Develop trading platforms with reuse targets and site- Global Targets: specific plans.  Learn from global models like Australia, Spain, and South  Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) aims to restore one Africa for efficient water management practices. billion hectares by 2030.  Global Land Initiative pledges to halve degradation by MINAMATA CONVENTION 2040. Fifth Conference of Parties (COP 5) held in Geneva focused on India: Committed to restore 26 million hectares by 2030. reducing mercury supply sources and trade. Constraints: Major Outcomes:  Rapid land use changes for development.  Emphasis on national capacity building and global study  Illegal logging, encroachment, and unregulated grazing. on mercury supply, trade, production, and use.  Limited knowledge and high restoration costs.  Established 15 mg/kg as the threshold concentration for  Extreme weather, excessive fertilizers, and pesticides. mercury-contaminated wastes. Global Initiatives: About Minamata Convention on Mercury  UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).  First global treaty protecting human health and  LDN Fund catalyzes private investments. environment from mercury's adverse effects.  Bonn Challenge targets 350 million hectares by 2030.  Mercury can harm nervous, thyroid, kidney, lung,  UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030). immune, eye, and skin systems.  Goals: Ban new mercury mines, phase out existing ones, India: and reduce mercury in products and processes.  National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).  Named after Japan's Minamata city, central to Minamata  Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas. disease from severe mercury poisoning.  Integrated Watershed Management Program. Annexes of the Convention:  Annex A: Mercury-added products like batteries, Way Forward: fluorescent lamps, pesticides.  Annex B: Manufacturing processes using mercury.  Expand global restoration targets to 1.5 billion hectares  Annex C: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining. by 2030.  Annex D: List of mercury emission point sources.  Use indigenous knowledge for sustainable practices.  Annex E: Arbitration and conciliation procedures.  Promote agroforestry in wastelands.  Regulate soil pollution in line with international Successes of the Convention: 148 countries ratified. standards (Stockholm, Basel Conventions).  Significant reduction in mercury use and emissions. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):  Improved monitoring and reporting systems.  Originated from the 1987 Brundtland Commission report. Challenges:  Adoption: Formally adopted at the UN Sustainable Development Summit in 2015 as "Transforming our  Managing mercury in artisanal gold mining. world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development".  Compliance and enforcement in resource-limited countries. Challenges:  Providing technical and financial support to developing  Asia Pacific not expected to achieve all 17 SDGs before nations. 2062 (UNESCAP SDG Progress Report, 2024). LEGEND BHAIYA 17 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA  Disparities across countries, genders, urban-rural areas, electricity provision, infrastructure development, and etc. higher education.  Economic development disparities, rapid urbanization, Andhra Pradesh: Implements 'Navaratnalu', a cluster of 9 regional variations. flagship programs targeting vulnerable communities.  Systemic weaknesses, limited access to resources, inadequate participation of marginalized communities. Way Forward: Initiatives:  Break down SDGs for implementation at sub-national and local levels, ensuring gender-responsive and  MYAC (One Million Youth Actions Challenge): Encourages community-centric approaches. youth to promote SDGs 6, 12, 13, and 15 through  Establish robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms. collective action.  Raise awareness about SDGs in Panchayati Raj  Inclusion in censuses and capacity-building in Central Institutions (PRIs) and empower rural bodies. Asian countries aid decision-making. Way Forward: Sustainable Tourism  Integrate climate action (SDG 13) into national policies. Tourism that considers economic, social, and environmental  Implement Nature-based Solutions (NbS) such as impacts, meeting the needs of visitors, the industry, reforestation, afforestation, wetland restoration, and environment, and host communities (World Tourism green infrastructure. Organization).  Support initiatives like the ENACT partnership (launched in CoP27) focused on environmental issues through NbS. Basic Principles: Localization of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  Optimal use of resources, conserving natural heritage and biodiversity. UN-Habitat released "Smart Cities Mission, India: Localising  Promote intercultural understanding and tolerance. SDGs" report with Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.  Equitable distribution of socio-economic benefits. Challenges in SDG Localization: Environmental Footprint of Tourism:  Limited finance, data, and capacities for sub-national  Tourism contributes to 8% of global carbon emissions. monitoring.  Transport-related CO2 emissions expected to rise 25%  Lack of policy coherence and coordination between from 2016 levels by 2030 under current trends. national and local efforts.  Limited awareness of SDGs at sub-national levels in Issues/Challenges in Ensuring Sustainable Tourism: diverse countries like India.  Limited focus on environmental aspects, neglecting social Benefits of SDG Localisation: and economic dimensions.  Absence of dedicated organizations or agencies to  Promotes cooperative and competitive federalism, enforce sustainable tourism rules and regulations. fostering healthy competition.  Misleading claims of sustainability without genuine  Enhances state capacity at all government levels. efforts or impact. Efforts for SDGs Localization: Way Forward (National Strategy for Sustainable Tourism  NITI Aayog oversees SDG adoption and monitoring (NSST), 2022): nationwide.  Formulating Sustainable Tourism Criteria of India (STCI)  Foster competitive and cooperative federalism among  Develop criteria based on global practices tailored to states and Union Territories (UTs). India's specific needs.  SDG India Index: Introduced by NITI Aayog to track SDG  Establish a certification scheme to recognize sustainable progress across states and UTs. tourism practices. Examples of SDG Localization :  Establish National and State Resource Centres for capacity building among stakeholders.  Viksit Bihar ke 7 Nischay: Includes schemes on inclusion,  Create a Vision Group on Sustainable Tourism under the entrepreneurship, women's job reservation, water and Union Minister for Tourism. LEGEND BHAIYA 18 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Unregulated Tourism in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR):  Strengthen international cooperation for blended finance and sustainable financial systems. Challenges of Unregulated Tourism in the IHR: Mission LIFE ('Lifestyle for Environment'):  Rapid growth in tourist numbers, expected to reach 240 million by 2025. MoEF&CC conducted awareness activities as part of Mission  Significant solid waste generation, approximately 8.395 LIFE. million tonnes annually. About Mission LIFE: India-led global movement promoting  Loss of forests and biodiversity due to infrastructure sustainable consumption and production aligned with SDGs. development.  Altered landscapes from traditional to less eco-friendly Launched at UNFCCC COP26 to engage individuals and infrastructure. communities in environmental preservation.  Seasonal tourism causing overcrowding, cultural erosion, and social impacts. Targets and Phases: Way Forward:  Goals include making 80% of villages and urban local bodies environmentally friendly by 2028.  Implement a multi-year strategy with local community  Phases involve demand and supply changes, influencing partnerships. policies for sustainable consumption.  Foster inter-departmental collaboration for active monitoring and regulation. Challenges in Implementation:  Design climate-smart infrastructure through  Challenges include the feasibility of uniform sustainable environmental assessments and risk disclosures. approaches and lack of precise data for informed  Utilize technology for tourism satellite accounts and decisions. multi-hazard zoning.  Issues such as greenwashing and financial incentives for Sustainable Finance: clean energy hinder implementation. Report 'Sustainable Finance: Bridging the Gap in Asia and the Expected Impacts: Pacific' launched by ESCAP.  Predicted reductions in emissions and air pollution, with Sustainable Finance is Integration of environmental, social, significant job creation in clean energy sectors. and governance (ESG) considerations in financial investments.  Expected investments in clean energy technologies and economic stimulation through sustainable practices. Tools of Sustainable Finance: Way Forward:  Green deposits, sovereign green bonds, and green and social impact bonds by IFC.  Develop outcome-oriented indicators to measure the  Aligned with the Addis Ababa Action Agenda for environmental impact of sustainable choices. financing sustainable development.  Promote green nudges to encourage sustainable lifestyles and traditional practices. Status and Challenges:  Incentivize adoption of sustainable options through tax breaks and carbon pricing.  Developing countries face an annual financing gap of  Integrate knowledge of sustainable lifestyles into $2.5 trillion to $4 trillion for sustainable educational curricula for long-term impact. development.  COMPILED BY LEGEND BHAIYA  High debt service burdens and economic challenges exacerbate financial gaps.  Sustainable finance aims to mobilize funds for green growth and resilience against global risks. Recommendations:  Promote local currency financing for energy transition and green technologies.  Advocate for concessional financing and risk-sharing mechanisms by development banks. LEGEND BHAIYA 19 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA Circular Economy:  Engage stakeholders including urban local bodies (ULBs), informal cooperatives, regulators, etc.  Encourage decentralized governance at municipal and panchayat levels.  Support circular economy through public procurement policies, tax incentives, etc. Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Act, 2023 About Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) Act, 2023:  Broadens definition of "coastal aquaculture" to include various verticals.  Registration under this Act supersedes permissions under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification.  Roles expanded to set standards for inputs and effluent  Only 7.2% of the global economy operates in a circular discharge, regulate aquaculture units, and promote manner, with a declining trend (Circularity Gap Report biosecurity. 2023). Significance of Amendments Need of Circular Economy (CE) in India:  Economic benefits include ease of business and  Replace Linear Economic Model: India saw a six-fold employment generation. increase in annual material consumption from 1970 to  Environmental benefits through sustainable aquaculture 2015. practices and biosecurity measures.  Enhance household disposable income by reducing costs of products and services. Issues with the Act:  Decrease dependency on imported resources.  Challenges noted in effective implementation due to  Potential to create an annual value of ₹40 lakh crore by manpower and infrastructure deficiencies. 2050, equivalent to 30% of India's current GDP.  Potential environmental impacts from intensive coastal Constraints: aquaculture.  Requires systemic change in how goods and services are Conclusion: The Coastal Aquaculture Authority (Amendment) designed, produced, consumed, and disposed. Act, 2023, aims to modernize and regulate coastal  Businesses lack incentives due to the costly and time- aquaculture to foster sustainable growth and economic consuming nature of transitioning. benefits while addressing environmental concerns.  Inefficiencies in waste management sector, including Organic Farming in India: informal nature and lack of collection and sorting facilities. Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) established a dedicated Schemes and Policies: organic promotion division.  Regulatory measures: National Resource Efficiency Policy About Organic Farming: A production management system (NREP), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), etc. promoting ecosystem health, biodiversity, and biological  Awareness campaigns: Swachh Bharat Mission and activity without synthetic inputs. others.  Financial Incentives: Tax benefits, subsidies, and low- India has the world's highest number of organic farmers (44.3 interest loans for the recycling industry. lakhs) and ranks 6th globally in certified organic area. Way Forward: Sikkim achieved the milestone of becoming the world's first 100% organic state.  Integrate informal sector into formal economy, recognizing their role. Benefits of Organic Farming: LEGEND BHAIYA 20 ENVIRONMENT MAINS 365 SUMMARY BY LEGEND BHAIYA  Prohibits harmful pesticides, promotes carbon Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) sequestration, and enhances biodiversity and soil health. Developed by Subhash Palekar in India, focusing on four key  Expanding market segment, reduces input costs, and elements. builds resilience against extreme weather.  Provides healthier produce with higher nutritional Elements of ZBNF: quality. 1. Beejamrit: Seed treatment using cow dung and cow Challenges for Organic Farming: urine. 2. Jeevamrit: Inoculation made from local cow dung and  High initial input costs and lower yields compared to cow urine. conventional farming. 3. Acchadana: Maintaining favorable micro-climate in soil.  Inefficient marketing and distribution supply chains. 4. Waaphasa: Soil aeration.  Higher prices of organic produce compared to conventional alternatives. Significance of ZBNF:  Issues with Certification Process for Organic Farming  Improves farmers' income, soil health, environmental Challenges: conservation, livestock sustainability, and employment opportunities.  Lack of standardization, resulting in varied