(V) Environment by Vaishali Mam (V)

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022
 (V)ENVIRONMENT BY VAISHALI MAM  Each trophic level has a certain mass of living material
at a particular time called as standing crop. The
 SOURCES standing crop is measured as the mass of living
 Class notes
organisms (biomass)
 NCERT XII 13 to 16 chapters
 Terrestrial:- from grass tree  cow  fishes lion
 Current affairs 24 last months
man
 Yellow book
 Aquatic:- from photoplankton (algae) Zooplankton
 ENVIRONMENT :- our surrounding (biotic + Abiotic)  Birds
 ECOLOGY:- science which studies relationships b/w
organisms & relationship of organisms with
 FUNCTIONS OF ECOSYSTEM
environment (in context of ecosystem). Term coined a) Flow of energy
by Ernst Haeckel 1869 b) Flow of nutrients
 ECOSYSTEM c) Productivity
 Functional unit comprised of biotic integrated with d) Decomposition
their physical non-living (Abiotic) environment 1. FLOW OF ENERGY
through the flow of energy & flow of nutrients  It is as per two fundamentals laws of
 A.G.Tansley-1935:- gave concept of ecosystem thermodynamics which implies that
 Interaction b/w life forms of all types a) Solar energy is converted to chemical energy
 How during photosynthesis and transferred from
lower to successfully higher trophic level in
universal directional manner
b) As the energy transfer happens , 10% or less than
that of energy at a given trophic level is
transferred to next higher trophic level, rest gets
lost as heat {10% rule or 10% law}
2. FLOW OF NUTRIENTS
 Bio-geochemical chemical nutrients
 Not universal they are cyclic in manner
 Macro nutrient:- needed in large quantity ,
{C,O2,N2,H2}
 CONDITIONS FOR ECOSYSTEM  Micro nutrients:- needed less quantity {Fe, Mo , Zn
 Entity comprises of biotic & Abiotic components ,Cu}
 There are interactions b/w these components  These nutrients are present in different reservoirs of
 It is a life sustaining entity (imp) planet {lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere,
 Varying levels of complexity of ecosystem biosphere} nutrients keep on getting transferred from
 Either can be terrestrial or aquatic one be available again in the reusable form this is
 Either natural (oceans, lakes) or managed by humans called as Biogeochemical cycle of nutrients (cover
(gardens , agriculture field , artificial lake , reservoir
from NCERT book XII Ch-13-16}
 CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ECOSYSTEM 3. PRODUCTIVITY (ECOLOGICAL PRODUCTIVITY)
 Structure of an ecosystem  Rate of biomass production by biotic components
 Arrangement & organization of biotic components of  Two types
an ecosystem. this arrangement is based upon the a) Primary productivity
feeding relationships of biotic components called  Rate (per unit) of biomass or organic matter
“Trophic structure” production by the producers in an ecosystem. It
is usually expressed g/m2 in a year or Kcal/m2 in
a year
 Biomass= body weight
 Biomass production is further of two types
1) Gross primary production /productivity
(GPP)
 Rate at which total solar energy captured
takes place by producers during
photosynthesis while the energy capture is
happening , part of energy will be used by
producers for respiration called respiration
loses
2) Net primary productivity (NPP)
 Is used for biomass production called NPP.
Therefore
 NPP:- {GPP – Respiration loses}
NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 1

 Examples of ecosystem which have high 3. Persistent Organic Pollutants (PoPs)-
primary productivity and therefore support Chemical substances than remain in the environment
rich bio-diversity are transported over large distances, bioaccumulate
 Tropical rainforests through the food web and pose a risk of causing
 Mangrove forests adverse effects to the environment and human
 Coral reefs health. PoPs include pesticides like PPTs, etc.
 Wetlands 4. Bioaccumulation- The accumulation of a
b) Secondary productivity substance such as toxic chemicals in various tissues of
 Rate biomass production by the consumers a living organism. Bioaccumulation takes places
in an ecosystem within an organism when the rate of intake of a
 Environmental factors which control substance is greater than the rate of excretion or
primary productivity of terrestrial metabolic transformation at that substance.
ecosystem are 5. Bio magnification- The increasing concentration
 Temperature & sunlight
of a substance such as a toxic chemical in tissues of
 Water availability
organisms at successively higher lends in food chain.
 Nutrient
As a result of bio magnification, organisms at the top
 So, primary productivity of ecosystem is a
of food chain generally suffer greater harm from a
function of complex interplay b/w all the persistent toxin or pollutant than those at lower
above listed factors which are acting levels.
simultaneously
6. Heavy Metals- Normally occur in nature and are
 TOPIC:- THE BIODIVERSITY essential to life but can become toxic through
 Biological variety of life over the planet accumulation in organic Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury,
 Sum of total of genes, species , ecosystems of planet Lead, Chromium, Copper, Nickel. Source include-
 Therefore it is of three types mining, industrial production, etc
1) Genetic diversity  MORE TERMS OF BIODIVERSITY
2) Species diversity
3) Ecosystem diversity 1. KEYSTONE SPECIES-
1) Genetic diversity  The term keystone species was first coined by Robert
 Sum total of all genes of all individuals of species Paine (1966)
 A keystone in an arch's crown secures the other
2) Species diversity
stones in place. Keystone species play the same role
 Further has two components
in many ecological communities by maintaining the
a) Species richness
structure and integrity of the community. Thus, a
 No of different species per unit area in a region
keystone species is an organism that helps define an
b) Species evenness
entire ecosystem. Without its keystone species, the
 Defined as relative abundance of individuals of
ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease
different species per unit area of region
to exist altogether. Keystone species are species that
play a disproportionately large role in the prevalence
and population levels of other species within their
ecosystem or community. Most importantly, the
preservation and restoration of keystone species is
essential for maintaining and/or reestablishing the
 Result historic structure and function of the ecosystems
 Species richness :- region x = region y they inhabit.
 Species evenness:- region x > region y  Any organism, from plants to fungi, herbivore or
 Overall diversity:- region x > region y carnivore, may be a keystone species; they are not
3) Ecosystem diversity always the largest or most abundant species in an
 Diversity of ecosystem with their biotic communities ecosystem.
in a region  For example- In African savannas such as the
Serengeti plains in Tanzania, elephants are a keystone
 SOME CONCEPTS AND TERMS species. Elephants eat shrubs and small trees, such as
1. Ecological degradation:- Since industrial acacia, that grow on the savanna. Even if an acacia
revolution as the human ecological foot print tree grows to a height of a meter or more, elephants
increased tremendously the health of ecosystem & are able to knock it over and uproot it. This feeding
their functioning is getting compromised and is called behavior keeps the savanna a grassland and not a
ecological degradation. Since human wellbeing is forest or woodland. With elephants to control the
intricately linked with wellbeing of ecosystem tree population, grasses thrive and sustaingrazing
therefore UN has declared 2021-2030 as UN Decade animals such as antelopes, wildebeests, and zebras.
for ecosystem restoration Smaller animals such as mice and shrews are able to
2. Ecosystem restoration:- defined as preventing burrow in the warm, dry soil of a savanna. Predators
healing , reversing ecological degradation
such as lions and hyenas depend on the savanna for
prey.
5. FLAGSHIP SPECIES-
 A flagship species acts as a symbol for an
 Large Mammalian Predators- While small predators
are important keystone species in many ecosystems, environmental habitat, movement, campaign, or
as mentioned above, large mammalian predators are issue. They can be mascots for entire ecosystems. The
also considered keystone species in larger identification of a flagship species relies heavily on
ecosystems. For example, the lion, jaguar and gray the social, cultural, and economic value of a species.
wolf are considered keystone species as they help They are often “charismatic megafauna,”— large
balance large ecosystems (e.g., Central and South animals with popular appeal due to their appearance
American rainforests) by consuming a wide variety of or cultural significance. Flagship species may or may
prey species not be keystone or indicator species.
 Flagship species can sometimes be symbols of
2. UMBRELLA SPECIES general ideas about conservation, not
 Umbrella species are often conflated with keystone representatives of specific ecosystems. However,
species. Both terms describe a single species on specific issues are often associated with a specific
which many other species depend. The key animal. Polar bears are the unchallenged flagship
distinction between umbrella species and keystone species associated with climate change.
species is that the value of an umbrella species is tied  The giant panda is perhaps the most familiar flagship
to its geographic species range. species. Pandas are the global symbol of endangered
 Umbrella species have large habitat needs, and the species and the value of captive breeding.
st nd
requirements of that habitat impact many other ……………..1 class ended, 2 started……….
species living there. Most umbrella species are
migratory, and their range may include different  BIODIVERSITY LOSS-CONSERVATION
habitat types.  Biodiversity loss:- extinction of species from the
 The identification of an umbrella species can be an planet causes loss of both genetic and species
important aspect for conservation. The minimum diversity
species range of an umbrella species is often the basis  Since industrial revolution human activities have
for establishing the size of a protected area. caused certain profound changes in the conditions
 The Siberian tiger, an endangered species, is an and processes over the planet. Therefore , certain
umbrella species with a range of more than 1,000 scientists call the present geological interval as
th
kilometers (620 miles) in Russia’s far east, with “Anthropocene epoch” which is characterized by 6
territory stretching into China and North Korea. The mass extinction (that is present bio-diversity loss)
species range includes heavily forested ecosystems in  Some of the major observations of world
both temperate and boreal (subarctic) biomes. wildlife funds living planet report (2020)
Populations of deer, boar, and moose are under the
are
snowy “umbrella” of the Siberian tiger range
 Living planet index (LPI):- declined by 68% per in
3. FOUNDATION SPECIES time duration from 1970 to 2016
 Foundation species play a major role in creating or  LPI measures “ population of more than 4000
maintaining a habitat. vertebrate species over the planet”(4392 exact
 Corals are a key example of a foundation species species)
across many islands in the South Pacific Ocean. These  Current rates of biodiversity loss are 100 to 1000
tiny animals grow as a colony of thousands and even times faster than natural rates of extinction
millions of individual polyps. The rocky exoskeletons  LPI comes after every 2 year:- UK based WWF (world
of these polyps create enormous structures around wildlife fund’s)
islands: coral reefs. Coral reefs are one of the most  REASONS FOR BIODIVERSITY LOSS
vibrant and biologically diverse ecosystems on the
1. HABITAT LOSS & FRAGMENTATION BY
planet. Microscopic plankton, as well as crustaceans,  Deforestation for agriculture , buildings , roads lead to
mollusks, sponges, fish, and marine reptiles and habitat loss
mammals are all part of healthy coral reef  Linear projects :- railways , roads lead to fragmentation
ecosystems (like a highway road can divide the entire forest into two
fragments)
4. INDICATOR SPECIES-  It also lead to human –wildlife conflict as prey base for
 An indicator species describes an organism that is predators reduces and tiger , leopard etc all start venture
very sensitive to environmental changes in its out of natural habitat result in human wildlife conflict
ecosystem. Indicator species are almost immediately  To reduce this human wildlife conflict an advisory
affected by changes to the ecosystem and can give committee was made UNDER JAI RAM RAMESH by union
early warning that a habitat is suffering. Changes environment ministry
associated with external influences such as water CURRENT AFFAIRS
pollution, air pollution, or climate change first appear  RECENTLY SOLUTION BY KVIC
in indicator species. For this reason, indicator species  Re-Hab Project
are sometimes known as “sentinel species.” This  KVIC Chairman recently inaugurated the ambitious
makes ‘coral polyp’ as indicator species too Re-Hab Project in Nainital
 It is an initiative under Khadi & Village Industries are large fishing vessels completely mechanized
Commission (KVIC). are doing commercially fishing
 • It is running this project in 7 states of the country,  Target species fish India:- tuna
namely in Karnataka, Maharashtra, West Bengal, 4. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Assam and Orissa.  All types are detrimental for health of species
 Under this project fencing of bee boxes is installed in  Air pollution
such areas from where elephants move towards the  Water pollution- marine especially (plastic)
human settlements and farmers' agriculture.  Soil pollution
 Fencing of Bee-boxes on the routes of movement of  Bio-accumulation:- presence of toxins or
elephants blocks the path of wild elephants. pollutants living organism irrespective of trophic
 In this way, through honey-bees, elephants can be level
prevented from attacking humans and destroying  Bio-magnification:- high concentration of the
farmers' crops. National Honey Mission: contaminants I the higher trophic levels of food
 Project RE-HAB is a sub-mission of KVIC's National chains & food web
Honey Mission.  So reproductive success rate of the species
 The Honey Mission is a programme to increase the declines then ultimately population of them also
bee population, honey production and beekeepers' starts to decline
income by setting up apiaries CURRENT AFFAIRS
 HUMAN-ANIMAL CONFLICT  Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action
 Minister of Environment tabled data in Lok Sabha on  Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action recently
human-animal conflict. launched Yearbook of Global Climate Action 2022.
 Between 2018-19 and 2020-21, 222 elephants were  This Yearbook of Global Climate Action, the sixth of the
killed by electrocution across the country, 45 by series, reviews the state and scope of global climate action in
trains, 29 by poachers and 11 by poisoning. 2022.
 Among tigers, too, 29 were killed by poaching  It outlines what is needed to accelerate sectoral systems
transformation, features case studies of real-world climate
between 2019 and 2021, while 197 tiger deaths are
action projects, highlights some key global climate action
under scrutiny.
topics-particularly regionalization and accountability-and
 Among human casualties of conflict with animals, presents the High-Level
elephants killed 1,579 humans in three years - 585 in  Champions' contribution to these issues.
2019-20, 461 in 2020-21, and 533 in 2021-22. Odisha  Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action:
accounted for the highest number of these deaths at  The Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action
322. supports implementation of the Paris Agreement by enabling
 • Tigers killed 125 humans in reserves between 2019 collaboration between governments and the cities, regions,
and 2021. Maharashtra accounted for nearly half businesses and investors that must act on climate change.
 It was launched in November 2016 at COP 22.
these deaths, at 61.
 Its main objective is to strengthen collaboration between
 533 Humans killed by elephants in 2021-22
governments and key stakeholders to immediately lower
emissions and increase resilience against climate impacts.
 These actions will be guided by the long-term goals of the
Paris Agreement and undertaken in the context of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 UN Climate Change High-Level Champions:
 At the COP21 United Nations Climate Change Conference in
Paris, governments agreed that mobilizing stronger and more
ambitious climate action is urgently required to achieve the
goals of the Paris Agreement.
 To connect the work of governments with the many
voluntary and collaborative actions taken by cities, regions,
businesses and investors, nations decided to appoint two
High Level Champions
2. CLIMATE CHANGE 5. INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES
 Habitat loss:- polar bears habitat loses arctic is  These are non—native to region & proliferate very
an example as ice is melting now its chronic fast by out competing the native species
stress for polar bears & estimate they get extinct  E.g:-
in end of this century  Prosopis juli flora:- (vilayati kikar)- a plant that
 Too fast environmental changes:- affects the threat to grass of ecosystem, brought by
adaptation ability of species Europeans from Mexico to India
3. SPECIES OVER EXPLOITATION  Water Hyacinth:- type of a weed threat to
 Direct: - hunting & trafficking of wildlife (both aquatic ecosystem lakes and ponds, brought by
flora & fauna). Around 25 billion annually (black) british from tropical Americas to India
 Lantana camara:- threat to forest ecosystem,
 Indirect:- through commercial fisheries i.e. large
scale fishing is done. E.g:- ocean bottom trawling brought by british from tropical Americas to India

 APPROACHES FOR BIODIVERSITY  BIOSPHERE RESERVE: - international designation
given by the UNESCO under its man & biosphere
CONSERVATION:- program (MAB) 1971.
 MAB: is intergovernmental scientific program to
1. EX-SITU CONSERVATION improve the relationships b/w human and their
 Conservation of biodiversity outside its natural environment. Therefore , biosphere reserve is
habitat. e.g:- through seed banks , gene banks , cultural and natural landscape with following three
botanical gardens , zoological gardens etc objectives
 CAPTIVE BREEDING PROGRAMS 1. Conservation
 Going on In India 2. Logistics:- research , monitoring (e.g tiger census
a) For vultures :- Pinjore , Haryana and name of in India)
this program is “ Jatayu Conservation captive 3. Development:- sustainable development, wise
breeding program” use of forest resources
b) For great Indian Bustard (RJ)  1971:- through map program this concept comes
 Its natural habitat :- grass land  Following are the major criteria by UNESCO
 Program is in Rajasthan for biosphere reserve
 As grass land is decreasing + hunting for 1. It should have undisturbed core area
recreation + state of Gujarat renewable projects
 No humans in core area
(solar +wind) are hanging over-lying cables. so
 Totally protected
bird is heavy gets into contact with cables causes
 Only for conservation
also death of GIB
 Buffer zone:- conservation + logistics
 Only 50-60 GIB are left so
 Transition Zone:- Humans like tribal are allowed
c) For Pygmy hog
2. Should have certain endemic (Indigenous)
 In Assam , wild Pig small in size
 Habitat:- grassland of tarai region of India
species of flora and fauna
 E.g lion-tailed macaque (type of monkey) in
 Tarai region is now encroached for agriculture
western ghats
2. IN-SITU CONSERVATION  Nilgiri tahr (wild goat) of western ghats
 Conservation of biodiversity inside its natural habitat  Red sanders only found to eastern ghats
e.g through the protected area network (PANs) like 3. Should have some certain primitive tribal
national parks and sanctuaries groups
 India:- 5% of the total geographical area is PANs  E.g:- Jarawas of Andaman & Nicobar , Kanikaran
 100+ national parks (NP) tribes of Kerala
 500+ wildlife sanctuaries (WS)  India has 18 biosphere reserve out of which 12
 Both NP + WC:- designated by state or union govt. have been inter-nationally recognized by
based on their ecological significance as per UNESCO under its world network of biosphere
provisions of “wild life protection act 1972 (WLPA- reserves
1972)” 4. They should be notified by UNION ministry
 Both NP and WC have statutory status of environment only (but can consult to
 NP:- private human activities are prohibited but
state )in India
tourism , roads , power cables are allowed
 2020:- Panna biosphere reserve in Madhya
 WC:- private human activities are allowed after
Pradesh recognized by UNESCO
getting permissions
 WLPA-1972:- has six schedules which give varying  THE WILDLIFE PROTECTION
degree of protection to both floral and faunal species
of the wild. Major objectives of this Act are AMENDMENT BILL, 2021:-
a) Establishment of NP and WC – for In-situ  The Bill amends the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
conservation of flora and fauna species The Act regulates the protection of wild animals,
b) Management of zoos in country birds and plants.
 The Bill seeks to increase the species protected under
c) Prohibiting & regulating illegal wildlife trade in
the law, and implement the Convention on
India
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
 Schedule-I of WLPA-1972:- Indian tiger , elephant ,
leopard , Snow-leopard , Gangetic dolphin , one horn rhino, Fauna and Flora (CITES). Key features of the Bill
Asiatic lion etc all enjoy the higher degree of protection & include:
violation can lead to punishment or crime  CITES: CITES is an international agreement between
 WLP Amendment Bill-2021:- introduced in governments to ensure that international trade in
parliament by Govt. with objective to rationalize the specimens of wild animals and plants does not
schedules of WLPA as per three appendices of CITES- threaten the survival of the species. Under CITES,
convention on international trade in endangered plant and animal specimens are classified into three
species of wild flora & fauna (CITES-1975):- to reduce categories (Appendices) based on the threat to their
6 schedules to 4 on the basis of CITES extinction. The Convention requires countries to
regulate the trade of all listed specimens through
permits. It also seeks to regulate the possession of  Surrender of captive animals: The Bill provides for
live animal specimens. The Bill seeks to implement any person to voluntarily surrender any captive
these provisions of CITES. animals or animal products to the Chief Wild Life
 Rationalizing schedules: Currently, the Act has six Warden. No compensation will be paid to the person
schedules for specially protected plants (one), for surrendering such items. The surrendered items
specially protected animals (four), and vermin species become property of the state government.
(one). Vermin refers to small animals that carry  Penalties: The Act prescribes imprisonment terms
disease and destroy food. The Bill reduces the total and fines for violating the provisions of the Act. The
number of schedules to four by: (i) reducing the Bill increases these fines
number of schedules for specially protected animals Type of Violation 1972 Act 2021 Bill
to two (one for greater protection level), (ii) removes General violation Up to Rs 25,000 Up to Rs
the schedule for vermin species, and (iii) inserts a 1,00,000
new schedule for specimens listed in the Appendices Specially protected At least Rs At least Rs
under CITES (scheduled specimens). animals 10,000 25,000
 Obligations under CITES: The Bill provides for the
central government to designate a: (i) Management
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Authority, which grants export or import permits for  WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) AMENDMENT BILL, 2021
 The Lok Sabha passed the Wild Life (Protection)
trade of specimens, and (ii) Scientific Authority, which
gives advice on aspects related to impact on the Amendment Bill, 2021.
 The Bill amends the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
survival of the specimens being traded. Every person
engaging in trade of a scheduled specimen must The Act regulates the protection of wild animals,
report the details of the transaction to the birds and plants.
 The Bill seeks to increase the species protected under
Management Authority. As per CITES, the
Management. Authority may use an identification the law, and implement the Convention on
mark for a specimen. The Bill prohibits any person International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
from modifying or removing the identification mark Fauna and Flora (CITES).
 Currently, the Act has six schedules for specially
of the specimen. Additionally, every person
possessing live specimens of scheduled animals must protected plants (one), specially protected animals
obtain a registration certificate from the (four), and vermin species (one). The Bill reduces the
Management Authority. total number of schedules to four
 The Bills empowers the central government to
 Invasive alien species: The Bills empowers the central
government to regulate or prohibit the import, trade, regulate or prohibit the import, trade, possession or
possession or proliferation of invasive alien species. proliferation of invasive alien species
Invasive alien species refers to plant or animal species
which are not native to India and whose introduction
 NATIONAL WILDLIFE ACTION
may adversely impact wild life or its habitat. The
central government may authorize an officer to seize
PLAN (2017-2031)
 This is the 3rd such National Wildlife Action Plan.
and dispose the invasive species.
 Control of sanctuaries: The Act entrusts the Chief First Plan was unveiled in 1983 and second
Wild Life Warden to control, manage and maintain all Plan’s duration was 2002-2016. The Plan will
sanctuaries in a state. The Chief Wild Life Warden is help to mainstream wildlife conservation in
appointed by the state government. The Bill specifies development planning processes.
that actions of the Chief Warden must be in  Highlights of NWAP 3 are-
accordance with the management plans for the a) It focuses on preservation of genetic diversity and
sanctuary. These plans will be prepared as per sustainable development.
guidelines of the central government, and as b) It adopts a landscape approach in conservation of all
approved by the Chief Warden. For sanctuaries wildlife.
falling under special areas, the management plan c) It accords special emphasis to recovery of threatened
must be prepared after due consultation with the species while conserving their habitats.
concerned Gram Sabha. Special areas include a d) It is the first time India has recognised the concerns
Scheduled Area or areas where the Scheduled Tribes relating to climate change impact on wildlife and
and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of stressed on integrating actions that need to be taken
Forest Rights) Act, 2006 is applicable. Scheduled for its mitigation and adaptation into wildlife
Areas are economically backward areas with a management.
predominantly tribal population, notified under the e) The plan also underscores the increasing need for
Fifth Schedule to the Constitution. people’s support for wildlife conservation &
 Conservation reserves: Under the Act, state recommends ‘core-buffer-multiple use surround’
governments may declare areas adjacent to national structure.
parks and sanctuaries as a conservation reserve, for f) The Plan also takes into account strong dependence
protecting flora and fauna, and their habitat. The Bill of forest dwelling communities on forest resources
empowers the central government to also notify a and their rights under Forest Rights Act, 2006
conservation reserve.
 National Action Plan for Conservation of Tribes (STs) and other traditional forest dwellers
Migratory Birds and their habitats along (OTFDs).
 As per the Act, main forest rights which were
Central Asian Flyway (2018-2023) recognized as per the Act are as follows-
 The Central Asian Flyway (CAF), one among the nine
a) Right to hold or live in the forest land under the
flyways in the world, encompasses overlapping
individual or common occupation for habitation.
migration routes over 30 countries for different
These are the individual forest rights to own upto
waterbirds linking their northern most breeding
4 hectares of forest land for habitation or farms.
grounds in Russia (Siberia) to the southernmost non-
b) Community Forest Resource (CFR) rights of
breeding (wintering) grounds in West and South Asia,
communities to own common forest land. This
the Maldives and the British Indian Ocean Territory.
land will be with the forest department and
India has a strategic role in the flyway, as it provides
community will have rights over common forest
critical stopover sites to over 90% of the bird species
land.
known to use this migratory route.
 So, there are two types of rights- individual forest
 Longer-term goal of NAP- to arrest population decline
rights and community forest rights as per FRA, 2006.
and secure habitats of migratory bird species.
c) iii. Right to collect, use and own minor forest
 Shorter term objective of NAP- by 2027, to halt the
produce (MFP).
downward trends in declining meta-populations and
d) iv. Right of access to biodiversity and community
maintain stable or increasing trends for healthy
right to intellectual property and traditional
populations.
knowledge related to biodiversity.
 The NAP draws from the Central Asian Flyway Action
 Minor Forest Produce (MFP) includes all non-timber
Plan which provides a common strategic framework
forest produce (NTFP) of plant origin like bamboo,
for regional collaboration for protecting, conserving,
cane , tussar, honey, wax, lac, tendu or kendu leaves,
restoring, and sustainably managing populations of
medicinal plants, herbs, roots, tubers etc.
migratory bird species and their habitats in the Indian
subcontinent falling under the Central Asian Flyway  COASTAL REGULATION ZONE (CRZ)
region. MANAGEMENT RULES, 2018
HANDOUT MATERIAL  These rules divide the coastal areas into 4 coastal
 WILDLIFE CRIME CONTROL BUREAU (WCCB) zones.
1. CRZ- I areas are those which are environmentally
 It was constituted under the 2006 Amendment of
most critical. These are further classified as-
Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
 CRZ-I A constitutes ecologically sensitive areas
 It is a multi-disciplinary body established under
(ESAs) and geomorphological features which play
MoEFCC to combat organized wildlife crime in
a role in maintaining the integrity of coast. These
country.
include mangroves; coral reefs; National Parks &
 Other major functions of WCCB include–
other Protected Areas; salt marshes; turtle
 Collect & collate intelligence related to organized
nesting grounds; sea grass beds; nesting grounds
wildlife crime activities & disseminate the same
of birds; areas or structures of archaeological
to State
importance etc
 Establish a centralised Wildlife Crime data bank
 CRZ-I B constitutes the intertidal zone, i.e, land
 Coordination of actions by various officers, State
area between the HTL and the Low Tide Line
Govt. & other authorities to the Act
(LTL).
 Implementation of obligations under the various
2. CRZ-II constitutes the developed land areas which are
international conventions and protocols which
substantially built-up with drainage and other
are ratified by India.
infrastructural facilities or legally designated urban
 To advise Gol on issues relating to wildlife crime
areas.
& in policy-making on wildlife crime.
 In 2018, WCCB was awarded Asia Environment 3. CRZ-III are the land areas that are relatively
Enforcement Award, 2018 by UNEP for combatting undisturbed, i.e, the rural areas and which do not fall
transboundary environmental crime. WCCB has been under CRZ-II. CRZ-III are further classified as-
conferred this award in the ‘Innovation’ category. WCCB  CRZ-III A- are the areas with population density
has adopted innovative enforcement techniques that have more than 2161 per sq. km as per 2011 census.
dramatically increased enforcement of transboundary In CRZ-III A, area upto 50 meters from the HTL on
environmental crime in India. It has developed an online the landward side is marked as the No
Wildlife Crime Database Management System to get real- Development Zone (NDZ).
time data in order to analyze trends in crime & devise
 CRZ-III B- are the areas with population density
measures to present wildlife crime in India.
less than 2161 per sq. km as per 2011 census. In
 The scheduled tribes and other traditional CRZ-III B, area upto 200 meters from the HTL on
forest dwellers (recognition of forest rights) the landward side is marked as the No
act, 2006- Development Zone (NDZ).
 The Act is popularly called as Forest Rights Act (FRA), 4. CRZ-IV- constitutes the water area and is further
2006. It recognized the customary forest rights & classified as-
occupation in forest land of forest dwelling Scheduled  CRZ-IV A- the water area between the LTL upto

12 nautical miles on the seaward side. and the impacts of fisheries on stocks, species and
 CRZ-IV B- Tidal influenced water bodies. ecosystems are within safe ecological limits
 STRATEGIC PLAN FOR BIODIVERSITY  Target 7- By 2020, areas under agriculture,
aquaculture and forestry are managed sustainably,
AND AICHI BIODIVERSITY TARGETS ensuring conservation of biodiversity
 The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties  Target 8- By 2020, pollution, including from excess
(CoP 10- 2010) of the Convention on Biodiversity nutrients, has been brought to levels that are not
(CBD), in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, adopted a detrimental to ecosystem function and biodiversity
Strategic Plan for Biodiversity, including the Aichi
 Target 9- By 2020, invasive alien species and
Biodiversity Targets, for the 2011-2020 period. The
pathways are identified and prioritized, priority
plan includes a long term vision:
species are controlled or eradicated, and measures
 "By 2050, biodiversity is valued, conserved, restored
are in place to manage pathways to prevent their
and wisely used, maintaining ecosystem services,
introduction and establishment
sustaining a healthy planet and delivering benefits
essential for all people."
 Target 10- By 2020, the multiple anthropogenic
 Thus, the Plan provides an overarching framework on pressures on coral reefs, and other vulnerable
biodiversity with 5 Strategic Goals and 20 Targets. All ecosystems impacted by climate change or ocean
the goals and targets are to be achieved by the year acidification are minimized, so as to maintain their
2020 integrity and functioning
1. STRATEGIC GOAL A- 3. STRATEGIC GOAL C-

 To improve the status of biodiversity by safeguarding
 Address the underlying causes of biodiversity loss by
mainstreaming biodiversity across government and ecosystems, species and genetic diversity
society  Target 11- By 2020, at least 17 per cent of
 Target 1- By 2020, people are aware of the values terrestrial and inland water, and 10 per cent of
of biodiversity and the steps they can take to coastal and marine areas, especially areas of
conserve and use it sustainably particular importance for biodiversity and ecosystem
services, are conserved through effectively and
 Target 2- By 2020, biodiversity values have been
equitably managed, ecologically representative and
integrated into national and local development and
well connected systems of protected areas and other
poverty reduction strategies and planning processes
effective area-based conservation measures, and
and are being incorporated into national accounting,
integrated into the wider landscapes and seascapes
as appropriate, and reporting systems
 Target 12- By 2020, the extinction of known
 Target 3- By 2020, incentives, including subsidies,
threatened species has been prevented and their
harmful to biodiversity are eliminated, phased out or
conservation status, particularly of those most in
reformed in order to minimize or avoid negative
decline, has been improved and sustained
impacts, and positive incentives for the conservation
and sustainable use of biodiversity are developed and
 Target 13- By 2020, the genetic diversity of
applied, consistent and in harmony with the cultivated plants and farmed and domesticated
Convention and other relevant international animals and of wild relatives, including other
obligations, taking into account national socio socioeconomically as well as culturally valuable
economic conditions species, is maintained, and strategies have been
developed and implemented for minimizing genetic
 Target 4- By 2020, governments, business and
erosion and safeguarding their genetic diversity
stakeholders at all levels have taken steps to achieve
or have implemented plans for sustainable 4. STRATEGIC GOAL D-
production and consumption and have kept the  Enhance the benefits to all from biodiversity and
impacts of use of natural resources well within safe ecosystem services
ecological limits  Target 14- By 2020, ecosystems that provide
2. STRATEGIC GOAL B- essential services, including services related to water,
 Reduce the direct pressures on biodiversity and and contribute to health, livelihoods and well-being,
promote sustainable use are restored and safeguarded, taking into account the
needs of women, indigenous and local communities,
 Target 5- By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural
and the poor and vulnerable
habitats, including forests, is at least halved and
where feasible brought close to zero, and
 Target 15- By 2020, ecosystem resilience and the
degradation and fragmentation is significantly contribution of biodiversity to carbon stocks has been
reduced enhanced, through conservation and restoration,
including restoration of at least 15 per cent of
 Target 6- By 2020, all fish and invertebrate stocks
degraded ecosystems, thereby contributing to
and aquatic plants are managed and harvested
climate change mitigation and adaptation and to
sustainably, legally and applying ecosystem based
combating desertification
approaches, so that overfishing is avoided, recovery
plans and measures are in place for all depleted
 Target 16- By 2015, the Nagoya Protocol on Access
species, fisheries have no significant adverse impacts to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable
on threatened species and vulnerable ecosystems Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilization is in

force and operational, consistent with national
legislation
 THE SOME ORGANIZATIONS FOR
5. STRATEGIC GOAL E- BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION:-
 Enhance implementation through participatory 1. SAWEN:- SOUTH ASIA WILDLIFE
planning, knowledge management and capacity
building ENFORCEMENT NETWORK
 Target 17- By 2015, each Party has developed,  It is an inter-governmental wildlife law enforcement
adopted as a policy instrument, and has commenced support body of South Asian countries namely -
implementing an effective, participatory and updated Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,
national biodiversity strategy and action plan Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAWEN was officially
 Target 18- By 2020, the traditional knowledge, launched in January, 2011 in Paro Bhutan.
innovations and practices of indigenous and local  It promotes regional cooperation to combat wildlife
communities relevant for the conservation and crime in South Asia.
sustainable use of biodiversity, and their customary  It focuses on policy harmonization; institutional
use of biological resources, are respected, subject to capacity strengthening through knowledge and
national legislation and relevant international intelligence sharing; and collaboration with regional
obligations, and fully integrated and reflected in the and international partners to enhance wildlife law
implementation of the Convention with the full and enforcement in the member countries.
effective participation of indigenous and local  SAWEN operates its activities from the Secretariat
communities, at all relevant levels based in Kathmandu, Nepal.
 Target 19- By 2020, knowledge, the science base  Ongoing project of SAWEN-
 Trilateral Transborder Wildlife Interception
and technologies relating to biodiversity, its values,
functioning, status and trends, and the consequences [TTWI]
 Objective-
of its loss, are improved, widely shared and
 Reduction in illegal trafficking in wildlife
transferred, and applied
products, particularly Indian one-horned rhinos
 Target 20- By 2020, at the latest, the mobilization
and Bengal tigers.
of financial resources for effectively implementing
 Project Details- The project is designed to improve
the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020 from all
the capacity of frontline customs and natural
sources, and in accordance with the consolidated and
resource law enforcement officers assigned at India-
agreed process in the Strategy for Resource
Nepal and Nepal-China border crossings. The project
Mobilization, should increase substantially from the
will be jointly implemented by SAWEN, DNPWC and
current levels. This target will be subject to changes
NTNC in collaboration with Wildlife Institute of India
contingent to resource needs assessments to be
(WII), TRAFFIC, USFWS: Asia Attaché, and Office of
developed and reported by Parties
Law Enforcement, US Embassy, Bangkok and US
 NATIONAL ACTION PLAN FOR CONSERVATION Embassy in Kathmandu.
OF MIGRATORY BIRDS AND THEIR HABITATS  The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister had
ALONG CENTRAL ASIAN FLYWAY (2018-2023) given its approval in April 2016 for India adopting the
 The Central Asian Flyway (CAF), one among the nine Statute of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement
flyways in the world, encompasses overlapping Network (SAWEN) and India and becoming its formal
migration routes over 30 countries for different water member in order to strengthen ties with the member
birds linking their northern most breeding grounds in countries in controlling the trans-boundary wildlife
Russia (Siberia) to the southernmost non-breeding crime through communication, coordination,
(wintering) grounds in West and South Asia, the collaboration, capacity building and cooperation in
Maldives and the British Indian Ocean Territory. India the region.
has a strategic role in the flyway, as it provides critical
stopover sites to over 90% of the bird species known 2. GLOBAL TIGER FORUM (GTF) -
to use this migratory route.  It is the only intergovernmental international body
 Longer-term goal of NAP- to arrest population decline established with members from willing countries to
and secure habitats of migratory bird species. embark on a global campaign to protect the Tiger.
 Shorter term objective of NAP- by 2027, to halt the  Utilizing co-operative policies, common approaches,
downward trends in declining meta-populations and technical expertise, scientific modules and other
maintain stable or increasing trends for healthy appropriate programmes and controls the GTF is
populations. focused on saving the remaining 5 sub-species of
 The NAP draws from the Central Asian Flyway Action Tigers distributed over 13 Tiger Range countries of
Plan which provides a common strategic framework the world.
for regional collaboration for protecting, conserving,  The GTF was formed in 1993 on recommendations
restoring, and sustainably managing populations of from an international symposium on Tiger
migratory bird species and their habitats in the Indian Conservation at New Delhi, India. In 1997, the GTF
subcontinent falling under the Central Asian Flyway became an independent organization. A Chairperson,
region. usually a Minister from one of the Tiger Range
countries heads GTF for a fixed tenure of 3 Years. The
Secretariat of GTF is headed by a Secretary General  The strategy seeks to address drivers of
and is located in New Delhi, India. deforestation and forest degradation and also
 Objective is to highlight the rationale for Tiger developing a roadmap for enhancement of
preservation, provide leadership and utilize a forest carbon stocks and achieving sustainable
common approach throughout the world in order to
management of forests through REDD+ actions.
safeguard the survival of the Tiger, its prey and its
habitat.
The National REDD+ Strategy will soon be
 Other objectives- communicated to the UNFCCC.
1. Promoting global campaigns to save the Tiger, its prey  Paris agreement on climate change also
and its habitat. recognizes role of forests in climate change
2. Increasing the number of secure habitats for Tigers. mitigation and calls upon country Parties to take
3. Promoting comprehensive legal frameworks for Tiger
conservation.
action to implement and support REDD+. India
4. Providing financial and infrastructural capabilities for has communicated in its Nationally Determined
Tiger Conservation Contribution under Paris Agreement, that it will
5. Promoting training and research. capture 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of Carbon dioxide
6. Eliciting support from Governments, Inter- governmental through additional forest and tree cover by
organizations and individuals.
7. Promoting bilateral co-operation. 2030. India’s first biennial update report to
8. Establishing a trust fund to enable the implementation of UNFCCC has revealed that forests in India
agreed programmes. capture about 12% of India’s total GHG
9. Calling upon Range Countries to prepare and update emissions. Thus, forestry sector in India is
their National Action Plans for Tiger conservation.
10. To urge countries to enter into relevant conventions for
making a positive cost effective contribution for
conservation and elimination of illegal trade. climate change mitigation.
 Complying with the UNFCCC decisions on
3. INDIA’S NATIONAL REDD+ STRATEGY REDD+, India has prepared its National REDD+
RELEASED BY MOEFCC IN AUGUST Strategy. The Strategy builds upon existing
2018:- national circumstances which have been
 REDD+ came into being with India’s intervention. In updated in line with India’s National Action Plan
simple terms, REDD+ means “Reducing Emissions on Climate Change, Green India Mission and
from Deforestation and forest Degradation”, India’s Nationally Determined Contribution
conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable (NDC) to UNFCCC.
management of forests, and enhancement of forest  Broad elements of National REDD+ Strategy-
carbon stocks in developing countries.
 In accordance with the COP decision the national
 Warsaw Framework for REDD+ REDD+ strategy or action plans, should address,
 In order to access results based finance through
inter alia, the drivers of deforestation and forest
implementation of national REDD+ strategies was the
degradation, land tenure issues, forest
key outcome of COP19. The set of following seven
key decisions is known as Warsaw Framework for governance issues, gender considerations and
REDD+: the safeguards identified, ensuring the full and
1. Work programme on results-based finance effective participation of relevant stakeholders,
2. Coordination of support for the inter alia indigenous peoples and local
implementation of activities in relation to communities.
mitigation actions in the forest sector by  Coverage of REDD+ includes-
developing countries, including institutional  REDD+ will cover all trees within forest areas and
arrangements tree outside forests (TOF) also irrespective of the

3. Modalities for national forest monitoring legal status or ownership of land. TOF =
systems Agroforestry, urban and peri-urban forestry,
4. The timing and the frequency of avenue plantations, orchards and plantations on
presentations of the summary of wasteland.
information on how all the safeguards are  Future coverage of REDD+ will include grasslands,
being addressed and respected blue carbon and phytoplankton.
 Finance will be mobilised internally by allocation
5. Guidelines and procedures for the technical
through Green India Mission, CAMPA, Namami Gange
assessment of submissions from Parties on
Programme, Green Highways Policy, etc. The deficit
proposed forest reference emission levels in finance to meet the NDC commitment on REDD+
and/or forest reference levels implementation will be sourced through external
6. Modalities for measuring, reporting and funding from Green Climate Fund (GCF) under
verifying UNFCCC mechanism. The budget deficit on this count
7. Addressing the drivers of deforestation and will be estimated separately and communicated to
forest degradation UNFCCC and GCF in due course of time.

 Dihing Patkai straddling eastern Assam’s Dibrugarh and
 PROTECTED AREAS IN NEWS Tinsukia districts is a major elephant habitat and 310
1. RAIMONA NATIONAL PARK OF ASSAM species of butterflies have been recorded there.
 Raimona in Kokrajhar district has become Assam’s  Known all over for its rainforest, the last remaining
sixth national park stretches of Assam Valley Tropical Wet Evergreen
Forests, the park is home to elephants, hoolock
gibbons, golden cat, clouded leopard and other
animals.
 Till date, 47 mammal species, 47 reptile species and
310 butterfly species have been recorded.
 Dihing Patkai, in focus a year ago for illegal coal
mining in the vicinity, encompasses the erstwhile
Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, the Jeypore Reserve
Forest and the western block of the Upper Dihing
Reserve Forest
 Dehing Patkai wildlife sanctuary (notified in 2004) is
located inside the larger Dehing Patkai Elephant
Reserve.
 The area is especially a draw for ornithologists since it
is said to have the highest concentration of the rare
endangered White Winged Wood Duck
 About Raimona NP
a. The Raimona National Park is within the
Bodoland Territorial Region.
b. The area of the park includes the northern part
of the notified Ripu Reserve Forest, which forms
the western-most buffer to the Manas National
Park that straddles the India-Bhutan border.
c. Raimona was bounded on the west by the
Sonkosh river along the Assam-West Bengal
border running southward from the India-Bhutan
border and the Saralbhanga river on the east till
it touched the India-Bhutan border on the north
and the southern part of the Ripu Reserve Forest.
d. The Pekua river defines Raimona’s southern
boundary.
e. Raimona also shares contiguous forest patches of
the Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and the Jigme
Singye Wangchuk National Park in Bhutan (total
area of 1,999 sq. km) creating a transboundary
conservation landscape of more than 2,400 sq.
km.
f. Such secured trans-boundary ecological landscape will
ensure the long-term conservation of endemic species
like the golden langur.
g. Raimona is an integral part of the 2,837 sq. km Manas
Biosphere Reserve and the Chirang-Ripu Elephant
Reserve
h. Raimona adjoins the Buxa Tiger Reserve in West 3. SRIVILLIPUTHUR- MEGAMALAI TIGER
Bengal to its west, Phipsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in RESERVE (SMTR)
Bhutan to its north and the first addition to Manas  Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve is the fifth
National Park to the east. tiger reserve in Tamil Nadu and the 51st Tiger
 NPs of Assam Reserve of India under Project Tiger.
a. The five national parks that existed prior to the 422 sq.  An area of 1,01,657.13 hectares or 1016.5713 sq.km
km Raimona are Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri, Orang and in Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary and
Dibru-Saikhowa.
Megamalai Wildlife Sanctuary have been combined
b. Kaziranga and Manas are UNESCO World Heritage
Sites. They are also tiger reserves along with Nameri
to create the tiger reserve.
and Orang  Vagai river forms the catchment of the forests at
SMTR.
2. DEHING PATKAI NATIONAL PARK
 The Park falls under the Jeypore range and Soraipung range
of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts.

 With the new Srivilliputhur – Megamalai Tiger b. Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserves-
Reserve, the forests will be better protected and the associated with river Tamirabarani.
Vaigai river, its tributaries will start flowing again. c. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve- associated with
 ABOUT VAGAI RIVER Bhavani and Moyar rivers
a. The river originates in the Western Ghats.  About Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary
a. The Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary (GSWS),
b. It travels through the Pandya Nadu region of
also known as Srivilliputhur Wildlife Sanctuary,
Tamil Nadu.
was established in 1988 to protect the Near
c. Its main tributaries are Suruliyaru, Mullaiyaru,
Threatened grizzled giant squirrel.
Varaganadhi, Manjalaru, Kottagudi, Kridhumaal
b. It is bordered on the southwest by the Periyar
and Upparu.
Tiger Reserve and is one of the best-preserved
d. The Vaigai presently gets about 80 per cent of its forests south of the Palghat Gap.
water from the Periyar dam. The balance 20 per c. Srivilliputhur Grizzled Squirrel Wildlife Sanctuary
cent is obtained from the major watershed of the forms an important landscape for elephant
Megamalai region during the northeast monsoon conservation in Periyar Tiger Reserve.
season. d. Owing to its large contiguous forests and
e. The Vaigai is 258 kilometres long and finally connectivity wlth adjoining Reserve Forests, this
empties into the Palk Strait near the Pamban Wildlife Sanctuary has wide varietiei of
Bridge in Ramanathapuram district. endangered species such as grizzled squirrel,
f. The river fulfils the drinking water requirement elephant, tiger, leopard, Nilgiri tahr, lndian gaur,
of five districts of Tamil Nadu namely Theni, and lion tailed macaque among the large
Madurai, Ramnathapuram, Sivagangai and mammals
Dindigul 4. RAMGARH VISHDHARI TIGER RESERVE
(RVTR)
 In July 2021, the technical committee of National
Tiger Conservation Authority, NTCA, has approved
the conversion of the Ramgarh Vishdhari Sanctuary in
Rajasthan’s Bundi district into the fourth tiger reserve
of Rajasthan.
 This makes ramgarh Vishdhari as the 52nd TR in India.
 Ramgarh Vishdhari TR will link Ranthambore Tiger
Reserve in the Northeast & Mukundra Hills Tiger
Reserve on the southern side
 A few facts about TRs of Tamil Nadu  In 1982, a part of the forest was declared as Ramgarh
a. Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) provides one of the Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary has
largest habitats for the tigers and other sambhars, chitals, leopards, wildboars etc.
copredators.  Now that RVTR has been declared as a tiger reserve,
it gets a statuary status as a land where tigers have to

be protected under the Centrally-sponsored Project  Guru Ghasidas National Park is in Koriya district;
Tiger, which will enable it to get funds for tiger Tamor Pingla is in Surajpur district in the
conservation and other Central assistance northwestern corner of Chhattisgarh.
 NEED FOR A NEW TR  Guru Ghasidas National Park: It is named after
 According to the 2018 tiger census, there are 102 the Satnami reformist hero of the place, Guru
tigers in three reserves – Ranthambore Tiger Reserve Ghasidas, is the result of the carving of
in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar
Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh in the year
and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota – in the
state.
of 2000. It is located in the Koriya district of
 For the past three decades, Rajasthan has been trying Chhattisgarh. The park has undulating
to develop a corridor for the movement of tigers topography and it falls under the Tropical
around Ranthambore and Sariska. They have been climate zone.
trying to develop areas where tigers naturally move  Flora: The vegetation consists mainly of mixed
beyond the existing reserved spaces to look for new deciduous forest with teak, sal and bamboo
territories. These are often spaces that were once trees.
their habitats.  Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located in
 But tigers don’t frequent new areas because of
the Surajpur district of Chhattisgarh bordering
human disturbances and insufficient prey. The rising
Uttar Pradesh. It is named after Tamor hill and
number of tiger-human conflict in and around
Ranthambore is also attributed to contracting spaces
Pingla Nalla. Tamor hill and Pingla Nalla are
for tigers. Often, young or weak tigers leave considered to be the old and prominent features
Ranthambore and attack human beings and cattle in of the sanctuary area. Mixed deciduous forests
a bid to reclaim their lost habitat, which the NTCA dominate the sanctuary. Sal and bamboo forests
and state government have now tried to facilitate by are seen all through
creating the RVTR  SIGNIFICANCE, IMPORTANCE
 Thus, according to experts, there is overcrowding at  Guru Ghasidas National Park was the last known
the Ranthambore reserve, which houses 77 tigers. habitat of the Asiatic cheetah in the country.
Tigers from Ranthambore can only be translocated to Originally part of the Sanjay Dubri National Park,
the new sanctuary after the NTCA’s approval. Guru Ghasidas Park was created as a separate entity
Upgrading the sanctuary would resolve the space in Chhattisgarh’s Sarguja region after the formation
crunch at Ranthambore reserve of the state in 2001.
5. GURU GHASIDAS TIGER RESERVE OF  Wildlife experts and activists in the state believe that
CHATTISGARH turning Guru Ghasidas into a Tiger Reserve is
 National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), important because it connects Jharkhand and
last year, approved the Chhattisgarh Madhya Pradesh and provides a corridor for tigers to
move between the Bandhavgarh and Palamau Tiger
government’s proposal to declare the combined
Reserves
areas of the Guru Ghasidas National Park and  Panna Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Madhya Pradesh (MP)
Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary as a Tiger was included in the global network of biosphere
Reserve. reserves by the United Nations Educational, Scientific
 The new Reserve is located in the northern part and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in November
of the state, bordering Madhya Pradesh and 2020. PTR was notified as a biosphere reserve by the
Jharkhand. This will be the fourth Tiger Reserve Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
in Chhattisgarh, after the Udanti-Sitanadi, Change (MoEFCC ) in 2011 and after nine years the
Achanakmar, and Indravati Reserves. UNESCO included it in the Man and Biosphere
 The Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary was programme. Also worth mentioning is that the Panna
National Park earned the status of Project Tiger
identified as part of the Sarguja Jashpur
Reserve in 1981, i.e., 13 years after its formation.
Elephant Reserve in 2011. The Guru Ghasidas  UNESCO's recognition mentioned Panna Tiger
National Park used to be part of the Sanjay Reserve as a critical tiger habitat. It stated that the
National Park in undivided Madhya Pradesh. area has undergone substantial ecosystem
Both were identified as reserve forests, and had restoration in the buffer zone. With only three urban
been in line to be notified as Tiger Reserve since centres and over 300 villages, agriculture is the main
2011. source of income here, together with horticulture,
 The constituent units of the new Tiger Reserve, forestry and cultural and eco-tourism.
Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla  The Panna Tiger Reserve witnessed a remarkable
Wildlife Sanctuary, are spread over 1,44,000 growth in tiger population last year. The number of
tigers increased to 50, from zero which was just a
hectares (1,440 sq km) and 60,850 hectares
decade ago. The Tiger Reintroduction Project started
(608.5 sq km) respectively. in 2009 with five female and two male tigers from
Bhandhavgarh and Kanha national parks.

 The reserve covers an area of approximately 542.67
sq km. The thick deciduous forest of this reserve is a
natural habitat for sloths, Indian wolf, Bear pangolins,
leopards, gharial, Indian fox and a lot more. It's also
home to stone carvings that date back to the
Neolithic era
 ABOUT PANNA BR
 Panna Biosphere Reserve falls in bio-geographic
zones of Deccan Peninsula and Biotic Province of
Central highlands . It comprises effectively protected
and minimally disturbed areas. The areas have
different landuses, forests, agriculture, water bodies,
settlements and wasteland which provide ample
scope for research and management.
 Panna Biosphere Reserve area is the habitat of
various rare and endangered species. Panna National
Park has also been declared as Panna Tiger Reserve,  INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS FOR
apart from this the entire area of Panna national Park CONSERVATION OF BIODIVERSITY
and 3 parts of Gangau Sanctuary have also been
notified as Critical Tiger Habitat Area. 1. CITES :- (the Convention on International
 ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna
 The Panna Biosphere Reserve in India encompasses and Flora
Panna National Park, three sections of the Gangau  Its aim is to ensure that international trade in
Sanctuary (I, III and IV) and the Reserved and specimens of wild animals and plants does not
Protected Forests of the North Panna Forest Division threaten their survival.
 The Panna Tiger Reserve is one of the most critical in  CITES entered into force in 1975
North Central Highlands for protecting the Bengal  It has 3 Appendices-
Tiger. Other 2 species of cats claim this region as their a. Appendix I includes species threatened with
home; the Siyah Gosh and Jungle cat. The avifauna in extinction. Trade in specimens of these species is
this region is rich with over 280 species recorded. The permitted only in exceptional circumstances
Ken River is a beautiful location to witness the b. Appendix II includes species not necessarily
beautiful and skilled songster that is the Indian threatened with extinction, but in which trade
Paradise Flycatcher. The site is characterized by must be controlled
forests, seasonal as well as aquatic, and marshy c. Appendix III contains species that are protected
vegetation. in at least one country, which has asked other
 SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS CITES Parties for assistance in controlling the
 The Panna Biosphere Reserve encompasses nearly trade.
300 villages. The diversity of the forest aids in the 2. CMS:- Convention on conservation of
livelihood of the inhabitants with medicinal plants, migratory species of wild animals
and secondary products such as Kattha, Gum and  Only international convention dealing with
resins that are collected from the forest. migratory species, their habitats and migration
 Sustainable development can be seen through routes.
activities like agriculture, horticulture, forestry,  It came into force in 1983
cultural and eco-tourism.  It has 2 Appendices
 The major ethnic groups are Gond, Khairuas, and a. Appendix I- Species which are ‘facing a very
Yadavas. The Panna Biosphere reserve is nestled high risk of extinction in the wild in the near
peacefully in its magnificent mementoes of a glorious future and therefore, enjoy highest degree
past and marvels of ancient and medieval of protection under CMS.
architecture, Panna is the most sacrosanct pilgrimage b. Appendix II- Species given lesser degree of
for the followers of the Pranami sect world over. protection than Appendix I.
They believe that like fragrance is to a flower,  Conference of parties (CoP-13) was hosted by
Prannathji, the manifestation of Aksharatita India :- Gandinagar declaration was adopted at
Brahman, is ever present in CoP-13- following three species from India have
 IUCN RED LIST OF THREATENED been listed on appendix one of CMS
a) Bengal florican
SPECIES:- b) Great Indian bustard
 International union for conservation of nature c) Indian elephant
 World’s most comprehensive database on the global CURRENT AFFAIRS
extinction risk faced by species also called as  JEYPORE GROUND GECKO
Barometer of life
 Jeypore Ground Gecko (Cyrtodactylus jeyporensis),
has been recently included in Appendix II of the
Convention on International Trade in Endangered ➡ Drowning by illegal fishing nets.
Species (CITES). ➡ Poaching and illegal trade. About CITES:
➡ The proposal to include the gecko in Appendix II was ➡ CITES is an international agreement to which States
made by India at the recently-concluded 19th and regional economic integration organizations
Conference of Parties (COP19) to CITES in Panama adhere voluntarily.
City. The proposal was adopted by the members of ➡ Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties - in
the Working Group. CITES Appendix II: other words they have to implement the Convention
➡ The animals listed under Appendix II may not - it does not take the place of national laws.
necessarily be threatened with extinction, but trade ➡ Rather it provides a framework to be respected by
in such species should be controlled to ensure it does each Party, which has to adopt its own domestic
not threaten their existence. International Union for legislation to ensure that CITES is implemented at the
Conservation of Nature (IUCN): national level.
➡ In 2019, the Jeypore Ground Gecko was assessed for
the International Union for Conservation of Nature
 IVORY TRADE
➡ For the first time since joining the Convention on
(IUCN)'s Red List of Threatened Species and was listed
as 'endangered'. Distribution: International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora
and Fauna (CITES) in 1976,
➡ This reptile is endemic to India.
➡ India did not vote against a proposal seeking to re-
➡ The wild reptile species is found in the Eastern Ghats
open the ivory trade.
and is known to be present in four locations including
➡ The proposal, to allow a regular form of controlled
southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh.
trade in ivory from Namibia, Botswana, South Africa
➡ Its occurrence is estimated in less than 5,000 square
and Zimbabwe, was defeated at the 19th meeting of
kilometres of fragmented geographical area.
the CITES (COP19) in Panama City.
➡ The species resides below rock boulders in high
➡ India's abstention - a break from its past stand was in
forested hills at an altitude of 1,100-1,400 metres.
tune with what Namibia had asked for when it agreed
Habitat loss and degradation, forest fires, tourism,
to transfer cheetahs this summer. Ivory trade Ban
quarrying and mining activity among the reasons for
➡ The ivory trade was globally banned in 1989 when all
the species' decline
African elephant populations were put in CITES
➡ Red Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) India's
Appendix I.
proposal for induction of fresh water turtle Batagur
➡ No trade is allowed in species listed in CITES
kachuga earned wide support at CoP 19 to the
Appendix I while trade is strictly regulated in those
Convention on
under Appendix II. What is CITES?
➡ International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild
➡ It is an international agreement to which States and
Fauna and Flora (CITES) being held at Panama City
regional economic integration organizations adhere
➡ It is a freshwater turtle species, and found in deep
voluntarily. It was drafted as a result of a resolution
flowing rivers with terrestrial nesting sites.
adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN
 DISTRIBUTION: (The World Conservation Union). It entered into force
➡ CoP:-It is native to India, Bangladesh and Nepal. in July 1975.
Historically, the species was widespread in the Ganga ➡ Its aim is to ensure that international trade in
River, both in India and Bangladesh. specimens of wild animals and plants does not
➡ It also occurs in the Brahmaputra basin. Currently in threaten the survival of the species.
India, the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary is ➡ Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties - in
the only area with other words they have to implement the Convention
➡ substantial population of the species. - it does not take the place of national laws.
 CONSERVATION STATUS: ➡ The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP and is
➡ IUCN: Critically Endangered located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Conference of
➡ IWPA: Schedule I the Parties to CITES is the supreme decision-making
➡ CITES: Appendix II body of the Convention and comprises all its parties
➡ Characteristics: In comparison to their female  RHINO HORNS
counterparts, the males are shorter and reach only ➡ According to a global threat assessment report
half their length. presented at a convention of the conservation
➡ Major Threats: agencies in Panama City, the seizure
➡ Loss or degradation of habitat due to pollution and ➡ of rhino horns by weight has increased after 2017
large scale development activities like water despite a reduction in poaching
extraction for human consumption and irrigation and ➡ • A comprehensive analysis titled 'Executive
irregular flow from the upstream dams and Summary of the Rhino Horn Trafficking as a Form of
reservoirs. Transnational Organised Crime (2012-2021): 2022
➡ Sand mining and growing of seasonal crops along Global Threat Assessment', was presented at the
Ganga River are majorly affecting the sandbars along meeting of the Conference of Parties organised by
the river that are used by the the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
➡ species for nesting. Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

➡ • Supported by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the  So conservation of the whole ecosystem is needed if
Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC) prepared the to save tiger
document on the rhino horn trafficking during the  Last year’s:- three new tiger reserves are added
decade from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2021. before it were only 50 but now 53
➡ The threat assessment was compiled from the  Very important project
analysis of 674 rhino horn seizure incidents that had  Last tiger census-2018 was done
occurred globally during this decade, in addition to  Now 29july-2022- census will come now update
seven years of criminal intelligence and findings from
the WJC investigations into the rhino horn trafficking,
HANDOUT MATERIAL
conducted since 2015.  TIGER CENSUS 2018
➡ The report said six countries and territories have  Tiger population estimate in India- Tiger census is
dominated the rhino horn trafficking routes from the conducted in India every four years by NTCA.
source to the destination
➡ locations although more than 50 countries and
territories were implicated in the transnational crime.
➡ These countries were South Africa, Mozambique,
Malaysia, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region,
Vietnam, and China.
➡ Prolific Vietnamese and Chinese criminal networks  Major findings of the Tiger Census 2018 are-
are driving the racket throughout the supply chain. 1) Tiger population as per the latest census is 2967, which is
➡ Vietnam is a highly significant transit and distribution almost a 33 % rise from the 2014 census.
area for products ultimately bound for China. 2) Tigers were observed to be increasing at a rate of 6% per
➡ The Greater One-horned Rhinoceros: annum in India when consistently sampled areas were
compared from 2006 to 2018.
➡ The greater one-horned rhino (or "Indian rhino") is
3) Madhya Pradesh became the new Tiger State of India with
the largest of the rhino species 526 Royal Bengal Tigers. MP has overtaken Karnatka to
➡ It is identified by a single black horn and a grey-brown become the tiger state as per 2018 census. Karnataka was
hide with skin folds. earlier the tiger state since 2010.
➡ This species of rhino is commonly found in Nepal, 4) Top 4 states with highest tiger population are-
Bhutan, Pakistan and in Assam, India.
➡ •Protection Status:
➡ • IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
➡ CITES: Appendix I
➡ • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972; Schedule It is one of
the five species of Rhinos. The other four species are:
➡ White rhino: It is native to northern and southern
Africa
➡ Black rhino: It is native to eastern and southern Africa
➡ Javan rhino: It is also known as Sunda rhino or lesser
one-horned rhino 5) The 2018 tiger census divided the tiger habitats in
➡ Sumatran rhino: Critically Endangered species of India in 5 tiger landscapes. The tiger landscapes and
rhino their tiger population are-
THE PROJECT TIGER 1973:-

 Aim:- In-situ conservation of tigers
 Implementing agency:- “National tiger conservation
authority (NICA)”
 53 tiger reserves in country now 2022
 70%+ of global tigers in India-great responsibility
{else 30% are in 12 other countries}

6) States with maximum increase in tiger population d. Aim is to strengthen biodiversity, create
since 2006 tiger census employment opportunities and attract tourism
 Implementation Agency of Project Dolphin : Ministry
of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
 Main Features
a. Project Dolphin will involve conservation of
Dolphins and the aquatic habitat through use of
modern technology specially in enumeration and
anti-poaching activities
b. The project will engage the fishermen and other
river/ ocean dependent population and will
7) States with maximum decrease in their tiger strive for improving the livelihood of the local
population since 2006 tiger population- communities.
c. The conservation of Dolphin will also envisage
activities which will also help in the mitigation of
pollution in rivers and in the oceans.
 About Gangetic Dolphin
a. The Gangetic river system is home to a vast
variety of aquatic life, including the Gangetic
dolphin
b. The Gangetic dolphin is one of five species of
8) No tigers were spotted in following three Tiger river dolphin found around the world.
Reserves (TR)- Buxa TR, Dampa TR and Palamau TR. c. It is found mainly in the Indian subcontinent,
9) There were no tigers spotted in the state of Mizoram. particularly in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna
10) Pench National Park in Madhya Pradesh and Periyar
and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems.
National Park in Kerala are the top-rated Tiger
d. The Conservation Action Plan for the Ganges
Reserves in India. \
11) 2018 tiger census was conducted using the doubling River Dolphin, 2010-2020, describes male
sample technique comprising of two phases. In the dolphins as being about 2-2.2 metres long
first phase the forest official, guards and forest and females as a little longer at 2.4-2.6 m.
rangers collected raw data based on pugmarks, scat, e. An adult dolphin could weigh between 70 kg
and leftover prey. In the second phase, data and and 90 kg.
images from camera traps were collected. f. The breeding season of the Gangetic dolphin
 PROJECT DOLPHIN IN INDIA = extends from January to June.
g. They feed on several species of fishes,
2020 PM ANNOUNCED invertebrates etc.
 Dolphin:- top predators of rivers as like tiger h. It can survive only in freshwater and is
a) Gangetic dolphin:- ganga-brahmputra river essentially blind. This mammal hunts by
system (found in 1801, only lives in fresh water)
emitting ultrasonic sounds, which bounce off
b) Indus Dolphin:- River beas
c) Irrawaddy Dolphin (Irrawaddy is River in
fish and other prey, enabling it to “see” an
Myanmar):-through all Bangladesh reach to image in its mind.
coastal water of odisha (Chilka lake)  MAJOR THREATS FACED BY GANGETIC
 Announced by Prime Minister on his Independence DOLPHINS
Day speech 2020. a. Construction of dams and barrages, and
 These dolphins are found in rivers of Assam, Bihar, increasing pollution have led to a decline in the
Jharkhand, MP, RJ, UP, WB population of aquatic animals in the rivers in
 Objective: general and of dolphins in particular
a. 10 year project for conservation and protection  CONSERVATION STATUS & EFFORTS
of the Dolphins in the rivers and in oceans of the a. The Gangetic dolphin remains listed as
country. Aquatic life is an indicator of the health endangered by the International Union for the
of river ecosystems. Conservation of Nature.
b. As the Gangetic dolphin is at the top of the food b. Appendix I (most endangered) of the Convention
chain, protecting the species and its habitat will on International Trade in Endangered Species
ensure conservation of aquatic lives of the river. (CITES).
c. (So far, the National Mission for Clean Ganga c. Appendix II (migratory species that need
(NMCG), which implements the government’s conservation and management or would
flagship scheme Namami Gange, has been taking significantly benefit from international co-
some initiatives for saving dolphins. ) operation) of the Convention on Migratory
Species (CMS).
d. Wildlife Act Protection: After the launch of Ganga  IUCN Status: Endangered
Action Plan in 1985, the government on  It is placed in Schedule-l of the Wildlife (Protection)
November 24, 1986 included Gangetic dolphins Act
in the First Schedule of the Indian Wildlife  It is listed on CITES Appendix I, which lists species that
(Protection), Act 1972. This was aimed at are the most endangered among CITES-listed animals
checking hunting and providing conservation and plants
facilities such as wildlife sanctuaries. For  HANDOUT MATERIAL
instance, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary
was established in Bihar under this Act.  PROJECT SNOW LEOPARD IN INDIA
e. Conservation Plan: The government also  It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN-World
prepared The Conservation Action Plan for the Conservation Union’s Red List of the Threatened
Ganges River Dolphin 2010-2020, which Species. The snow leopard is found in high altitudes
“identified threats to Gangetic Dolphins and across Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal
impact of river traffic, irrigation canals and Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal
depletion of prey-base on Dolphins populations”. Pradesh. It is an elusive animal and therefore difficult
f. National Aquatic Animal: On October 5, 2009, to sight. The Government of India has identified the
Gangetic Dolphin was declared as the national snow leopard as a flagship species for the high
aquatic animal by the National Ganga River Basin altitude Himalayas.
Authority. A notification was issued by  It has developed a centrally-supported programme
theMinistry of Environment and Forests the called Project Snow Leopard for the conservation of
following year. Now, the National Mission for the species and its habitats.
nd rd
Clean Ganga celebrates October 5 as National ………..2 class ended, 3 started………..
Ganga River Dolphin Day.  CLIMATE CHANGE- CLIMATE ACTION
g. They are also among the 21 species identified
 Climate change is defined as- all type of the climatic
under the centrally sponsored scheme,
variations in temperature , precipitation, winds etc
“Development of Wildlife Habitat
for an extended period of the time of at least decade
CURRENT AFFAIRS or more
 GANGETIC DOLPHIN  Anthropogenic Climate change:- as per IPCC (inter-
 According to Uttar Pradesh Government, Dolphins governmental panel on climate change) human
have started coming back to the Ganga river with activities have caused global average temperature
o
improvement in the quality of its water through the rise of approximately 1 C compare to the pre-
Namami Gange programme industrial levels (1850-1900)
 The Gangetic Dolphin is a fresh-water species, and  IPCC:- 1988
one of the few river dolphins found in the world.  Set up by Environment Programme (UNEP), and
 It inhabits the Ganges-Brahmaputra Meghna and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and  Scientific organization
Bangladesh.  Produces scientific literature about the climate
 • Common Names:Blind dolphin, Ganges dolphin, change
Ganges susu, hihu, side-swimming dolphin, South  Publishes “assessment reports”
Asian River Dolphin  Periodic reports
 Scientific name:Platanista gangetica  First report:- 1990
th
 The Gangetic Dolphin has been recognized as India's  Now we are in 6 report cycle
th
National Aquatic Animal and is the official animal of  6 assessment report = 4 volumes
the Indian city of Guwahati. Description:  Last in September this year update
 A long thin snout, rounded belly, stocky body and  IPCC says human activities are attributed to
o
large flippers are characteristics of the Ganges River global warning that temperature 1.1 C hike
dolphin. caused by humans post industrial revolution {
o o
 It feeds majorly on fishes and is are usually found in from to 16 C to 17.1 C}
counter current systems of the main river channel.
HANDOUT MATERIAL
 Its eyes lack lens, and as a result, this species is also
referred to as the "blind dolphin".  INDIA COOLING ACTION PLAN (ICAP)
 They have a highly developed bio sonar system that  The ICAP was launched on World Ozone Day – 16th
facilitates them to hunt for fish even in murky waters. September 2018. The goal of ICAP are-
 Being a mammal, the Ganges River dolphin cannot a) to provide sustainable cooling and thermal
breathe in the water and must surface every 30-120 comfort for all.
seconds. Because of the sound it produces when b) ii. to secure environmental and socio-economic
breathing, the animal is popularly referred to as the benefits for the society.
'Susu'.  The plan would integrate the phase out of
 Conservation status: ODSs/phase down of HFCs while maximizing energy
 The population of the Ganges dolphin is estimated to efficiency of air-conditioning equipments.
be a few hundred.  The ICAP provides 20- year perspective plan (2018-

2038) and policy recommendations to address the  • Willingness on Investments: It seeks to boost
cooling requirement across sectors. investors and financial institutions willingness to back
 The goals emerging from the suggested interventions energy efficiency programs.
stated in ICAP are-  National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH)-
a) Recognition of “cooling and related areas” as a  • To promote energy efficiency as a core component
thrust area of research of urban planning, the plan calls for
b) Reduction of cooling demand across sectors by  • Extending the existing Energy Conservation Building
20%- 25% by year 2037-38 Code; A greater emphasis on urban waste
c) Reduction of refrigerant demand by 25%- 30% by management and recycling, including power
year 2037-38 production from waste;
d) Reduction of cooling energy requirements by  Strengthening the enforcement of automotive fuel
25%- 40% by year 2037-38 economy standards and using pricing measures to
e) Training and certification of 100,000 servicing encourage the purchase of
sector technicians by the year 2022-23, in  efficient vehicles; and
synergy with Skill India Mission  Incentives for the use of public transportation.
CURRENT AFFAIRS  National Water Mission-
 Govt set to add 3 'missions' to tackle climate change  The plan sets a goal of a 20% improvement in water
impact in News use efficiency through pricing and other measures
 The Central government has added three new  National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan
missions-coastal system, human health and Ecosystem-
sustainable transport-to the National  The plan aims to conserve biodiversity, forest cover,
 Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), and other ecological values in the Himalayan region,
 This has taken the total number of dedicated where glaciers that are a major source of India's
missions under NAPCC to 11. water supply are projected to recede as a result of
 What's in today's article: global warming National Mission for a Green India-
 Goals include the afforestation of 6 million hectares
 NAPCC (Purpose, Components, & Missions under the
Programme) of degraded forest lands and expanding forest cover
 News Summary India's updated NDCs) from 23% to 33% of India's territory.
 National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture-
 National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):
 The plan aims to support climate adaptation in
 The Central government, in 2008, had launched the
country's first National Action Plan on Climate agriculture through the development of climate
Change (NAPCC) outlining existing resilient crops, expansion of weather
 insurance mechanisms, and agricultural practices.
 and future policies and programs addressing climate
 National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate
mitigation and adaptation. There are 8 national
missions forming the core of the NAPCC • These 8 Change-
 To gain a better understanding of climate science,
missions represent multi-pronged, long term and
integrated strategies for achieving key goals in impacts and challenges, the plan envisions a new
climate change. Climate Science Research Fund,
 improved climate modelling, and increased
 National Solar Mission-
 The Mission's objective is to establish India as a global international collaboration
 It also encourages private sector initiatives to develop
leader in solar energy by creating the policy
conditions for solar technology adaptation and mitigation technologies through
 diffusion across the country. venture capital funth.
 The Mission targets installing 100 GW grid-connected  News Summary:
solar power plants by the year 2022  • To expand its activities in different sectors, the
 National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency Central government has decided to add three new
(NMEEE)- missions-coastal system, human health and
 MEEE aims to strengthen the market for energy sustainable transport- to the National Action Plan on
efficiency through implementation of innovative Climate Change (NAPCC). Besides, the government
business models in the energy has also asked state governments to modify their
 efficiency sector. It aims to do so through: action plans on climate change and sync them with
 • Reduction in Energy Footprint: It plans to reduce its the
energy footprint and stimulate investment in the  NAPCC and the country's updated targets under the
energy efficiency sector. Paris Agreement.
 Energy Saving Certificates: It also seeks to give major  India's updated Nationally Determined Contributions
energy intensive enterprises energy reduction targets (NDCs):
to meet and to award Energy Saving Certificates  In United Nations Climate Change Framework
(ESCerts) for doing so Convention (UNFCCC) COP 26 at Glasgow in 2021,
 Energy-efficient Machinery and Appliances: it aims to Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made a series of
encourage the use of energy efficient machinery and new promises to strengthen climate action from
appliances. India.
 • The updated NDCs include-


• Emission intensity-
India is now committing itself to at least 45%
 IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE
a) Impact on natural system
reduction in emissions intensity of GDP (emissions
b) Impact on human system
per unit of GDP) from 2005 levels The existing target
was a 33%-35% reduction 1. IMPACT ON NATURAL SYSTEM
 Electricity Generation- a) Increased frequency and intensity of
 India is also promising to ensure that at least 50% of
climate disasters
installed electricity generation capacity in 2030 would
 Handout
be based annon fossil fuel- based sources. This is an
increase from the existing 40% target. b) Sea level rise
 Other existing NDCs include- a) Because of the faster melting of cryosphere of
 • Increase non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW planet (that part covered with ice like polar
(gigawatts) by 2030. Reduce the total projected areas) & glaciers
carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes (8T) by 2030 b) Thermal expansion of oceans (heat also stored by
 Achieve net zero carbon by 2070 oceans along with atmosphere of planet . oceans
are acting as heat sponges or heat sinks because
REASONS FOR CURRENT they absorb more than 90% of heat due to
additional green house gases in the atmosphere
CLIMATE CHANGE & only 10% or less is absorbed by atmosphere)
c) Note:- ocean water now expands because of
1. Increased green house gases emissions
heat & this expansion is called thermal
increased absorption by earth  increased heating of
expansion and responsible for sea rise
earth  increased temperature leads to Climate
4mm/year. Present rate of sea level rise
change
d) Future rate of sea level rise forecast by 2100:-
 Human activities production:- Co2, CH4,N2O
total 3-4 meters
 Co2 e) Sea level rise increases coastal erosion and
 Burning of fossil fuels responsible (thermal coal coastal Submergence of land
power production)
 Pre-industrial 280ppm (parts per million)
c) Biodiversity loss
 Polar ice melts polar bear suffers
 Post industrial present= 410 ppm
 Slow adaptation of species with pace of climate
 149% of preindustrial level in present
change so they can loss their habitat or life
 CH4
 Forest fires because of climate change lead to
 Livestock, paddy cultivation are emitters
biodiversity loss
 Coal , oil, gas ,mining done then CH4 trapped
gets released d) Ecological degradation
 Decline in health of an ecosystem or disruption in
 Also landfill sites (organic waste undergoes
decomposition ) CH4 and CO2 release functioning of ecosystem
 Present 262% of pre-industrial levels 2. IMPACT ON HUMAN SYSTEM
 N2O a) Loss of human lives
 Agriculture sector  Increase in the loss of the human lives and property
 Nitrogen based fertilizers due to increased climatic disasters
 Oxides of nitrogen three types called NoX b) Environment & climatic migrations:-
(pollutants )  defined as distress displacement of people due
 N2O :- Nitrous oxide (Green House gas) to climate related stress . people who face this
 NO :- Nitric Oxide (No green house gas) displacement is commonly referred to as climate
 NO2 :- Nitrogen dioxide (No green house gas) refugees or migrants or environmental refugees
 NoX also caused by vehicle’s exhaust or migrants
 Industrial process cause it but NoX cause global  Many low line coastal areas are prone to coastal
warming. NO,NO2 in atmosphere (troposphere) sub-mergence & erosion forced people to
undergo chemical reaction produces migrate called Environment & climatic migrations
Tropospheric ozone which is green house gas. c) Adverse impact on agriculture
But NO2 is directly a green house gas present  Economic survey 2017-18 said Indian agriculture
123% of pre-industrial levels is adversely affected by
2. Decreased carbon sinks over planet  Temperature shocks:- heat waves , cold
 C-sinks are waves
 Carbon reservoir
 Storage house which can absorb carbon from
Precipitation shocks:- heavy rains, very less
rain , droughts
atmosphere ( any entity)
d) Impact on human health
 E.g:- forest , any natural ecosystem , oceans ,
 Because of heat wave :- dehydration occurs,
wetlands
cardiac arrest etc
 Floods:- water scarcity, water borne diseases

CURRENT AFFAIRS  • Such a fund would support comprehensive research,
promote exchange networks between all stakeholders and
 AEROSOL POLLUTION implement early
 A recent study by scientists from the Bose Institute in  warning and disaster risk reduction measures, the study
Kolkata has revealed that aerosol pollution in West said.
Bengal is anticipated to rise by 8% and continue to  Half of humanity depends directly or indirectly on glaciers
remain in the "highly vulnerable" red zone in 2023. as their water source for domestic use, agriculture, and
This is the second highest forecasted aerosol power.
pollution level in the country after Bihar  Glaciers are also pillars of biodiversity, feeding many
ecosystems.
 Aerosols are fine particulates that float in the
 • This study highlights the urgent need to cut greenhouse
atmosphere. gas emissions and invest in nature-based solutions, which
 Aerosol pollution refers to particles in the air emitted can help mitigate climate change.
by vehicles and factories that burn fossil fuels.  • As many as 50 UNESCO World Heritage sites are home to
 High aerosol amounts include particulate matter glaciers, representing almost 10% of the Earth's total
(PM2.5 and PM10) among other pollutants as well as glacierised area.
sea salt, dust, black and organic carbon.  • The UNESCO study, in partnership with the International
 Primary aerosols like dust, soot, or sea salt, come Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), showed that
directly from the planet's surface. They get lifted into these glaciers have
 been retreating at an accelerated rate since 2000 due to
the atmosphere by gusty
CO2 emissions, which are warming temperatures.
 winds, shot high into the air by exploding volcanoes,  They are currently losing 58 billion tonne of ice every year-
or they waft away from smokestacks or flames. equivalent to the combined annual water use of France and
 Secondary aerosols form when different things Spain - and are responsible for nearly 5% of observed global
floating in the atmosphere-like organic compounds sea level rise. UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
released by plants, liquid acid droplets, or other  A World Heritage Site (WHS) is a landmark or area with
materials-crash together, culminating in a chemical or legal protection by an international convention
physical reaction. administered by the UNESCO under the UNESCO World
Heritage Convention, established in 1972.
 Impact:  • These sites are designated by UNESCO for having cultural,
 If inhaled they can be harmful. historical, scientific or other forms of significance.
 This pollution contributes to asthma, bronchitis, and  The sites, classified as cultural, natural and mixed (meeting
long-term irritation of the respiratory tract, which can both cultural and natural criteria) heritage around the
lead to cancer. world, are considered to be of outstanding value to
 By Aerosols influence climate in two primary ways: humanity.
 by changing the amount of heat that gets in or out of
the atmosphere, or by affecting the way clouds form.
 CLIMATE ACTION STRATEGIES
 Two sets are followed all over the world
 Aerosol optical depth (AOD):
 • Aerosol optical depth (AOD) is the quantitative 1. Climate mitigation
estimate of the aerosol present in the atmosphere 2. Climate Adaptation
and can be used as a proxy measurement of PM2.5. 1. CLIMATE MITIGATION
 • AOD is measured on the basis of how much light is  Aims to reduce atmospheric concentration of green
getting attenuated due to the presence of particulate house gases
matter.  It can be done through
 More particulates present means more light will be
1. Aforestation
absorbed and hence more will be the AOD. It is
measured with the help of remote sensing using
2. Use of renewable energy (RE)
satellites. 3. Geological sequestration:-
 The values of AOD range from 0 to 1.0.  Note Sequestration to absorb carbon is also done by
 • While 0 indicates a crystal-clear sky with maximum 1. biologically by the ecosystem like Aforestation as
visibility, a value of 1 indicates very hazy conditions. forests naturally absorb carbon and work as
 • AOD values less than 0.3 fall under the green zone carbon sinks
(safe), 2. Geologically :- In this carbon gaseous form like
 3-0.4 is blue zone (less vulnerable), Co2 is captured & then permanently stored in
 4.0.5 is orange (vulnerable), and geological formations like sedimentary porous
 • Over 0.5 is the red zone (highly vulnerable) rocks also called “carbon captured & storage”
 UNESCO World Heritage list 2. CLIMATE ADAPTATION
 According to a study conducted by the UN body, a third of
 Refers to modifying human ways of life to minimize
the glaciers on the UNESCO World Heritage list are under
negative impact of climate change on our lives.
threat, regardless of efforts to limit temperature increases.
 The study said it was still possible to save the other two-  It can be done through the following
thirds if the rise in global temperature did not exceed 1.5°C 1. Pre-emptive disaster management
compared to the pre-industrial era. 2. Climate smart agriculture (CSA):- defined as
 In addition to drastically reduced carbon emissions, the agriculture systems which are more resilient to
UNESCO is advocating for the creation of a new the impact of the climate change
international fund for glacier monitoring and preservation.
E.g:- using seeds that can withstand in climatic they meet their emission reduction limitation
variations (millets in drought prone areas can targets.
increase water use efficiency , DSR-direct seed  Joint implementation (JI)- Through the JI
rice methods mechanism, a country with an emission-
 What is “virtual water” reduction limitation commitment under the
 is the water “hidden” in the products, services Kyoto Protocol may take part in an emission-
and processes people buy and use every day. reduction (or emission removal) project in any
Virtual water often goes unseen by the end-user other country with a commitment under the
of a product or service, but that water has been Protocol, and count the resulting emission units
consumed throughout the value chain, which towards meeting its Kyoto target. JI projects earn
makes creation of that product or service emission reduction units (ERUs), each equivalent
possible to one tonne of CO2. As with the CDM, all
 TOPIC:- INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES emission reductions must be real, measurable,
verifiable and additional to what would have
FOR CLIMATE ACTION occurred without the project.
 1992:- Rio De Janerio  Basically, CDM and JI are the two project-based
 UN Conference on environment & development mechanisms which feed the carbon market. The
was organized in Rio De Janerio. CDM involves investment in emission reduction
 Therefore also called Rio-Summit or Earth or removal enhancement projects in developing
Summit countries that contribute to their sustainable
 It adopted UN framework convention (UNFCCC) development, while JI enables developed
on climate change countries to carry out emission reduction or
 UNFCCC:- came into force 1994 removal enhancement projects in other
 Its aim is to stabilize atmospheric concentration developed countries
of green house gases to a level where they do  Emissions trading (ET)- Parties with
not cause significant risks to human life commitments under the Kyoto Protocol (Annex B
 1995:-COP-I UNFCCC held every year Parties) have accepted targets for limiting or
 1997:Cop-III- KYOTO-PROTOCOL reducing emissions. These targets are expressed
 Kyoto protocol was adopted as levels of allowed emissions, or assigned
 It said legally binding targets for developed amounts, at over the 2008-2012 commitment
countries to reduce their GHG (green house period. The allowed emissions are divided into
gases) emission assigned amount units (AAUs).
 Aim:- was to achieve total emission reduction of  Emissions trading allows countries that have
5% (compared to 1990) over 5 year emission units to spare – emissions permitted
implementation period from 2008 to 2012 them but not “used” – to sell this excess capacity
 Countries with commitments under the Kyoto to countries that are over their targets. Thus, a
Protocol to limit or reduce greenhouse gas new commodity was created in the form of
emissions must meet their targets primarily emission reductions or removals. Since carbon
through national measures. As an additional dioxide is the principal greenhouse gas, people
means of meeting these targets, the Kyoto speak simply of trading in carbon. Carbon is now
Protocol introduced three market-based tracked and traded like any other commodity.
mechanisms, thereby creating what is now This is known as the “carbon market.”
known as the carbon market. Thus, a new  2012:COP-18 Doha (Qatar)
commodity was created – emission reductions.  Doha Amendment was adopted
Because carbon dioxide is the principal  Was an 8 year extension period (from 2013-
greenhouse gas, people speak simply of trading 2020) of Kyoto-protocol
in carbon. Carbon is now tracked and traded like  However, it never came into force
any other commodity  5% upgraded to 18%
rd
 THE KYOTO MECHANISMS ARE  Doha was never ratified by 2/3 of majority
 Clean development mechanism (CDM)- The  2015: COP-21 PARIS
CDM allows emission-reduction (or emission  Paris agreement adopted
removal) projects in developing countries to earn  Aim& targets
certified emission reduction (CER) credits, each  to limit global average temperature rise to
o
equivalent to one tonne of CO2. These CERs can 2 C (relative to pre-industrial levels)
o
be traded and sold, and used by industrialized  To make efforts even limit to 1.5 C by end of
countries to a meet a part of their emission the country for this both developed &
reduction targets under the Kyoto Protocol. The developing countries have submitted
mechanism stimulates sustainable development voluntary commitments called as nationally
and emission reductions, while giving determined contributions (NDCs) decided
o o
industrialized countries some flexibility in how Upper limit to 2 C preferably to 1.5 C (for
rise in temperature) . the initial NDCs
submitted to UNFCCC were found to be
inadequate to achieve Paris target & energy, health, waste to energy, and coastal
therefore need revision areas. It is also redesigning the National
 INDIA’s NATIONALLY DETERMINED Water Mission and National Mission on
CONTRIBUTIONS (NDCs) UNDER PARIS Sustainable Agriculture.
AGREEMENT  It is clarified that India’s INDC do not bind it to
1. To put forward and further propagate a healthy any sector specific mitigation obligation or
and sustainable way of living based on traditions action, including in agriculture sector. India’s goal
and values of conservation and moderation. is to reduce overall emission intensity and
2. To adopt a climate friendly and a cleaner path improve energy efficiency of its economy over
than the one followed hitherto by others at time and at the same time protecting the
corresponding level of economic development. vulnerable sectors of economy and segments of
3. To reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by our society. The successful implementation of
33 to 35 percent by 2030 from 2005 level. INDC is contingent upon an ambitious global
4. To achieve about 40 percent cumulative electric agreement including additional means of
power installed capacity from nonfossil fuel implementation to be provided by developed
based energy resources by 2030 with the help of country parties, technology transfer and capacity
transfer of technology and low cost international building.
finance including from Green Climate Fund (GCF).  As per ICCC’s Special report 1.5oC (2018)
5. To create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3  Not an assessment report
billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent through  In order to achieve Paris target following needs
additional forest and tree cover by 2030. to be done
6. To better adapt to climate change by enhancing 1. Global emission reduction of 45% (relative to
investments in development programmes in 2010 )by the year 2030
sectors vulnerable to climate change, particularly 2. Net “zero” emission by 2050 (first time by
agriculture, water resources, Himalayan region, IPCC)
coastal regions, health and disaster  Net zero emission mean that carbon-
management. emission are fully compensated through
7. To mobilize domestic and new & additional funds carbon sequestration either by biologically
from developed countries to implement the or geologically
above mitigation and adaptation actions in view  STATE OF GLOBAL CLIMATE 2021
of the resource required and the resource gap.  The State of Global Climate 2021 by World
8. To build capacities, create domestic framework Meteorological Organization (WMO)- released in May
and international architecture for quick diffusion 2022
of cutting edge climate technology in India and
 KEY MESSAGES
for joint collaborative R&D for such future
a) Greenhouse gas concentrations in 2020, greenhouse
technologies.
gas mole fractions reached new highs, with globally
 To achieve the above contributions, India is
averaged surface mole fractions of carbon dioxide
determined to continue with its on-going
(CO2) at 413.2 ± 0.2 parts per million (ppm), methane
interventions, enhance the existing policies as
(CH4 ) at 1889 ± 2 parts per billion (ppb) and nitrous
detailed in previous sections and launch new
oxide (N2O) at 333.2 ± 0.1 ppb, respectively 149%,
initiatives in the following priority areas:
262% and 123% of pre-industrial (1750) levels
a. Introducing new, more efficient and cleaner
b) The global annual mean temperature in 2021 was
technologies in thermal power generation.
around 1.11 ±0.13 °C above the 1850-1900
b. Promoting renewable energy generation and
preindustrial average. The most recent seven years,
increasing the share of alternative fuels in
2015 to 2021, are the seven warmest years on
overall fuel mix
record.
c. Reducing emissions from transportation
c) Ocean heat was record high. The upper 2000m depth
sector.
of the ocean continued to warm in 2021 and it is
d. Promoting energy efficiency in the economy,
expected that it will continue to warm in the future –
notably in industry, transportation, buildings
a change which is irreversible on centennial to
and appliances.
millennial time scales. Much of the ocean
e. Reducing emissions from waste.
experienced at least one ‘strong’ marine heatwave at
f. Developing climate resilient infrastructure.
some point in 2021.
g. Full implementation of Green India Mission
d) Ocean acidification. The ocean absorbs around 23%
and other programmes of aforestation.
of the annual emissions of anthropogenic CO2 to the
h. Planning and implementation of actions to
atmosphere. This reacts with seawater and leads to
enhance climate resilience and reduce
ocean acidification, which threatens organisms and
vulnerability to climate change. India has
ecosystem services, and hence food security, tourism
also revisited the National Missions under
and coastal protection. As the pH of the ocean
the NAPCC in the light of new scientific
decreases, its capacity to absorb CO2 from the
information and technological advances and
atmosphere also declines. The IPCC concluded that
identified new missions or programs on wind
“open ocean surface pH is now the lowest it has been countries with the highest numbers of displacements
for at least 26,000 years and current rates of pH recorded as of October 2021 were China (more than
change are unprecedented since at least that time.” 1.4 million), the Philippines (more than 386 000) and
e) Global mean sea level reached a new record high in Viet Nam (more than 664 000).
2021, after increasing at an average 4.5 mm per year l) Ecosystems: including terrestrial, freshwater, coastal
over the period 2013 -2021. This is more than double and marine ecosystems – and the services they
the rate of between 1993 and 2002 and is mainly due provide, are affected by the changing climate and
to the accelerated loss of ice mass from the ice some are more vulnerable than others. Some
sheets. This has major implications for hundreds of ecosystems are degrading at an unprecedented rate.
millions of coastal dwellers and increases For example, mountain ecosystems – the water
vulnerability to tropical cyclones. towers of the world – are profoundly affected. Rising
f) Cryosphere: Although the glaciological year 2020- temperatures heighten the risk of irreversible loss of
2021 saw less melting than in recent years, there is a marine and coastal ecosystems, including sea grass
clear trend towards an acceleration of mass loss on meadows and kelp forest. Coral reefs are especially
multi-decadal timescales. On average, the world’s vulnerable to climate change. They are projected to
reference glaciers have thinned by 33.5 meters (ice- lose between 70 and 90% of their former coverage
equivalent) since 1950, with 76% of this thinning area at 1.5 °C of warming and over 99% at 2 °C.
since 1980. 2021 was a particularly punishing year for Between 20 and 90% of current coastal wetlands are
glaciers in Canada and the US Northwest with record at risk of being lost by the end of this century,
ice mass loss as a result of heat waves and fires in depending on how fast sea levels rise. This will
June and July. Greenland experienced an exceptional further compromise food provision, tourism, and
mid-August melt event and the first-ever recorded coastal protection, among other ecosystem services.
rainfall at Summit Station, the highest point on the  GLASGOW LAST COP 26:-
ice sheet at an altitude of 3 216 m.  key outcomes of Glasgow climate pact of cop 26
g) Exceptional heat waves broke records across 1. Over 90% of world GDP and around 90% of global
western North America and the Mediterranean. emissions are now covered by net zero
Death Valley, California reached 54.4 °C on 9 July, commitments. Glasgow Climate Pact also calls on
equaling a similar 2020 value as the highest recorded countries to “revisit and strengthen” their 2030
in the world since at least the 1930s, and Syracuse in targets by the end of 2022 to align them with the
Sicily reached 48.8 °C. The Canadian province of Paris Agreement’s temperature goals.
British Columbia, reached 49.6 °C on 29 June, and this 2. Phase down of coal power- The power sector
contributed to more than 500 reported heat related accounts for a quarter of global greenhouse gas
deaths and fuelled devastating wildfires which, in emissions, and coal is the single biggest contributor
turn, worsened the impacts of flooding in November. to human created climate change. Keeping 1.5C alive
h) Flooding induced economic losses of US$17.7 billion requires immediately stopping the building of new
in Henan province of China, and Western Europe coal power plants, scaling up clean power and retiring
experienced some of its most severe flooding on existing coal fleets: in advanced economies by 2030
record in mid-July associated with economic losses in and globally by 2040. About 190 countries made
Germany exceeding US$20 billion. There was heavy commitments to phase down use of coal power and
loss of life. global funding of 20 bn USD was mobilized for just
i) Drought affected many parts of the world, including and clean transition to clean energy.
the Horn of Africa, Canada, the western United 3. Glasgow Leaders’ Declaration on Forests and Land
States, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey. In sub- Use- as per it, 137 countries, covering 91% of world’s
tropical South America, drought caused big forests committed to halt and reverse forest loss and
agricultural losses and disrupted energy production land degradation by 2030. Protecting and restoring
and river transport. The drought in the Horn of Africa ecosystems, and managing land sustainably, has the
has intensified so far in 2022. Eastern Africa is facing potential to reduce annual net greenhouse gas
the very real prospect that the rains will fail for a emissions by more than 7 giga tones by 2030. India is
fourth consecutive season, placing Ethiopia, Kenya not part of it
and Somalis into a drought of a length not 4. Global Methane Pledge- over 100 countries pledged
experienced in the last 40 years. to reduce global methane emissions by 30% by 2030.
j) Food security: The compounded effects of conflict, This includes six of the world’s top 10 methane
extreme weather events and economic shocks, emitters: the United States, Brazil, EU, Indonesia,
further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Pakistan, and Argentina. This equates to a potential
undermined decades of progress towards improving of 46% of global methane emissions and over 70% of
food security globally. Worsening humanitarian global GDP. India is not part of it. {methane is a
crises in 2021 have also led to a growing number of potent green house gas with its global warming
countries at risk of famine. Of the total number of potential almost 21times that of Co2. Global
undernourished people in 2020, more than half live in warming potential is defined as the amount of heat
Asia (418 million) and a third in Africa (282 million). energy trapped by 1unit of green house gas as
k) Displacement: Hydro-meteorological hazards compare to that of Co2 over a given duration of time.
continued to contribute to internal displacement. The
Why Co2 because it is most common emitted gas by has said the world's richest people emit
human activities} "unsustainable amounts of carbon," as compared
5. Speeding up the switch to Electric Vehicles- Road with an ordinary person.
transport accounts for over 10% of global greenhouse  This report is based on the fact that every human on
gas emissions, and around half the world’s Earth has a carbon footprint, which can be divided
consumption of oil. The decarbonisation of road into "personal consumption emissions, emissions
transport could lead to a reduction of 2.6 gigatonnes through government spending and emissions linked
of carbon dioxide a year by 2030. Countries to investments".
representing a fifth (20%) of the global car market  An analysis of the investments of 125 of the world's
have now made a national level commitment or richest billionaires was conducted by Oxfam
proposal to end the sale of polluting vehicles. International, and the report was published in
6. Infrastructure for Resilient Island States’ (IRIS) November, 2022.
initiative launched under CDRI- It aims to provide  It demonstrated that on average, billionaires are
technical support on the issues posed by responsible for emitting "3 million tonnes" of carbon
infrastructure systems and promote disaster and a year, which is, "more than a million times the
climate resilience of infrastructure assets in Small average for someone in the bottom 90% of
Island developing states. humanity".
7. Climate Finance- Apart from above, critical  • It further found out that the 125 billionaires taken
developments took place for meeting the climate as a sample fund about 393 million tonnes of CO2e
finance pledge of 100bn USD by 2023; climate (carbon dioxide equivalent) per year.
adaptation and loss and damage and finalization of  This is equivalent to the "annual carbon emissions of
rulebook for Paris Agreement. France," which is a nation of 67 million people.
 One Sun One World One Grid Program  • In comparison, it said, "it would take 1.8 million
 OSOWOGP or Green Grid Initiative cows to emit the same levels of CO2e as each of the
 India played an instrumental role at COP26 by 125 billionaires," and "almost four million people
launching One Sun One World One Grid program would have to go vegan to offset the emissions of
under UK’s Green Grid Initiative. each of the billionaires". Importance:
 India & UK jointly launched Green Grid  • The report comes at a time when discussions to
Initiative- One Sun One World One Grid’ meet the globally agreed target of limiting the world's
(GGIOSOWOG) at World Leaders Summit of COP temperature to below 1.5°C is underway at COP 27 in
26 of UNFCCC in Nov 2021. It is envisaged as a Egypt and has significant implications for climate
system of interconnected trans-national grids policymaking.
which will offer critical solutions for a 'clean and  It takes a critical look at the relationship between
green future' of entire world. The project has the economic inequality and climate crisis.
ability to transform the global electrical system  The idea is that since billionaires hold significant
to one that is more oriented towards variable wealth and stakes in globally recognised
renewable energy, while lowering fossil fuel corporations, they hold the power to influence the
consumption. ways in which those corporations behave.
 The project is the brainchild of the International  • As people from low and middle-income
Solar Alliance (ISA) and is presided by India; The backgrounds do not exercise much control over their
idea for the initiative was first introduced by energy choices, the report says it is imperative for
India during ISA’s first assembly in October 2018 world leaders to ensure that "those who emit the
(where India’s PM had asked for connecting solar most carbon also do the most to reduce those
power supply across borders.) emissions".
 • The report suggests that a wealth tax on the richest
 Its major purposes are- could aid the urgent climate finance needs of
1. It is aimed at accelerating the development and
developing countries and "raise hundreds of billions
deployment of interconnected electricity grids across
of dollars to help and protect those already suffering
continents, countries and communities.
the impacts of catastrophic climate change".
2. To galvanise global cooperation for large-scale
renewable energy capacity addition.  INDIA'S CLIMATE PLEDGES
3. To address renewable energy production  India ratified pledges made by Prime Minister
variability. Narendra Modi in Glasgow in November 2021 to
4. It will allow areas with excess renewable power to accelerate the country's reliance on renewable
send it to areas with deficits thus boosting demand – energy to power the economy and be effectively free
supply match. from use of fossil fuels by 2070. However, the
5. To improve energy access of the poorest through approved pledges were fewer than those Mr. Modi
mini-grids and off-grid solutions. committed to.
 The Union Cabinet approved an update to India's
CURRENT AFFAIRS Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
 Carbon Emissions of the World's Richest People An  Modi had laid out five commitments, or Panchamrit,
Oxfam report titled, Carbon Billionaires: The as the government references it, namely:
investment emissions of the world's richest people,  India will increase its non-fossil energy capacity to
500 GW (gigawatt) by 2030; security, and driving energy transition in its member
countries.
 The ISA strives to develop and deploy cost-effective
and transformational energy solutions powered by
the sun to help member countries develop low-
carbon growth trajectories, with particular focus on
delivering impact in countries categorized as Least
Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island
Developing States (SIDS). Being a global platform,
ISA’s partnerships with multilateral development
banks (MDBs), development financial institutions
(DFIs), private and public sector orgnaisations, civil
society and other international institutions is key to
delivering the change its seeks to see in the world
going ahead.
 The ISA is guided by its ‘Towards 1000’ strategy which
aims to mobilize USD 1,000 billion of investments in
solar energy solutions by 2030, while delivering
energy access to 1,000 million people using clean
 will meet 50% of its energy requirements from energy solutions and resulting in installation of 1,000
"renewable energy" by 2030; GW of solar energy capacity. This would help mitigate
 will reduce the total projected carbon emissions by global solar emissions to the tune of 1,000 million
one billion tonnes from now till 2030; tones of CO2 every year.
 will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by  India total installed energy capacity= 400 GW
more than 45%; and (june 2022)
 will achieve the target of "net zero" by the year 2070,  Present
when there will be no net carbon dioxide emitted  solar account 55 GW
from energy sources.  Renewable energy account= 100GW
 A press statement, following the Cabinet approval,  Target
only mentions two of these promises, namely that  2022 = 175 GW from renewable energy + solar
 India is committed to reduce emissions intensity of its energy
GDP by 45% by 2030, from the 2005 level and  Out of 175GW 100GW only from solar
 achieving 50% cumulative electric power installed  renewable energy= 150 GW (Separate target)
capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources  For meeting these goals, the ISA takes a
by 2030. programmatic approach. Currently, the ISA has 9
comprehensive programmes, each focusing on a
 INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE distinct application that could help scale deployment
 HQ= Gurgaon , Haryana of solar energy solutions. Activities under the
 It is a common platform for cooperation among sun- programmes focuses on 4 priority areas – Analytics &
rich countries lying fully or partially between the Advocacy, Capacity Building, Programmatic Support,
Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn which are seeking to and readiness and enabling activities, that help create
massively ramp up solar energy, thereby reducing a favourable environment for solar energy
global greenhouse emissions. The alliance is a group investments to take root in the country
of 121 solar resource rich countries. India is one of  The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and
the founding members along with France. France to mobilize efforts against climate change
 Aim of ISA is to ensure installed capacity of 1 TW of through deployment of solar energy solutions. It was
solar energy by 2030 and mobilize more than USD 1 conceptualized on the sidelines of the 21st
trillion dollars of investments that are needed by Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations
2030. Key focus areas to achieve these objectives are- Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
a. To promote solar technologies, new business held in Paris in 2015. With the amendment of its
models and investment in the solar sector to Framework Agreement in 2020, all member states of
enhance prosperity. the United Nations are now eligible to join the ISA. At
b. To formulate projects and programmes to present, 101 countries are signatories to the ISA
promote solar applications. Framework Agreement, of which 80 countries have
c. To develop innovative financial mechanisms to submitted the necessary instruments of ratification to
reduce cost of capital. become full members of the ISA.
d. To build a common knowledge e-Portal
 The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-  INDIA’S ‘PANCHAMRIT’ AT COP 26
oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for  India & climate change
increased deployment of solar energy technologies as  At COP 26, India made commitments in form of
a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy ‘Panchamrit’ (five nectar elements)-

1. To reach its non-fossil energy (RE + Nuclear) in 2015 to promote HEVs and EVs throughout their
capacity to 500 GW by 2030. supply chain. The 1st phase lasted until April 2019
2. To meet 50 percent of its energy requirements after which, the 2nd phase was launched.
from renewable energy by 2030.  Around 2.78 lakh EVs were supported with demand
3. To reduce the total projected carbon emissions by incentives of about Rs. 343 crores in the 1st phase
one billion tones from now onwards till 2030. while more EVs will be sold in the 2nd phase.
4. To reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by  In 2020, the government-sanctioned 670 e-buses in
less than 45 percent by 2030. Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, and Chandigarh and 241
5. To achieve the target of Net Zero by 2070. charging stations in 7 cities (Indore, Tiruchirapalli,
carbon intensity of its economy:- { total C- Port Blair, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram,
emission made by country in a year ÷ GDP} Malappuram, and Surat.
point 2 & 4 are ratified by India  Awareness about electric vehicles seems to be on the
 Linkages between climate action & energy rise. However, policy-wise, only 13 states have
formulated policies related to EVs
sector
 India, the third-largest energy consumer and the  NATIONAL HYDROGEN MISSION
third-largest oil importer is working aggressively  One of the major initiatives for the clean energy
to provide affordable energy, ensuring energy sector that the government announced in the Union
access to all and ensuring high efficiencies in the Budget 2021, was the plan to launch a National
operations. Hydrogen Mission.
 Almost 80% of the country’s energy requirements are  The usage of hydrogen will not only help in achieving
met by coal, oil, natural gas and solid biomass. The our emissions goals under the Paris Agreement, but
energy sector contributes to about 75% of the total will also reduce import dependency on fossil fuels.
greenhouse gas emissions of the country. The  The most common element in nature is not found
paradigm shift in the clean energy transition has a freely. Hydrogen exists only combined with other
twin-fold objective: elements, and has to be extracted from naturally
 ensure affordable and reliable energy to all and occurring compounds like water (which is a
 reduce its dependence on fossil-based energy by combination of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen
accelerating the clean energy transition atom). Although hydrogen is a clean molecule, the
CURRENT AFFAIRS process of extracting it is energy-intensive.
 International Solar Alliance's Fifth Assembly  Hydrogen as a source of energy
International Solar Alliance's Fifth Assembly to be  This fuel can be produced from various sources
held in New Delhi from 17th to 20th October, 202 like natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and
 The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of renewable power like solar and wind.
ISA, in which each Member Country is represented.  Depending on the nature of the method of its
This body makes decisions concerning the extraction, hydrogen is categorised into three
implementation of the ISA's Framework Agreement categories, namely, grey, blue and green.
and coordinated actions to be taken to achieve its  Two-three times more efficient than burning
objective. petrol
 Climate India holds the office of the President of the  Types of Hydrogen
ISA Assembly. Ministers, missions and delegates from  There are three types of hydrogen – grey, blue
109 Member and Signatory and green.
 Countries are set to participate in this meeting. 1. Grey Hydrogen- The fuel produced from
International Solar Alliance (ISA) fossil fuels is called grey hydrogen
 It is an international organisation with 109 member 2. Blue Hydrogen- The hydrogen produced
and signatory countries. from fossil fuels with carbon capture and
 It works with governments to improve energy access storage options are called blue hydrogen
and security worldwide and promote solar power as a 3. Green Hydrogen- The hydrogen produced
sustainable way to transition to a carbon-neutral from renewable power sources are called
future. green hydrogen. Electricity generated from
 ISA's mission is to unlock US$ 1 trillion of renewable energy is used to split water into
investments in solar by 2030 while reducing the cost hydrogen and oxygen.
of the technology and its financing.  Green hydrogen has specific advantages. One, it is a
 With the signing and ratification of the ISA clean burning molecule, which can decarbonise a
Framework Agreement by 15 countries in 2017, ISA range of sectors including iron and steel, chemicals,
became the first international intergovernmental and transportation. Two, renewable energy that
organization to be headquartered in India cannot be stored or used by the grid can be
 FASTER ADOPTION & MANUFACTURING OF channelled to produce hydrogen
 There is growing focus on increasing production of
ELECTRIC VEHICLES (FAME INDIA SCHEME)
green and blue hydrogen due to its no carbon
 Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &)
emission and use of carbon offset technology,
Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) was launched
respectively. Additionally, several leading
organizations are exploring technologies which can natural gas, thereby emitting enormous amounts of
convert bio and plastic waste into hydrogen, thereby carbon dioxide.
providing a huge scope for investment in this  EFFORTS IN INDIA SO FAR ON HYDROGEN
technology which can combat India’s twin problems BASED TRANSPORTATION
of waste management and energy security  In October 2020, Delhi became the first city in India
 Working of National Hydrogen Mission to operate buses with hydrogen-enriched CNG
 For the current financial year, MNRE has been (HCNG). This was considered as a first step towards
allotted Rs 25 crore for research and development running fully hydrogen-run buses in Delhi.
(R&D) in hydrogen.  Several companies like Indian Oil Corporation and
 There will be five key areas the government will focus NTPC are working towards operating more hydrogen-
on. These include- run buses in the country. NTPC is working on a pilot
 R&D project to run 10 Hydrogen Fuel Cell (FC) based
 Demand creation electric buses and several Hydrogen Fuel Cell-based
 Industrial sector electric cars in Leh and Delhi. IOC has already shown
 How to create an eco-system including policies interest in procuring 15 buses and is planning to set
for this and; up a dedicated unit to produce hydrogen to run the
 How to bring industry on board along with buses at its Faridabad research and development
international partnerships (R&D) centre.
 In these five areas, demand creation will focus on
 WORKING OF HYDROGEN BASED FUEL
what kind of niche products can be taken up and how
effectively the fuel can be used in trucks and buses. In CELLS
the industrial sector, the government is looking at  Hydrogen is an energy carrier, not a source of energy.
hydrogen as a replacement for coke in the steel Hydrogen fuel must be transformed into electricity by
industry and also making use of the fuel in the a device called a fuel cell stack before it can be used
fertilizer sector. MNRE has indicated that by 2025-26, to power a car or truck. A fuel cell converts chemical
the industrial sector will be one of the major energy into electrical energy using oxidizing agents
recipients of hydrogen. through an oxidation-reduction reaction. Fuel cell-
 Hydrogen is also capable of aligning with the based vehicles most commonly combine hydrogen
Ministry’s other flagship schemes, like the promotion and oxygen to produce electricity to power the
of compressed biogas under the Sustainable electric motor on board. Since fuel cell vehicles use
Alternative for Affordable towards Transportation electricity to run, they are considered electric
(SATAT) scheme or promoting the gas-based vehicles.
economy or other initiatives on Waste-to-Energy.  Inside each individual fuel cell, hydrogen is drawn
from an onboard pressurized tank and made to react
 POLICY CHALLENGES with a catalyst, usually made from platinum. As the
 One of the colossal challenges faced by the industry hydrogen passes through the catalyst, it is stripped of
for using hydrogen commercially is the economic its electrons, which are forced to move along an
sustainability of extracting green or blue hydrogen. external circuit, producing an electrical current. This
The technology used in production and use of current is used by the electric motor to power the
hydrogen like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and vehicle, with the only byproduct being water vapour.
hydrogen fuel cell technology are at nascent stage  Hydrogen fuel cell cars have a near zero carbon
and is expensive which in turn increases the cost of footprint. Hydrogen is about two to three times as
production of hydrogen. efficient as burning petrol, because an electric
 Currently, multiple regulatory authorities regulate chemical reaction is much more efficient than
hydrogen use tangentially, for instance, Ministry of combustion.
Road Transport and Highways regulates vehicle’s fuel  A big barrier to the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles
carrier specification, MNRE regulates renewable has been a lack of fuelling station infrastructure — fuel cell
energy sources, Petroleum and Natural Gas cars refuel in a similar way to conventional cars, but can’t
Regulatory Board regulates pipelines and Petroleum use the same station. There are fewer than 500 operational
hydrogen stations in the world today, mostly in Europe,
and Explosives Safety Organisation regulates
followed by Japan and South Korea. There are some in
explosive substances, storage and fuel station’s
North America.
specifications.  Safety is seen as a concern. Hydrogen is pressurized and
 Hydrogen being a versatile resource which can be stored in a cryogenic tank, from there it is fed to a lower-
used as a transport fuel, generate electricity, can be pressure cell and put through an electro-chemical reaction
transported via pipelines and is highly flammable. The to generate electricity.
commercial use will require coordination among the
 ETHANOL BLENDING PROGRAMME
various ministries and regulators. The NHM can also
highlight the need for global cooperation and  National Biofuel Policy 2018 has been
generate opportunities for exchange of technology. amended in May 2022

 PRESENT USAGE Introduced in 2018, the National Biofuel Policy is
aimed at reducing dependence on imports by
 Hydrogen is primarily used in petrochemicals and
encouraging fuel blending. With bioethanol, biodiesel
fertilizer industry and is produced largely from
and bioCNG in focus, its key parts include Ethanol 2G:- agricultural residue & forest residue used to
Blending Programme (EPB), production of second- make biofuels
generation ethanol (derived from forest and 3G:- when micro-organisms are used
agricultural residues), increasing capacity for
production of fuel additives, R&D in feedstock, which  Advantages of Ethanol Blending
is the starting material for ethanol production, and  Given the skyrocketing fuel prices, the blending
financial incentives for achieving these goals. The programme has a dual purpose – to reduce the crude
policy also allows usage of excess rice or damaged oil import bill and to allow consumers access to
foodgrains as feedstock for ethanol production. environment friendly fuel. For this, Oil Marketing
 Initial target of the policy was to achieve 20% Companies (OMCs) have already been mandated to
blending target for 2030. The amended National buy ethanol from sugar mills and clear payments
Biofuel Policy-2022 has now set the new target for within 21 days. The decision would help sugar mills
2025-26 instead of 2030, apart from allowing more diversify their portfolios faster from just sugar
feedstock for production of biofuels and export of production and become self-reliant in paying cane-
biofuels in specific cases. growers. Mixing 20 percent ethanol in petrol holds
 (As on May 2022, the all-India average blending as multiple attractions for India.
per the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas stands a) First, it can potentially reduce the auto fuel
at 9.90%.) import bill by a yearly $4 billion, or Rs 30,000
 Introduction of more feedstock for production of crore.
biofuels; production of biofuels under the ‘Make in b) Second, it also provides for farmers to earn extra
India’ programme in Special Economic Zones, Export income if they grow produce that helps in
Oriented Units; and permission to allow export of ethanol production.
biofuels in specific cases are some other changes. c) Third, is the fact that ethanol is less polluting
 What is Ethanol? than other fuels and, per the NITI Aayog paper,
 It is the organic compound Ethyl Alcohol which is "offers equivalent efficiency at lower cost than
produced from biomass. petrol".
 It is also an ingredient in alcoholic beverages.  The ethanol-blending programme is one of the seven
 It has a higher octane number than gasoline, hence key drivers identified by PM Modi for the country’s
improves the petrol octane number. energy map-
 Ethanol has insignificant amount of water in it. a) Gas-based economy;
 Since ethanol contains oxygen, it is supposed to help b) Cleaner use of fossil fuels;
in complete combustion of fuel, resulting in lower c) Greater reliance on biofuels;
emissions d) Achieving renewables’ target of 450 GW by
 What is Ethanol Blending? 2030;
 Ethanol is a biofuels, that is, a fuel produced by e) Increasing contribution of electricity to
processing organic matter. Ethanol in India is decarbonise mobility;
obtained primarily from sugarcane via a fermentation f) Moving into emerging fuels such as
process. Ethanol is high in oxygen content, which hydrogen; and
therefore allows an engine to more thoroughly g) Digital innovation across all energy systems
combust fuel. CURRENT AFFAIRS
 It can be mixed with fuel in different quantities and  ETHANOL BLENDED PETROL (EBP)
can help reduce vehicular emissions. Also, since it is PROGRAMME
plant-based, it is considered to be a renewable fuel.  The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, CCEA
 According to the paper, Roadmap for Ethanol yesterday approved mechanism for ethanol
Blending In India 2020-25 by the NITI Aayog and procurement by public sector oil marketing
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Centre companies under Ethanol Blended Petrol programme.
had "launched pilot projects in 2001 wherein 5  The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) seeks to
percent ethanol blended petrol was supplied to retail achieve blending of Ethanol with motor sprit with a
outlets". view to reducing pollution, conserve foreign
 Success of field trials eventually paved the way for exchange and increase value addition in the sugar
the launching of the Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) industry enabling them to clear cane price arrears of
Programme in January, 2003 for sale of 5 percent farmers.
ethanol blended petrol in nine States and four UTs.  The EBP programme was launched by the Ministry of
 The earlier target set by the Government was 10% Petroleum and Natural Gas in 2003, to promote the
blending target for mixing ethanol with petrol by use of alternative and
2022 & 20% blending target by 2030.  environment friendly fuels. Under this programme, starting
 Now the PM has announced government's decision with 5% blending, the government later increased the
to advance the 20 percent ethanol blending target by target of 10% ethanol blending by 2022.
five years to 2025  India's goal is to grow this ratio to 20% by 2030, but when
1G:- edible products are used to make Biofuel e.g. the NITI Aayog released the ethanol roadmap in 2021, that
sugarcane, anything rich in starch deadline was advanced to 2025

 THE OTHER INITIATIVES BY THE  The national performances are assessed based on 14
indicators under four major categories: GHG
GOVERNMENT emissions (40%), Renewable energy (20%), Energy
 Last year, the Union government notified a modified use (20%) and Climate policy (20%).
scheme to incentivise ethanol production in the  Based on the defined criteria, the index aims to
country, which allows sugar mills cheaper loans to compare mitigation efforts and progress of countries
make new investments in ethanol-blending factories. responsible for more than 90% of global greenhouse
 At the time, the government had said upcoming gas (GHG) emissions.
ethanol projects would be viable because oil  The report noted that no country has performed well
marketing companies would be assured buyers of enough in all categories and hence, the top three
ethanol for next 10 years under the scheme. places in the overall ranking remain empty.
 To increase the production of fuel-grade ethanol, the  Three developing countries have secured places
government is planning to encourage distilleries to among the top ten ranking in CCPI 2022, Morocco
produce ethanol from maize and rice stocks available (8th), Chile (9th) and India (10th). Despite operational
in state-held granaries run by the Food Corporation inefficiencies led by the COVID-19 pandemic, India
of India, an official said. Under the scheme, millers has retained 10th position in CCPI 2022
can divert excess sugar stocks for ethanol production.
 MODIFICATIONS NEEDED IN VEHICLES
 The NITI Aayog paper said that two-wheelers and
passenger vehicles that are now being made in the
country "are designed optimally for E5 (5 percent
ethanol blend with petrol) while rubber and plastic
components are "compatible with E10 fuel".
 However, as the EBP rolls out, "vehicles need to be
produced with rubberised parts, plastic components
and elastomers compatible with E20 and engines
optimally designed for use of E20 fuel". The paper
said that the industry body the Society of Indian
Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has guaranteed
that "once a road-map for making E10 and E20
 SOME RANDOM FACTS ABOUT
available in the country is notified... they would gear CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCES
up to supply compatible vehicles in line with the 1. To limit global warming to no more than 2 degree
roadmap". Celsius above pre-industrial levels was formalised
 GLOBAL EXAMPLES under Cancun Agreement of CoP 16- 2010.
 The global production of fuel ethanol stood at 110 2. Pre-industrial levels are taken as 1850-1900 by the
billion litres in 2019 after clocking an average yearly IPCC.
growth of 4 percent in the last decade. The US and 3. The IPCC’s 1.5 degree Celsius Special Report was
Brazil account for 84 percent of the global production formally requested by countries at CoP 21- Paris in
followed by the European Union (EU), China, India, 2015.
Canada and Thailand. 4. Finalisation of Paris Rulebook (operating manual for
 Brazil has mandated that ethanol content in gasoline implementation of Paris Agreement) was the agenda
sold in the country should be in the range of 18 of CoP 24- Katowice, 2018.
percent to 27.5 percent while the EU has a target for 5. Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for
10 percent of transportation fuel for each member International Aviation (CORSIA) is a trading scheme
country to come from renewable sources, such as set up for civil aviation emissions. It is implemented
biofuels, by 2020 by International Civil Aviation Organization- UN”s
 CLIMATE CHANGE PERFORMANCE aviation body. Aim is to address any annual increase
in total CO2 emissions from international civil
INDEX 2022 aviation (i.e. civil aviation flights that depart in one
 Germanwatch along with New Climate Institute and country and arrive in a different country) above the
Climate Action Network International publishes the 2020 levels.
Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI). 6. Talanoa Dialogue- was launched in CoP 23.
 CCPI analyses and compares the climate protection  COP 21’s Paris Agreement decided to convene a
performance of 63 countries and the European Union facilitative dialogue among Parties in 2018 to
(EU). take stock of the collective efforts of Parties in
 The index evaluates emission levels and promotes relation to their progress.
transparency in international climate politics.  The Paris Agreement provides for progress
 The CCPI measures a country’s progress towards the assessments (“stocktakes”) every five years in
Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and order to ensure that Parties turn commitment
2030 targets. into action and continue to regularly increase
their ambition.

 The first full global stocktake will occur in 2023 in  It is defined as “finance that aims at reducing
order to prepare for a new round of climate emissions, and enhancing sinks of greenhouse gases
commitments, known as Nationally Determined and aims at reducing vulnerability of, and maintaining
Contributions (NDCs), by 2025. and increasing the resilience of, human and
 However, Parties felt it was important to initiate ecological systems to negative climate change
this cycle prior to the agreement’s anticipated impacts.”
entry into force in 2020, and so a process called  This definition represents finance for climate change
the Talanoa Dialogue (initially called a facilitative in its broadest form whether mitigation or
dialogue) has been established for 2018 to serve adaptation, anywhere in the world.
as an initial stocktaking exercise.  While climate finance has been a central element of
 The Dialogue is a mandated process requested the negotiations in one form or another since 1992, it
by Parties to take stock of collective efforts to is now most often associated with the target figure of
reduce emissions. mobilsing US$ 100 billion a year by 2020 by
 Talanoa is a traditional word used in Fiji and developed countries for developing countries. This
across the Pacific to reflect a process of inclusive, target was first agreed in the Copenhagen Accord in
participatory and transparent dialogue. 2009 and expanded upon in the Cancun Agreements
 TERMINOLOGIES(CLIMATE ACTION) in 2010 where the Green Climate Fund (GCF) was
established to act as a key delivery mechanism. In
A. CLIMATE EQUITY the Paris Agreement in 2015 this target was further
 Related to issues of distributive justice I the reinforced, with a goal to raise the target after 2025
distribution of carbon budget of the planet b/w and that this funding would come from a “wide
developed and developing countries variety of sources, public and private, bilateral and
 Carbon budget or carbon space is defined as multilateral, including alternative sources of finance.”
total amount of additional green house gases b) What is the financial mechanism? What are
which earth’s atmosphere can accommodate to the other funds
remain within the Paris Target  To facilitate the provision of climate finance, the
Convention established a financial mechanism to provide
financial resources to developing country Parties. The
financial mechanism also serves the Kyoto Protocol and the
Paris Agreement.
 The Convention states that the operation of the financial
mechanism can be entrusted to one or more existing
international entities. The Global Environment Facility (GEF)
has served as an operating entity of the financial
mechanism since the Convention’s entry into force in 1994.
 Absolute emission in billion tones c) The Global Environment Facility –
 (total emission by a country in one year)  was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth
 China= 11 billion tones largest Summit to help tackle our planet’s most pressing
 USA= 5.5 billion tones environmental problems. Today, the GEF is an
 India = 2.5 billion tones international partnership of 183 countries,
 Per capita emissions (tones/year) international institutions, civil society organizations
 = {total emission of a country in year ÷ total and the private sector that addresses global
population } environmental issues
 USA=116 tones
d) Green Climate Fund (GCF) –
 China=8 tones
 At COP 16, in 2010, Parties established the Green
 World= 6 tones average
Climate Fund (GCF) and in 2011 also designated it as
 India= less than 2 tones an operating entity of the financial mechanism. The
B. CLIMATE FINANCE financial mechanism is accountable to the COP, which
 Refers to the money in form of debt or equity given decides on its policies, programme priorities and
by developed countries to the developing countries & eligibility criteria for funding. It supports the efforts
least developed one also for their climate action i.e. of developing countries to respond to the challenge
mitigation & adaption . of climate change. It was set up by the 194 countries
 formally accepted in 2009 COP15-COPenhagen who are parties to the United Nations Framework
(Demark) Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2010, as
 2010-12= climate finance of 30 bn USD will be part of the Convention’s financial mechanism. It aims
mobalized to deliver equal amounts of funding to mitigation and
 2020-25= 100 bn USD will be mobalized each year adaptation, while being guided by the Convention’s
a) CLIMATE FINANCE UNDER UNFCCC principles and provisions. In addition to providing
 “Climate finance” refers to money – both from public guidance to the GEF and the GCF, Parties have
and private sources – which is used to help reduce established two special funds—the Special Climate
emissions and increase resilience against the negative Change Fund (SCCF) and the Least Developed
impacts of climate change. Countries Fund (LDCF), both managed by the GEF—

and the Adaptation Fund (AF) established under the 2023 in order to prepare for a new round of climate
Kyoto Protocol in 2001. commitments, known as Nationally Determined
e) The Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) Contributions (NDCs), by 2025. However, Parties felt
 was established under the Convention in 2001 to it was important to initiate this cycle prior to the
finance projects relating to: adaptation; technology agreement’s anticipated entry into force in 2020, and
transfer and capacity building; energy, transport, so a process called the Talanoa Dialogue (initially
industry, agriculture, forestry and waste called a facilitative dialogue) has been established for
management; and economic diversification. This fund 2018 to serve as an initial stocktaking exercise. The
should complement other funding mechanisms for Dialogue is a mandated process requested by Parties
the implementation of the Convention. to take stock of collective efforts to reduce emissions.
f) The Adaptation Fund (AF)- Talanoa is a traditional word used in Fiji and across
 was established in 2001 to finance concrete the Pacific to reflect a process of inclusive,
adaptation projects and programmes in developing participatory and transparent dialogue.
rd th
country Parties to the Kyoto Protocol that are ………..3 class ended, 4 started………..
particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of
climate change. The Adaptation Fund is financed with
D. THE CARBON - MARKET BASED
a share of proceeds from the clean development MECHANISMS:-
mechanism (CDM)project activities and other sources  They came up at time of “Kyoto-protocol-1997” to
of funding. The share of proceeds amounts to 2 facilitate the developed countries to achieve their
percent of certified emission reductions (CERs) issued targets of “Kyoto-protocol”
for a CDM project activity.  quantification of C-emissions had to be done as
 1 ton of Co2 was quantified as 1 carbon-credit (unit)
C. THE COMMON BUT DIFFERENTIATED  1 ton Co2 ≡ 1 carbon-credit (unit)
RESPONSIBILITIES {CBDR}:-  These c-credits are bought and sold by three
 Implies that all the countries are collectively following methods
responsible for climate Action but their climate  THEY ARE OF THREE TYPES
efforts should be proportional to damaged 1. Emissions trading
caused by them to the earth’s climate system 2. Clean development mechanism
 Based on CBDR:- India net zero to 2070 3. Join implementation
HANDOUT MATERIAL 1. Emission trading understand by example
 Some Random Facts about Climate Change  Let the emission reductions targets for
Conferences  X= 10 units
1. To limit global warming to no more than 2 degree  Y= 8 units
Celsius above pre-industrial levels was formalised  Actually achieved
under Cancun Agreement of CoP 16- 2010.  X= 8 units reduced
2. Pre-industrial levels are taken as 1850-1900 by the  Y= could reduce 10 units
IPCC.  Y has over-achieved and has surplus of 2 units
3. The IPCC’s 1.5 degree Celsius Special Report was and X has short of 2 units
formally requested by countries at CoP 21- Paris in  As per emission trading , Y can sell this 2 units to
2015. X
4. Finalisation of Paris Rulebook (operating manual for  C-credit trading is done on basis of demand and
implementation of Paris Agreement) was the agenda supply
of CoP 24- Katowice, 2018. 2. Clean development Mechanism
5. Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for  b/w
International Aviation (CORSIA) is a trading scheme  A=developing {not in Kyoto-P)
set up for civil aviation emissions. It is implemented  B=developed country
by International Civil Aviation Organization- UN”s  A sets a carbon sequestration project and let say
aviation body. Aim is to address any annual increase this project absorbs 10 units of emissions and
in total CO2 emissions from international civil sells these 10 units to B
aviation (i.e. civil aviation flights that depart in one 3. Joint implementation
country and arrive in a different country) above the  b/w
2020 levels.  A= developed
6. 6. Talanoa Dialogue- was launched in CoP 23. COP  B= developed country
21’s Paris Agreement decided to convene a  They jointly set up a C-sequestration projects and
facilitative dialogue among Parties in 2018 to take it absorbs 10 units of emissions and will be
stock of the collective efforts of Parties in relation to divided b/w A & Based on their agreement
their progress. The Paris Agreement provides for  Why this:- because some countries have less land
progress assessments (“stocktakes”) every five years and for this project like through aforestation or
in order to ensure that Parties turn commitment into planting trees
action and continue to regularly increase their
ambition. The first full global stocktake will occur in
 Note:- out of these 3 most suitable is CDM (clean  Category A:- scale is bigger and under central
development mechanism) and EU done this with govt. require EIA and environmental clearance
Brazil,& stopped after some time  Category B:- scale is smaller and under state
 THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 
govt
B1 require EIA and environmental clearance
ASSESSMENT :-  B2 not require EIA but require environmental
 (EIA) PAPER 3- ONLY FOR MAINS clearance
 OBJECTIVES OF EIA 2. SCOPING
a) The EIA process scrutinises the potential  In this step key issues of investigation are
environmental impact and negative externalities finalized
of a proposed project before commencement of  These key issues of investigation are called as
the project and determines whether it can be “Terms of reference (ToR)”
carried out in the form proposed, or whether it is  Post this finalization, a draft EIA report is
to be abandoned or modified. • prepared by “accredited environmental
b) EIA notification 2006 seeks to regulate the consultant” {by quality council of India}
environment clearance given by the government  Report then made public to concerned local area
for projects such as dams, mining, thermal power 3. PUBLIC CONSULTATION
plants, infrastructure projects etc  Public hearing is organized by “ state pollution
 Developmental projects have control board” after which the EIA report is
1. Positive impact on economy finalized and environmental management plan
2. Negative impact on the environment and social (EPM) is prepared
life of the people  EPM is a list of commitments by the project
 EIA:- is the study to predict potential impacts of a proponents for a more responsible
proposed projects on the environment. It is a environmental management
decision making tool which compares various  Videography is done
alternatives for a project & identifies the one with the  No Public consultation in B2 category (note it)
best combination of economic benefits & socio- 4. APPRAISAL (watch video confirm)
environmental costs  In this step through scrutiny of the final EIA
 1969:0 USA introduced EIA report and EMP is done by
 INDIA:-  Category A by EAC: expert appraisal committee
 EIA notification in year 1994 by ministry of  Category B by SEAC: state expert appraisal
environment using “EPA-1986 {Environmental committee
protection Act after Bhopal Gas Tragedy}. EIA is 5. DECISION MAKING
revised time to time  For Category A:- MoEFCC
 majorly done in 2006  For category B1 :- SEIAA/DEIAA
 2020:-Union Ministry of Environment presented  After the grant of environmental clearance (EC),
“Draft EIA notification” and put on its website but, it post _______monitoring is done to ensure that
was criticized and GOI put it on Hold . So, we have the commitments under EPM are kept with & the
still “EIA notification-2006 environmental rules & regulations are
compliance with. for this the project proponent
 EIA NOTIFICATION-2006 has to submit half yearly compliance reports to
 Following categories of projects mandatorily required the decision makers
a prior environmental clearance  For category B2:-
 Mining
 Thermal power plants  EFFECTIVENESS OF EIA PROCESS
 River valley projects IN INDIA-
 Oil & Gas extraction  CAG Performance Audit on ‘Environmental Clearance
 Chemical industries like pesticides and fertilizers & Post Clearance Monitoring’ 2017
 Nuclear projects  EIA has been successful in realizing some necessary
 Infrastructure projects like roadways & highways environmental safeguards but the process has not
{railways exempted} been fully satisfactory. There are multiple instances
 Note:- any project that is of strategic importance from across the country which reveals that there exist
for the country are exempted systemic flaws in the process which make it
 THE PROCESS OF EIA IN INDIA IS AS inadequate and non-transparent.
DISCUSSED  CAG Performance Audit on ‘Environmental Clearance
& Post Clearance Monitoring’ was tabled in
1. SCREENING Parliament in March 2017. Major observations of the
 Aim is to determine, if the projects requires an Performance Audit revealed the following-
EIA or not. The projects are categorized as A, B1 1. i. In many cases, the Environment Impact
and B2 based upon their capacities or scale Assessment reports were found to be prepared
by non-accredited consultants. Both these gaps
compromised the credibility and quality of EIA  If the assessment is negative, the project will be
reports. directed to shut down. If not, it will be appraised
2. ii. There were shortcomings noticed in the for ecological damage, remediation plan in
conduct of public hearings. For example, there is addition to the standard terms of reference.
no quorum required for attendance for starting  The committee will also stipulate an
the proceedings of public hearing. environment management plan for remediation
3. iii. There was no provision for the Project of the violation and such projects will have to pay
Proponents to fulfill their commitments in a time a late fee depending on the size of the project
bound manner and to ensure that the concerns  This effectively implies that in case of any
of the local people were included in the final environmental damage caused by the project,
Environment Impact Assessment imposition of fines will be the only remedy
report/Environmental Clearance letter. available.
4. iv. There were instances of lack of compliance of  As per experts, this is an attempt by the
environmental clearance conditions by Project government to legitimize or regularize the
Proponents. environmental violations.
5. v. Monitoring by State Pollution Control 2. Dilution of Public Consultation Process
Boards/Union Territory Pollution Control  The draft notification reduces the time period
Committees and Regional Offices of MoEF&CC from 45 days to 40 days for conducting public
for compliance of environmental clearance hearing.
conditions was found to be weak.  Public hearing includes public consultation as
6. vi. No penalty was imposed by the Ministry for well which is an important component as the
violating conditions of Environmental Clearance concerns of local affected persons and other
in the samples examined. stakeholders are ascertained while planning the
 In March 2020, the Ministry of Environment, Forest project.
and Climate Change (MoEFCC) had proposed a draft
3. Exemption of Public Consultation for
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) notification
2020 which will replace the existing EIA Notification, Strategic Projects
2006.  As per the draft, public consultation is exempted
for projects including modernization of irrigation
 NEED FOR A CHANGES IN EIA projects, all building, construction and area
NOTIFICATION 2006 development projects, strategic projects etc.
 The central government gets the power to
 There have been many changes made in a piecemeal
categorize projects as “strategic.” For example,
manner since 2006 in the EIA Notification 2006. The
defense and security-related projects were
Government wants to rationalize all these changes
always strategic.
through this draft.
 However, environmental groups argue that while 4. Changes in Post Implementation
doing so, the draft notification has made certain Compliance
major changes in the spirit of the EIA process of 2006  The 2006 notification required that once the
and made it less effective. project implementation begins, the project
 MAJOR CONTENTIOUS FEATURES OF proponent submits a compliance report every six
months. ii.
THE DRAFT EIA NOTIFICATION, 2020  However, the new draft requires the project
1. Post-facto approval proponent has to submit a report only once every
 The new draft allows for post-facto approval for year. As per environmental civil society, this
projects. It means that the clearances for implies dilution of the post- implementation
projects can be awarded even after the compliance and monitoring.
execution or projects without any prior approval. 5. Bypassing EIA Process.
 This undermines the orders of the National  As per the draft notification, the new
Green Tribunal which had ruled against post- construction projects up to 1,50,000 square
facto approvals. meters (instead of the existing 20,000 square
 Also, post facto approvals are against the spirit meters) do not need “detailed scrutiny” by the
of Precautionary Principle of environmental Expert Committee, nor do they need EIA studies
management. and public consultation.
th th
 Post-Facto Approval Explained ………..4 class ended, 5 started………..
 The draft states that any environmental violation can
be reported by the project proponent themselves or
 CORAL REEFS, CORAL BLEACHING
by a government authority or by a committee 1. Coral reefs are marine ecosystem , which occupy less
appraising the projects. than 1% of ocean area but support more than 25% of
 The appraisal committee will assess whether the the marine biodiversity, that is why coral reefs are
construction or expansion carried out in violation also called as “Tropical rainforests of the oceans”
of the norms can “run sustainably” with 2. A coral polyp is an invertebrate that can be no bigger
“environmental safeguards.” than a pinhead to up to a foot in diameter. Each
polyp has a saclike body and a mouth that is encircled
by stinging tentacles. The polyp uses calcium
carbonate (limestone) from seawater to build a hard,
 REASONS OF CORAL BLEACHING
cup-shaped skeleton 1. Climate change :-
3. Coral polyps, which are animals, and zooxanthellae, a. Through increase in ocean water temperature ,
o
the plant cells that live within them, have a as they cannot withstand above 30 C, {25 to
o
mutualistic relationship. Coral polyps produce 27 C}, {note for short term coral breaching does
carbon dioxide and water as byproducts of cellular not mean corals die, but continue breaching of
respiration corals can lead to the death of corals reefs}
b. Ocean Acidification:- it is defined as declining
‘PH’ of the oceanic waters, it affects the
‘calcification rate’ of coral reefs {normal PH of
ocean is 8.2}.there is excess of carbon dioxide in
ocean water which has implications
 Co2+H2O H2CO3
c. Fluctuations in ocean water salinity:- due to
global warming,
1) evaporation increases and salinity increases
2) ice covers and glaciers are melting at faster
4. Coral polyp lives in colonies, survive for hundreds and rate results in decreasing the salinity of
hundreds of years, when they die their Skelton ocean water.
remains are Calcareous in nature means CaCo3  both process occur simultaneously make the
secretions, accumulates in ocean. And next salinity of ocean water fluctuates
generation starts to thrive over this Skeleton remains
2. Due to increase in ocean water pollution:-
, makes them one of the oldest living things In ocean
oil spills, industrial effluents , sewage discharge ,
5. Coral reefs so is a kind of Substrata over which the agriculture runoff all contribute to ocean water
living corals survive pollution high in shallower layers of ocean and it
6. Coral reef ecosystems are formed by gradual restricts the sunlight to penetrate down in ocean
accumulation of a calcareous skeleton remains of water, which is detrimental for health of coral reefs
coral polyps over the years
3. Increased incidence of tropical cyclones :-
7. They are fragile ecosystems , can survive in narrow
they physically destroys coral reefs ecosystem
range of environmental conditions as discussed
below 4. Destructive fishing practices:- like ocean
bottom trawling and cyanide fishing
a. Temp:- 25 to 27oC, found in warm, tropical
waters {shallow + deep water, tropical waters ,  (Cyanide fishing:- Catching live fish using cyanide
o
at all latitudes 30 N & S } is easy. Crush a couple of sodium cyanide tablets into
b. Shallow waters:- found in 60to 80m, {top a squeegee bottle of water, dive around a coral reef,
shallow layer 200m of ocean receives only find a fish you fancy, and squirt the toxic liquid into
sunlight , so called as Photic zone of ocean its face. The mixture stuns the fish without killing it,
c. Ocean water salinity:- they survive in 32 to 35 making it easy to catch in a net, or even by hand.)
o o
/oo ( /oo = parts per thousand ) HANDOUT MATERIAL
d. Clean & clear water required for their survival  WHAT IS OCEAN ACIDIFICATION?
8. Whenever any of these above mentioned  Ocean acidification, or "OA" for short, is the term
environmental conditions alter, coral gets stressed given to the chemical changes in the ocean as a result
and expels the zooxanthellae algae from their of carbon dioxide emissions. Ocean acidification
tentacles; this causes discoloration of coral reef refers to a reduction in the pH of the ocean over an
ecosystems and called as coral bleaching. Therefore extended period of time, caused primarily by uptake
coral bleaching is an indicative of degrading marine of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
environmental conditions and corals are called as  A pH unit is a measure of acidity ranging from 0-14.
“Indicator Species” The lower the value, the more acidic the
9. Indicator Species:- are those which are the first ones environment. Becoming more acidic is a relative shift
to alert about the ecological degradation of their in pH to a lower value.
ecosystem examples  When carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by seawater,
a. Lichens:- an organism which have a symbiotic chemical reactions occur that reduce seawater pH,
relationship of algae and fungi and are very carbonate ion concentration, and saturation states of
fragile of air pollution. Indicator of forest biologically important calcium carbonate minerals.
ecosystem These chemical reactions are termed "ocean
b. Dolphins :- sensitive to river water quality and acidification" or "OA" for short. Calcium carbonate
depth, so decline in their number is indicator of minerals are the building blocks for the skeletons and
river ecosystem degrading shells of many marine organisms. In areas where
c. Corals :- indicators of marine ecosystem most life now congregates in the ocean, the seawater
is supersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate higher acidity, mainly near the surface, which has
minerals. This means there are abundant building been proven to inhibit shell growth in marine animals
blocks for calcifying organisms to build their skeletons and is suspected as a cause of reproductive disorders
and shells. However, continued ocean acidification is in some fish.
causing many parts of the ocean to become  On the pH scale, which runs from 0 to 14, solutions
undersaturated with these minerals, which is likely to with low numbers are considered acidic and those
affect the ability of some organisms to produce and with higher numbers are basic. Seven is neutral. Over
maintain their shells. the past 300 million years, ocean pH has been slightly
basic, averaging about 8.2. Today, it is around 8.1, a
drop of 0.1 pH units, representing a 25-percent
increase in acidity over the past two centuries.
 CARBON STOREHOUSE- The oceans currently
absorb about a third of human-created CO2
emissions, roughly 22 million tons a day. Projections
based on these numbers show that by the end of this
century, continued emissions could reduce ocean pH
by another 0.5 units. Shell-forming animals including
corals, oysters, shrimp, lobster, many planktonic
organisms, and even some fish species could be
gravely affected. Equally worrisome is the fact that as
the oceans continue to absorb more CO2, their
1. Up to one half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released by capacity as a carbon storehouse could diminish. That
burning fossil fuels over the past 200 years has been means more of the carbon dioxide we emit will
absorbed by the world's oceans remain in the atmosphere, further aggravating global
2. Absorbed CO2 in seawater (H2O) forms carbonic acid climate change.
(H2CO3), lowering the water's pH level and making it more
 Impacts of ocean acidification on the Reef-
acidic
3. This raises the hydrogen ion concentration in the water, In the long-term, ocean acidification is likely to be the
and limits organisms' access to carbonate ions, which are most significant impact of a changing climate on the
needed to form hard parts Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. The oceans absorb
 Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the pH of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and are
surface ocean waters has fallen by 0.1 pH units. Since the estimated to have absorbed about half the excess
pH scale, like the Richter scale, is logarithmic, this change CO2 released by human activities in the past 200
represents approximately a 30 percent increase in acidity. years. About half of this anthropogenic CO2 (carbon
Future predictions indicate that the oceans will continue to dioxide in the atmosphere resulting from human
absorb carbon dioxide and become even more acidic.
activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels, rather
Estimates of future carbon dioxide levels, based on
business as usual emission scenarios, indicate that by the than natural processes) is in the upper 10 per cent of
end of this century the surface waters of the ocean could oceans (less than 1000 metres depth) due to slow
be nearly 150 percent more acidic, resulting in a pH that ocean mixing processes.
the oceans haven’t experienced for more than 20 million  This absorbed CO2 is resulting in chemical changes in
years. the ocean, and is estimated to have caused a
 The Biological Impacts- Ocean acidification is expected to decrease in oceanic pH of 0.1. This is referred to as
impact ocean species to varying degrees. Photosynthetic ocean acidification as the oceans are becoming more
algae and seagrasses may benefit from higher CO2 acidic (though technically they are still alkaline).
conditions in the ocean, as they require CO2 to live just like
 As carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed from the
plants on land. On the other hand, studies have shown that
a more acidic environment has a dramatic effect on some atmosphere it bonds with sea water forming carbonic
calcifying species, including oysters, clams, sea urchins, acid. This acid then releases a bicarbonate ion and a
shallow water corals, deep sea corals, and calcareous hydrogen ion. The hydrogen ion bonds with free
plankton. When shelled organisms are at risk, the entire carbonate ions in the water forming another
food web may also be at risk. bicarbonate ion.
 That carbonate would otherwise be available to
marine animals for making calcium carbonate shells
and skeletons. So the more dissolved carbon dioxide
in the ocean, the less free carbonate ions available
for making calcium carbonate.
 From a current pH of 8.2 (alkaline), it is predicted that
the ocean’s pH could fall to about 7.8 (still slightly
alkaline) by 2100.
 Although the chemistry of ocean acidification is
simple and well understood, its effect on marine life
is much less well-known as the process has only been
 CARBONIC ACID- When carbon dioxide dissolves
recognised for less than a decade. Even relatively
in this ocean, carbonic acid is formed. This leads to
small increases in ocean acidity decrease the capacity a. it is air pollutant (secondary air pollutant) as
of corals to build skeletons, which in turn decreases  NOX+ VOCS+ sunlight  photo chemical
their capacity to create habitat for the Reef's marine smog (O3)
life a. Smog is also of two types
 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF b. Photo chemical smog
 Smog + fog  sulphurious smog {have
CORAL REEFS SO2 and P.M2.5 and P.M 10}
1) Supports marine bio-diversity:- like for livelihood of  Delhi NCR has Sulphurous smog
fisheries coral reefs are important b. it is a green house gas
2) Helping nutrient cycling:- biochemical cycles like  Note :- pollutants can be of two types
carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle etc  Primary pollutants:- directly emitted like
3) Act as bio-shields in times of coastal disasters like carbon oxide , NOX, SO2,
storm-surges of tropical cyclones and tsunamis. Any  Secondary pollutant:- formed by chemical
such ecosystem which reduces the risk of a natural reactions b/w primary pollutants
disaster is called Bio-shield like wetlands, mangroves ,  REASONS FOUND OF OZONE DEPLETION
forests , coral reefs etc A. CFCs:- Chlorofluro carbons, emits chlorine and
 INITIATIVES FOR CORAL REEFS’ bromine and in troposphere they do not get through
any chemical reaction and when reach in
CONSERVATION stratosphere they get into some reaction due to
 There is no international convention or agreement some atmospheric conditions and deplete ozone
for coral reefs conservation but some countries  some atmospheric conditions which trigger very
voluntary took some initiatives like fast ozone depleting chemical reactions are
1. The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)  Extremely low temperatures of less than of -
o
and the Global Coral Reef Monitoring 78 C. found in polar stratospheric clouds
Network (GCRMN)-  presence of sunlight , in late winter and early
 The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is an informal spring
partnership between Nations and organizations which
B. HCFCs:- Hydro Chlorofluro carbons
strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems
around the world It was conceived at the UN Conference on C. Naturally :- when volcano erupts chlorine also emits
the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing  VIENNA CONVENTION (1985)
States in Barbados in 1994 in recognition of the problems  Aim:- protection of stratospheric ozone from human
facing coral reefs. activities
 ICRI has Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) as  Under this convention, Montreal protocol was
its operational network. GCRMN supports ICRI by providing
adopted in 1987 and came into force in 1989. Aim of
best available scientific information about the status and
trends of coral reef ecosystems.
Montreal protocol is protection of ozone layer by
controlling the production and consumption of the
2. The Coral Triangle Initiative
ozone depleting substances {only protocol which has
 It was signed in 2006 by the governments of Indonesia,
Philippines, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomans
been universally ratified}
and Timor Leste to conserve coral reefs with the highest  Under Montreal protocol ozone depleting substances
biodiversity. (ODSs) were replaced by Hydro fluoro carbons (HFCs).
 It is a type of Marine Protected Area network to regulate HFCs are set of 19 gases which are used in R & AC
human activities in coral rich areas so as to reduce human industry
pressure on corals.  2015 Paris agreement was contradictory to
3. 50 Reefs Montreal protocol therefore the amendment is done
 A global plan called ‘50 Reefs’ to save coral reefs from as named as Kigali amendment
complete eradication caused by climate change, pollution
and poor fishing practices was launched in 2017 in Bali.
HANDOUT MATERIAL
 It brings together leading ocean, climate and marine  THE OZONE DEPLETION
scientists as well as conservation practitioners from around
 The ozone layer sits in the lower region of the
the world to develop a list of the 50 most critical coral reefs
stratosphere from about 20-30 kilometers above the
to protect.
surface of the earth. The thickness of the ozone layer
 KIGALI AMENDMENT OF THE is about 3 to 5 mm, but it pretty much fluctuates
depending on the season and geography. The
MONTREAL PROTOCOL concentration of ozone in the ozone layer is usually
 BACKGROUND TO UNDERSTAND KIGALI under 10 parts per million while the average
concentration of ozone in the atmosphere is about
AMENDMENT
0.3 parts per million. The thickness of the ozone layer
 1980s :- Scientist got to know that Stratospheric
differs as per season and geography. The highest
ozone called “good ozone“ (UV-B radiations
concentrations of ozone occur at altitudes from 26 to
absorber) is depleting
28 km in the tropics and from 12 to 20 km towards
 Bad Ozone:- present in troposphere because
the poles. The ozone layer was discovered in 1913 by
the French physicists Charles Fabry and Henri growth. In humans, exposure to high levels of ozone
Buisson. can reduce lung capacity; cause chest pains, throat
 Ozone molecules have a low relative abundance in irritation, and coughing; and worsen pre-existing
the atmosphere. In the stratosphere near the peak health conditions related to the heart and lungs. In
concentration of the ozone layer, there are typically a addition, increases in tropospheric ozone lead to a
few thousand ozone molecules for every billion air warming of Earth’s surface because ozone is a
molecules (1 billion = 1,000 million). Most air greenhouse gas. The negative effects of excess
molecules are either oxygen (O2) or nitrogen (N2). In tropospheric ozone contrast sharply with the
the troposphere near Earth’s surface, ozone is even protection from harmful UV-B radiation afforded by
less abundant, with a typical range of 20 to 100 ozone an abundance of stratospheric ozone.
molecules for each billion air molecules. The highest  In the absence of human activities, ozone would still
surface values result when ozone is formed in air be present near Earth’s surface and throughout the
polluted by human activities. troposphere and stratosphere because ozone is a
natural component of the clean atmosphere. Ozone
plays important roles in the atmosphere beyond
absorbing UV radiation. For example, ozone initiates
the chemical removal of many pollutants, such as
carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), as
well as some greenhouse gases, such as methane
(CH4).
 Scientists have established records spanning several
decades that detail normal ozone levels during
natural cycles. Ozone concentrations in the
atmosphere vary naturally with sunspots, seasons,
and latitude. These processes are well understood
and predictable. Each natural reduction in ozone
levels has been followed by a recovery. Beginning in
the 1970s, however, scientific evidence showed that
the ozone shield was being depleted well beyond
natural processes.
 When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact
with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone
molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy over
100,000 ozone molecules before it is removed from
the stratosphere. Ozone can be destroyed more
quickly than it is naturally created.
 Some compounds release chlorine or bromine when
they are exposed to intense UV light in the
stratosphere. These compounds contribute to ozone
depletion, and are called ozonedepleting substances.
 Stratospheric ozone is considered good for humans The chief ozone-depleting substances include
and other life forms because it absorbs ultraviolet-B chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), carbon tetrachloride,
(UV-B) radiation from the Sun. If not absorbed, UV-B hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and methyl
radiation would reach Earth’s surface in amounts that chloroform. Halons, sometimes known as brominated
are harmful to a variety of life forms. In humans, fluorocarbons, also contribute mightily to ozone
increased exposure to UV-B radiation increases the depletion. Although ODS are emitted at the Earth’s
risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and a suppressed surface, they are eventually carried into the
immune system. UV-B radiation exposure before stratosphere in a process that can take as long as two
adulthood and cumulative exposure are both to five years.
important health risk factors. Excessive UV-B  Such deterioration of ozone allows large amounts of
exposure also can damage terrestrial plant life, single- ultraviolet B rays to reach Earth, which can cause skin
cell organisms, and aquatic ecosystems. Other UV cancer and cataracts in humans and harm animals as
radiation, UV-A, which is not absorbed significantly by well.
ozone, causes premature aging of the skin.  Extra ultraviolet B radiation reaching Earth also
 Ozone near Earth’s surface in excess of natural inhibits the reproductive cycle of phytoplankton,
amounts is considered bad ozone. It is formed by single-celled organisms such as algae that make up
reactions involving human-made pollutant gases. the bottom rung of the food chain. Biologists fear
Increasing surface ozone above natural levels is that reductions in phytoplankton populations will in
harmful to humans, plants, and other living systems turn lower the populations of other animals.
because ozone reacts strongly to destroy or alter Researchers also have documented changes in the
many biological molecules. High ozone exposure reproductive rates of young fish, shrimp, and crabs as
caused by air pollution reduces crop yields and forest well as frogs and salamanders exposed to excess
ultraviolet B. substances (ODSs). National consumption of an ODS
 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), chemicals found mainly is defined as the amount that production and imports
in spray aerosols heavily used by industrialized of the substance exceed its export to other nations.
nations for much of the past 50 years, are the The Protocol provisions are structured for developed
primary culprits in ozone layer breakdown. When countries to act first and for developing countries to
CFCs reach the upper atmosphere, they are exposed follow with some financial assistance. In 2009, the
to ultraviolet rays, which cause them to break down Montreal Protocol became the first international
into substances that include chlorine. The chlorine treaty to achieve universal ratification by all 196
reacts with the oxygen atoms in ozone and rips apart United Nations members.
the ozone molecule. One atom of chlorine can  The principal aim of the Montreal Protocol is to
destroy more than a hundred thousand ozone protect the ozone layer by taking measures to control
molecules, according to the the U.S. Environmental total global production and consumption of
Protection Agency. substances that deplete it, with the ultimate
 The ozone layer above the Antarctic has been objective of their elimination on the basis of
particularly impacted by pollution since the mid- developments in scientific knowledge and
1980s. This region’s low temperatures speed up the technological information.
conversion of CFCs to chlorine. In the southern spring  The Montreal Protocol is structured around several
and summer, when the sun shines for long periods of groups of ozone-depleting substances. The Montreal
the day, chlorine reacts with ultraviolet rays, Protocol requires the control of nearly 100 chemicals,
destroying ozone on a massive scale, up to 65 in several categories.
percent. This is what some people erroneously refer  There are a few exceptions for essential uses where
to as the "ozone hole." In other regions, the ozone no acceptable substitutes have been found, for
layer has deteriorated by about 20 percent. example, in metered dose inhalers (MDI) commonly
Significant depletion of ozone has been observed in used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems
the Arctic stratosphere in recent decades but still it is or halon fire-suppression systems used in submarines
less severe than over Antarctic. and aircraft.
 (Also know that- natural causes of depletion of ozone  In 1994, the United Nations General Assembly
layer also exist. Ozone layer has been found to be proclaimed 16 September the International Day for
affected by certain natural phenomena such as Sun- the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating
spots and stratospheric winds. But this has been the date of the signing, in 1987, of the Montreal
found to cause not more than 1-2% depletion of the Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
ozone layer and the effects are also thought to be (resolution 49/114).
only temporary. It is also believed that the major  Implementation of the Montreal Protocol-
volcanic eruptions (mainly El Chichon in 1983 and and Implementation of the Montreal Protocol progressed
Mt. Pinatubo in 1991) has also contributed towards well in developed and developing countries. All
ozone depletion.) phase-out schedules were adhered to in most cases,
 PROTECTION OF OZONE LAYER some even ahead of schedule. In view of the steady
 International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone progress made under the Protocol, already in 2003,
Layer is on 16 September every year. former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan
stated “Perhaps the single most successful
1. Vienna Convention for the Protection of the
international agreement to date has been the
Ozone Layer- The scientific confirmation of the Montreal Protocol”. His views are shared widely in
depletion of the ozone layer prompted the the international community.
international community to establish a mechanism  Attention focused initially on chemicals with higher
for cooperation to take action to protect the ozone ozone-depletion potentials including CFCs and halons.
layer. This was formalized in the Vienna Convention The phase-out schedule for HCFCs was more relaxed
for the Protection of the Ozone Layer, which was due to their lower ozone-depletion potentials and
adopted and signed by 28 countries, on 22 March because they have also been used as transitional
1985. In September 1987, this led to the drafting of substitutes for CFCs.
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete  The HCFC phase-out schedule was introduced in 1992
the Ozone Layer. for developed and developing countries, the latter
2. Montreal Protocol- In response to growing with a freeze in 2015, and final phase-out by 2030 in
concern, the Montreal Protocol on Substances that developed countries and 2040 in developing
Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed in 1987 and, countries.
following sufficient country ratification, entered into  In 2007, Parties to the Montreal Protocol decided to
force in 1989. The Protocol has been successful in accelerate the HCFC phase-out schedule for both
establishing legally binding controls for developed developed and developing countries.
and developing nations on the production and  Universal ratification:
consumption of halogen source gases known to cause  On 16th September 2009, the Vienna Convention and
ozone depletion. Halogen source gases containing the Montreal Protocol became the first treaties in the
chlorine and bromine controlled under the Montreal history of the United Nations to achieve universal
Protocol are referred to as ozone-depleting ratification.
 Kigali Amendment chemical reactions that occur on the PSCs that result
 The Parties to the Montreal Protocol on Substances in the large decrease in ozone during each austral
that Deplete the Ozone Layer reached agreement at spring over Antarctica that we called the Antarctic
their 28th Meeting of the Parties on 15 October 2016 ozone hole.
in Kigali, Rwanda to phase-down hydrofluorocarbons  Despite two decades of research, the climatology of
(HFCs). The notable thing about the Kigali PSCs is not well described, and this impacts on the
Amendment is that 197 countries came together and accuracy of ozone depletion models. The timing and
signed the first legally binding climate treaty of the duration of PSC events, their geographic extent and
21st century. vertical distributions, and their annual variability are
 HFCs are refrigerants used in air conditioning and not well understood.
refrigeration systems. They are potent Green House  KIGALI AMENDMENTS MAJOR POINTS
Gases (GHGs) with a thousand times more global 1. It was adopted at 28th Meeting of Parties to the
warming potential (GWP) than carbon-di-oxide. The Montreal Protocol (MoP 28) on 15th October 2016 in
Montreal Protocol was signed in early 1990s to Kigali, Rwanda.
eliminate the use of chemicals that caused the Ozone 2. Kigali Amendment entered into force on 1st Jan 2019.
hole. However, the replacement for the ozone- 3. The objective of the Kigali Amendment is phase down
depleting chemicals was HFCs, which caused global of HFCs which are used as substitutes for ODSs. (HFCs
warming. At the Kigali Meeting, the world agreed to are refrigerants used in air conditioning &
reduce the use of HFCs and move to refrigerants that refrigeration systems. They are potent Green House
neither cause global warming nor create an ozone Gases (GHGs) with a thousand times more global
hole. warming potential (GWP) than carbon-di-oxide.)
 Under the agreement, developed countries will start 4. Under the Amendment, Montreal Protocol parties
reducing the use of HFCs first. They will be followed are required to gradually reduce HFC use by 80-85%
by China, along with many other developing by late 2040s.
countries. Finally, India, Pakistan and 8 other 5. As per the Kigali Amendment, the countries have
countries of West Asia will follow the suit. agreed to move to refrigerants (called as Hydro
 Currently, 65% of all HFCs are consumed by Fluoro Olefins – HFOs) that neither cause global
developed countries with the USA alone accounting warming nor ozone depletion.
for 37% of global consumption. China accounts for 6. Hydro fluorocarbons phase down is expected to
60% of global HFC production & 25% of global prevent the emission of up to 105 million tons of
consumption. India accounts for less than 3% of the carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases,
global production & consumption. This agreement, helping to avoid up to 0.5 degree Celsius of global
therefore, a most differentiated climate agreement temperature rise by 2100, while continuing to protect
and is a reflection of the responsibility and capability the ozone layer.
of countries to solve climate change issues. 7. The Amendment has divided the world economies
 Overall, the agreement is expected to reduce HFC use into three groups, each with a target phase down
by 85% by 2045. This will result in a reduction of HFC date.
emissions equivalent to about 70 billion tonnes of 8. Currently, 65% of all the HFCs are consumed by
carbon-di-oxide globally. developed countries with the USA alone accounting
 It is important to note that unlike the Kigali for 37% & China 25% of global consumption. India
Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the historic accounts for less than 3% of global production and
Paris Agreement is neither legally binding nor are consumption. Kigali Amendment therefore is, a
there mandatory emission reduction targets in it for reflection of CBDR principle
countries. 9. Union Cabinet of India gave approval for ratification
 POLAR STRATOSPHERIC CLOUDS of Kigali Amendment in 2021, after which GoI
 One of the major factors producing the special ratified it.
chemistry that occurs in the stratosphere there is the 10. India will complete its phase down of HFCs in 4 steps
cold temperatures present during the Antarctic with cumulative reduction of 10% in 2032, 20% in
winter. The air in the stratosphere is completely in 2037, 30% in 2042 and 85% in 2047
the dark during the austral winter. Antarctica is also Group of Countries Target Phase down Date as
totally surrounded by water (as contrasted with the per Kigali Amendment
north pole which has landed geographic features on The USA & European Union Will reduce production &
many sides around it) and therefore meteorologically consumption of HFCs from
isolated from air at higher latitudes during the winter. 2019
This physical condition forms an isolated air mass China, Brazil & all of Africa Will reduce production &
swirling over Antarctica called the south polar vortex. consumption of HFCs from
In the air of the polar vortex, the temperatures drop 2024
World’s hottest countries like Will reduce production &
to very low levels in the stratosphere, below 80
Bahrain, India, Iran, Iraq, consumption of HFCs from
degrees below zero C. At these temperatures,
Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, 2028
chemicals present in the stratosphere freeze out and Qatar, Saudi Arabia & UAE
form polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs). It is the

c) India Becoming World Top Sulphur Dioxide Emitter:
HANDOUT MATERIAL Study
 ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION- AIR d) India’s emissions of the air pollutant sulphur dioxide
increased by 50 per cent since 2007, while Chinas fell
POLLUTION IN INDIA by 75 per cent.
 AIR POLLUTION e) Sulphur dioxide is an air pollutant that causes acid
rain, haze and many health-related problems. It is
 According to W.H.O data released in May 2016 air
produced predominantly when coal is burned to
pollution is the 5th largest killer in India. Among the
generate electricity.
world’s 20 most polluted cities 13 are in India. India is
f) China and India are the world’s top consumers of
in the group of countries which have the highest
coal, which typically contains up to three per cent
particulate matter (PM) levels. Its cities have highest
sulphur. Most of the two countries sulphur dioxide
levels of PM 10 and PM 2.5 (particles with diameter
emissions come from coal-fired power plants and
of 10 and 2.5 microns) and high concentration of
coal-burning factories
carcinogenic substances like Sulphur Dioxide and
Nitrogen Oxide. Gwalior, Allahabad, Patna, Raipur are  BS-VI fuel norms from April 1, 2018 in Delhi
in the top 10 polluted cities, Delhi at 11. instead of 2020
 Action Plan: a) BS-VI fuel will bring down sulphur by 5 times from the
a) Environment Pollution (Prevention & Control) current BS-IV levels–a whopping 80 per cent
Authority (EPCA) is the nodal authority for tackling reduction that makes this fuel extremely clean
pollution in Delhi. b) This will improve emissions from the existing fleet,
b) Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) has already even from the older vehicles on road, while allowing
kicked off to handle air pollution. It was notified by more advanced emissions control systems to be fitted
Union Environment Ministry in January 2017. It was in BS-VI vehicles when they begin to roll
approved by the Supreme Court to tackle air pollution c) Full advantage of this move will be possible only
in Delhi and adjoining areas when vehicle technology moves to BS-VI
GRAP classification of
2
PM 2.5 (ug/m ) PM 10 (ug/m )
2  Delhi will be the first city in our country to have
air pollution fuel that is BS VI complaint. India currently
Moderate to poor 61-90 101-250 operates on Bharat Stage IV emission norms for two-,
Very poor 121-250 351-430 three- and four-wheelers. In a bid to bring down
Severe >250 >430 pollution levels and having cleaner cars on the road,
Severe to emergency >300 >500 the Government has decided to skip directly to BS VI
c) Main objective of GRAP is to institutionalize measures norms by 2020. This brings India closer to the world
to tackle air pollution emergencies. as Euro VI emission standards have been in place
d) Steps undertaken under GRAP: since 2014 across Europe.
 Badarpur power plant shut down in winters.  What are emission norms?- Let’s say this together:
 State Pollution Control Boards of UP and HR are Vehicle pollution caused by the burning of fossil fuels
monitoring pollution. has played a big role in global warming. The need to
 Movements of trucks are restricted. cut down the emission levels is what led to the
e) Universalisation of BS IV by 2017 leapfrogging from formation of such norms that limit vehicular
BS IV to BS VI fuel standards by 1st April 2020. An emissions across the globe, with Europe’s Euro 1
important strategy is to scale up public transport coming into force in 1992 with the objective of having
system and improve last mile connectivity (private all vehicles comply by 1993. Europe has moved at a
vehicles constitute 90% of all vehicles in India). brisk pace by putting in place more stringent norms
f) On Oct 27, 2017 the Supreme Court directed every 3-5 years and is currently operating at Euro VI
Environment Ministry to notify Comprehensive emission standards. The Bharat emission norms that
Action Plan to improve air quality. came into force in 1991 for petrol and ’92 for diesel
g) EPCA under the direction of the Supreme Court were basic and primarily governed carbon monoxide
prepared first ever comprehensive plan with short output from vehicles. India introduced Euro I
term, medium term and long term measures for key emission standards in 2000, by which time Europe
sources of air pollution in Delhi and NCR was already operating at Euro III norms. We have
 GRAP is an emergency response but this region been slower to implement change, primarily due to
cannot remain on emergency mode always. the costs involved and the quality of fuel available.
 Supreme Court Bans Use Of Heavy Metals In With India moving on to Euro VI/ BS VI standards, we
Firecrackers To Prevent Air Pollution will finally be at par with Europe and that is quite a
a) Five harmful heavy metals like lithium, antimony, feat. For BS VI, the stipulated CO emissions for diesel
mercury, arsenic and lead in the manufacturing of vehicles is 0.50 g/km and for petrol is 1.0 g/km, NOx
firecrackers as they cause air and noise pollution. is regulated at 0.080 g/km for diesel and 0.060 g/km
b) The Supreme Court maintained that it is the for petrol, while particulate matter (PM) is set at
responsibility of the Petroleum and Explosives Safety 0.005 g/km for both. We should see a substantial
Organisation (PESO) to ensure compliance of ban drop in air pollutants, especially for diesel vehicles, as
order to ensure compliance of ban order current BS IV figures are 0.25 g/km NOx for and 0.025

g/km PM. up dumping it on others like the US does. But this
 What are car companies doing about BS VI?- Vehicle also means we should stop the import of cheap pet
manufacturers are investing in the tech to deliver coke. Second, we should use the domestic pet coke
according to the new guidelines, but they’re unlikely only in the industries where emissions can be
to release cars before the deadline, because new controlled. For instance, in the cement industry’s
engines mean new costs. Mercedes-Benz India has clinker plants. But all other uses should be stopped
introduced their SClass with BS VI-compliant made-in-
India engines two years prior to deadline.  AIR QUALITY INDEX IN INDIA
 What is the implication of cleaner fuel?- The sulphur  Measuring air quality and effectively communicating it to all
content in BS VI fuel is substantially lower than that the stakeholders helps to catalyze action for improving air
quality
of BS IV fuel. Currently the sulphur content in our fuel
 The concept of an air quality index (AQI) is used to express
is at 50 parts per million (PPM) while BS VI fuel has a weighted values of individual air pollution related
sulphur content of 10 ppm. parameters (e.g. SO2, CO, etc.) into a single number which
 BAN ON POLLUTING FUELS is easily understandable by citizens too. With this in mind,
National Air Quality Index has been developed and
 Recently, Supreme Court banned the use of furnace operationalized by CPCB in collaboration with SPCBs.
oil and pet-coke in Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar  AQI was launched by in April 2015.
Pradesh. Later, however, it eased its ban on use of  AQI is based upon following 8 parameters, for which short-
petcoke for cement manufacturing, lime industries term (up to 24-hourly averaging period) National Ambient
and on furnace oil for power generation. Air Quality Standards are prescribed-
 Pet coke and other polluting fuels such as furnace oil i.PM10
are widely used by cement factories, dyeing units, ii. PM2.5
paper mills, brick kilns and ceramics businesses. iii. NO2
iv. SO2
Petroleum coke or pet coke, is a solid carbon rich
v. CO
(90% carbon and 3% to 6% sulfur) material derived vi. O3
from oil refining. It is a dirtier alternative to coal and vii. NH3
emits 11% more greenhouse gases than coal and has viii. Pb
higher sulphur than other fossil fuels. India is the  The proposed index has six categories with a colour scheme
world’s biggest consumer of petroleum coke. India is as shown below
becoming a dumping ground of petcoke from the US,
which has banned its internal use because of
pollution.
 Furnace Oil is a dark viscous residual fuel obtained by
blending mainly heavier components from crude
distillation unit, short residue and clarified oil from
catalytic cracker unit. It is one of the cheapest fuels
available and used to generate power in industries to
run boilers, turbines etc.
 Reason for increased use of Pet-coke and
furnace oil
a) Per-unit delivered energy for petcoke is much cheaper
compared to coal making it attractive for buyers.
b) Favourable tax regime: Though both these fuels are taxed
at 18% under GST but the industries, which use these fuels
for manufacturing, get entire tax on the fuels credited back.
On the other hand, on natural gas, which is not included in
GST, the VAT is as high as 26 per cent in certain states.
c) Clean energy cess of Rs. 400 per tonne levied on coal,
further promotes shift to pet-coke.
d) Zero Ash Content.
e) It is an approved fuel in many states such as Andhra
Pradesh, Telangana, Gujarat and Karnataka.
 At present, India produces 12-13 million tonnes of
pet coke. But what is most alarming is that our
imports are soaring. Last fiscal year till November, we
had already imported 10 million tonnes of pet coke,
which is equal to the total imports of the previous
year. At this rate we could end up with some 30
million tonnes of pet coke by year end, which is
roughly equal to what China was using at its peak in
2014.
 So, what is the way ahead? First, we should ensure
that we utilise our domestic pet coke and do not end
 NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
STANDARDS (NAAQS)
 These are the standards for ambient air quality with
reference to various identified pollutants notified by
the Central Pollution Control Board under the Air
(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
 SAFAR- System of Air Quality and Weather

Forecasting.  NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAMME
 India has indigenously developed and real-time (NCAP)
warning system for air quality called as SAFAR-  It is a time bound national level strategy launched by
System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting. Government in January 2019 for pan India
 It is developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical implementation to tackle the increasing air pollution
Meteorology (IITM), Pune and weather information problem across the country.
and forecasting is done by India Meteorological
Department (IMD).
 OBJECTIVES OF THE NCAP ARE-
a. comprehensive mitigation actions for prevention,
 SAFAR comes under the Union Ministry of Earth
control and abatement of air pollution
Sciences and monitors air quality of different cities of
b. augmenting the air quality monitoring network
India.
across the country and strengthening the
 In addition to regular air quality parameters like
awareness and capacity building activities.
PM2.5, PM10, Sulfur Dioxide, Ozone, Nitrogen
Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, the SAFAR also monitors  MAIN FEATURES OF THE NCAP ARE-
the existence of Benzene, Toluene and Xylene. 1) The tentative national level target of 20%–30%
 It also monitors all weather parameters like reduction of PM2.5 and PM10 concentration by 2024
temperature, rainfall, humidity, wind speed and wind is proposed under the NCAP (taking 2017 as the base
direction. year) for the comparison of concentration. 2019 is
 Thus, SAFAR helps to accelerate public awareness and the first year of implementation.
preparedness of air pollution and weather extremes. 2) Initially launched as a five-year action plan, the NCAP
may be further extended after a midterm review of
 WHO GUIDELINES (2021) PM 10 the outcomes.
& PM 2.5 3) Areas that need mitigation action include pollution
from road dust, construction and demolition waste;
1. The WHO’s revised guidelines prescribe annual PM2.5
industrial emissions; transport; emissions from
average at 5 ug/m3, bringing it down from 2005 limits
agriculture; and indoor air pollution. The document
set at 10 ug/m3.
lists plantation drives as a significant mitigation
2. PM10 annual average is now 15 ug/m3 in
action.
comparison to the earlier norm of 20 ug/m3.
4) 102 cities, called as non-attainment cities, are chosen
3. NO2 levels, which are primarily attributable to
vehicular emissions, have been revised to 10 ug/m3, for this intervention based upon Ambient Air Quality
India (2011-2015) and WHO report 2014/2018.
in comparison to 40 ug/m3 in 2005.
4. The health risks associated with particulate matter  TOPIC:-THE WETLANDS AND
equal or smaller than 10 and 2.5 microns (µm) in
diameter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅, respectively) are of THE RAMSAR CONVENTIONS
particular public health relevance.  Wetlands are Unique ecosystem with water table at
5. Both PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ are capable of penetrating deep the surface such that the soil is saturated with water
into the lungs but PM₂.₅ can even enter the and natural vegetation (hydrophytes) adapted to
bloodstream, primarily resulting in cardiovascular and such water logged conditions of the soils
respiratory impacts, and also affecting other organs.  Wetlands are areas where water is the primary factor
6. PM is primarily generated by fuel combustion in controlling the environment and the associated plant
different sectors, including transport, energy, and animal life.
households, industry, and from agriculture.  They occur where the water table is at or near the
surface of the land, or where the land is covered by

water. Once treated as transitional habitats or seral unique flora that have evolved in their nutrient-poor
stages in succession from open water to land, and acidic conditions, including for example the
 The wetlands are now considered to be distinct carnivorous pitcher plant. As bogs are unsuitable for
ecosystems with specific ecological characteristics, agriculture, forestry or development they offer an
functions and values. undisturbed habitat for a wide range of species,
 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands define wetlands as: including moose, black bear, lynx, snowshoe hare and
"areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether mink
natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with  Marshes and Swamps Also known as palustrine
water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, wetlands, marshes, swamps and fens account for
including areas of marine water the depth of which at almost half of all wetlands throughout the world.
low tide does not exceed six metres". Marshes are one of the broadest categories of
 Wetlands, natural and manmade, freshwater or wetlands and in general harbour the greatest
brackish, provide numerous ecological services. The biological diversity. Marshes form in depressions in
density of birds, in particular, is an accurate the landscape, as fringes around lakes, and along
indication of the ecological health of a particular slow-flowing streams and rivers. Marshes are
wetland. dominated by floating-leafed plants like water lillies
 The destruction of wetlands is a concern because and duckweed. Marshes slow down the rate of
they are some of the most productive habitats on the rainfall drainage and control its flow into rivers, lakes,
planet. They often support high concentrations of and streams
animals—including mammals, birds, fish and  MANGROVES-
invertebrates—and serve as nurseries for many of  Mangroves are trees or large shrubs which are
these species. Wetlands also support the cultivation salt-tolerant and grow in intertidal zones in
of rice, a staple in the diet of half the world’s tropical and subtropical regions. They form
population. And they provide a range of ecosystem dense forests along many tropical and
services that benefit humanity, including water subtropical coasts. All of these trees grow in
filtration, storm protection, flood control and areas with low-oxygen soil, where slow-moving
recreation. waters allow fine sediments to accumulate.
 WETLANDS ARE OF DIVERSE TYPES Mangrove forests only grow at tropical and
A. Wetlands associated with lakes subtropical latitudes near the equator because
B. Wetlands Associated with rivers they cannot withstand freezing temperatures
C. Coastal wetlands like mangroves  Many mangrove forests can be recognized by
D. Fresh water or brackish water wetlands their dense tangle of prop roots that make the
E. Natural or artificial wetlands trees appear to be standing on stilts above the
F. Swamps water. This tangle of roots allows the trees to
G. Marshes handle the daily rise and fall of tides, which
H. fens means that most mangroves get flooded at least
I. Bogs twice per day. The roots also slow the
 Swamps:- woody vegetation like trees (mangroves) movement of tidal waters, causing sediments to
 Marshes :- have grasses settle out of the water and build up the muddy
 Bogs:- rich in peat (partially decomposed vegetative bottom.
matter) and poor in nutrients  Mangrove forests stabilize the coastline,
 Fens:- will have less peat compare to Bog and more reducing erosion from storm surges, currents,
nutrients compare to Bog waves, and tides. The intricate root system of
 Coastal wetlands are found in the areas between mangroves also makes these forests attractive to
land and open sea that are not influenced by rivers fish and other organisms seeking food and
such as- shorelines, beaches, mangroves and coral shelter from predators.
reefs. A good example are the mangrove swamps  So basically, mangroves are critical coastal
found in sheltered tropical coastal areas. The partly ecosystems that impact our lives. They nourish
submerged roots of mangrove trees spread out biodiversity as nursery grounds for many coastal
beneath the water to trap sediment and prevent it and marine species and support fisheries. They
being washed out to sea. Around 70% of tropical buffer coastal communities against extreme
coastlines are mangrove-lined weather events such as hurricanes, stabilise
 Shallow lakes and ponds- These wetlands are areas coastlines and slow or reduce soil erosion.
of permanent or semi-permanent water with little Despite these benefits, half of the world’s
flow. They include vernal ponds, spring pools, salt mangroves (about 32 million hectares) have
lakes and volcanic crater lakes. They are small, already been cleared or destroyed – and those
shallow, intermittently flooded depressions in that remain are under threat.
grasslands or forests, and are often only wet in winter  The State of Forest Report 2017, released by the
and early spring. Forest Survey of India, says that the mangrove
 Bogs are waterlogged peatlands in old lake basins or cover in the country is increasing only marginally
depressions in the landscape. Almost all water in in the past two decades and now covers some
bogs comes from rainfall. Bogs have specialised and 4,921 sq.km
CURRENT AFFAIRS ABOUT PUNJAB  News Summary
 Harike wetland, spread over 86 square kilometers in Tarn  Ramsar Convention:
Taran, Ferozepur, and Kapurthala districts, serves as a  The Ramsar Convention, signed in 1971 in Ramsar,
home to rare species of migratory water birds during the Iran, is the only global treaty that focuses specifically
winter season. on wetlands.
 Harike Wetland also known as "Hari-ke-Pattan", with the  It is an intergovernmental treaty for the conservation
Harike Lake in the deeper part of it, is the largest wetland in and wise use of wetlands. Objective: To halt the
northern India.
worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve, through
 The wetland and the lake were formed by constructing the
headworks across the Sutlej river in 1953. wise use and management, those that remain.
 The headworks is located downstream of the confluence of  Members: 170 countries are signatories to the
the Beas and Sutlej rivers just south of Harike village. convention.
 It has been designated as one of the Ramsar sites in India.  A contracting party agrees to nominate at least one
 Apart from the Harike wetland, migratory water birds also wetland in its territory to the List of Wetlands of
arrive at Keshopur Miani wetland, Nangal wetland, Ropar International Importance based on enumerated
wetland, Kanjli wetland and Beas river wetland in Punjab. criteria.
 •Union Government has designated five new wetlands of  Ramsar Site
international importance, taking the total number of
 A Ramsar Site is a wetland site designated to be of
Ramsar sites in the country to 54.
 • These are –
international importance.
 • Karikili Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu)  Wetlands include swamps, marshes, lakes, mudflats,
 • Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu) mangroves, coral reefs, fens, or bodies of water
 • Pichavaram Mangrove (Tamil Nadu) whether natural or artificial, permanent or
 • Sakhya Sagar (Madhya Pradesh) temporary.
 • Created from the Manier river in 1918, Sakhya Sagar is  These wetlands are protected under strict guidelines
located near Madhav National Park in the Shivpuri district of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.
of Madhya Pradesh.  Ramsar convention defines wetlands as "areas of
 • Pala Wetland (Mizoram)
marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or
 • According to the government of Mizoram, its
geographical location falls under the Indo-Burma
artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is
biodiversity hotspot. static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including
 • The lake is a major component of the Palak Wildlife areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide
Sanctuary. does not exceed six meters."
 • Pala wetland hosts several globally threatened species,  Significance of 'Ramsar Site Designation:
such as sambar deer, Asiatic black bear, slow loris, and  Once designated, these sites are added to the
Hoolock gibbon. Convention's List of Wetlands of International
 • It also provides refuge and breeding ground for IUCN red- importance and become known as
listed critically endangered species of animals.
 Ramsar sites. In designating a wetland as a Ramsar
 • This includes yellow tortoise, Southeast Asian giant
tortoise and black softshell turtle.
site, countries agree to establish and oversee a
 India adds five more Ramsar sites management framework aimed at conserving the
 In News: wetland and ensuring its wise use.
 Union Government has designated five new wetlands of  Wise use under the Convention is broadly defined as
international importance, taking the total number of maintaining the ecological character of a wetland.
country to 54.  Wetlands can be included on the List of Wetlands of
 What's in today's article: International Importance because of their ecological,
 • Ramsar Convention-About, Ramsar site, significance of botanical, zoological, limnological or hydrological
Ramsar site designation, Ramsar sites in India
importance. Ramsar Sites in India:
 India signed the Ramsar convention in February 1982.
 There are over 2,400 Ramsar Sites around the world
covering over 2.5 million square kilometres.
 India's tally of 49 (without including the recently
designated 5 sites) designated wetlands spread over
10,936 sq. km in 18 states and two union territories is
the largest network of Ramsar Sites in South Asia.
 United Kingdom (175) and Mexico (142) have the
maximum Ramsar sites in the world.
 News Summary
 India has designated five (5) new wetlands of
International importance, which include three
wetlands (Karikili Bird Sanctuary, Pallikaranai Marsh
Reserve Forest & Pichavaram Mangrove) in Tamil
Nadu, one (Pala wetland) in Mizoram and one
wetland (Sakhya Sagar) in Madhya Pradesh, making a
total of 54 Ramsar sites in the country.
 The Ramsar sites have been increased from 49 to 54
Ramsar sites. the conservation and management of these vital
 India's Ramsar wetlands are spread over 11,000 biodiversity rich areas.
sq.km - around 10% of the total wetland area in the  As per WWF, over half of the world's wetlands have
country- across 18 States. No other South Asian disappeared since 1900. Development and
country has as many sites, though this has much to conversion continue to pose major threats to
do with India's geographical breadth and tropical wetlands, despite their value and importance.
diversity. Conversion of wetlands for commercial development,
 The U.K. (175) and Mexico (142) - smaller countries drainage schemes, extraction of minerals and peat,
than India - have the most Ramsar sites, whereas overfishing, tourism, siltation, pesticide discharges
Bolivia spans the largest area with 1,48,000 sq.km from intensive agriculture, toxic pollutants from
under the Convention protection industrial waste, and the construction of dams and
 SIGNIFICANCE OF WETLANDS:- dikes, often in an attempt at flood protection, are
major threats to wetlands everywhere.
1. Biologically Productive-  Wetlands are valuable but also sites of ecological
 They support high concentrations of birds, mammals, degradation due to multiple human activities. Some
reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrate species. of the main threats to wetlands include-
2. Carbon Sinks- A. Encroachment and construction over wetlands due to
 Wetlands store carbon by primary production. agriculture & urban expansion.
Carbon is stored in living plants, animals and rich B. Water diversion for dams, irrigation canals etc. This
organic soils of wetlands. causes fragmentation of hydrological regimes and
 However, they are also natural emitters of GHGs like catchment degradation of wetlands.
methane due to anaerobic conditions. C. unsustainable use of wetland without reckoning of
3. Water Storage and Filtration- their assimilative capacity
 They also provide services ground water recharge, D. Conversion of wetlands for commercial development,
water storage and water filtration. drainage schemes, extraction of minerals and peat,
 There are wetland micro-organisms and plant species overfishing, tourism, siltation
like cattail and reed help in water purification by E. Pollution due to domestic sewage, solid waste
filtering out toxins from polluted water as these both disposal, agriculture run-off (NPK fertilizers) and
two can absorb heavy metals. industrial effluents. Pollutants like agriculture-runoff
 Thus, also called as kidneys of the planet. and sewage disposal causes eutrophication in
wetlands.
4. Bioshields-
 {both Nitrogen and phosphorus are called as
 Coastal wetlands help in shoreline protection, at as a
“Limiting nutrients” as they are in short supply in
buffer during disasters like cyclones, tsunamis and
water bodies. Therefore when NPK is deposed in
storm surges. Inland wetlands help in mitigating
form of agricultural runoff of into water bodies
urban flooding by acting as water- sponges.
the primary productivity goes up drastically. Algal
5. Economic Benefits- bloom then happens
 Wetlands provide tremendous economic benefits, for  Eutrophication:- defined as the enrichment of
example: water supply; fisheries (over two thirds of aquatic ecosystems with limiting nutrients like N
the world’s fish harvest is linked to the health of and P , it causes proliferation of algae which is
coastal and inland wetland areas); agriculture, called as “Algal Blooms”. It can also happen
through the maintenance of water tables and naturally. Eutrophication caused by humans also
nutrient retention in floodplains; timber production; called “Cultural eutrophication” and is a problem
energy resources, such as peat and plant matter; as it disturbs balance of ecosystem
wildlife resources; and recreation and tourism  Eu:- means good
opportunities.  Trophic:- means food and nutrients
 The destruction of wetlands is a concern  After some time:- algae dies and bacteria starts
because they are some of the most productive to proliferate , feeding upon dead algae, it uses a
habitats on the planet. lot of oxygen from water body , so bio chemical
 They often support high concentrations of animals— oxygen demand increases. So dissolved oxygen
including mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates— (DO) starts to fall in water body which is required
and serve as nurseries for many of these species. for aquatic life. Therefore they also die so more
 Wetlands also support the cultivation of rice, a staple bacteria proliferate and process continues
in the diet of half the world’s population. And  BOD: Bio chemical oxygen demand:- amount of
 they provide a range of ecosystem services that oxygen needed by bacteria for its respiration and
benefit humanity, including water filtration, storm bio chemical decomposition of the dead alga
protection, flood control and recreation booms
 THREATS TO WETLANDS  Note:- BOD >3mg/L and DO < 1-2 mg/L , water is
not fit for drinking
 unsustainable use of wetland without reckoning of  Note:- if DO becomes zero called as anoxic
their assimilative capacity constitutes major threat to condition and DO <1-2 mg/L called Hypoxic
condition
 These Hypoxic and Anoxic :- misbalance
ecosystem as Yamuna river has DO zero.
HANDOUT MATERIAL
 WHAT IS EUTROPHICATION?
 Within the past 50 years, eutrophication---the
over-enrichment of water by nutrients such as
nitrogen phosphorus---has emerged as one of
the leading causes of water quality impairment.
 The two most acute symptoms of eutrophication
are hypoxia (or oxygen depletion) and harmful
algal blooms, which among other things can
destroy aquatic life in affected areas.
Eutrophication is characterized by excessive
plant and algal growth due to the increased
availability of one or more limiting growth
factors needed for photosynthesis, such as
sunlight, carbon dioxide, and nutrient fertilizers.  Excess nutrients in coastal waters can cause excessive
Eutrophication occurs naturally over centuries as growth of phytoplankton, microalgae (i.e. epiphytes
lakes age and are filled in with sediments. and microphytes), and macroalgae (i.e. seaweed).
 However, human activities have accelerated the  In turn, the increase in phytoplankton and algae can
rate and extent of eutrophication through both lead to more severe secondary impacts such as:
point-source discharges and non-point loadings  Loss of subaquatic vegetation as excessive
of limiting nutrients, such as nitrogen and phytoplankton, microalgae and macroalgae
phosphorus, into aquatic ecosystems (i.e., growth reduce light penetration.
cultural eutrophication), with dramatic  Change in species composition and biomass of
the benthic (bottom-dwelling) aquatic
consequences for drinking water sources,
community, eventually leading to reduced
fisheries, and recreational water bodies. For species diversity and the dominance of
example, aquaculture scientists and pond gelatinous organisms such as jellyfish.
managers often intentionally eutrophy water  Coral reef damage as increased nutrient levels
bodies by adding fertilizers to enhance primary favor algae growth over coral larvae. Coral
productivity and increase the density and growth is inhibited because the algae
biomass of recreationally and economically outcompetes coral larvae for available surfaces
important fishes via bottom-up effects on higher to grow.
trophic levels.  A shift in phytoplankton species composition,
 However, during the 1960s and 1970s, scientists creating favorable conditions for the
development of nuisance, toxic, or otherwise
linked algal blooms to nutrient enrichment
harmful algal blooms.
resulting from anthropogenic activities such as  Low dissolved oxygen and formation of hypoxic
agriculture, industry, and sewage disposal. The or “dead” zones (oxygen-depleted waters), which
known consequences of cultural eutrophication in turn can lead to ecosystem collapse.
include blooms of blue-green algae (i.e.,  The scientific community is increasing its knowledge
cyanobacteria), tainted drinking water supplies, of how eutrophication affects coastal ecosystems, yet
degradation of recreational opportunities, and the long-term implications of increased nutrient
hypoxia. fluxes in our coastal waters are currently not entirely
known or understood. We do know that
eutrophication diminishes the ability of coastal
ecosystems to provide valuable ecosystem services
such as tourism, recreation, the provision of fish and
shellfish for local communities, sportfishing, and
commercial fisheries. In addition, eutrophication can
lead to reductions in local and regional biodiversity.
 Red tides are nutrient-fueled blooms of
phytoplankton that discolor water with their
pigments. Several species are known to have toxic
effects on marine life and pose a risk to human health
through the consumption of exposed fish.
 Harmful Algal Blooms- Harmful algal blooms can
cause fish kills, human illness through shellfish
poisoning, and death of marine mammals and shore enrichment, eutrophication has and continues to
birds. Harmful algal blooms are often referred to as pose a serious threat to potable drinking water
“red tides” or “brown tides” because of the sources, fisheries, and recreational water bodies.
appearance of the water when these blooms occur.  A variety of strategies are in place to minimize the
 Hypoxia- Hypoxia, considered to be the most effects of cultural eutrophication, including (1)
severe symptom of eutrophication. Hypoxia occurs diversion of excess nutrients, (2) altering nutrient
when algae and other organisms die, sink to the ratios, (3) physical mixing, and (4) application of
bottom, and are decomposed by bacteria, using the potent algaecides and herbicides. In general, these
available dissolved oxygen. Salinity and temperature strategies have proven to be ineffective, costly,
differences between surface and subsurface waters and/or impractical, especially for large, complex
lead to stratification, limiting oxygen replenishment ecosystems. Water quality can often be improved by
from surface waters and creating conditions that can reducing nitrogen and/or phosphorus inputs into
lead to the formation of a hypoxic or “dead” zone. aquatic systems, and there are several well-known
The formatioin of dead zones can lead to fish kills and examples where bottom-up control of nutrients has
benthic mortality. Because benthic organisms are greatly improved water clarity. However, nutrient
bottom dwelling and cannot easily flee low-oxygen reduction can be difficult (and expensive) to control,
zones, they are often the most severely impacted. especially in agricultural areas where the algal
 The most conspicuous effect of cultural nutrients come from nonpoint sources. The use of
eutrophication is the creation of dense blooms of algaecides, such as copper sulfate, is also effective at
noxious, foul-smelling phytoplankton that reduce reducing HABs temporally. However, algaecides are
water clarity and harm water quality. Algal blooms expensive to apply, do not control the primary cause
limit light penetration, reducing growth and causing of the problem (i.e., abundant resources for primary
die-offs of plants in littoral zones while also lowering producers) and pose risks to humans, livestock, and
the success of predators that need light to pursue wildlife, in addition to harming a variety of non-target
and catch prey. Furthermore, high rates of aquatic organisms.
photosynthesis associated with eutrophication can  GLOBAL CONSERVATION EFFORTS FOR
deplete dissolved inorganic carbon and raise pH to WETLANDS - RAMSAR CONVENTION
extreme levels during the day. Elevated pH can in 1. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, signed in
turn ‘blind' organisms that rely on perception of Ramsar (Iran) in 1971, is an intergovernmental treaty
dissolved chemical cues for their survival by impairing which provides the framework for national action and
their chemosensory abilities. When these dense algal international cooperation for the conservation and
blooms eventually die, microbial decomposition wise use of wetlands and their resources. It entered
severely depletes dissolved oxygen, creating a into force in 1975. Ramsar Convention is the only
hypoxic or anoxic ‘dead zone' lacking sufficient global environment treaty dealing with a particular
oxygen to support most organisms. Furthermore, ecosystem.
such hypoxic events are particularly common in 2. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands was developed
marine coastal environments surrounding large, as a means to call international attention to the rate
nutrient-rich rivers (e.g., Mississippi River and the at which wetland habitats were disappearing, in part
Gulf of Mexico; Susquehanna River and the due to a lack of understanding of their important
Chesapeake Bay) and have been shown to affect functions, values, goods and services. Governments
more than 245,000 square kilometers in over 400 that join the Convention are expressing their
near-shore. Hypoxia and anoxia as a result of willingness to make a commitment to helping to
eutrophication continue to threaten lucrative reverse that history of wetland loss and degradation
commercial and recreational fisheries worldwide.
3. In addition, many wetlands are international systems
 Some algal blooms pose an additional threat because
lying across the boundaries of two or more countries,
they produce noxious toxins (e.g., microcystin and
or are part of river basins that include more than one
anatoxin). Over the past century, harmful algal
country. The health of these and other wetlands is
blooms (HABs) have been linked with (1) degradation
dependent upon the quality and quantity of the
of water quality (2) destruction of economically
transboundary water supply from rivers, streams,
important fisheries and (3) public health risks Within
lakes, or underground aquifers. This requires
freshwater ecosystems, cyanobacteria are the most
framework for international discussion and
important phytoplankton associated with HABs.
cooperation toward mutual benefits
Toxigenic cyanobacteria, including Anabaena,
Cylindrospermopsis, Microcystis, and Oscillatoria
4. The Convention defines a wetland as “areas of
marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or
(Planktothrix), tend to dominate nutrient-rich,
artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is
freshwater systems due to their superior competitive
static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including
abilities under high nutrient concentrations, low
areas of marine water the depth of which at low tide
nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratios, low light levels,
does not exceed six metres”.
reduced mixing, and high temperatures.
5. The Parties of the Ramsar Convention have agreed
 Controls- Given the widespread extent of water for conservation and management of wetlands based
quality degradation associated with nutrient
on the ‘wise use’ principle. "Wise use of wetlands is
the maintenance of their ecological character, prohibited activities. It also indirectly widens the
achieved through the implementation of ecosystem ambit of permitted activities by inserting the 'wise
approaches, within the context of sustainable use' principle, giving powers to state-level wetland
development." authorities to decide what can be allowed in larger
6. Major obligations of countries which are party to interest.
the Convention are  The notification says, "The wetlands shall be
a. Designate wetlands for inclusion in the List of conserved and managed in accordance with the
Wetlands of International Importance. principle of 'wise use' as determined by the Wetlands
b. Promote, as far as possible, the wise use of Authority."
wetlands in their territory.  The Centre's role under the Wetlands (Conservation
c. Promote international cooperation especially and Management) Rules, 2017, will be restricted to
with regard to transboundary wetlands, shared monitoring its implementation by states/UTs,
water systems, and shared species. recommending trans-boundary wetlands for
d. Create wetland reserves notification and reviewing integrated management of
selected wetlands under the Ramsar Convention —
7. Montreux Record- Montreux Record under the
an international arrangement to preserve identified
Convention is a register of wetland sites on the List of
wetlands.
Wetlands of International Importance where changes
in ecological character have occurred, are occurring,  SOME DEFINITIONS AS PER RULES-
or are likely to occur as a result of technological  “wetland" means an area of marsh, fen,
developments, pollution or other human peatland or water; whether natural or artificial,
interference. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar permanent or temporary, with water that is
List static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including
8. World Wetland Day- areas of marine water the depth of which at low
 World Wetlands Day which is celebrated each tide does not exceed six meters, but does not
year on 2 February, marks the date of the include river channels, paddy fields, human-
adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 made water bodies/tanks specifically constructed
February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on for drinking water purposes and structures
the shores of the Caspian Sea. specifically constructed for aquaculture, salt
 World Wetlands Day was celebrated for the first production, recreation and irrigation purposes;
time on February 2, 1997, on the 16th  “wetlands complexes" means two or more
anniversary of the Ramsar Convention. ecologically and hydrologically contiguous
 Each year since 1997, government agencies, non- wetlands and may include their connecting
governmental organizations, and groups of channels/ducts;
citizens at all levels of the community have taken  “wise use of wetlands” means maintenance of
advantage of the opportunity to undertake their ecological character, achieved through
actions aimed at raising public awareness of implementation of ecosystem approach within
wetland values and benefits in general and the the context of sustainable development;
Ramsar Convention in particular  “zone of influence” means that part of the
 Latest Indian wetland added in Ramsar List of catchment area of the wetland or wetland
Wetlands of International Importance complex, developmental activities in which
 The largest wetland of country is- Vembanad Kol induce adverse changes in ecosystem structure,
Wetland and ecosystem services.
 The smallest wetland of country is- Renuka Wetland  These rules shall apply to the following
 Current Indian wetlands in Montreux Record- wetlands or wetlands complexes,
a. Keoladeo National Park of Rajasthan; namely:—
b. Loktak Lake of Montreux Record (a) wetlands categorised as 'wetlands of international
 India = 75 Ramsar sites , Update new from internet or importance' under the Ramsar Convention;
current affairs (b) wetlands as notified by the Central Government,
 WETLANDS (CONSERVATION AND State Government
Administration
and Union Territory
MANAGEMENT) RULES, 2017  Restrictions of activities in wetlands as per

 Seeking to protect over 2 lakh wetlands across the
the Rules—
country, the Centre has come out with rules to
identify and manage these ecologically fragile areas
1. The wetlands shall be conserved and managed in
accordance with the principle of 'wise use' as
which play an important role in flood control,
determined by the Wetlands Authority.
groundwater recharge, preserving plant varieties,
supporting migratory birds and protecting coastlines. 2. The following activities shall be prohibited within the
 The new rules, notified by the environment ministry, wetlands, namely,-
decentralize wetlands management by giving states a. conversion for non-wetland uses including
powers to not only identify and notify wetlands encroachment of any kind;
within their jurisdictions but also keep a watch on
b. setting up of any industry and expansion of contaminants, such as hydrocarbons, pesticides,
existing industries; and heavy metals.
c. manufacture or handling or storage or disposal 3. Mycoremediation: Mycoremediation is the use
of construction and demolition waste covered of fungi to neutralize and remove contaminants.
under the Construction and Demolition Waste The digestive enzymes of fungi are strong
Management Rules, 2016; hazardous substances enough to break down contaminants, such as
covered under the Manufacture, Storage and pesticides and hydrocarbons, into harmless
Import of Hazardous Chemical Rules, 1989 or the substances.
Rules for Manufacture, Use, Import, Export and 4. Rhizoremediation: It uses plant and microbe
Storage of Hazardous Micro-organisms interaction. It is the degradation of organic
Genetically engineered organisms or cells, 1989 pollutants in the soil zone surrounding the plant
or the Hazardous Wastes (Management, roots (the rhizosphere), usually as a result of the
Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, stimulation of the catalytic activities of
2008; electronic waste covered under the E- microorganisms by the plant roots
Waste (Management) Rules, 2016;
d. solid waste dumping;
HANDOUT MATERIAL
e. discharge of untreated wastes and effluents from  Bioremediation is a “treatment that uses naturally
industries, cities, towns, villages and other occurring organisms to break down hazardous
human settlements substances into less toxic or non toxic substances.”
f. any construction of a permanent nature except  Bioremediation is a process that uses living
for boat jetties within fifty metres from the mean organisms, mostly microorganisms and plants, to
high flood level observed in the past ten years degrade and reduce or detoxify waste products and
calculated from the date of commencement of pollutants.
these rules; and,  Bioremediation is the process of using organisms to
g. poaching neutralize or remove contamination from waste. It is
 NATIONAL WETLAND CONSERVATION very important to understand that this form of waste
remediation uses no toxic chemicals, although it may
PROGRAMME (NWCP)- use an organism that can be harmful under certain
 Government of India operationalized National
circumstances.
Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) in closed
 At sites filled with waste organic material, bacteria,
collaboration with concerned State Government
fungi, protists, and other microorganisms keep on
during the year 1985/86.
breaking down organic matter to decompose the
 Under the programme 115 wetlands have been
waste. If such environment is filled with oil spill, some
identified till now by the MoEFCC which requires
organisms would die while some would survive.
urgent conservation and management initiatives.
Bioremediation works by providing these organisms
 Aim of the Scheme- Conservation and wise use of
with different materials like fertilizer, oxygen and
wetlands in the country so as to prevent their further
other conditions to survive. This would help to break
degradation.
the organic pollutant at a faster rate. In other words,
 Objectives of the Scheme- The scheme was bioremediation can help to clean up oil spills.
initiated with the following objectives:-  BIOREMEDIATION IS IMPORTANT FOR TWO
a. to lay down policy guidelines for conservation REASONS.
and management of wetlands in the country;
1. It uses no chemicals – One of the issues with using
b. to undertake intensive conservation measures in man-made chemicals in the treatment and removal
priority wetlands; of contamination is that the chemicals eventually
c. to monitor implementation of the programme; make it into the water supply. There were many
and chemicals used at the beginning of the waste
d. to prepare an inventory of Indian wetlands management era that we now know were very
 TOPIC:- BIOREMEDIATION harmful to plant, animal and human life once they
reached the water supply.
 Bioremediation is a waste management technique
2. It can allow waste to be recycled – Another major
that includes the use of living organisms to eradicate
reason that bioremediation is preferred is that once
or neutralize pollutants from a contaminated site.
the waste is treated and the contamination
 There are different types of bioremediation neutralized or removed, the waste itself can then be
1. Microbial bioremediation: Microbial recycled. When chemical remediation types are used,
bioremediation is the use of microorganisms, the waste is still contaminated just with a less toxic
such as bioremediation bacteria, to neutralize substance and in general, cannot then enter into the
and remove the contaminants. Using the recycle process. Bioremediation allows for more
contaminants as a food source, the microbes waste to be recycled while chemical methods still
break them down into harmless substances. create waste that cannot be used and has to be
2. Phytoremediation: Phytoremediation is the use stored somewhere.
of plants to bind, extract, and remove  There are two classes of bioremediation used. (Don’t

confuse the class type with the actual types of earlier Plastic Waste (Management and Handling)
bioremediation available, the classes describe the Rules, 2011. The Plastic Waste Management Rules,
general application of the organisms.) The two classes 2016 aim to:
are: a) Increase minimum thickness of plastic carry bags
a) In-situ – In situ refers to when contaminated from 40 to 50 microns and stipulate minimum
waste is treated right at its point of origin. For thickness of 50 micron for plastic sheets also to
example, there may be soil that is contaminated. facilitate collection and recycle of plastic waste,
Rather than remove the soil from its point of b) Expand the jurisdiction of applicability from the
origin, it is treated right where it is. The benefit municipal area to rural areas, because plastic has
to in situ treatment is that it prevents the spread reached rural areas also;
of contamination during the displacement and c) To bring in the responsibilities of producers and
transport of the contaminated material. generators, both in plastic waste management
b) Ex-situ – Ex situ refers to treatment that occurs system and to introduce collect back system of
after the contaminated waste has been removed plastic waste by the producers/brand owners, as
to a treatment area. To use soil as the example per extended producers responsibility;
again, the soil may be removed and transported d) To introduce collection of plastic waste
to an area where the bioremediation may be management fee through pre-registration of the
applied. The main advantage to this is it helps to producers, importers of plastic carry
contain and control the bioremediation products, bags/multilayered packaging and vendors selling
as well as making the area that was the same for establishing the waste management
contaminated available for use. system;
 There are far more than 9 types of bioremediation, e) To promote use of plastic waste for road
but the following are the most common ways in construction as per Indian Road Congress
which it is used. guidelines or energy recovery, or waste to oil etc.
1. Phytoremediation – use of plants to remove for gainful utilization of waste and also address
contaminants. The plants are able to draw the the waste disposal issue; to entrust more
contaminants into their structures and hold on to responsibility on waste generators, namely
them, effectively removing them from soil or payment of user charge as prescribed by local
water. authority, collection and handing over of waste
2. Bioventing – blowing air through soil to increase by the institutional generator, event organizers.
oxygen rates in the waste. This is an effective  An eco-friendly product, which is a complete
way to neutralize certain oxygen sensitive metals substitute of the plastic in all uses, has not been
or chemicals. found till date. In the absence of a suitable
3. Bioleaching – removing metals from soil using alternative, it is impractical and undesirable to
living organisms. Certain types of organisms are impose a blanket ban on the use of plastic all over the
draw to heavy metals and other contaminants country. The real challenge is to improve plastic
and absorb them. One new approach was waste management systems
discovered when fish bones were found to  ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION- SOLID
attract and hold heavy metals such as lead and
cadmium. WASTE GENERATION & SOLID WASTE
4. Bioaugmentation – adding microbes and MANAGEMENT RULES, 2016
organisms to strengthen the same in waste to  With rapid urbanisation, the country is facing massive
allow them to take over and decontaminate the waste management challenge. Solid Waste
area Management (SWM) is one among the basic essential
 There are some types of contamination that are very services provided by municipal authorities in the
difficult to use bioremediation for. The two biggest country to keep urban centres clean. However,
concerns are: almost all municipal authorities deposit solid waste at
a) Cadmium a dumpyard within or outside the city haphazardly.
b) Lead Experts believe that India is following a flawed system
 Both of these are classified as heavy metals and are of waste disposal and management.
difficult to remove using microorganisms. But a  As per CPCB Report- In 2016, India produced 50 MT
recent discovery about the absorption rate of fish of waste. With ineffective solid waste management,
bone has proving successful. In fact, bone seems to cities are drowning in piles of refuse; waste also
hold the clue for removing heavy metal contaminates groundwater and puts out toxic
contamination. Char is used to remove small amounts emissions of dust into atmosphere. According to
of zinc, lead and cadmium; and it is thought that the CPCB- over 90% of Indian cities with a functional
calcium in the fish bone is what makes it effective. collection system, dispose off their waste in landfills.
 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA NOTIFIES PLASTIC  Solid Waste Management-
WASTE MANAGEMENT RULES, 2016 collection+treatment+dispersal of solid wastes
 The Government has notified the Plastic Waste generated in an environmentally acceptable manner.
Management Rules, 2016, in suppression of the The key to efficient waste management is to ensure
proper segregation of waste at source and to ensure
that the waste goes through different streams of 10. The bio-degradable waste should be processed,
recycling and resource recovery. Then reduced final treated and disposed of through composting or bio-
residue is then deposited scientifically in sanitary methanation within the premises as far as possible.
landfills. Sanitary landfills are the ultimate means of The residual waste shall be given to the waste
disposal for unutilised municipal solid waste from collectors or agency as directed by the local
waste processing facilities and other types of authority.
inorganic waste that cannot be reused or recycled. 11. Every street vendor should keep suitable containers
 Government notified Municipal Solid Waste for storage of waste generated during the course of
Management Rules in 2016- thereby making it his activity such as food waste, disposable plates,
mandatory for all ULBs to manage solid waste. cups, cans, wrappers, coconut shells, leftover food,
 ‘Solid Waste Management Rules Revised vegetables, fruits etc. and deposit such waste at
After 16 Years; Rules Now Extend to Urban waste storage depot or container or vehicle as
notified by the local authority.
and Industrial Areas’ 12. Special provision for management of solid waste in
1. The Rules are now applicable beyond Municipal areas hilly areas:- Construction of landfill on the hill shall be
and extend to urban agglomerations, census towns, avoided. A transfer station at a suitable enclosed
notified industrial townships, areas under the control location shall be setup to collect residual waste from
of Indian Railways, airports, airbase, Port and the processing facility and inert waste. Suitable land
harbour, defence establishments, special economic shall be identified in the plain areas, down the hill,
zones, State and Central government organizations, within 25 kilometers for setting up sanitary landfill.
places of pilgrims, religious & historical importance. The residual waste from the transfer station shall be
2. The source segregation of waste has been mandated disposed off at this sanitary landfill.
to channelize the waste to wealth by recovery, reuse 13. In case of non-availability of such land, efforts shall
and recycle. be made to set up regional sanitary landfill for the
3. Responsibilities of Generators have been introduced inert and residual waste.
to segregate waste in to three streams, Wet  If implemented well, SWMR have the potential to
(Biodegradable), Dry (Plastic, Paper, metal, wood, transform waste management system in India.
etc.) and domestic hazardous wastes (diapers,
napkins, empty containers of cleaning agents, CURRENT AFFAIRS MIXED
mosquito repellents, etc.) and handover segregated  Miyawaki Forest
wastes to authorized rag-pickers or waste collectors  Recently, The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi
or local bodies. dedicated Maze Garden and Miyawaki Forest in Ekta
4. Integration of waste pickers/ ragpickers and waste Nagar, Gujarat.
dealers/ Kabadiwalas in the formal system should be ➡ The Miyawaki Forest is named after the technique
done by State Governments, and Self Help Group, or developed by Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki to
any other group to be formed. plant saplings of various
5. No person should throw, burn, or bury the solid ➡ species close to each other to develop a dense urban
waste generated by him, on streets, open public forest.
spaces outside his premises, or in the drain, or water ➡ Through the Miyawaki method, a forest can be
bodies. developed in just two to three years while it takes at
6. Generator will have to pay ‘User Fee’ to waste least 20 to 30 years through the traditional method.
collector and for ‘Spot Fine’ for Littering and Non- ➡ The growth of plants is ten times faster using this
segregation. method and as a result, the forest developed is thirty
7. Used sanitary waste like diapers, sanitary pads should times denser.
be wrapped securely in pouches provided by ➡ The Miyawaki Forest will include a Native Floral
manufacturers or brand owners of these products or Garden, Timber Garden, Fruit Garden, Medicinal
in a suitable wrapping material and shall place the Garden and a Digital Orientation Centre.
same in the bin meant for dry waste / non- bio- ➡ Maze garden: Sprawling over three acres with a
degradable waste. pathway of 2,100 metres, this is the largest maze
8. The concept of partnership in Swachh Bharat has garden in the country. It has been designed in the
been introduced. Bulk and institutional generators, shape of a 'Shriyantra', which is believed to bring
market associations, event organizers and hotels and positive energy to the place.
restaurants have been made directly responsible for
 BAN ON SINGLE-USE PLASTICS
segregation and sorting the waste and manage in
 In keeping with the spirit of the 'Azadi ka Amrit
partnership with local bodies.
Mahotsav', the country is taking steps to curb littered
9. All Resident Welfare and market Associations, Gated
and unmanaged plastic waste pollution.
communities and institution with an area >5,000 sq.
 The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
m should segregate waste at source- in to valuable
Change, Government of India, notified the Plastic
dry waste like plastic, tin, glass, paper, etc. and
Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 on
handover recyclable material to either the authorized
August 12, 2021.
waste pickers or the authorized recyclers, or to the
 In keeping with the spirit of the 'Azadi ka Amrit
urban local body.
Mahotsav', the country is taking steps to curb littered
and unmanaged plastic waste pollution. Since July 1,  Six major biodiversity hotspots - Agastyamalai,
2022, India has banned the manufacture, import, Periyar Tiger Reserve, Anamalai, the Nilgiris, the
stocking, distribution, sale, and use of single-use Wayanad-Mudumalai complex and
plastic (SUP) items with low utility and high littering  Brahmagiri - were part of the study area.
potential. India is a party to the United Nations  The Southern Western Ghats was home to rare and
Environment Assembly (UNEA). endangered bat species such as Salim Ali's fruit bat
 In all, 124 nations are party to the UNEA, and India (Latidens salimalii) and the
has signed a resolution to draw up an agreement in  Pomona roundleaf bat (Hipposideros pomona).
the future that will make it legally binding for  Seven of the 37 bat species studied in the region had
signatories to address the full life cycle of plastics, broad distribution ranges, exceeding 20,000 sq km,
from production to disposal. 19 species had intermediate distribution ranges
 GLOBAL CLEAN ENERGY ACTION FORUM between 10,000 and 20,000 sq km, and 11 species
 Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh will lead the Joint were restricted to ranges less than 10,000 sq km.
Indian Ministerial official delegation of the Ministry of  Worryingly, only two species of bats had a
Power, New and Renewable Energy and Ministry of distribution range that was significantly located in
Science and Technology on a five-day visit to USA to protected areas. Meanwhile, the distribution ranges
participate in the Global Clean Energy Action Forum of 35 other species lay primarily outside protected
and also to interact with eminent academicians as areas
well as the Indian diaspora.  REINTRODUCTION OF CHEETAHS
 The coveted joint convening of the Clean Energy  India and Namibia signed a memorandum of
Ministerial CEM13 and Mission Innovation MI-7 will understanding (MOU) for reintroduction of cheetahs
take place from 21st to 23rd of this month at into the historical range in India.
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA.  First batch of eight cheetahs comprising four male
 The event is expected to bring together thousands of and as many female cheetahs are expected to arrive
clean energy leaders from across the world, including in India before Independence Day.
CEOS, innovators, young professionals, civil society  The cheetahs will be released in Kuno National Park,
and ministers from over 30 countries to accelerate Madhya Pradesh.
clean energy innovation and deployment.  India plans to introduce 8-10 cheetahs every year
 EURASIAN H5N1 with a total 50 from Namibia, South Africa and other
 A bottlenose dolphin found dead in a Florida canal in African countries over the next five years.
the spring tested positive for a highly virulent strain  Under the MoU, both the countries will also
of bird flu, scientists said.A bottlenose dolphin found collaborate in areas of climate change, environmental
dead in a Florida canal in the spring tested positive governance, environmental impact assessments,
for a highly virulent strain of bird flu, scientists said. pollution and waste management.
 This version of the virus, which has spread widely
among North American and European birds, has
affected an unusually broad array of species.
 But these findings represent the first two
documented cases in cetaceans, a group of marine
mammals that includes dolphins, porpoises and
whales.
 This strain of bird flu is known as Eurasian H5N1.
 While experts emphasise that the risk to humans
remains low, the spread of the virus to new species
poses potential risks to wildlife and provides the virus
with new chances to mutate and adapt to
mammalian hosts.
 Besides birds, the virus has earlier turned up in foxes,
bobcats, skunks, and seals.
 BATS  WORLD'S LARGEST PLANT
 A recent study indicates that more than 50% of  The world's largest plant has recently been
habitats suitable for 37 species of bats in the discovered off the West Coast of Australia: a seagrass
Southern Western Ghats lie outside protected areas, 180 km in length.
potentially increasing threats faced by the animals  The ribbon weed, or Posidonia australis, has been
due to poaching for their meat, habitat loss and discovered in Shark Bay by a group of researchers
stigma from local communities, especially after the from Flinders University and The university of
COVID-19 pandemic. Western Australia.
 The authors based their study area around 1,600 km  These researchers have also found that the plant is
of the Southern Western Ghats, encompassing 4,500 years old, is sterile, has double the number of
biodiverse regions in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil chromosomes than other similar plants, and has
Nadu. managed to survive the volatile atmosphere of the

shallow Shark Bay. comparison to the last assessment done in 2011,
 The ribbon weed covers an area of 20,000 hectares. there has been an increase of 1.73 million ha in
The second largest plant, is the clonal colony of a bamboo area.
quaking Aspen tree in Utah, which covers 43.6 9. Considering the importance of water bodies in forest,
hectares. The largest tree in India, the Great Banyan FSI has assessed water bodies in forest cover for the
in Howrah's Botanical Garden, covers 1.41 hectares. decade 2005-2015. As per the assessment, there is an
th th
………5 ended, 6 started…………… increase of 2,647 sq km in the extent of water bodies
inside forest cover between 2005 to 2015.
HANDOUT MATERIAL
 FORESTS- IMPORTANT ECOSYSTEMS- LET’S
 UN- REDD & REDD+ PROGRAMME
 Deforestation and forest degradation account for
LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT THEM! approximately 17 percent of carbon emissions, more
 INDIA STATE OF FOREST REPORT (ISFR) 2017- than the entire global transportation sector and
released in February 2018 by Forest Survey of second only to the energy sector.
India. It is a biennial publication and released  REDD was first discussed in 2005 by the UNFCCC at its
every two years. 11th session of the Conference of the Parties to the
 Background- Convention (COP) at the request of Costa Rica and
 The India State of Forest Report 2017 is 15th such Papua New Guinea, on behalf of the Coalition for
report in the series. In line with the Government of Rainforest Nations, when they submitted the
India’s vision of Digital India and the consequent document "Reducing Emissions from Deforestation in
need for integration of digital data sets, the Forest Developing Countries: Approaches to Stimulate
Survey of India has adopted the vector boundary Action", with a request to create an agenda item to
layers of various administrative units upto districts discuss consideration of reducing emissions from
developed by Survey of India along with digital open deforestation and forest degradation in natural
series topo sheets, bringing about full compatibility forests as a mitigation measure
with the geographical areas as reported in Census,  The UN-REDD Programme is the United Nations
2011. Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions
 Key Highlights- from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+)
1. India has shown an increasing trend in the forest and in developing countries. The Programme was
tree cover, in comparison to the global trend of launched in 2008 and builds on the convening role
decreasing forest cover during the last decade. and technical expertise of the Food and Agriculture
2. India is ranked 10th in the world in terms of forest Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United
area, with 24.4% of land area under forest and tree Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the
cover. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The
3. There is an increase of 8, 021 sq km (about 80.20 UN-REDD Programme supports nationally led REDD+
million hectare) in the total forest and tree cover of processes and promotes the informed and
the country, compared to the previous assessment in meaningful involvement of all stakeholders, including
2015. The increase in the forest cover has been indigenous peoples and other forest-dependent
observed as 6,778 sq km and that of tree cover as 1, communities, in national and international REDD+
243 sq km. (The total forest and tree cover is 24.39 implementation.
per cent of the geographical area of the country)  Important- The UN-REDD Programme is celebrating
4. Andhra Pradesh (2141 sq km), followed by Karnataka 10 years of successfully working with 64 countries to
(1101 sq km) and Kerala (1043 sq km) have shown achieve climate and forest goals. The Programme will
the maximum increase in forest cover. continue to play a key role at the global level to
5. Madhya Pradesh has the largest forest cover of strengthen countries capacity to better protect,
77,414 sq km in the country in terms of area, manage and monitor their forests, to advance forest-
followed by Arunachal Pradesh with 66,964 sq km related investments in partner countries and to
and Chhattisgarh (55,547 sq km). support strategies and market access for
6. In terms of percentage of forest cover with respect to deforestation-free agriculture commodities as a
the total geographical area, Lakshadweep with (90.33 measure to halt deforestation and ultimately deliver
per cent) has the highest forest cover, followed by emission reductions.
Mizoram (86.27 per cent) and Andaman & Nicobar  Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest
Island (81.73 per cent). degradation (REDD+) is a mechanism developed by
7. As per the ISFR 2017, the total mangrove cover Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention
stands at 4,921 sq km and has shown an increase of on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It creates a financial
181 sq km. All the 12 mangrove states have shown a value for the carbon stored in forests by offering
positive change in the mangrove cover, as compared incentives for developing countries to reduce
to the last assessment. Mangrove ecosystem is rich in emissions from forested lands and invest in low-
biodiversity and provides a number of ecological carbon paths to sustainable development. Developing
services. countries would receive results-based payments for
8. The extent of bamboo-bearing area in the country results-based actions.
has been estimated at 15.69 million ha. In  REDD+ decision in Cancun (COP16), Governments

agree to boost action to curb emissions from  Out of the plants and animal communities, it is the
deforestation and forest degradation in developing plant community which is better representation of
countries with technological and financial support. climatic conditions of that region because plants are
Developing country Parties, in accordance with their immobile (they have to adapt)
respective capabilities and national circumstances are  There are 11 biomes of the world and for every
encouraged to contribute to mitigation actions in the biome there are 5 dimensions we need to cover
forest sector by undertaking the following activities, like
as deemed appropriate by each Party: I. Reducing 1) Climate type
emissions from deforestation; II. Reducing emissions 2) Geographical distribution
from forest degradation; III. Conservation of forest 3) Plant community
carbon stocks; IV. Sustainable management of forest; 4) Animal community
and V. Enhancement of forest carbon stocks 5) Tribal groups
 MoEFCC Released India’s National Redd+  Note:- 1,2,3 are discussed in class and for 4, 5 refer to
Strategy book GC leong (CH-15-25 are on !1 biomes of the
 India’s National REDD+ strategy is one of the tools to world) means Animal community and tribal groups
achieve India’s commitment to Paris Agreement. must be covered from G.C Leong
 In simple terms, REDD+ means “Reducing Emissions
from Deforestation and forest Degradation”,
conservation of forest carbon stocks, sustainable
management of forests, and enhancement of forest
carbon stocks in developing countries. REDD+ aims
to achieve climate change mitigation by incentivizing
forest conservation. The strategy seeks to address
drivers of deforestation and forest degradation and
also developing a roadmap for enhancement of forest
carbon stocks and achieving sustainable management
of forests through REDD+ actions. The National
REDD+ Strategy will soon be communicated to the
UNFCCC.
 Paris agreement on climate change also recognizes
role of forests in climate change mitigation and calls
upon country Parties to take action to implement and
support REDD+. India has communicated in its
Nationally Determined Contribution under Paris
Agreement, that it will capture 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes
of Carbon dioxide through additional forest and tree
cover by 2030. India’s first biennial update report to
UNFCCC has revealed that forests in India capture  There are 9 major and 2 minor biomes
about 12% of India’s total GHG emissions. Thus,
forestry sector in India is making a positive cost
1. TROPICAL EVERGREEN FORESTS OF
effective contribution for climate change mitigation. EQUATORIAL TYPE OF CLIMATE
 Complying with the UNFCCC decisions on REDD+,  OO TO 10O N/S OF EQUATOR :-
India has prepared its National REDD+ Strategy. The  Has equatorial type of climate
Strategy builds upon existing national circumstances  Direct rays of sun throughout of year
which have been updated in line with India’s National  High insolation throughout of year
Action Plan on Climate Change, Green India Mission  Strong convection throughout of year
and India’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC)  Cloud formation throughout of year
to UNFCCC.  Equable type of climate , equable in the sense
BIOME OF THE WORLD:- that the annual range of temperature is small

over here
 Biome is defined as a large geographical regions  These regions have tropical evergreen forests
comprising of its biotic community plants and animals  These regions receive direct rays of the sun almost
and are found in a specific climatic regions throughout the year such that annual range of
 Biomes is one of the ways to study the terrestrial temperature is less than 5-degrees in these regions
ecosystem of the planet . since biomes now are the  Average annual rainfall is ≥ 200cm and it is well
ecosystems it means they have plant and animal distributed throughout the year. Therefore these
community and both these communities are adapted regions have warm temperatures and high humidity
as per the climatic conditions which are prevailing in throughout the year which favours high primary
that region. So the basis of classification of biomes productivity of the ecosystem
becomes the climate of that region  Geographical Distribution- 0-10 degrees north and
south of the Equator. Major regions include- Amazon

lowlands (Amazon river basin) & Western Columbia
of South America; Congo basin and Guinea Coast of
Africa; Malaysia, Indonesia of Asia; Papua New
Guinea of Pacific Ocean.
 Natural Vegetation- these are the regions over where

the primary productivity is very high , so trees here
are very gigantic and dense. It has vertical layering of
natural vegetation. The biome has tropical evergreen
trees which are hardwood type. Important species  So in june when land gets heated , the
are mahogany, ebony, greenheart, rosewood, surrounded water bodies are relatively colder, so
dyewood, cabinet wood etc. Adaptations of certain there is temperature contrast . so there is
plants in form of climbers like vines, liannas, pressure differential (Low pressure at land and
epiphytes etc are also found in this biome. The high pressure over water bodies). Winds blow
biome has a vertical stratification of vegetation from HP to LP, so trade winds of Southern
comprising of 3-4 distinct layers. The ground layer of hemisphere get attracted towards the LP
vegetation comprises of herbaceous plants (shade landmass area and trade winds cross the equator
tolerant herbs) like ferns. and upon crossing the equator they get deflected
 Soils of these regions are highly leached with low because of coriolis effect and the modified trade
base content {so they will be acidic} winds are called Monsoonal winds. Since these
2. TROPICAL DECIDUOUS FORESTS (of winds are blowing from South-west, so are called
South west monsoonal winds (on-shore)
Tropical Monsoonal type of Climate)  So in summer in Indian subcontinent, in june
 1OO TO 30O N/S OF EQUATOR :- monsoonal outbreak happens, we have south-
 Comes under influence of trade winds which are west trade winds blowing and has wet season (as
majorly easterlies (east to west), so trade winds these winds gives rain)
are on-shore on the eastern margin of continents  In winters in Indian subcontinent :- the land
, so these give high rainfall in east, moderate in cools down whereas the surrounding water
the interior and on western margin they give bodies still be relatively warmer. So there is HP
very little rainfall over land and LP over the surrounding water
bodies. So in winter , winds start to blow from
the land to sea , now this becomes off-shore and
are called as North-east monsoonal winds (off-
shore). Winter season so is going to be the dry
season because these are off-shore winds and
don’t give rain
 In general, for tropical monsoonal lands,
summers are wet because of south-west
monsoonal winds, and winters are dry because
of north-east monsoonal winds. So monsoon is a
 1OO TO 30O on Eastern margin of continents trade wind which reverses its direction
 These regions have tropical monsoonal type of seasonally (summer:- from sea to land, winter :-
climate from land to sea)
 Take Indian subcontinent as an example to  TROPICAL DECIDUOUS FORESTS
understand tropical monsoonal climate:-  These regions have tropical monsoonal climate
 Warm temperature because of differential heating of land and water .
 Good rainfall three distinct seasons (for N-hemisphere ) are
 The tropic of cancer passes Indian subcontinent, a) Pre-monsoonal season or the dry season from
march is when we have equinox and by june sun is
march to may
overhead of tropic of cancer and there is also
northward migration of ITCZ . this means entire b) Rainy summers from june to September :- in this
landmass of south-Asia gets highly heated . this season south-west monsoonal winds blow and
th
landmass is surrounded by water bodies and water has almost 3/4 of the annual precipitation occurs in
property that it has very high specific heat capacity this season

c) Winter season from November to February :- interspersed with short trees. The trees are
during this season off-shore north-east deciduous which shed their leaves in dry season. A
monsoonal winds blow and therefore winters are few common species are Acacia, Baobabs, Bottle
dry trees. Baobabs and Bottle trees have huge trunks and
 Average annual rainfall 25-200cm and as distance store water in their trunks during the rainy season. As
from the equator increases , amount of rainfall the rainfall reduces, grasslands may merge into
received decreases thorny scrubs. Fire is an important part of Savannas
 Geographical Distribution- This biome lies between biome and helps in annual regeneration of grasses.
10-25/30 degrees north & south of the equator  Ecologists say that savannahs and grasslands are
towards the eastern margins of the continent. Major because of three reasons fire, soil (moisture) and
regions include Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, grazing by herbivores
Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, parts of Vietnam,
Philippines & south China in Asia; northern Australia; 4. THE TROPICAL DESERTS
Central America; eastern Brazil; parts of East Africa  2OO TO 30O on North and south of the
and Madagascar. equator and on the western margin of the
 Natural Vegetation- Trees are deciduous which continents
usually shed their leaves in dry summer months. The  Trade winds when reach here become off-shore
forests are less luxuriant than tropical rainforests. and give very less precipitation or rainfall
These are hardwood type trees which yield valuable  It coincides with sub-tropical high pressure belt ,
timber. Common tree species are Teak, Sal, Shisham, and there are sinking air currents because of
Neem, Mahua, Bamboo and Eucalyptus (native to which there is no cloud formation
Australia). The type and density of vegetation varies  So rainfall we get here is less than 25cm makes it
with the amount of rainfall received. In regions with tropical deserts
lesser rainfall (less than 80-90 cm), forests may be  These regions have annual average precipitation less
replaced by a scrubland. than 25cm and average annual temperature ≥ 40 C
O
 Scrubland is a vegetative community of bushes and
shrubs with a few trees
3. TROPICAL GRASSLANDS OR
SAVANNAS
 1OO TO 30O on Interior of continents
 Precipitation reduces here
 These regions have warm continental type of climate
O
with mean monthly temperature not less than 20 C,
 summers are wet and winters are dry
 Average annual rainfall here is 20-125cm
 Geographical Distribution- latitudinal range

extends from 20-30 degrees north and south of the
equator. Thus, these regions coincide with the sub-
tropical high pressure belt. Sahara Desert (of Africa) is
the largest single stretch of desert. Other African
deserts are Kalahari and Namib Deserts. The next
biggest desert is the Great Australian Desert which
 Savannahs / tropical grasslands are edaphic climax covers almost half of the continent. The hot deserts
community of Asia are the Arabian Desert, Iranian Desert, Thar
 Edaphic refers to soil. Desert. In North America, the desert extends from
 Climax community is defined as maximum Mexico into U.S.A. and is called by different names at
possible growth an ecosystem can have under different places, e.g. the Mohave, Sonoran,
given environmental conditions Californian and Mexican Deserts. In South America,
 Geographical Distribution- 10-20 degrees north & the Atacama or Peruvian Desert is the driest of all
south of the equator. Major regions include Central & deserts.
East Africa (largest extent in Sudan, other African  Natural Vegetation- has adaptations to high
countries include Senegal, Mali, Niger, Chad, Ghana, temperatures and very little rainfall. A few important
Kenya); Columbia & Venezuela (called as Llanos adaptations include-long roots (tap roots); good
there), Campos of Brazilian Highlands, parts of spacing between plants; few leaves or no leaves or
Argentina, Paraguay and Bolivia of South America; needle like leaves of plants and thick succulent stems.
Northern Australia. The desert vegetation is referred to as xeric or
 Natural Vegetation- this biome is a mixed grassland xerophytic. The predominant vegetation of desert is
comprising of tall grasses (with deep roots)

drought-resistant scrubs like cacti, thorny bushes,
prickly pear, dwarf acacia etc
 Mid-latitude deserts- amongst the mid-latitude
deserts, many are found on plateau and are at a
considerable distance from the sea (i.e they
experience continentality effect). These are the Gobi,
Turkestan and Patagonian Deserts. The Patagonian
Desert is more due to its rain shadow effect on the
leeward side of the lofty Andes than due to
continentality
5. THE MEDITERRANEAN BIOME (of
Mediterranean type of Climate)  Natural Vegetation- these regions have
 30O TO 45O western margin of the sclerophyllic (hard , thickened leafs) vegetation with
continents hard leaved and drought resistant plants. The
 This region comes under the influence of Mediterranean biome has a varied vegetation type
Mediterrarian type of climate based on the amount of rainfall received. The most
 In summer season there is northward migration predominant type of vegetation of Mediterranean
O O
of ITCZ (from 10 to 15 )and with migration of climatic regions are bushes and shrubs. A few most
O O
trade winds . so 30 TO 45 will come under common species are laurel, myrtle, lavender,
influence of trade winds in summer rosemary etc. In regions of higher rainfall, evergreen
 In winters, there is southward migration of ITCZ trees may occur with species like cork oaks of Spain
O O
(from 10 to 15 ) and with migration of trade and Portugal; olives of Europe; eucalyptus of
O O
winds (from 10 to 15 ), the STHPB migrates , so Australia. The scrub vegetation with scattered trees
O O
so 30 TO 45 will come under influence of and tall bushes is known by different names in
westerlies in winter different places. For eg- Maquis in southern France;
Macchia in Italy; Chaparral in California; Mallee
Scrub in Australia, Fymbos in S-Africa. These regions
are called as orchard lands of the world as range of
citrus fruits are cultivated here.
6. THE TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS
 40O TO 55O interior of the continents
 These regions will be under the influence of
westerlies and give moderate rainfall
 These region are under the influence of westerlies
AND being in the interior of the continents , they get
moderate annual average precipitation of 25-75cm
 Mediterrarian biome of Mediterrarian type of  They have mild-continental type of climate with
O
climate:- these regions are imp[acted due to seasonal average summer temperature around 20-22 C and
O
migration of pressure belts and wind systems due to average winter temperature 5-10 C
apparent movement of sun in the sky  Geographical Distribution- These lie in mid-latitudes
 In summers off-shore trade winds blow , therefore, in the interiors of the continents. Temperate
summers are dry. Average summer temperature Grasslands are known by different names in different
O parts of the world.
remains 25-27 C
 During winters, on-shore westerlies blow and  Local names of temperate grasslands in different
therefore winters are wet and average winter regions are-
O  Steppes of Russia and Ukraine;
temperature remains 12-15 C and
 Average annual precipitation is 35-75cm which  Pustaz of Hungary;
happens in the winter season  Prairies of North America (central USA and
 Geographical Distribution- these regions are southern Canada);
confined to the western margins of continental  Pampas of Argentina and Uruguay (South
masses, between 30° and 45° north and south of the America);
equator. Specific areas include regions around the  High Veld of South Africa;
Mediterranean Sea; Central Chile in South America;  Downs of Murray- Darling basin of Australia;
California (around San Francisco) in North America;  Canterbury Plains of South Island of New
the south-western tip of Africa (around Cape Town); Zealand.
southern Australia (around Adelaide) and south-west  The temperate grasslands can be broadly divided into
Australia two types- Prairie type is wetter and Steppe type is
drier.

of New Zealand which is highly priced for its
timber and resin called as kauri-gum
 Natural Vegetation- These regions lie in the Westerly

wind belt and are so remote from the maritime
influence that these are practically treeless. A few
grass species are alfalfa and lucerne. In regions of
moderate rainfall, the grasses growing are tall, soft
and nutritious. And short grasses may grow in 8. TAIGA BIOME / TEMPERATE CONIFEROUS
locations of lesser rains. Towards the poleward side FORESTS / BOREAL FORESTS (of Cool
of theses, temperate grasslands will gradually merge
with taiga biome (towards its north) and therefore a
Temperate Continental Climate)-
O O
 55 to 70 in Northern hemisphere
few conifer trees may appear. Willows, alders and
 These regions have short summers (4 to 5 months)
poplars are common trees. On the equatorward side, O
grasses will become shorter and sparser and merge with maximum temperature upto 20 C. winters are
O O
into deserts longer with minimum temp -40 to -50 C.
 Average annual precipitation is 40-120cm both from
 These regions are the wheat baskets of the world
and extensive, mechanized agriculture is practised in prevailing planetary winds and temperate cyclonic
these regions. Temperate grasslands are also major activity
 Geographical Distribution- This is found only in
cattle ranching regions with their livestock industry.
northern hemisphere in latitudinal range of 55/60-70
7. TEMPERATE DECIDUOUS FORESTS degrees north of the equator. It stretches as a
(OF BRITISH TYPE OF CLIMATE) continuous belt across North America (southern
 45O TO 60O on the western margin of the Alaska and southern Canada); Europe (parts of
Norway, Sweden, Finland, northern Russia and
continents northern Siberia) and Asia.
 These regions are influenced by westerlies and
by temperate cyclonic activities
 Average annual precipitation is 50-150cm
 Average summer temperature :- 18O TO 20OC
 Average Winter temperature :- less than 0O C but
winters are milder for their latitudes due to the
marry time influence
 Their adaptation is before onset of winter
season they shed down their leaves so become
temperate deciduous
 Geographical Distribution- These regions occur
from 45-60 degrees north & south of the
equator on western margins of the continent.
Specific locations include Britain, northern and  Natural Vegetation- These forests comprise the
western France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark greatest forest belts of the world. The forests have
and western Norway in Europe; coastlands of only a few species (mainly coniferous type) which are
well adapted to withstand the winter climatic
British Columbia in North America; southern
extremes of this region. Common species include
Chile in South America; Tasmania and most parts pine, fir, spruce, cedar, larch (deciduous type). These
of New Zealand. are softwood type trees which are commercially
 Natural Vegetation- comprises of deciduous exploited for paper and pulp industry.
forests with their hard and durable wood. The
trees shed their leaves in the autumn season 9. TUNDRA BIOME (OF ARCTIC
before the onset of snowy and frosty winters.
Common species include oak, elm, maple,
OR POLAR CLIMATE)
 These regions have long winters (9-10months) which
beech, birch, poplar. The trees provide valuable is a period of compete darkness
temperate hardwood. Kauri is an important tree
O O
 Average winter temperature is -30 C to -40 C,
summers are short with maximum temperature
O
reaching upto 10 C
 Natural Vegetation- comprises of mixed forests. To

the north of 50 degrees latitude, mostly coniferous
 Geographical Distribution- It lies beyond the trees grow. Main species are pine , Korean pine, fir,
spruce etc. And between the 45- 50 degree latitude
Arctic circle in northern hemisphere. It is
range, temperate deciduous trees grow. Common
characterised by the permafrost region of
species include oak, beech, birch etc. This region also
Antarctica in southern hemisphere and produces fruits like pear, peach, plum, apples and
Greenland in northern hemisphere. oranges.
 Permafrost refers to permanently frozen sub-
11.CHINA TYPE CLIMATE OR THE WARM
soil and thawing of top soil during summers. This
results in formation of spongy swamps TEMPERATE EASTERN MARGIN TYPE
(wetlands) and bogs in these regions. The OF CLIMATE
lowlands, with a few summer months ice-free,  30O TO 45O on the eastern margin of the
include the coastal strip of Greenland, northern continents
Canada and Alaska and the Arctic seaboard of  Latitudinal comparable to Mediterrarian
Eurasia.  Get precipitation in summer from trade winds , in
 Permafrost:- Permafrost is a permanently summers there is influence of on-shore trade winds
frozen layer on or under Earth's surface. It therefore summers are wet and winters are dry
consists of soil, gravel, and sand, usually bound  Geographical Distribution- these regions have an
together by ice. Permafrost usually remains at or approximate latitudinal range of 30-45 degrees north
and south of equator on the eastern margins of the
below 0°C (32ºF) for at least two years.
continents. Thus, these regions are the warm sub-
Permafrost can be found on land and below the
tropical and temperate latitudes. Specific regions
ocean floor include southeastern China, southern island of Japan
 Natural Vegetation- The greatest limiting factor in Asia; south-eastern USA including Guld of Mexico;
for plants to grow is the deficiency of sunlight in southern Paraguay, Uruguay & northern Argentina in
these regions. Some simple vegetation types like South America; southeastern Africa and New South
mosses, lichens and sedges and rhododendrons Wales in Australia.
most commonly grow here. In the short summer
season, a few flower and berry bearing plants
may appear. Along the coasts, some hardy
grasses like reindeer mosses grow.
10.LAURENTIAN TYPE OF CLIMATE OR
THE COOL TEMPERATE EASTERN
MARGIN TYPE OF CLIMATE-
 45O TO 60O on the eastern margin of the
continents
 Geographical Distribution- latitudinal range covers
 Natural Vegetation- comprises of mixed type of vegetation.
45-60 degrees on the eastern margins of the
In regions of heavier rainfall, evergreen trees grow. In
continents in northern hemisphere only. Specific
regions of lesser rainfall, deciduous trees thrive. Mulberry
regions include north eastern North America thrives the best in these regions
including eastern Canada, north-east U.S.A., (i.e.
Maritime Provinces and the New England states), and  FORESTS (4) COULD BE FOUND
Newfoundland; Eastern coastlands of Asia including  in tropical latitudes and also in temperate latitudes
eastern Siberia, North China, Manchuria, Korea and A. Tropical
northern Japan. 1. Evergreen:- precipitation all around year
(equatorial type of climate)

2. Deciduous:- tropical monsoonal type of climate
(alternate wet and dry seasons) (India type of
climate)
B. Temperate
3. Evergreen:- temperate means high latitudes ,
means winter precipitation must be snow, so
temperate coniferous forest of Taiga
4. Deciduous:- British type of climate
 GRASS LANDS (2) :-
 Grasslands can be found in
5. Tropical latitudes
 Savannahs in Africa
6. Temperate latitudes
Prairies

steppes

7. tropical desert (deficiency of moisture)
8. tundra (polar) (deficiency of sunlight)
9. Mediterrarian shrub land
O
 (found in mid-latitudes 30-45 N/S of equator}
 {on western margins of the continents}
 {in winters it has westerlies, winters therefore
are wet}
………………..ALL 6 CLASSES ARE DONE………………

(V) Environment by Vaishali Mam (V)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

(V) Environment by Vaishali Mam (V)

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

(V) Environment by Vaishali Mam (V)

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 1

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 4

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 7

1. STRATEGIC GOAL A- 3. STRATEGIC GOAL C-

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 8

arrangements tree outside forests (TOF) also irrespective of the

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 10

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 11

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 12

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 13

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 15

THE PROJECT TIGER 1973:-

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 16

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 18

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 20

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 26

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 29

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 30

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 31

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 40

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 41

 SAFAR- System of Air Quality and Weather

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 43

MANAGEMENT) RULES, 2017  Restrictions of activities in wetlands as per

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 50

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 53

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 54

BIOME OF THE WORLD:- that the annual range of temperature is small

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 55

 Natural Vegetation- these are the regions over where

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 56

 Geographical Distribution- latitudinal range

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 57

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 58

 Natural Vegetation- These regions lie in the Westerly

 Natural Vegetation- comprises of mixed forests. To

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 60

NOTES MADE BY AKASH 7589157201 E-5 BATCH STUDENT 2022 61

You might also like

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.