Context The outcomes of COP29 in Baku concerning the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance have drawn criticism for falling short of addressing principles of climate justice and equitable burden-sharing. Key Takeaways from COP29 Origin of NCQG: Conceptualized at COP21, the NCQG builds on the $100 billion annual …
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Oilfields Regulation Bill
Context The Rajya Sabha recently approved the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, aiming to enhance efficiency in oil and gas exploration across India. Rationale for the Bill Addressing Energy Needs: Aims to bridge the gap between domestic oil and gas production and consumption. Improving Business Environment: Modernizes outdated …
Read More »INC-5 Outcomes and Implications: Addressing Global Plastic Pollution
The fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting in Busan, South Korea, aimed at formulating a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, ended without a conclusive agreement. The lack of a binding treaty has sparked concerns over the effectiveness and inclusivity of the ongoing negotiations. Key Outcomes and Challenges Lack of …
Read More »Global Plastic Treaty: Overview and Key Issues
The ongoing discussions within the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) focus on establishing a global treaty to address plastic pollution. The treaty aims to provide a comprehensive framework to reduce plastic waste, with particular attention to creating fair conditions for informal waste workers. What …
Read More »Climate Talks: Challenges and Issues
Context: The recent COP29 summit in Baku concluded with a lackluster agreement on climate finance, raising serious concerns about the trajectory of global climate negotiations. Challenges in Climate Negotiations Insufficient Financial Commitments Developed countries have pledged only $300 billion annually until 2035, which falls significantly short of the estimated $1 …
Read More »Overview of Global Soil Conference 2024
Purpose: Organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) in collaboration with the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), the GSC aimed to address critical challenges related to sustainable soil and resource management. Theme: Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation & Ecosystem Services. Key Focus Areas: Recognition …
Read More »Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT)
Context At COP29, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT) gained significant momentum. Inspired by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, this initiative seeks to regulate fossil fuel production as a targeted approach to combat climate change. Activists and countries are increasingly advocating for its adoption to address the climate crisis effectively. Need …
Read More »Demographic Shift and India
Context: India’s elderly population (those aged 60 and above) is expanding rapidly. In 2023, there are 149 million elderly individuals, making up 10.5% of the total population. By 2050, this figure is projected to reach 347 million, or 20.8% of the population. Challenges of an Ageing Population Increasing Dependency Ratio: …
Read More »State of Global Water Resources Report
Context (DTE): The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) published the State of Global Water Resources Report, highlighting that 2023 marked the driest year for global rivers. Contributing Factors Increased Water Demand: The report pointed out that growing agricultural and industrial demand placed added pressure on river systems, worsening the already low …
Read More »Elephant Census
Context: Recent data from an unreleased elephant census, which incorporated new counting techniques, has revealed a decline in elephant populations across several regions of India, particularly in southern West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Kerala. Previous Counting Methods Total Direct Count Up until 2002, India used the “total direct count” method, …
Read More »EnviStats India 2024
Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 7th consecutive edition of “EnviStats India 2024: Environment Accounts,” aligned with the System of Environmental-Economic Accounting (SEEA) Framework. Findings From 2000 to 2023, the number of Total Protected Areas saw an increase of approximately 72%, while the area …
Read More »Landslides in India
Context Landslides involve the sudden movement of rock, earth, or debris down a slope due to gravity. In July 2024, severe landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district resulted in significant loss of life, property damage, and displacement. Types of Landslides Based on Materials Involved Rock Slide: Movement of bedrock down a …
Read More »Chromium Contamination of Groundwater
Context: The National Green Tribunal has instructed the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to investigate chromium contamination in the groundwater of Sukinda Valley, Odisha. Key Details: Location: Sukinda Valley in Odisha is home to 97% of India’s chromite ore deposits. Chromium Characteristics: Chromium is a shiny, hard, brittle metal with …
Read More »Climate Policy of India
Context: India’s Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Ors. Vs. Union of India & Ors., has introduced a significant new dimension to the country’s climate change jurisprudence. SC Verdict The Supreme Court recognized the right to “be free from the adverse effects of climate change” as …
Read More »Environmental Impact of Coal
Context: India’s coal consumption has surpassed that of North America and Europe, highlighting the significant environmental impacts associated with its usage. Coal Mining: Habitat Destruction and Contamination: Coal mining devastates natural habitats and pollutes the environment, affecting humans, animals, and plants. It leaves permanent scars on the landscape. Mine Wastes: …
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