Environment

Features

Total planetary inheritance - Biotic (Flora & Fauna) Abiotic (Geographical & Planetary
features) OR sum total of all conditions and influences that affect the development and
life of all organism on earth
Environment can function efficiently if the carrying (Extraction & Waste generation is
within limit) & absorptive (degradation is within absorption limit) capacity is not
exceeded
Negative environmental impacts have higher opportunity cost due to expenditure on
degraded health, research for new resources and expenditure on sustained development.

Functions

Supply of renewable & non-renewable resources

Assimilates waste
Sustains life by providing genetic & bio diversity
Provides aesthetic services(scenery)

Environmental degradation in India

Land degradation

Biodiversity loss
Soil erosion
Air pollution(specifically vehicular)
Water Pollution/Contamination
Waste Generation

Causes of Environmental degradation

Loss of vegetation due to deforestation

Unsustainable fuel wood and fodder extraction

Shifting cultivation
Encroachment into forest lands
Forest fire & overgrazing
Improper use of agro-chemical
Extraction of ground water
Contamination of ground water & fresh water due to affluent
Emission of GHG in atmosphere(fossil fuel burning)which leads to global
warming

Government initiative
 Pollution Control Board (Central & State Level)-Awareness, technical guidance, setting
up standards, investigate ind units
Compliance of standards set by international conventions on environment protection
Revision in emission norms-Euro V & VI norms Emission standards set by EUIndia
to adopt V & VI soonGovt is likely to skip V and switch to VI directly
MH has adopted 100% Fly ash & biogas utilization policy to save soil excavation &
protect environment. Fly ash will be used to make bricks etc. which has several benefits
such as light-weight, high strength, high resistance to sound, low water absorption,
thermal insulator, overall cost low (despite being costly)

o It is by-product of thermal power plant & contains toxic trace elements of coal, it
is very harmful for human health & cause silicosis. It also contaminate
groundwater (especially arsenic, cadmium, mercury trace elements)

Way forward

Individual sensitivity to be enhanced to ascertain individual burden to conserve

environment through education & awareness campaigns
Penal provisions to be implemented for violation of norms
Transformational approach is needed in place of transactional approach which believes in
compensation after destruction
Circular economy may be promoted - it is one in which economic development and
environmental sustainability are interdependent, with a strong emphasis on minimising
pollution, while maximising reuse and recycling

Conventions catering to conservations

At the international level, the Club of Rome advocated resource conservation for the first
time in a more systematic way in 1968
United Nations Conference on Human Environment (Stockholm Conventions) in 1972

o Indias perspective was related to poverty & development where in both of them
termed responsible for environment degradation
o World community emphasised on coordination among peace, development &
environment
o UNEP under UN at Nairobi, Kenya was formed as outcome
o
It's a UN agency which coordinates its environmental activities, assisting
developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and
practices
It has overall responsibility for environmental problems among United
Nations agencies except global warming which is taken care by UNFCCC
o UNGA designated 5th June (Stockholm convention's first day) as World
Environment Day Themes
o
20157 billion dreams, one planet, consume with care
 2016Come, Join the race, to make the world a better place to live-Go
Wild
Brundtland Commission 1983/87

o UN appointed a commission on climate change headed by Bruntland in 1983
o It defined Sustainable Development as "Development which meets the needs of
current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet
their needs"
o Report came up in 1987 titled Our Common Future Report included
o
Reasons of CC
Impact of CC
Mitigation techniques
IPCC(1988)

o Inter-ministerial conference led to form IPCC (Inter-governmental UN panel on
climate change) with efforts of UNEP & WMO
o It was awarded Nobel peace prize in 2007
o IPCC is a body of experts consisting members from
o
UNEP
WMO(World Meteorological Organization)UN body
Experts in the related fields such as environmentalist, geographers,
anthropologist, sociologist, science scholars and so on who work on
voluntary basis, and are not paid for their services.
o Objective was to study aspects of Brundtland Commission Report
o All members of IPCC were divided into three Joint Working Groups with
different targets
o
Working Group 1Scientific reasons behind CC
Working Group 2Possible impact of CC
Working Group 3Mitigation techniques
Based on reports of Joint Working Group IPCC publishes reports to aid
UNFCCC-so far 5-1st-1990 2nd-1995 3rd-2001 4th-2007 5th-2014
5th report says - Bring temperature down up to 1.5 - 2*C by 21st century
from pre-industrial level - It held India vulnerable to climate change
Earth Summit (Rio Summit, 1992)UNCED

o Largest summit, attended by more than 105 delegates
o Outcome
o
Came out with Agenda 21(Agenda to follow for humans in 21stCentury)
It contained 27 universally accepted principles to be followed by all 105
members-It had lack of legally binding mechanism, however strong moral
obligation was attached
2 International conventions were proposed namely

UNFCCC

Aimed at stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the
atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous
anthropogenic interference with the climate system
It is not legally binding, but projected legally binding [Link]
provides framework for negotiating specific international
treaties(protocols)that may set binding limits on greenhouse
gases, such as Kyoto Protocol -
Its CoP is held every year started in 1995 23rd CoP in
2017
Article 3(1) of the Convention states that Parties should act to
protect the climate system on the basis of "common but
differentiated responsibilities"
CBD -CoP held once in 2 years generally16th CoP in 2015
Rio+5 (New York Summit)1997

o It was a review summit of achievement after Rio Summit
o 5 outcomes
o
Growth rate of World Population started slowing down
Food security arose
Life expectancy increased
Environmental degradation continued
Exploitation of natural resources unsustainably
Rio+10(Johannesburg)2002

o Aka JSSD Johannesburg Summit on SD/WSSD(World Summit on SD)
o Term SD was defined in the summit
Rio+20(Rio de Jenerio) 2012 (It is also known as Earth Summit)

o Outcome was energy efficiency/green economy

NAPCC (National Action Plan on climate Change)-National Mission8 missions - All

states and UTs have also been requested to prepare State Action Plan on Climate Change
(SAPCC) in line with the objectives of the NAPCC highlighting state-specific issues
relating to climate change - So far, 32 states and UTs have prepared their SAPCC

1. Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM)

2. National Mission for enhanced energy
3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
4. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
5. National Mission for sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem
6. National Mission for Green India
7. National Water Mission
8. National Mission on strategic knowledge on Climate Change
CoP of UNFCCC

1st CoP(1995) Held in Berlin (DE) and discussion made on UNFCCC

2nd CoP(1996) Held in Geneva and world was divided into developed group &
developing group to ascertain responsibility of environment degradation
3rd CoP (1997)

o Held in Kyoto
o Kyoto Protocol was singed (Protocol contains written rules & guidelines which
are expected to be followed) which is a legally binding obligation for developed
countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emission to a level at least 5% below
1990 level (USA not ratified it)
o It was considered that if corrective actions are not taken to control environment
degradation, cities like Kyoto(at the coastal area)will be submerged by 2030
o Countries were divided into Annex 1(Developed-Targeted Emission Reduction-
Slightly Binding) and non-Annex-1(Developing/UD/LD-Restricted Emission-
Voluntary) Base year 1990Common but differentiated responsibility
o 55th Instrument of Ratification (Countries which contribute 55% emission(US &
Russia)will sign first, then other countries
o After negotiations finally in 2005 it was signed
o 1st commitment period started from 2008-2012
o 2nd commitment period is from 2013-2020
8th CoP hosted by India
13th CoP(2007)BaliKyoto Protocol ratified in 2007 at Bali Summit (Bali Action Plan
for Climate Change) without legal binding & absence of international monitoring
mechanism, however strong moral force is attached
15th CoP (2009)Copenhagen

o GCF was proposed with corpus of 100 Bn US dollar which will be utilised by
developing countries for green technology
o Basic Nation Theory was also devised by US and emerging nations were brought
under reduction target cap
16th CoP (2010) CancunIt was failure due to non-inclination of China. GCF was
established
17th CoP(2011)Durbanaka Durban Platform-A new protocol was proposed to be
created by 2015 & to be in effect by 2020 with principles of rationality, logic, equality &
equity
18th CoP(2012)-Dohaaka Doha Climate Gateway3 outcomes

o Decided the 2nd phase of Kyoto protocol(2013-2020)
o Assessment of performance in 1st phase(2008-2012)
o Speedy design of New protocol
19th CoP(2013)- WarsawREDD+ (Reduction in emission due to deforestation &
degradation of forests) was devised and a fund was created for afforestation to be
contributed by developed nations and to be used by developing countriesFund will be
 released after net increase in forest cover-India implemented Green India Mission
consequently under NAPCC
20th CoP(2014)LimaDraft prepared for Paris Summit [Link] of New Protocol as
decided in Durban platform-Creation of Non-State Actor Zone for Climate Change-
NAZCA

Paris Agreement(CoP-21 of UNFCC)

Paris Agreement is a global agreement on the reduction of climate change, the text of
which represented a consensus of the representatives of the 196 parties attending it
Common But Differentiated Responsibility(CBDR) & Intended Nationally Determined
Contribution(INDC-To be submitted every 5 yrs)
India ratified the agreement (Only cabinet approval is required, and not parliaments) on
2nd October, 2016-Agreement was ratified by more than required countries i.e.94 (55
countries that contributes 55% GHG were required) & became a law from 4th Nov 2016

Pros

Shared responsibilityBoth developed (absolute reduction) & developing countries(in

tandem with development imperative)

Retchat Mechanismto submit new pledges by 2020

Hold global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-
industrial levels and to pursue efforts towards a 1.5 degrees C temperature limit.
$ 100 Bn fund by 2020 jointly by developed countries

Cons

Though targets are ambitious, still not sufficient

Low energy productivity

Way ahead

Upscaling the targets

Focus on solar energy

Investment in renewable energy
Intellectual Property regimes are to be made simplified to avoid restriction in
transfer of energy efficient/green technologies

CoP-22 Marrakesh

It was not just CoP 22 to UNFCCC but also CMP 12 to Kyoto Protocols & CoP 1 to Paris
Agreement
 It was organised not to formulate new treaties, but to find ways to better implement Paris
Agreement reached during CoP 21, consequently various partnerships were formed
(outside UN process) in order to give shape to Paris Agreement

o International Solar Alliance
o Adaptation of African Agriculture it seeks climate proof agriculture in Africa
through soil, water management and risk mitigation strategies
o Mission innovation it is spearheaded by USA. It aims to promote research and
development in clean energy technologies. Total 23 countries have joined it
including India pledging $ 30 Bn. It has 7 innovation areas smart grids, bio
fuels, carbon capture and sequestration, building storage cells for energy, clean
energy storage materials
o Climate Vulnerable Forum - These are the countries that are worst effected form
climate change. The group size has increased to 48 at Marrakesh. They owed to
update climate action plans by 2020 to prepare a long term low carbon
development strategy for 2050
o 2050 Pathway Platform - Not joined by India, but joined by Aditya Biral group

Green Climate Fund (GCF)

A fund within the framework of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change) founded as a mechanism to redistribute money from the
developed to the developing world
Conceptualised in Copenhagen Accordof 2009 & formally established in Cancun,
Mexico in 2010
Headquartered in Songdo (Incheon), South Korea
GCF Board, composed of equal number of members from developing and developed
countries
Under the fund $ 100 Bn are to be provided each year by developed countries to
developing countries by 2022
Funding from GCF is not clarified whether to be subscribed by govt or private sector
NABARD has been chosen as National Implementing Entity (NIE) which will have
responsibility for the overall management of the projects financed by GCF

Climate Investment Funds (CIF)

It aims to provide 72 developing and middle income countries with urgently needed
resources to manage the challenges of climate change and reduce their greenhouse gas
emissions
It has four programs: a) Clean Technology Fund (CTF), b) Pilot Program for Climate
Resilience, c) Scaling Up Renewable Energy in Low Income Countries Program and d)
Forest Investment Program
India has received grant from CTF of CIF for its mega solar parks power transmission
along with aid from ADB

National Green Tribunal(NGT)

 Came into existence in 2010 under NGT Act and India became 3rd country to have legal
mechanism to address grievances arising out of environmental stress-1st is NZ & 2nd is
AUS

Composition

Chairman(Full time) Appointed in consultation with CJI who should be serving/retired

CJHC or SC Judge

Members

o Judicial Experts who should be serving/retired HC judge (10-20)
o Environmental experts who should be serving/retired bureaucrats/doctorate
persons (10-20)
o Chosen by a selection committee (headed by a sitting SC Judge)
o Every bench of the tribunal must consist of at least one expert member and one
judicial member

Functions

Award compensation to victims of environmental pollution

Restoration of property damage
Impose fine/imprisonment or both
Time bound disposal mechanismwithin 180 days to be solved
Power is equivalent to HC, hence appeal lies with SC within 90 days
Not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but shall
be guided by principles of natural justice
Dedicated jurisdiction in environmental matters shall provide speedy environmental
justice and help reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts

Envirnmental Impact Assessment Agency (EIA)

Came into existence in 1972 to be enacted in India for River Valley Project
Made binding for all developmental project by incorporating EIA in Environment
Protection Act in 1986
Amended in 2000 and Defence(BRO)excluded from its purview

Amended in 2006 and two amendments done

o Space & Nuclear sectors also excluded from its purview
o Procedures simplified (5 stage clearance process)
o
ScreeningTo ascertain whether comes under purview of EIA on 3
grounds(Investment, Location, Type of the project)
ScopingTerms of reference on which assessment would be done
 Impact Assessmentdone on 5 criteria-land, air, water,
biodiversity, socio-economic impacts

Impact assessment is carried out at two levelsCentral &
State Level and for the very purpose, projects are classified among
Cat A(Central, No Screening in Cat A project) & Cat B (State,
screening and then sub classification into Cat B1(Mandatory
assessment) & Cat B2 (Optional Assessment)
Public hearingInvolved stakeholders(residents, political leaders,
social activists)will raise the concerns within 30 dayshearing will be
conducted by Central Pollution Control Board & State Pollution Control
Board
AppraisalProject would be approved

BRS CoP CoPs for all three conventions are held together

Basel Convention/Basel Action Network (BAN) HQ Washington

o It is a non-governmental charitable organization working to combat the export of
toxic waste from technology and other products from industrialized societies to
developing countries
Rotterdam Convention

o It is inspired from the efforts of UNEP & FAO in direction of pesticides &
hazardous chemicals
o It is legally binding agreement that promotes shared responsibility and
cooperative efforts among Parties in the international trade of banned or restricted
pesticides & hazardous chemicals.

Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

o Stockholm convention signed in 2002, deals with Persistent Organic Pollutants
(POPs) which are organic toxic elements which once released remain intact &
spread. Found more at higher trophic levels
o It imposes certain obligation on party states to the convention
o GEF serves as the financial mechanism for the convention in addition to other
conventions such as CBD, UNFCCC, UNCED etc.
o Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) is POP, which is bio-degradable, but can cause
cancer
o There are 26 listed POP, however India has ratified only 12

SAMOA Pathway (SIDS Accelerated Modalities of Action)

It was an outcome document of 3rd International Conference on Small Islands

Developing States (SIDS) to recognize challenges of SIDS
TRAFFIC

It is an international NGO with an aim to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is
not a threat to the conservation of natureWWF & IUCN are partner associations

National Board for Wildlife

Headed by PM & Vice CM is Mo EnvironmentA 47 member body consisting experts,

govt officials & ex-officio members

Environment Degradation
Global Warming/Climate Change

Global Warming is an increase in average temperature of earth's lower atmosphere due to

increase in greenhouse gases through burning of fossil fuels and deforestation
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in its Status of the Global Climate in
2016 report stated that world is likely to cross 1.2C of global warming above pre-
industrial levels in 2016, coming dangerously close to breaching the 1.5C warming
level. 2016 has been the hottest year with an increase of 0.91C over the long-term
average followed by 2015 & 2014. The global rise figure was 0.99C as stated by NASA
Swiss Researchers have warned that Hiamalayan glaciers may melt rapidly & hydro
projects in the region may need revisit to amend capacity or to change location of the
project
Global-warming potential(GWP) is a relative measure of how much heat a
greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere. It depends on

o absorption of infrared radiation by a given species
o spectral location of its absorbing wavelengths
o atmospheric lifetime of the species
Methods to predict Climate Change

o Inter-glacial Period - It is a geological interval of warmer global average
temperature lasting thousands of years that separates consecutive glacial periods
within an ice age. Evidence of sediment deposits in glacial lakes & multiple
advances and retreats of glaciers reveal change in climate
o Tree Rings - They also show evidence for wet and dry periods. RJ was a region
of heavy rainfall during 3000-1700 BC
Effects of Global Warming

o Increased incidence of tropical diseases as vectors of these diseases thrive in
higher temperature climates
o Disruption of drinking water supplies as glaciers disappear that give rise to many
perennial rivers

Way out
 Simpler technology such as Google Street View can also be of help in mapping tree cover
of the city & its impact on temperature & solar radiation
Strategically placed trees in urban areas can cool the air by 2 to 8 *C

Green House Gases

GHGs are beneficial for the human existence as without them, the earth would
have been cooler, and far too cold for life to exist. CO2 absorbs infrared radiations
radiated by earth & thus keeps the earth warm.
Methane & Nitrus Oxide are naturally found But few GHGs such as Sulfur
hexafluoride & Perfluorocarbons are generated only through anthropogenic
activities
More than required limit of GHGs is also harmful as it is going to melt glaciers &
will pose a threat to existence of island nations & then other low lying continents
India is the worlds third largest emitter of greenhouse gases
Energy sector contributes the most to greenhouse gas emissions in India followed
by Agriculture
Co2 is the largest contributor to GHG emission followed by CFC & Methane
(Ch4)

GHG & their Contribution

Co2 55-60% (SourceBurning of fossil fuel & deforestation)

Chlofluorocarbon(CFC) 18-20% (CFC has higher impact, as it is 3000 times

more dangerous than Co2SourceRefrigeration/Cryogenic industry
Methane16-18% (SourceMarshy & Swampy land, abandoned mines, paddy
crops, faecal of cattle) More dangerous than CO2
HFC-23It is around 15000 times dangerous than Co2. It is a by product of
HCFC-22 which is used in industrial refrigeration
Nitrogen Oxide(NOx) 3-5% (Source-Vehicular pollution)
Sulphur Hexafloride (SF6)
Ozone (O3)
Water vapour is not a GHG, but it enhances the effect of GHGs

Country Level Impacts of Climate Change (CLICC)

It is supported by UNEP & UK Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC)

It promotes collective learning in assessing climate change impacts

Programme of Research on Climate Change Vulnerability, Impacts and Adaptation

(PROVIA)

It is an initiative of UNEP and will act as network of scientists and policy-makers

working towards climate change mitigation
Environment Conservation Terminology

Emission/Carbon CreditDeveloping countries sell their allotment of carbon

emission to developed countries in exchange of money(money so acquired, can be used
for any purpose, no monitoring mechanism exist)
Joint Implementation- Developing countries sell their allotment of carbon
emission to developed countries in exchange of green/clean energy technology(wind
energy etc)
Clean Development Mechanism-Developing countries sell their allotment of
carbon emission to developed countries in exchange of clean/green technology based
project in their own country(More comprehensive than former two)
Sink/Bubble Theory Either we swim together or sink together Emission
reduction targets are set on regional basis rather than individual basis
Basket Approach-Emission reduction targets are set on a basket of GHG rather
than individual gases

Ozone Depletion

It is constant thinning of ozone layer almost over entire globe which has increased
penetration of UV rays which are harmful for plants & animals
In summer season, nitrogen dioxide and methane react with chlorine monoxide and
chlorine atoms forming chlorine sinks, preventing much ozone depletion, whereas in
winter, special type of clouds called polar stratospheric clouds are formed over Antarctica
which facilitates ozone depletion
Vienna Convention in 1985 (Became effective in 1988)

o Aimed at Reducing ozone depleting substances (GHGs+water vapour)

Montreal protocol 1987 (Became effective from 1989)

o Magna Carta of ozone depleting substances such as HCFC, however it is working
towards phasing out HFCs too which doesnt cause ozone depletion
o Under the protocol use of HCFC to be eliminated by 2030 & India has rolled out
HPMP-II to achieve the objective
o HCFC is used in refrigerant, foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol & fire
extinguisher. Its alternative is Cyclopentane (unpatented, so cheap) which will
also be promoted, however its inflammable & use technical expertise
o An amendment in the Montreal protocol finalised in Kigali, Rwanda to include
Hydrofluorocarbon(HFC) in the list of chemicals under the protocol in order to
phase their use over a period of time. India decided to reduce HFC use by 85% by
2045
o Works on the basis of CBDR like Vienna convention & Kyoto Protocols, hence
developed nations will start from 2019 & most developing nations from 2024,
however India will start from 2028
 o India has announced elimination of HFC-23 by 2030 & domestic legislations are
also proposed in this regard
Both Vienna convention & montreal protocol are conventions under UNEP & became
first to achieve universal ratification. Both meet every third year
London, Copenhagen, Montreal, Beijing & Kigali amendments are related to Montreal
Protocol

Harmful Effects of UV Radiation

Ageing of skin, cataract, sunburn and skin cancer in humans

Overexposure to UV-B reduces size, productivity, and quality in many of the crop plant
species (Also cause mutation in plant cells)
It also increases evaporation of surface water through the stomata of the leaves and
decreases the moisture content of the soil
It can kill phytoplankton in large numbers

Air Pollution

Delhi topped among megacities around the world with most polluted air as per WHO
Burning of fossil fuels is responsible for depletion of O2, but burial of the same promotes
O2
Vehicular Pollution

oBharat Emission Stage Standards (BESS) set by the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB) on basis of Euro Norms. It includes Carbon Monooxide (CO),
Hydrocarbons (HC), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) & Particulate Matter as pollutants &
regulate them only (No regulation over CO2, Lead, Sulphur)
o Currently Bharat IV is being used in few cities, and the entire country to be
covered effective April, 2017
o There would be shift from BS IV to BS VI (Selective catalytic reduction
technology) bypassing BS V (Diesel Particulate Filter) effective April, 2020
GMBM (Global Market Based Measure)

o Proposed by International Civil Aviation Organization (a UN Specialised
Agency)
o Voluntaryfdelhi from 2021-2026, and mandatory from 2027
o Carbon pollution of all international flights to be capped at 2020 levels (even
through carbon credits)
o It is being opposed by India due to non inclusion of CBDR & carbon credits as it
will hinder progress of aviation industry in developing countries
o PM 2.5 & PM 10 (PM 2.5 is more dangerous) are pollutants in airSmall
particulate pollution have health impacts even at very low concentrations
indeed no threshold has been identified below which no damage to health is
observed
o PM consists of sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral
dust and water (B&W DANSC)
 Air Quality Index

o CPCB is responsible for setting standards for the quality of air in India, known as
National Ambient Air Quality [Link] are applicable nationwide.
o It includes monitoring of following gases
o
Carbon Monooxide
Sulphur Dioxide (So2)
Nitrogen Dioxide (No2)
PM 10
PM 2.5 - Standard for PM 2.5 by WHO is up to four times higher in Delhi
Ozone
Lead
Arsenic
Nickel
Ammonia
Benzene
o DoST & Intel under PPP mode initiated a project to deploy Real Time River
Water & Air Quality Monitoring system through association of academic &
research institutes
o National Physical Laboratory has established an atmospheric monitoring station
in Palampur (HP) to create database of air quality of pristine atmosphere (Earlier
air quality data was available for only industrial/residential areas) which will
serve as reference for pollution comparison in cities of India
Air Purifiers

o Performance of air purifier depends onClean Air Delivery Ratenumber, the
higher, the better
o High-efficiency particulate arrestance is category of air purifiers & the standard
criteria for such category as per US Department of Energy is it should remove
99.97% particles of size of 0.3 m
Fleet Modernisation Policy

o It proposes to replace old commercial vehicles (both private & public) bought
before April, 2005 with new ones
o It offers three incentives to achieve the targets which are equivalent to around
15% of the cost of the vehicle
o
Half the rate of excise duty on purchase of new vehicle (Full excise duty
exemption for public transport vehicles)
Fair value of scrap
Discount from automobile manufacturer
o It will control air pollution in addition to saving oil
Photochemical Smog

o It is formed due to sun's exposure on vehicular pollution
 o Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), volatile organic compounds, hydrocarbons, Ozone &
peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) are responsible for formation of this
o It can be controlled by using catalytic converters in vehicles that convert NO2 &
hydrocarbons into simpler substances & prevents their spread
o It causes eye irritation, headache, chest pain, coughing, cracking of rubber, metal,
stone & damage to plant life
O2 & N2 are main constituent of air and don't react with each other at normal
temperature & thus have no harmful effects, however during lightening strikes, high
temperature in automobile engines cause them to react and yield nitric oxide which is
harmful
System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR)

o It was introduced by Mo Earth Sciences for greater metropolitan cities of India
o Its objective is to increase awareness among general public regarding the air
quality
The breaking down of sensitive tissue of lungs due to air pollution and smoke of cigarette
is called as Emphysema

Air Pollution in Delhi

Extent

PM Pollution in Delhi is up to 42 times higher than prescribed limit after Diwali

celebrations
Half of Delhis school going children have compromised lung capacity
India has worlds highest deaths due to respiratory diseases as per WHO
Situation worsens in the winter due to inversion which traps the pollution close to
the ground

What contributes?

Industry, road dust, vehicular pollution, burning of crops stubble(especially rice

straws)in PB & HR, burning of fuels by domestic users/restaurants,

Govt Efforts

Odd-Even Formula

o
o Restricts last two odd & even numbers alternatively
o 2 wheelers exempted, women exempted
o Aimed at controlling vehicular pollution
o Trend in pollution level has not reflected relevance, however reduced
particulate pollution level & worked well for traffic control
o Challenges
o
o
 o People may buy 2nd car
o Adequate transportation not available
o Graded Response Action Plan
o
o The programme, mooted by CPCB, & prepared & implementation by
Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), has grades in pollution level &
separate action plan has been suggested for each category with provision of
automatic action when air quality drops below certain level
o The measures under this plan will include Odd-Even formula, high
parking fees, closure of schools, ban on entry of heavy vehicles etc. when air
pollution is at peak Similarly less strict actions are proposed for less severe air
quality

Way out

Moral suasion through awareness

Economic incentives
Disincentive/taxes for polluting environment
Robust transport system
CSIR suggestion of mid week work from home
Legislative steps need to be taken
For crop residue burningBiomass energy plants, alternative methods of disposal,
Residue efficient varieties of crops, promotion to industries that uses rice straw such as
cardboard industry
Enhancing capacity of CPCB & SPCB
Portfolio of policies(spanning across different sectors such as transport, energy,
waste, trans-boundary issue)need to be adopted
R&D should be enhanced to assess the pollutants & their actual contribution
towards air pollution, so that focused & targeted strategy can be adopted
Incentivizing public transport, walking & cycling through policies & making
them popular through campaigns

Crop Burning in PB & HR

Pros

o Cheap, easy & quick
o Assist weed, insects & disease control
o Stubble burning kills soil microbesthese microbes are known to consume
Nitrogen in the [Link] their death, Nitrogen is released into the
soil(reducedtie upof Nitrogen)

Cons

o Loss of nutrients
 o Increase in erosion
o Loss of soil microbes
o Reduction in soil structure

Climate & Clean Air Coalition

It was launched by UNEP & 6 countries (Bangladesh, Canada, Ghana, Mexico, Sweden
& US) to reduce short lived climate pollutants (Black Carbon, Methane, Ozone) in order
to protect health, agriculture & environment
It is the only global efforts that unites governments, civil societies & private sector

Random Facts

Boston-based Health Effects Institute has launched State of Global Air 2017 to be
released every year along with a web portal which states that casualties from the Ozone
gas are far less than the well-known PM 2.5, however the rate of increase in ozone-
related deaths is 148 per cent since 1990

Illegal Logging

International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO-an NGO of forest

scientists in Austria) declared that India is the 3rd largest importer of illegal logging after
China & Vietnam
Major producers are countries from Amazon & South East Asia such as Brazil, Indonesia
etc.
Major part of forest conversion is done for commercial agricultural production

Land Degradation

Factors responsible in descending order - Water erosion - Chemical Degradation

(Salinity/Alkalinity) - Wind erosion
Rajasthan has the highest area of degraded land mainly due to overgrazing

Carbon Sequestration

It is a technique of storing Co2 in natural sink(ocean) /artificial sink(abandoned mines)

Blue carbon(carbon stored in Phyton, planktons)and Green Carbon(Plant & Vegetation)

Sustainable Development
Features

A development which allows future generations to enjoy a quality life as good as being
enjoyed by current generation OR Development that meets the basic need of current
generation without compromising the ability of posterity (future generation) to meet their
needs
 Conceptualized by UNCED (Earth Summit) in 1992
Bundtland Commission emphasized on protecting the future generation
World Sustainable Development Summit (pka Delhi SD Summit) is annual event
organised by (TERI) The Energy & Resource Institute. 2016 Theme-Beyond
2015: People, Planet & Progress. DWDS started in 2001, but 2016 was first edition of
WSDS

Pros

SD will allow future generation to enjoy an equal quality of life

SD will balance between carrying & absorptive capacity of environment

Issues

Developing nations prioritize manufacturing and developmental projects that come in the
way of SD
Technology for SD is in developing stage, hence not available abundantly and affordably
Certain needs of society cant be compromised & have to be fulfilled even at the cost of
environment degradation

Initiatives for SD

Promotion of non-conventional source of energy(Wind Power, Solar Energy(Through

photovoltaic cells), Hydro power(energy through streams in mountainous regions)
Give it up campaign which will support dissemination of LPG in rural areas
Substitution of conventional fuel by environment friendly fuel such as LPG, Gobar Gas,
CNG
Organic farming with environment friendly agricultural solution such as in
fertilization(bio composting), in pest control(bio pest control through plants & animals)
Ralegan Siddhi was transformed from a degraded village in semi-arid region to a self
sustained village through conservation practices led by Anna Hazare

Solutions

Limiting population
Input efficient technology
Judicious consumption of renewable & non-renewable resources
Back to traditional nature based practices which will lower dependence on energy intense
needs

High Level Political Forum on SD (eka UN Commissions on SD)

UN Commission on SD established in 1992 to follow up on UN Conference on

Environment & Development (Earth Summit) & replaced with high level political forum
on SD in Rio+20 summit which will follow up SD Goals
 It meets once in four years under UNGA & every year under UN Economic and Social
Council

Adaptation Fund

It was conceptualised to help poorer countries that are party to Kyoto Protocol
It is funded through Clean Development Mechanism contribution

National Adaptation Fund MoEFCC

It is aimed at tackling climate change

This fund will assist national and state level activities to meet the cost of adaptation
measures in areas that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change

Reports on Western Ghat

Western ghat is UNESCO world heritage site & spread across 6 states namely GJ, MH,
Goa, KA, KL & TN
Originally Madhav Gadgil report was submitted for regulation of WG which kept 3/4th of
area under ESZ, later it was reviewed by Kasturirangan
Kasturirangan report kept 37% area under ESZ Finally govt has notified slightly less than
37% area of Western Ghats as ESZ which will ban mining activities, large constructions,
thermal power plants and highly polluting industries withing the zone
Makes a beginning towards giving communities and the public a voice in forest and
wildlife conservation

Eco Tourism

Responsible tourism to place of natural importance (fragile, pristine, relatively

undisturbed by humans) with motive to conserve nature, improve well being of people
and also earn profit
It has low impact on environment
Educates travellers
Raise funds for conservation
Minimises negative aspects of conventional tourism

Principles of Eco tourism

Should be a trinity of conservation, community development, sustainable tourism

Should provide financial benefits for conservation
Should have minimum impact on environment

Criticism of Eco tourism

Costly to implement
 Policies vaguely defined, may be misinterpreted
In the name of eco tourism, mass tourism is promoted
Not well regulated, may lead to destruction of local community

Why Petrol preferred over Diesel

Diesel cars have high emissions of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) & PM than petrol cars
High sulphur content in diesel leads to acid rain

ECOLEX

It is a web-based comprehensive global resource of national & international

environmental & natural resource law & policy
It is jointly operated by FAO, IUCN & UNEP

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

It is a statutory organisation under the MoEF&CC established under Water (Prevention

and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
It has jurisdiction under Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 as well
It takes measures to control pollution for UTs, while the same is done for states by
respective SPCB
It also give technical assistance to MoEF&CC & SPCBs

Environmental Theories

Determinism - Physical environment predisposes human social development towards

particular trajectories
Possibilism - It argues that the environment only sets certain constraints or limitations,
but culture is otherwise determined by social conditions
Neodeterminism - It is the middle way between both concepts

Carbon Initiative for Development (Ci-Dev)

It is aimed at developing Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) for LDCs through

carbon emission reduction market

Global Environment Facility (GEF)

It was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit

It funds developing countries to meet the objectives of the international environmental
conventions and agreements
It serves as the financial mechanism for Stockholm convention, Minamata Convention,
UNCBD, UNCCD & UNFCCC

Belmont Forum
 It is a high level group of the worlds major and emerging funders of global
environmental change research and international science councils
It supports international environmental research
Its secretariat is held by its members on rotation basis (currently with France) & in India
it is represented by Mo Earth Sciences

Random Facts

Green GDP is a national accounting system of the utilization of non-renewable natural

resources of any country

Flooding a field cuts off the oxygen supply from atmosphere resulting in
anaerobic condition which emits methane and nitrogen fertilizer which are generally used
in rice field for high production, emits nitrous oxide by the reaction with atmospheric
oxygen
Since CO2 is heavier than air, it sinks in ocean than moving up. Also, during
winter, it is observed that CO2 is trapped in ice caps
Polluter Pays Principle states that those responsible for higher pollution
whether it is an individual factory or a countryshould bear the costs of managing it to
prevent damage to health or the environment.
TERI has developed Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA)
along with MoNRE to rate green buildings in India. GRIHA attempts to minimize a
buildings resource consumption, waste generation, and overall ecological impact within
certain nationally acceptable limits. It has also developed bio-fertilizer based
on mycorhizzal technology on commercial level.
HIMANSH is a remote & high altitude research stations in Spiti, HP to study
Himalayn glacier responses towards climate changeEstablished by National Centre for
Antarctic and Ocean Research(NCAOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences
Worlds largest outdoor air purifier, designed by a Dutch engineer, will be
deployed in Beijing
Kehkasha Basu, Dubai resident of Indian origin has been awarded with
International Children Peace Prize for her work towards environment conservation
through her NGO 'Green Hope'
India: Financing Energy Efficiency at MSME Project (FEEMP) has been
funded by IBRD (World Bank) under Global Environment Facility initiative. The project
started in 2010, and recently additional grant has been received for the project
Aerial seeding is a technique of sowing seeds using helicopter/aeroplane. It is
suitable for sowing inaccessible terrain & to cover large area in minimum time
Crimes in India 2015 report released by NCRB ranks Bangalore at the top in most
registered cases under wildlife protection act & forest Act
Ocean absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere to form carbonate rocks for skeleton
& shells of marine organism
Carbfix Project was initiated in Iceland to capture CO2 by solidifying it through
reacting it with basaltic rocks. It was successful, but very costly & reversible
Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh is being artificially filled by drinking water due to
dropping level of water in the lake
 Earth Day is an annual event, celebrated on April 22 & events to demostrate
support for environmental protection are held worlwife. Trees for Earth was theme for
2016.
Earth Hour is organised by WWF & is observed on last Saturday of March every
year & use of electricity is avoided for an hour between 8:30-9:30. It started in Sydney as
Lights Off event in 2007
Science Express Climate Action Special (SECAS II) is a mobile science
exhibition on train instituted jointly by MoR, DoS&T, DoBT & MoEFCC in 2007. It has
six entries in Limca book of world records for being largest, longest, most attended
mobile exhibition. It aims to create awareness among various sections of society, as to
how climate change can be combated through mitigation and adaptation
Social Discount Rate is used to assess cost of future damage
World Conference on Environment by UNEP is being organised in India by NGT
in collaboration with MoW&F and MoW
Activist Prafulla Samantara (Niyamgiri Hills Conservation Efforts) is one of the
six winners of the Goldman Environmental Prize for 2017. Earlier other Indian have
also won the prize such as Medha Patkar, Ramesh Agrawal,