UPSC

INTERVIEW MATERIALS

ENVIRONMENT

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 GLOBAL PLASTIC TREATY
1. GLOBAL PLASTIC TREATY

What is in the news?

Recently, the 4th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-4) of the
United Nations Environment Agency (UNEA) was held in Ottawa, Canada. This session's
objective is to build a legally binding agreement on plastics pollution by the end of 2024
under UNEA. Even though attracted participation from over 170 member states, it failed to
reach an agreement.

Why is there a need for global plastic treaty?

1. Rapid Expansion of Plastic Production:

From mid-20th century, the plastic production across the countries has skyrocketed.
From just 2 million tonnes in 1950 to more than 450 million tonnes in 2019.

If left unchecked, the production is slated to double by 2050, and triple by 2060.

2. Undecomposable nature of plastics

As plastic takes anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, and less than 10% has
been recycled till now, nearly 6 billion tonnes now pollute the planet, according to a
2023 study published by The Lancet.

3. Micro plastic burden

The plastic waste that leaks into the environment, especially into rivers, oceans, soils
and agricultural fields where it breaks down into smaller particles (microplastic or
nanoplastic).

They further enter the food chain and accumulates into the human bodies causinh
health problems.

4. Irreplaceability

Since plastic is a cheap and versatile material, it is part of wide variety of applications
with widespread making the alternatives less attractive.

5. Climate change

According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and

Development (OECD), in 2019, plastics generated 1.8 billion tonnes of GHG emissions
(3.4% of global emissions).

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What solution does Global plastic pollution entails?

1. Global cooperation: to curb the menace of plastic pollution the consensus and
cooperation of world countries and constant financing and research on alternatives
is a precursor.
2. Bans and prohibition: the agreement could provide for prohibition on plastics as no
other climate agreements firmly talked about the plastic as a pollution.

3. Progress Assessment: The treaty will have provisions for assessing member states'
performance and progress in implementing plastic pollution reduction measures.

4. Just transition: to accommodate vulnerable groups and countries that may face
setback in transition away from the plastic economy.

Challenges in adoption of plastic treaty

1. Oil producing countries resistance

Since the inaugural talks in Uruguay in November 2022, oil-producing countries like
Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Iran have strongly opposed plastic production caps,
resorting to various delay tactics, such as procedural disputes, to obstruct productive
discussions.

Some major oil and gas-producing nations, along with fossil fuel and chemical
industry groups, aim to narrow the treaty's focus solely on plastic waste and recycling.

2. High ambition coalition and USA

The "High Ambition Coalition (HAC) to End Plastic Pollution," comprising approximately
65 nations including African nations and most of the European Union, advocates for
ambitious goals such as ending plastic pollution by 2040 and phasing out
problematic single-use plastics and harmful chemical additives.

The US, although expressing a desire to end plastic pollution by 2040, diverges from
the coalition's approach by promoting voluntary measures instead of binding
commitments.

3. Developing countries

Being a cheap and versatile material divergence from plastic may hurt the economies
of developing countries as the sustainable alternatives are of high cost and also
requires high investment.

India’s stance
 India advocated for the preamble to reaffirm "the sovereign rights of states to
sustainable development". India emphasised the incorporation of principles such

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 as equity, sustainable development, and common but differentiated
responsibilities.

 India opposes any limitations on primary plastic polymers or virgin plastics, arguing
that production reductions exceed the scope of UNEA resolution 5/14. India Asserts
the need for nationally determined approaches for downstream measures like
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), excluding international supply chains.
 Advocates for prioritising plastic waste management as the primary area of
intervention, excluding considerations of emissions during manufacturing and
recycling stages.

Initiatives related to plastics Indian initiative

1. UNEP plastic initiative 1. Plastic waste management rules

2. Global tourism plastic initiative 2. Swachh Bharat mission

3. Circular plastic economy 3. Extended producer responsibility

Thus, global plastic treaty is a concrete effort to tackle the menace of plastic pollution
and guides the transition towards ecofriendly alternative source of packaging.

2. IPCC’s Sixth assessment report:

What’s in the news?

The IPCC finalized the Synthesis Report for the Sixth Assessment Report during the Panel's
58th Session held in Interlaken, Switzerland from 13 - 19 March 2023.

Highlights of the AR6:

The report does not weigh in on new scientific evidence but synthesises findings from
three working groups and also integrates evidence from three special reports during the
sixth assessment cycle, which began in 2015.

The AR6 warned that the time to limit the rise of the world’s average surface temperature
to 5 degrees Celsius from the pre-industrial era (as agreed in the Paris Agreement) is
running out.

Also, the world is close to breaching adaptation limits.

It suggested some options and strategies to slow warming, and to adapt and build
resilience in natural systems, in human-made systems, and in communities.

1. Unprecedent global warming

Human-induced global warming of 1.1 degrees Celsius has spurred changes to the
Earth’s climate that are unprecedented in recent human history.

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 2. Extreme weather events

Changing climate pattern and frequency of climate disasters are virtual evidence of
global warming induced climate change.

3. Financial shortfall

The current global financial flows for adaptation are insufficient for, and constrain
implementation of, adaptation options, especially in developing countries.

4. Failure to achieve Paris goal:

There is a more than 50% chance that global temperature rise will reach or surpass 1.5
degrees Celsius between 2021 and 2040 across studied scenarios, and under a high-
emissions pathway, specifically, the world may hit this threshold even sooner —
between 2018 and 2037.

Aftermath of AR6:

The IPCC initiated its seventh cycle (AR7) by electing an IPCC bureau.

In (January) 2024, bureau members met for the 1st time in Turkey to discuss budgeting
issues, timelines for the various reports, and the work programme.

Prior to this, member countries made a suggestion to guarantee that appropriate IPCC
input is available for the 2nd global stocktake, which is scheduled to conclude in 2028.

Conclusion
The world must rapidly shift away from burning fossil fuels — the number one cause of
the climate crisis. A mix of strategies can help avoid locking in the carbon emissions,
including retiring existing fossil fuel infrastructure, canceling new projects, retrofitting
fossil-fueled power plants with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies and
scaling up renewable energy sources like solar and wind. There is a need for urgent,
systemwide transformations to secure a net-zero, climate-resilient future.

3. 28th Conference of parties

COPs are gatherings held within the framework of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a multinational treaty established in
1992.COP28, or the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, was held in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates from November 30 to December 13, 2023.

Outcomes of COP 28

1. Global stocktake

It is a periodic review mechanism established under Paris agreement in [Link]

proposes eight steps to keep the global temperature rise within the ambit of 1.5

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 degrees [Link] calls for tripling renewable energy capacity globally and doubling
the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. It aims to
substantially reduce non-CO2 emissions, including, in particular, methane emissions
globally by 2030.

2. Transitioning Away from Fossil Fuels :

COP28 calls for transitioning away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly,
and equitable manner, accelerating action in this critical decade, to achieve net zero
by 2050.

3. Global Goal on Adaptation (GGA):

Global adaptation goal focuses on enhancing adaptive capabilities, and minimizing

vulnerability for sustainable development. At COP28, this text calls for a doubling in
adaptation finance and plans for assessments and monitoring of adaptation needs in
the coming years.

4. Climate Finance:

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that
wealthy nations owe developing countries USD 500 billion in 2025 under the New
Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. The goal is to set a new
collective quantified goal before 2025. The goal will start from a floor of USD 100 billion
per year. This includes USD 250 billion for mitigation, USD 100 billion for adaptation, and
USD 150 billion for loss and damage.

5. Loss and Damage Fund:

Member countries reached an agreement to operationalize the Loss and Damage

(L&D) fund aimed at compensating countries grappling with climate change impacts.
A specific percentage is earmarked for Least Developed Countries and Small Island
Developing States.

The World Bank will oversee the loss and damage fund in the beginning.

6. Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge:

The Pledge stipulates that signatories commit to work together to triple the world’s
installed renewable energy generation capacity to at least 11,000 GW by 2030.

It also calls for collectively double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency
improvements from around 2% to over 4% every year until 2030.

7. The Global Cooling Pledge for COP 28:

It includes 66 national government signatories committed to working together to

reduce cooling-related emissions across all sectors by at least 68% globally relative to
2022 levels by 2050.

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 8. Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy:

The declaration launched at COP28 aims to triple global nuclear energy capacity by
2050.

Challenges:

1. No timeline and Resistance over Phase-down of Coal and fossil fuel

2. No Specified Targets on Tripling of Global Renewable Energy

3. No Clear Mechanisms for Achieving Adaptation Goals

4. Lack of Accountability on Financial Commitments

5. Varying Interpretations on Climate Finance

6. Concerns over Methane Emission Cuts

COPs are crucial in the battle against climate change but the road ahead is both
challenging and promising. Its success requires collective determination, unwavering
commitment, and a recognition that the stakes are high. By embracing determined
contributions and forging genuine partnerships, the global community can build a
sustainable and resilient future.

4. Biodiversity loss and conservation efforts

The biodiversity loss means, a decrease in biodiversity within a species, an ecosystem, a
given geographic area, or Earth as a [Link] loss describes the decline in the
number, genetic variability, and variety of species, and the biological communities in a
given area. This loss in the variety of life can lead to a breakdown in the functioning of the
ecosystem where decline has happened.

Forest clearing, wetland filling, stream channeling and rerouting, and road and building
construction are often part of a systematic effort that produces a substantial change in
the ecological trajectory of a landscape or a region.

Five important drivers of biodiversity loss

1. Habitat loss and degradation—which is any thinning, fragmentation, or destruction

of an existing natural habitat.

2. Invasive species—which are non-native species that significantly modify or disrupt

the ecosystems they colonize

3. Overexploitation—which is the harvesting of game animals, fish, or other organisms

beyond the capacity for surviving populations to replace their losses

4. Pollution—which is the addition of any substance or any form of energy to the

environment at a rate faster than it can be dispersed, diluted, decomposed,
recycled, or stored in some harmless form

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 5. Climate change associated with global warming—which is the modification of
Earth’s climate caused by the burning of fossil fuels

Biodiversity loss affects economic systems and human society. Humans rely on various
plants, animals, and other organisms for food, building materials, and medicines, and
their availability as commodities is important to many cultures. The loss of biodiversity
among these critical natural resources threatens global food security and the
development of new pharmaceuticals to deal with future diseases. Simplified,
homogenized ecosystems can also represent an aesthetic loss.

Conservation efforts:

Dealing with biodiversity loss is tied directly to the conservation challenges posed by the
underlying drivers. Governments, nongovernmental organizations, and the scientific
community must work together to create incentives to conserve natural habitats and
protect the species within them from unnecessary harvesting, while disincentivizing
behaviour that contributes to habitat loss and degradation.

Numerous national governments have conserved portions of their territories under the
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). A list of 20 biodiversity goals, called the Aichi
Biodiversity Targets, was unveiled at the CBD meeting held in Nagoya, Japan, in October
2010.

 Conserving biodiversity: Protecting species that are at risk of extinction with

conservation strategies.
Convention on biodiversity.
 Sustainable use: Using biological resources sustainably benefits people and results
in healthy ecosystems.
Sustainable development goals.
 Global Biodiversity Framework: The framework, agreed in December 2022, aims to
conserve 30% of land and sea by 2030.
 Public awareness: Creating public awareness about biodiversity conservation and its
importance.
Through education and participation.
 Reducing pollutants: Reducing the levels of pollutants in the environment.
Global plastic treaty.
 Prohibiting deforestation: Strictly prohibiting deforestation.
REDD plus and Food and agriculture organisation.
 Following environmental laws: Strictly following environmental laws.
Extended producer responsibility
 Preventing poaching and hunting: Preventing the poaching and hunting of wild
animals.
Wildlife protection act.

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 An area with higher abundant species has a more stable environment when compared
to a lower species abundance area. Humans directly depend on different species of
plants for numerous needs. Thus it is sustainability which is the need of the hour.

5. Extreme weather events and climate change

One of the most visible consequences of a warming world is an increase in the intensity
and frequency of extreme weather events. The National Climate Assessment finds that
the number of heat waves, heavy downpours, and major hurricanes has increased in the
United States, and the strength of these events has increased, too.

A measure of the economic impact of extreme weather is the increasing number of

billion-dollar disasters depicts the depth of climate change and its impact on human
existence and existential threat.

Climate change is expected to worsen the frequency, intensity, and impacts of some
types of extreme weather events. For example, sea level rise increases the impacts of
coastal storms and warming can place more stress on water supplies during droughts.
That’s why many cities, state, and businesses are taking steps to prepare for more
extreme weather.

Record-breaking heat waves on land and in the ocean, drenching rains, severe floods,
years-long droughts, extreme wildfires, and widespread flooding during hurricanes are
all becoming more frequent and more [Link] to the Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC)’s Sixth Assessment Report released in 2021, the human-
caused rise in greenhouse gases has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme
weather events. NASA’s satellite missions, including the upcoming Earth System
Observatory, provide vital data for monitoring and responding to extreme weather
events.

Reasons for extreme weather events:

1. Human actions since the Industrial Revolution

2. Burning of fossil fuels,

3. Exploitation of natural resources

4. Pollution

5. Developmental urge.

These actions have caused greenhouse gases to rapidly rise in the atmosphere. As
carbon dioxide, methane, and other gases increase, they act as a blanket, trapping heat
and warming the planet. In response, Earth’s air and ocean temperatures warm. This
warming affects the water cycle, shifts weather patterns, and melts land ice — all
impacts that can make extreme weather worse.

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 Means to end the climate change

1. Sustainable development under united nations

Thus, fostering intergenerational and intragenerational equity and long term benefits
for both human ans environment. Example adopting sustainable alternative to fossils
and plastics.

2. Curbing air pollution

Using advance technologies to purify pollution or transitioning away from burning of

fossil fuel to ensure breathable air.

3. Protecting the global commons

The high seas and outer space are global commons that has to be preserved for
maintaining the equilibrim of the ecosystem.

4. Cooperation

The global cooperation to adapt advance technology and green development.

5. Individual efforts

Single man conscience and individual efforts could drive positive actions for the
conservation of environment.
Example LIFESTYLE mission for environment.

These efforts could help bring down the carbon emission and helps in bringing down the
impact of greenhouse effect in long run. The feedback loop induced by increasing
carbon dioxide has to be reversed through nature positive efforts. This is the only means
to halt the climate induced extreme weather events.

6. Deforestation and afforestation efforts

Deforestation is the purposeful clearing of forested land. Throughout history and into
modern times, forests have been razed to make space for agriculture and animal
grazing, and to obtain wood for fuel, manufacturing, and construction. Deforestation has
greatly altered landscapes around the world, China has lost great expanses of its forests
over the past 4,000 years and now just over 20 percent of it is forested. Much of Earth’s
farmland was once forests.

Today, the greatest amount of deforestation is occurring in tropical rainforests, aided by

extensive road construction into regions that were once almost inaccessible.

1. Building or upgrading roads into forests makes them more accessible for
exploitation.

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 2. Slash-and-burn agriculture is a big contributor to deforestation in the tropics. With
this agricultural method, farmers burn large swaths of forest, allowing the ash to
fertilize the land for crops. The land is only fertile for a few years, however, after which
the farmers move on to repeat the process elsewhere.

3. Tropical forests are also cleared to make way for logging, cattle ranching, and oil
palm and rubber tree plantations.

Impact of deforestation
1. Deforestation can result in more carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere.

2. Deforestation also threatens the world’s biodiversity.

3. It can drive many of those species into extinction. Some scientists say we are already
in the midst of a mass-extinction episode.

4. More immediately, the loss of trees from a forest can leave soil more prone to
erosion. (Wayanad landslides)

While deforestation can be permanent, this is not always the case. In North America, for
example, forests in many areas are returning thanks to conservation efforts.

Conservation efforts
Afforestation is the process of planting trees in areas that were previously without trees. It
can be a sustainable way to help the environment and mitigate climate change. Here
are some examples of afforestation efforts:

Mission Green Earth-This initiative planted 9.6 million trees across 35 countries and 25
states in India in 2008.

Tetvali-This 33-acre forest in Navi Mumbai, India is one of the largest urban afforestation
projects in the country.

Agroforestry- Helps farmers by replenishing water sources, reconfiguring farming, and

training rural communities.

Afforestation can have many benefits, including:

 Climate change mitigation: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and
purify air.

 Biodiversity conservation: New habitats are established for plants and animals and
prevent extinction.

 Economic benefits: Jobs are created and wood production increases.

 Reduced soil erosion: Afforestation projects can reduce soil erosion and make
ecosystem resilient.

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  Protected watersheds: Afforestation projects can protect watersheds and evade
water crisis.

 Restoring land fertility: This can involve soil conditioning, erosion control, and water
management, thus ensuring food security.

Efforts of afforestation
1. REDD+ ("Reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation in
developing countries"). It's a framework that helps countries reduce greenhouse
gas emissions from deforestation and forest degradation, and to conserve and
manage forests sustainably

2. Miyawaki techniques or urban forestry

3. Great green wall of Africa

4. The UN New York Declaration

This 2014 declaration required countries to reduce deforestation by half by 2020 and stop
it by 2030.

Thus, afforestation is the only means to reclaim the wild in its pristine form and to escape
the existential threat that awaits humanity.

7. Air pollution and its health impacts

Air pollution is contamination of the indoor or outdoor environment by any chemical,

physical or biological agent that modifies the natural characteristics of the atmosphere.

Causes

 Household combustion devices,

 motor vehicles,

 industrial facilities and

 forest fires are common sources of air pollution.

 Pollutants of major public health concern

 Particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide.

Health impact:
Outdoor and indoor air pollution cause respiratory and other diseases and are important
sources of morbidity and mortality. Both short-term and long-term exposure to air
pollutants can cause a variety of health problems.

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WHO data show that almost all of the global population (99%) breathe air that exceeds
WHO guideline limits and contains high levels of pollutants, with low- and middle-income
countries suffering from the highest exposures.
 For people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD/emphysema or chronic bronchitis), air pollution can make it harder to
breathe, trigger asthma attacks, or cause wheezing and coughing.

 Air pollution also increases the risk of respiratory infections, heart disease, stroke, and
lung cancer, and more severely affects people who are already ill.

 People’s health risks from air pollution vary widely depending on age, location,
underlying health, and other factors.

 Many studies show that low-income communities and minority populations are
disproportionately exposed to air pollution and are more vulnerable to adverse
health impacts.

Measures to curb air pollution

There are many ways to reduce air pollution, including:

1. Transportation: Drive less, carpool, bike, or walk. You can also use public
transportation, which uses less gas and energy.

2. Vehicles: Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle or an electric car. Keep your car in good
repair and turn off the engine when you're not using it.

3. Energy use: Save energy by turning off lights and the television when you leave a
room. Buy energy-efficient appliances.

4. Waste management: Recycle and reuse. Reduce waste, separate waste, and
reprocess waste.

5. Lawn equipment: Use electric or hand-powered lawn equipment instead of gas-

powered equipment.

6. Food: Reduce meat consumption and shift to plant-based protein.

7. Power generation: Use low-emissions fuels and renewable power sources like
solar, wind, or hydropower.

8. Health care: Support low-carbon development in health services.

9. Local ordinances: Pass local ordinances to reduce air pollution.

10. Education: Promote and educate residents on best practices.

11. Incentives: Create incentives for beneficial behaviors

Air quality is closely linked to the earth’s climate and ecosystems globally. Many of the
drivers of air pollution (i.e. combustion of fossil fuels) are also sources of greenhouse gas
emissions. Policies to reduce air pollution, therefore, offer a win-win strategy for both
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 climate and health, lowering the burden of disease attributable to air pollution, as well as
contributing to the near- and long-term mitigation of climate change

8. Water scarcity and its conservation

Water scarcity limits access to safe water for drinking and for practising basic hygiene at
home, in schools and in health-care facilities. When water is scarce, sewage systems can
fail and the threat of contracting diseases like cholera surges. Scarce water also
becomes more expensive.

Four billion people — almost two thirds of the world’s population — experience severe
water scarcity for at least one month each year.(UNICEF)

Causes of water scarcity:

 Climate change: Climate change is warming the planet, which can cause more
variable and extreme precipitation patterns. It can also cause clouds to move away
from the equator, which can deprive some regions of rainfall.

 Groundwater depletion: Groundwater is extracted for drinking, farming, and

industrial processes, often at unsustainable rates.

 Pollution: Industrial waste is often illegally dumped into rivers and lakes, which can
pollute water bodies and make them unfit for consumption.

 Population growth: As the world’s population grows, so does the demand for water.

 Inadequate infrastructure: Collapsed infrastructure and distribution systems can

make it difficult to access water.

 Poor water management: Poor water management can exacerbate water scarcity.

 Failing institutions: Failing institutions can contribute to water scarcity.

 Forced migration: Refugees often end up in areas with similar climate events or
stressed resources.

Impact of water scarcity

1. Health: Water-borne diseases: When water is scarce, sewage systems can fail,
increasing the risk of contracting diseases like cholera and typhoid fever.
Poor hygiene: Without access to safe water, people can’t practice good hygiene,
which can lead to illness.
Child health: Safe drinking water is critical for children’s development.

2. Women’s health: Women and girls often spend a lot of time carrying water for their
families, which can impact their health.

3. Economic impact

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 Economic decline: When water runs dry, people can’t get enough to water crops,
which can lead to economic decline.

Lost labor and productivity: In the U.S., water insecurity costs the economy
approximately $8.58 billion annually in lost labor and productivity.

Higher healthcare costs: In the U.S., water insecurity leads to higher healthcare
costs.

4. Food insecurity

Water scarcity can lead to food insecurity and malnutrition.

5. Migration

For farmers and seasonal agricultural workers, drought can lead to forced
migration.

6. Climate change

Water scarcity can worsen the likelihood of other climate-related extreme events,
such as heat waves, floods, and infectious disease outbreaks.

Means to end water scarcity- conservation

1. Rainwater harvesting: A technique that involves collecting and storing

rainwater before it reaches the aquifer. This method helps reduce the demand
for groundwater and recharges the groundwater table.

2. Greywater recycling: A sustainable system that can reduce water usage in

households by almost 50%.

3. Watershed management: Involves recycling polluted water and desilting rivers,

lakes, and ponds.

4. Repairing leaks: Reporting leaks helps in conserving water by allowing repairs

and maintenance of damaged water lines.

5. Planting and maintaining trees: Helps reduce evaporation losses and recharge
groundwater.

Efforts and initiatives:

1. UN celebrates World Water Day on March 22 to raise awareness and sensitise

people.

2. World Economic Forum- The Global Water Initiative works to protect freshwater
ecosystems through public-private partnerships

3. World Wildlife Fund

4. The WWF promotes good water governance

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 5. Earth5R- This initiative uses a mobile app to help people track their sustainability
efforts.

India has several initiatives to conserve water, including

government programs, community efforts, and private sector
projects:
 Jal Shakti Abhiyan

This annual campaign from the Ministry of Jal Shakti aims to address water
scarcity by promoting water conservation, restoration, recharge, and reuse. The
campaign includes interventions like rainwater harvesting, renovating water
bodies, and recharging bore wells.

 Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari

This community-driven initiative involves constructing rainwater harvesting

structures and integrating central schemes like AMRUT 2.0, PMKSY, and Mission
Amrit Sarovar.

 Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)

 This scheme includes water conservation and water harvesting structures.

 15th Finance Commission tied grants

These grants provide financial assistance to states for rainwater harvesting and
other water and sanitation activities.

 Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0

This mission includes provisions for harvesting rainwater through storm water
drains.

 Unified Building Bye Laws (UBBL) of Delhi, 2016

These guidelines include measures for water conservation and rainwater
harvesting.

 Pernod Ricard India

This company has water conservation projects for its own facilities and the
agricultural communities that supply it with raw materials

Beyond these efforts any initiative that impacts the biodiversity conservation will have
aindirect benefit of water conservation and thus eliminating water scarcity. Earth is
called the blue planet due to the presence of water and being habitable. Any less of
water will lead to existential crisis in the world. Its high time to invest in technologies and
efforts to conserve the water at its earliest.

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9. Green hydrogen a sustainable renewable energy
Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element on the planet; it is present in 75 % of
matter. It is the very method that we use to obtain hydrogen that determines whether
that hydrogen is a clean, sustainable fuel or not.

Green hydrogen is a clean energy source that's produced by splitting water into
hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity. It's produced through a process called
electrolysis, which uses an electrical current to separate the hydrogen from oxygen in
water. The only by-product of the process is water, resulting in a clean, sustainable
system in which zero CO₂ is emitted to produce energy

Advantages

 Sustainable: Green hydrogen doesn't emit polluting gases during production or

combustion.

 Storable: Hydrogen is easy to store and can be used for other purposes later.

 Lower greenhouse gas emissions: Green hydrogen produces significantly lower

greenhouse gas emissions than grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels.

Challenges:

1. More expensive

2. High initial investment required

3. According to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the

cost of hydrogen installations could decrease from 40 % to 80 % in the long term.
This, coupled with lower renewable energy prices, suggests that green hydrogen
could be profitable from 2030.

4. Green hydrogen's principal purpose is to help limit global warming to 1.5 °C, reduce
fossil fuel dependence by replacing grey hydrogen, and provide for an expanded set
of end-uses in specific economic sectors, sub-sectors and activities.

5. These end-uses may be technically difficult to decarbonize through other means

such as electrification with renewable power.

Application

Its main applications are likely to be in

6. Heavy industry (e.g. high temperature processes alongside electricity, feedstock for
production of green ammonia and organic chemicals, as direct reduction
steelmaking),

7. Long-haul transport (e.g. shipping, aviation and to a lesser extent heavy goods
vehicles), and

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 8. Long-term energy storage.

As of 2021, green hydrogen accounted for less than 0.04% of total hydrogen production.
Its cost relative to hydrogen derived from fossil fuels is the main reason green hydrogen
is in less demand.

For example, hydrogen produced by electrolysis powered by solar power was about 25
times more expensive than that derived from hydrocarbons in 2018 By 2024, this cost
disadvantage had decreased to approximately 3x more expensive.

India and green hydrogen

India has a National Green Hydrogen Mission with the goal of becoming a global hub for
the production, use, and export of green hydrogen. The mission aims to reduce India's
dependence on fossil fuel imports and decarbonize the economy. Andhra Pradesh is
home to India's largest green hydrogen plant, which is being built in Pudimadaka near
Vishakhapatnam.

In January 2024, nearly 412,000 metric tons/year capacity green hydrogen projects were
awarded to produce green hydrogen by the end of 2026.

Reliance Industries announced its plan to use about 3 gigawatts (GW) of solar energy to
generate 400,000 tonnes of hydrogen.

Gautam Adani, founder of the Adani Group announced plans to invest $70 billion to
become the world's largest renewable energy company, and produce the cheapest
hydrogen across the globe.

The power ministry of India has stated that India intends to produce a cumulative 5
million tonnes of green hydrogen by 2030.

In April 2022, the public sector Oil India Limited (OIL), which is headquartered in eastern
Assam's Duliajan, set up India's first 99.99% pure green hydrogen pilot plant in keeping
with the goal of "making the country ready for the pilot-scale production of hydrogen
and its use in various applications" while "research and development efforts are ongoing
for a reduction in the cost of production, storage and the transportation" of hydrogen.

10. Ocean acidification and marine ecosystem

Ocean acidification is the process by which the ocean's pH decreases due to the
absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere

The ocean absorbs about 30% of the CO2 released into the atmosphere. This CO 2 reacts
with water molecules to form carbonic acid, which then breaks down into hydrogen ions
and bicarbonate ions. The hydrogen ions make the seawater more acidic.

In the 200-plus years since the industrial revolution began, the concentration of carbon
dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere has increased due to human actions. During this time,
the pH of surface ocean waters has fallen by 0.1 pH units. This might not sound like much,

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but the pH scale is logarithmic, so this change represents approximately a 30 percent
increase in acidity.

Effects

Ocean acidification is a global threat to the world's oceans, estuaries, and waterways.
It can:

 Make it difficult for shellfish to build and maintain their shells (organism like oysters
and corals that make hard shells and skeletons by combining calcium and
carbonate from seawater)

 Affect other species, including reef-building corals and pteropods

 Threaten food security

 Harm fishing industries

 Decrease natural shoreline protection

To reduce ocean acidification, we need to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in
the atmosphere, which is caused by human activities. Here are some solutions:

 Reduce fossil fuel use: Transition to renewable energy sources and improve energy
efficiency.

 Reduce your carbon footprint: Eat less meat, drive less, fly less, and recycle.

 Protect coastal ecosystems: Restore mangroves and seagrass beds to help buffer
the effects of ocean acidification.

 Adapt fishing areas: Reduce pressure on ecosystems by adapting fishing areas.

 Research solutions: Study how macroalgae can be used to store carbon.

 Develop climate-neutral fuels: Use synthetic natural gas, green ammonia, methanol,
and hydrogen in marine shipping.

The pH scale is logarithmic, so a one-point change on the scale means a tenfold change
in concentration. The average ocean water pH is currently 8.1, which is basic (or alkaline).
Ocean acidification is affecting the entire world’s oceans, including coastal estuaries and
waterways. Many economies are dependent on fish and shellfish and people worldwide
rely on food from the ocean as their primary source of protein.

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