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Carbon Farming:

It is a whole farm approach to optimizing carbon capture on working landscapes by

implementing practices that are known to improve the rate at which CO2 is removed from
the atmosphere and stored in plant material and/or soil organic matter.
Its effectiveness varies depending on multiple factors — geographical location, soil type,
crop selection, water availability, biodiversity and farm size and scale. Its usefulness also
depends on land management practices, sufficient policy support and community
engagement.

Carbon Registry : The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has developed
open-source software that allows countries to effectively manage national data and
processes for trading carbon credits. National Carbon Registry: • This digital platform
has received accreditation as a digital public good (DPG), allowing countries to use and
adapt it to their specific needs. It is designed to facilitate the tracking and management of
carbon credits.

Carbon Credits: • Carbon credits, are permits that allow the owner to emit a certain
amount of carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases.
• One credit permits the emission of one ton of carbon dioxide or the equivalent in other
greenhouse gasses.

Carbon Budget: • Carbon budget is the amount of greenhouse gasses that humanity can
emit while still having a chance to contain global warming within 1.5 degrees centigrade
compared with pre-industrial levels, as advocated by the Paris Agreement.
• It works by setting a limit on the total amount of CO2 that can be emitted over a certain
period of time.

Carbon Nanoflorets
They are a unique nanostructure composed of carbon atoms that show structural similarity
to plant flowers. Nanoflorets can absorb light at multiple frequencies, making them highly

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efficient at converting sunlight into thermal energy. Recently, The IIT Bombay team
found tiny carbon ‘flowers’ that turn Sunlight to heat at an efficiency of 87%

Carbon tax is a form of pollution tax imposed on the burning of carbon-based fuels (coal,
oil, gas). It is a tax levied on products that are a source of greenhouse gases, primarily
fossil fuels. The tax is imposed with the goal of environmental protection to reduce the
output of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide.

Carbon Footprint:
A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted by an organization through
all its activities: one’s environmental impact in terms of carbon emissions.

Carbon Neutrality:

Worldwide equilibrium between anthropogenic emissions and anthropogenic absorption.

As such, an organization, product, or service cannot be carbon neutral by itself but can
contribute to achieving global carbon neutrality. The objective of carbon neutrality is
twofold: to reduce the total amount of emissions and increase absorption capacity.

Carbon Offsetting:
The term carbon offsetting refers to compensating residual greenhouse gas emissions
through projects that absorb or avoid carbon dioxide. “Residual” is a key term as an
organization must offset only after having reduced its emissions.

Carbon Sinks:
A forest, ocean, land, or soil that absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Process of capturing and trapping carbon dioxide,
often used at fossil fuel plants to prevent emissions.

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Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Extends CCS by using captured
carbon in the production of goods like fuels, plastics, or concrete.

IPCC definition of Carbon neutrality is achieved when anthropogenic CO2 emissions are
balanced globally by anthropogenic carbon dioxide removals over a specified period.
Carbon neutrality is also referred to as net-zero carbon dioxide emission.

Carbon Leakage - The phenomenon where emission reduction measures in one country
lead to increased emissions in another country, often due to the shifting of industries to
regions with lower environmental standards.

Carbon Accounting - The process of quantifying and tracking greenhouse gas emissions
and removals to measure an entity's carbon footprint and inform mitigation strategies.

Carbon offsetting is a practice used by companies to compensate for their CO2 emissions
by funding projects that reduce or remove an equivalent amount of CO2 from the
atmosphere.
The basic idea behind carbon offsetting is to balance out the emissions produced in one
area by investing in activities that offset or counteract those emissions in another area

Carbon Intensity in Relation to GDP

Carbon intensity related to GDP measures the carbon dioxide emissions produced for
every unit of economic output. A lower carbon intensity indicates a greener, more
efficient economy that grows with fewer environmental impacts.

Carbon fertilisation is the artificial enrichment of the atmosphere of greenhouses with

carbon dioxide, an essential nutrient for plants and vegetables. It is also known as Carbon
Dioxide Fertilisation.

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It is used to improve production levels, both from a qualitative and from a quantitative
point of view.

Biogenic Carbon - Biogenic CO2 emissions are defined as CO2 emissions directly
resulting from the combustion, decomposition, or processing of biologically based
materials other than fossil fuels, peat, and mineral sources of carbon through combustion,
digestion, fermentation, or decomposition processes.

Circular Economy - An economic system that aims to eliminate waste and maximize the
use of resources by reusing, repairing, and recycling materials.

Tipping point
IPCC definition: A level of change in system properties beyond which a system
reorganizes, often abruptly, and does not return to the initial state even if the drivers of
the change are abated. For the climate system, it refers to a critical threshold when global
or regional climate changes from one stable state to another stable state.

Climate Refugia - Areas that are likely to remain relatively stable in a changing climate.
Climate refugia can provide a refuge for species that are unable to adapt to the changing
climate.

Geoengineering - The deliberate manipulation of the Earth's climate system to mitigate

the impacts of climate change.

Global Warming Potential (GWP) - The index used to translate the level of emissions of
various gases into a common measure in order to compare the relative radiative forcing
of different gases without directly calculating the changes in atmospheric concentrations.

Green Bonds - Financial instruments that raise capital for projects with environmental
benefits, such as renewable energy projects or energy-efficient buildings.

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Green Infrastructure - Natural or nature-based systems, such as wetlands, urban forests,

and green roofs, that provide multiple environmental benefits, including stormwater
management and biodiversity conservation.

Green Procurement - The practice of sourcing and purchasing goods and services based
on environmental considerations, such as energy efficiency, recyclability, and low-
impact production methods.

Greenwashing - The practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the

environmental benefits of a product, service, or company.

Heat Island Effect - The phenomenon in which urban areas are warmer than surrounding
rural areas. The heat island effect is caused by the concentration of heat-absorbing
materials, such as concrete and asphalt, in urban areas. The heat island effect can
contribute to air pollution and heat-related health problems.

Ice Sheet - A large mass of ice that covers land. Ice sheets are found in Antarctica and
Greenland. Ice sheets are a major source of freshwater and a significant factor in sea level
rise.

Ocean Acidification - The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans due to the
absorption of carbon dioxide, resulting in harmful effects on marine organisms and
ecosystems.

Overshoot - The point at which human activities cause the Earth's climate system to
exceed its natural equilibrium. Overshoot is a serious threat to the planet, and it could
lead to catastrophic changes in the climate.

Blue Ocean event Refers to a situation in which the Arctic Ocean’s ice area drops below
1 Million [Link] leading to the change of arctic surface colour from white to blue.
Process reduces the amount of sunlight reflected into space, leading to further warming
and ice loss.

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The Green Climate Fund.

The UNFCCC's financial framework included the Green Climate Fund, which was
formed in 2010 to aid developing nations to get funding from wealthier nations in order
to combat climate change and prepare for its consequences. It was established to limit or
reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to assist underprivileged societies in adapting
to the inevitable repercussions of climate change.
The Green Climate Fund was approved as a financing mechanism by the UN Framework
Convention UNFCCC in CoP 16 held in Cancun at the end of 2011.

Adaptation Fund
The Adaptation Fund is an international fund that provides funding for initiatives and
programs meant to aid developing nations in coping with the negative effects of climate
change. It was established in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol of the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change

Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF):

It was established under the UNFCC in 2001. The Global Environment Facility operates
the SCCF.
It finances projects relating to adaptation; technology transfer and capacity building;
energy, transport, industry, agriculture, forestry and waste management; and economic
diversification.

Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF):

It was established under the UNFCC in 2001. It is administered by the Global
Environment Facility.
The LDCF aims to address the needs of the 48 LDCs which are particularly vulnerable
to the adverse impacts of climate change.

Triple planetary crisis -The triple planetary crisis refers to the three main interlinked
issues that humanity currently faces: climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss

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Plastic Overshoot Day

Refers to the day when the amount of plastic waste surpasses the capability of waste
management systems to effectively manage.

Basel Convention, 1989: Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes

and their Disposal.

Rotterdam Convention, 1998: Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade.

Stockholm Convention, 2001: on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Waigani Convention, 1995: Convention to ban the Importation of Hazardous and

Radioactive Wastes into Forum Island Countries and to Control the Transboundary
Movement and Management of Hazardous Waste within the South Pacific Region.

River dolphin range states- Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador,
India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru and Venezuela.

Belem Declaration
• Member countries of Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) signed the
Belém Declaration in the Brazilian city of Belém. o ACTO is an intergovernmental socio-
environmental block formed by signing of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty.
o Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela are its
members.
• Belém Declaration calls for ensuring the participation of Indigenous Peoples in
decision-making o Also commits to launching the Amazon Alliance to Fight
Deforestation.

Nairobi declaration

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The first Africa Climate Summit 2023 ends with the ‘Nairobi Declaration’. • Called for
an annual climate finance pledge of $100bn and reforms to multilateral financial systems

Addis Ababa Declaration

The 19th African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) 2023, held in
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia ended with the declaration.
• Prioritizes wide-ranging actions related to climate change, plastics pollution, marine
protection, land degradation, and natural capital. • Signed by 54 African Nations.

Sustainability Bonds are specifically designed to raise money for environmentally- and
socially responsible initiatives

Circular Economy (CE) • An economic system where means of production are organized
around reusing and recycling the inputs.

Sun Halo/22degree Halo

Sun halo was witnessed in North India. • About Sun Halo: Multi-colored ring that appears
like a rainbow circling the star. • Also called 22-degree halo (as radius of the circle is
always ~22 degrees). • Formation: o Refraction/bending when sunlight enters the ice
crystals in the thin cirrus clouds.
Causes the sun's rays to separate into their component colours (because of dispersion),
creating a spectrum which is visible as halo.

Blue Hole: Massive underwater sinkhole • Considered hotspots of microbial biodiversity.

• Believed to be formed in the Ice Age (sea level was 100–120 m lower than current
levels).
• Get their names from their indigo centers and light blue perimeters. • Deepest blue hole
on earth: Dragon Hole or Longdong in the South China Sea.

Blue Economy o Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved
livelihood and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health (according to World Bank).

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Cellular Agriculture • Production of animal-based products from cell cultures rather than
directly from animals.
• Uses 2 different approaches: o Cell cultivation (cellular): Meat directly produced from
cells (fed with nutrients in large cultivators).
o Precision fermentation (acellular): Microorganisms used rather than cell cultures to
produce products such as milk and egg-white proteins.

Invisible e-waste: Electronic items that often go unrecognized and aren’t properly
recycled within the appropriate waste stream are known as invisible e-waste. • E.g.,
vapes, LED accessories, USB cables, power tools, smoke detectors, etc.

Light Pollution: • It is the excessive or poor use of artificial outdoor light, in various
forms, including Glare or over-illumination, sky glow, Light trespass, Clutter, etc. Sky
Glow Pollution: • High levels of sky glow obscure the stars in the night sky, and hence
Astronomers raised concern that it reduces their ability to view celestial objects.

Plastigomorate: • It is a rock composed of sand, rock fragments, shells, and other

materials held together by plastic, resulting in a plastic-rock hybrid.
• It is a new form of plastic pollution

Mammatus clouds • Mammatus clouds are some of the most unusual and distinctive cloud
formations, with a series of bulges emerging from the base of a cloud.
• Turbulence within the cumulonimbus cloud causes Mammatus to form.
• Mammatus clouds are interesting in part because they’re formed by sinking air, unlike
normal cloud-forming processes formed due to updraft of air.

Flash droughts have been defined in either of two ways: ○ A short-lived yet severe event
where soil moisture is completely depleted.
○ A multi-week period of rapid intensification towards drought.
• It is sometimes also defined as a rapidly developing drought event.

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Overturning Circulation • Antarctica drives a global network of ocean currents called the
“overturning circulation” that redistributes heat, carbon, and nutrients around the globe.

Rapid Intensification (RI): It refers to the phenomenon where a tropical cyclone

experiences a significant increase in its maximum sustained winds over a relatively short
period of time.

Gravity Hole • Earth's gravity is not uniform, and thus Gravity holes result from
differences in Earth's crust density, causing stronger gravitational pull in certain areas.
• Impact of gravity holes includes influencing ocean currents, creating vortexes that can
be hazardous for navigation, and affecting geological formations.

Waterspouts • A waterspout is a tornado-like column or funnel of violently rotating air

that usually forms over the surface of the sea.
• Waterspouts form in warm, humid environments with temperature variations between
warm water and cooler air.

Greenwishing
It refers to organizations expressing a desire to be more environmentally responsible
without taking concrete actions to achieve those goals. It’s like making a wish for
sustainability without any tangible actions directed in the required direction.

Greenhushing
It implies a situation where an organization intentionally downplays its positive
environmental achievements. It might involve not publicizing sustainable practices for
various reasons, such as modesty, fear of criticism, or reducing external communication.

Bluewashing
Bluewashing is a deceptive marketing tactic that makes consumers believe a company is
promoting sustainability in food systems and water conservation.

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Upward lightning is a phenomenon whereby a self-initiated lightning streak develops

from a tall object and moves upward toward an overhead electrified storm [Link]
requires storm electrification and the presence of a charged cloud region

Holobionts
Holobionts are host organisms and their associated microbes living symbiotically.
Animals and plants are now viewed as biomolecular networks known as "holobionts."
For Example: Bacteria in legume roots benefit from plant-produced sugars and promote
plant growth by supplying nitrogen. Together, their combined genomes create a
"hologenome.”

Fujiwhara Effect
When two hurricanes or cyclones spin in the same direction and come close, they engage
in an ‘intense dance around a common center,’ and this phenomenon is termed the
Fujiwhara effect. In rare cases, if both cyclones are intense, they may merge, forming a
mega-cyclone with potential coastal havoc.

Dark Sky Park

A dark-sky park is an area usually surrounding a park or observatory that restricts
artificial light pollution. The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has been marked as
India's first Dark Sky Park and Asia’s fifth Dark Sky Park for protecting the night sky
and preventing light pollution.

Ecocide
Ecocide is the “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge that there is a
substantial likelihood of severe and either widespread or long-term damage to the
environment being caused by those acts.”

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Shelf clouds
Shelf clouds (also known as wall clouds, funnel clouds, Arcus clouds, etc) are often
observed beneath cumulonimbus clouds, leading to intense rainfall. Its formation
involves a cold downdraft from a cumulonimbus cloud reaching the ground, causing rapid
spreading of cold air along the ground and pushing warm moist air upward. This rising
air leads to water vapor condensing into the distinctive patterns associated with shelf
clouds

Planetary Boundaries: • Planetary boundaries are the thresholds of environmental limits

that define a “safe operating space for humanity.”
• The four boundaries breached by humans are Climate change, Biodiversity loss, Land-
use change, and geochemical cycles.
• These breaches are directly linked to human induced desertification, land degradation,
and drought.

Agumbe Rainforest Complex (ARC) is a biodiversity hotspot located in the Western

Ghats of Karnataka and is known for its heavy rainfall, which can exceed 8,000 mm per
year.

A Dark-sky park is an area usually surrounding a park or observatory that restricts

artificial light pollution. The Pench Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra has been marked as
India's first Dark Sky Park and Asia’s fifth Dark Sky Park for protecting the night sky
and preventing light pollution.

Plashbot This system effectively eliminates undesired vegetation from water bodies,
employing various components to locate, extract, crush, and transport the plants. This
system constitutes a key component of the innovative waterbody management initiative
known as "TAMARA.”

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Green Ammonia is a form of ammonia (NH3) that is produced using renewable energy
sources. It can be used in producing carbon-neutral fertiliser products, helps in
decarbonizing the food value chain, has the potential for future climate-neutral shipping
fuel, and helps accelerate the world's transition to a renewable energy drive

Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC):

It is a system of ocean currents that circulates water within the Atlantic Ocean, bringing
warm water north and cold water south and is part of a complex system of global ocean
currents.
The global conveyor belt circulates cool subsurface water and warm surface water
throughout the world. It plays a crucial role in moderating the climate of Europe and
North America and influences temperatures near the Equator.

The government has launched a national portal on human-elephant conflict called

‘Surakhsya’ for the collection of real-time information and for managing the conflicts on
a real-time basis.
It aims to help set the data collection protocols, data transmission pipelines, and data
visualisation tools to enable policymakers to leverage HEC data for policy formulation
and for the preparation of Action Plans for mitigation of conflicts.

Chrysotile Asbestos:

Chrysotile, commonly known as white asbestos, is a fibrous mineral and one of the six
types of asbestos.
It is the sole form of asbestos in the serpentine group of minerals.
It is the most commonly encountered form of asbestos, accounting for approximately
95% of the asbestos in the United States
It is a popular choice in construction materials.

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Healthy Coral: Coral and algae depend on each other to survive. Corals have a symbiotic
relationship with microscopic algae called zooxanthellae that live in their tissues. These
algae are the coral’s primary food source and give them their colour.

Stressed Coral: If stressed, algae leaves the coral. When the symbiotic relationship
becomes stressed due to increased ocean temperature or pollution, the algae leave the
coral's tissue.
Under stressed conditions, the corals expel the colour-giving zooxanthellae from their
polyps, which exposes their pale white exoskeleton, giving the corals a bleached
appearance.

Bleached Coral: Coral is left bleached and vulnerable. Without the algae, the coral loses
its major source of food, turns white or very pale, and is more susceptible to disease.

Biogas: A mixture of methane, CO2 and small quantities of other gases

Produced naturally through the anaerobic decomposition of biomass, such as agricultural
residue, municipal solid waste, sugarcane press mud, etc.
Compressed Bio Gas (CBG)
Obtained after purification and compression of bio-gas

Siali Creepers
These are a type of vine that grows abundantly around Sal trees in the forests of Odisha,
India.
These creepers have become a crucial source of livelihood for the tribal communities
(Mankadia tribe) in the region.
The leaves are made into plates and the fibres from the stem are used for other products.

Forever Chemicals (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

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These are a group of man-made chemicals that have been in use since the 1940s.
They are used in a wide range of consumer products, from non-stick pans and waterproof
clothing to makeup and fire fighting foams.
Have toxicity issue
‘Forever chemicals’ because they do not naturally break down and can persist in the
environment for decades.
They are made up of chains of carbon and fluorine atoms held together by some of the
strongest chemical bonds in nature.

The Kankrej cattle, a breed of Zebuine cattle, is one of the oldest and most revered cattle
breeds in India.
Originating from the arid region of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and neighbouring
Rajasthan, the Kankrej cattle have a rich history dating back over 1000 [Link] are
large in size and are one of the heaviest Indian cattle breeds

Cabo Verde is the third country to acquire status in WHO's African region, joining
Mauritius and Algeria, who were certified in 1973 and 2019, respectively.
Africa has the highest malaria burden and accounted for roughly 95% of global malaria
cases and 96% of related deaths in 2021.

In Vembanad Kole Wetland, Kerala Cabomba Furcuta, aka Pink Bloom, due its massive
flowering, has been a new threat to the Kole fields, in addition to water hyacinth and
Salvinia molesta.
Largest brackish lake of Kerala

Ocean Heat Content

It is the amount of heat stored in the upper 2,000 metres of the global oceans, and it is a
critical metric for understanding and monitoring the Earth’s energy balance and its
implications for [Link] oceans have absorbed 90% of the warming that has occurred
in recent decades due to increasing greenhouse gases.
The top few metres of the ocean store as much heat as Earth’s entire atmosphere.

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Forced Evolution in Biology: This refers to the concept of artificially inducing or

accelerating the evolutionary process in a species, typically through selective breeding or
genetic engineering.
This could involve selecting for specific traits, such as larger fruit in trees or longer fur
in dogs.

Zosurabalpin
It is an experimental antibiotic that targets a lipopolysaccharide transporter, and that can
kill bacteria which are resistant to most drugs.
It is highly effective against CRAB both in the laboratory and in infected animals.
It works by blocking a molecular machine called LptB2FGC that transports the
lipopolysaccharide toxin from the inside barrier to the outside one.

Almora Earthquakes
Almora is a geological fault in the Himalayan region that runs from western Nepal to
Uttarakhand.
The activation of the Almora fault led to many earthquakes of varying degree of
magnitudes like 5.8 in January 2023, 6.2 in October 2023 and 6.4 in November 2023

Invasives Plant Species in India:

Mikania Micrantha: It was introduced in India around World War-II Manas and
Kaziranga (Assam) National parks, Valmiki Tiger Reserve (Bihar) and Kerala. It is native
to the Pacific and Asian countries.
Early-stage invasion Central India and Himalayan foothills.

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Mimosa Diplotricha: Native to Central and South America, it can form dense thickets
quickly.
Manas and Kaziranga (Assam) National parks, Valmiki Tiger Reserve (Bihar),
Karnataka.
Early-stage invasion in Central India.

Xanthium Strumarium: Native of North America and Argentina, the plant is drought-
resistant.
Mukundara National Park (Rajasthan), Nagarjuna Sagar Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) and
Sathya-mangalam (Tamil Nadu) tiger reserves.

Mesosphaerum Suaveolens: A herbaceous plant native to the South America and West
Indies, its introduction into India is unknown. Pench, Melghat and Tadoba Andhari tiger
reserves in Central India. Early-stage invasion in Himalayan foothills

Chromolaena Odorata: Belonging to the sunflower family, this South American shrub
was introduced in India in the 1840s Bandipur National Park and Nagarhole Tiger
Reserve in Karnataka, Manas National Park (Assam), Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Tamil
Nadu).
Early-stage invasion in Himalayan foothills, Central Indian highlands.

Lantana Camara: Native of South America, it was introduced in India as a decorative

shrub in 1809 Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala), Central
Indian Highlands, Himalayan foothills.

Senna Tora: An invasive weed native of South America, its introduction into India is
unknown.
Sariska (Rajasthan) and Amarabad (Telangana) tiger reserves and Bandhavgarh National
Park (Madhya Pradesh)

Prosopis Juliflora: Native to Mexico and South America, it was introduced in India in
1887.
Kutch, Thar, Aravalli, and Deccan Plateau. Early-stage invasion in lower Himalayas,
Northeastern hills.

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Argentina Adenophora: A weed indigenous to Central America, it was introduced in the

subcontinent in the 1950s Himalayas, Western Ghats and Northeast. Early-stage invasion
in dry forests of Central India.

Ageratum Conyzoides: A flower bearing plant native to tropical America and known to
exist in India before 1882. Himalayan foothills, Terai and Northeastern hills.

Parthenium Hysterophorus: A poisonous weed introduced in India in 1954 as

contaminants in imported wheat Agro-pastoral regions,

Red fire ant

• It was found in Europe for the first time. • Native to: South America however, spread
in United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, China, and Australia.
Form 'super colonies' with multiple queens and has the ability to spread rapidly. o Feed
on fauna that nests or feeds on the ground, including insects, spiders, etc.
• Communication: Through chemical secretions and stridulation (sounds produced by
rubbing or drumming one body part against another)

Ludwigia peruviana
• An invasive weed, is threatening elephant habitats and foraging grounds in Tamil Nadu.
o Infested the majority of the hill station’s swamps, locally known as vayals .
• Popularly called primrose willow. • Native of Central and South America including
Peru. • Used as an ornamental plant for its tiny yellow flowers

Prosopis Chilensis
• As per the it is threatening to pulverize native vegetation across 21 islands in the Gulf
of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (GoMBR).
Drought-resistant plant • Native to the arid regions of four South American countries
(Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru).
• Also known as Chilean mesquite.

Mosquitofish • A new study has revealed that two species of mosquitofish, Gambusia
affinis and Gambusia holbrooki, have invaded various ecosystems across India.
• Widely introduced worldwide as a form of biological mosquito control (feeds on
mosquito larvae).

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• Native to U.S. • Habitat: Shallow waters, dense vegetation growth where larvae and
pupae hide. • Introduced 1st
in India in 1928, during British rule.

Conocarpus Trees
• Invasive mangrove species, recently banned by Gujarat government. o Earlier,
Telangana government also banned it.
• A genus of two species of flowering plants of Winter, native to tropical regions of the
world.

Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)

Organized under Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

Lantana camara, also known as lantana, is an invasive weed species of flowering plant
within the verbena family.
It is native to the American tropics and is a very adaptable species that can inhabit a wide
variety of ecosystems.
Lantana is not native to India, and was introduced in the country as an ornamental plant
by the British in the 1800s, and has since spread over 574,186 sq km, covering 50% of
the country’s ‘natural areas’.

Mountain chicken frog is believed to be one of the fastest extinctions of a wild animal
on record.

Indian Oil Corporations launched India's 1st Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell bus. About
Hydrogen Fuel cells • An electrochemical energy conversion device that generates
electricity, heat, and water by using hydrogen and air.

Ethanol blend: Second generation biofuel in which a blended motor fuel contains ethyl
alcohol at least 99% pure.

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Target of achieving average 10% blending was achieved in June, 2022 and target of 20%
ethanol blending was advanced to 2025 (from 2030).
o E20 fuel, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, launched 2 years ahead of target.

Traditional Water Harvesting Systems:

Paar System in Western Rajasthan:

It is a common place where the rainwater flows from the agar (catchment) and percolates
into the sandy soil. In order to access the percolated water (rajani pani) kuis or beris are
dug in the agor (storage area).
The structure was constructed through traditional masonry technology.
Rainwater harvested through PAAR technique is known as Patali paani.
Talab/Bandhis:

These can be natural, like ponds (pokhariyan) at Tikamgarh in the Bundelkhand region,
and or human-made, like lakes in Udaipur.
A reservoir area of less than five bighas is called a talai; a medium sized lake is called a
bandhi or talab; bigger lakes are called sagar or samand.

Saza Kuva:
It is the most important source of irrigation in the Aravalli hills in Mewar, and eastern
Rajasthan.

Johad:
These are small earthen check dams that capture and conserve rainwater, improving
percolation and groundwater recharge.
Five rivers that used to go dry immediately following the monsoon have now become
perennial, such as the River Arvari, has come alive.
Pat System of Madhya Pradesh:

It was devised according to the peculiarities of the terrain to divert water from swift-
flowing hill streams into irrigation channels called pats.

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Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC):

It is a system of ocean currents that circulates water within the Atlantic Ocean, bringing
warm water north and cold water south and is part of a complex system of global ocean
currents.
The global conveyor belt circulates cool subsurface water and warm surface water
throughout the world. It plays a crucial role in moderating the climate of Europe and
North America and influences temperatures near the Equator.

Tipping elements in the Earth's climate system:

● These are the critical threshold for a system that influences the climate and ecology
of the planet, indicating the point beyond which that system begins to undergo a large-
scale irreversible shift.
● Tipping elements include long-term loss of major ice sheets on Greenland and in
Antarctica, large-scale ecosystem shifts for the Amazon rainforest and northern evergreen
forests, species loss for coral reefs, shrinking Arctic sea-ice, and potential weakening of
the AMOC etc.
The collapse of AMOC could have a cascading impact on the stability of other tipping
elements and climate systems of the earth.
The Amazon rainforest is one of the tipping elements in the Earth's climate system.
Tipping elements are the critical threshold for a system that influences the climate and
ecology of the planet, indicating the point beyond which that system begins to undergo a
large-scale irreversible shift.
These include long-term loss of major ice sheets on Greenland and in Antarctica, large-
scale ecosystem shifts for the Amazon rainforest and northern evergreen forests, species
loss for coral reefs, shrinking Arctic sea-ice, and potential weakening of the AMOC etc.

‘The Waste Sponges’ are states where low plastic consumption but high plastic pollution
levels.

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India is among the 12 countries, along with China, Brazil, Indonesia, Thailand, Russia,
Mexico, the United States, Saudia Arabia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran and
Kazakhstan, which are responsible for 52 per cent of the world’s mismanaged plastic
waste, it pointed out.

Pacific trash vortex

Great Pacific Garbage Patch (GPGP) also called the Pacific Trash Vortex.
Location: It is located halfway between Hawaii and California.

GEF Serves as "financial mechanism" to 5 conventions

✓ Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
✓ United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
✓ Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
✓ UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
✓ Minamata Convention on Mercury.
✓ Although not linked formally to the Montreal Protocol, supports implementation of the
Montreal Protocol in Countries with Economies in Transition

Borealisation is expansion of temperate species (terrestrial and marine) into Arctic polar-
regions.

Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac two banned drug to protect vultures

Endosulfan: An Organochlorine Pesticide used to control variety of insects and mites
crops like soy, rice, wheat, vegetables, fruits, nuts, coffee, tobacco and cotton. o Listed
under both Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent and Stockholm
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

Key outcomes of COP 28

Operationalized Loss and Damage (L&D) Fund

It was first announced during COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt.

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It is a global financial package to ensure the rescue and rehabilitation of countries facing
the cascading effects of climate change.

Launch of the COP 28 Gender-Responsive Just Transitions and Climate Action

Partnership.

Global Green Credit Initiative (GGCI) By India

• Serve as the international platform for dialogue, collaboration, and the exchange of
innovative environmental programs and instruments. o Also referred as Global Platform
for Nature's Ecological Transformation.

COP28 UAE Declaration on Climate and Health

United Arab Emirates (UAE) in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO)
Signed by over 120 countries including US, UK, Brazil etc.
India has not signed yet.

Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge

Aim:Triple the global installed renewable energy capacity to at least 11,000 GW and
Double the global energy efficiency improvement rate to more than 4% by 2030.
Phase down unabated coal
India not a Signatory

The Global Cooling Pledge

Initiated by UAE • India not a Signatory
o Commits the countries to reduce their cooling emissions by at least 68% by 2050.
o To increase access to sustainable cooling by 2030. To increase the global average
efficiency of new air conditioners by 50%.
• Emission targets draw on the modelling from the UNEP Cool Coalition report Global
Cooling Watch 2023 Keeping it Chill.

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Enhancing Nature Based Solutions for an Accelerated Climate Transformation (ENACT)

Partnership
Launched by: Germany and Egypt along with the IUCN at COP 27, which took place at
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in 2022.
• Aims to coordinate global efforts to address climate change, land and ecosystem
degradation, and biodiversity loss through Nature-based Solutions (NbS).

G7 climate club • Led by Germany and Chile, along with 36 member countries including
Kenya, the European Union, Switzerland and others.
• India is not a member

International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants

An intergovernmental organization. • Genesis: Established by the International

Convention for the protection of New Varieties of Plants (Adopted in 1961)
•HQ: Geneva (Switzerland) • Objective: Promotes an effective system of plant varieties
of plants for the benefits of society. • India is not a member

ALTERRA fund
Announced by UAE • A $30 billion climate fund • Vision: o To become the world’s
largest private investment vehicle for climate change action
o Mobilise $250 billion globally by 2030 to create a fairer climate finance system.

Fossil Fuel, Oil and Gas Decarbonization Charter (OGDC

Signed by 50 companies, representing more than 40% of global oil production
• A global industry Charter dedicated to speeding up climate action and achieving high-
scale impact across the oil and gas sectors.

Co-launched the Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT 2.0)

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LeadIT 2.0 will focus on inclusive & just industry transition, development and transfer
of low-carbon technology, and financial support to emerging economies for industry
transition.
• LeadIT was launched by India and Sweden at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019.

India-led Global River Cities Alliance (GRCA) launched National Mission for Clean
Ganga (NMCG) signed a Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) with Mississippi
River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI).

• This led to launch of GRCA, as the current River Cities Alliance (RCA) has now
expanded its strength to membership of 267 global river-cities including India, USA
and Denmark. o RCA is a joint initiative of Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) & Ministry of
Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to connect river cities and focus on sustainable
river centric development, started in 2021.

‘Gravity hole’ - Known as the Indian Ocean Geoid Low (IOGL) has low gravity in this
area.

GloLitter Partnerships Project • The Project is implemented by the International Maritime

Organization (IMO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Blue Nature Alliance •

It is a global partnership founded and led by five core partners: Conservation
International, The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Global Environment Facility, Minderoo
Foundation, and the Rob & Melani Walton Foundation.
Lantana camara
• A recent study found Lantana camara, a tropical American shrub, has invaded more
than 40% of India’s tiger range.
• Lantana is one of the world’s ten worst invasive species. o It competes with native plants
for space and resources, and also alters the nutrient cycle in the soil.
o It can tolerate high temperature and moisture.
• If eaten, the leaves can induce allergies on the muzzles of animals. In some cases,
extensive feeding on lantana has led to diarrhoea, liver failure, and even the animal’s
death.

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Asian Development Bank (ADB) launched the “Building Adaptation and Resilience in
the Hindu Kush Himalayas Initiative”

Green Credit Program (GCP) operating under The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Provides advantages to individuals and communities.
Green Credit Program (GCP) • A market-based mechanism to incentivise environment
positive actions by different stakeholders such as Industries/institutions, State,
philanthropies. The participation is voluntary in nature.

Climate and Clean Air Coalition's (CCAC) annual meeting was held on the margins of
the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) in Nairobi,
Kenya.
To further scale up implementation of the Global Methane Pledge, Clean Air Flagship
and Kigali Amendment.
• Launch of Clean Air Flagship: To save lives and slow climate change through
cooperation and emission reduction.
Only global alliance dedicated exclusively to the reduction of short-lived climate
pollutants (SLCPs). India member joined in 2019

Avaana Sustainability Fund (ASF

ASF • A venture Capital fund and the first anchored fund of the Small Industries
Development Bank of India (SIDBI).
To invest in early-stage climate technology companies • Project Value: $120 million •
ASF's strategies include: Investing in low-carbon and climate-resilient businesses,
Adding value for climate and sustainability leaders etc.

PRANA (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in NAC) has been also launched monitor
the implementation of NCAP.
India announced an ‘Alliance for Global Good- Gender Equity, and Equality’ at the
World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

Humboldt’s Enigma

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The proponents of Humboldt’s enigma hold that many areas outside the tropics are also
highly biodiverse. i.e., the Mountains

Rip Current is a strong flow of water running from a beach back to open ocean, sea, or
lake.
• They can be as narrow as 10 or 20 feet in width though they may be up to ten times
wider.

Star Dunes are formed in areas with complex wind regimes, which means winds blowing
from different directions.
Earth's largest star dunes are found in the Badain Jaran desert (China). • They also have
been spotted on Mars and Saturn’s moon Titan.

Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) inaugurated the first phase of ART-CI in Madhya
Pradesh.
• Aim: Advancing weather research for better understanding on processes governing
monsoon convection and land-atmosphere interactions over core monsoon zone.

DAC+S Technology
• A Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technology that captures CO2 directly from the
atmosphere at any location.
• It is distinct from carbon capture which is generally carried out at the point of emissions.
• CO2 can be permanently stored in deep geological formations (DAC+S) or used for
various applications.

Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)

Technology Mechanism was established in 2010 for accelerating and enhancing climate
technology development and transfer.
o It is hosted by the UN Environment Programme.

NEW COLLECTIVE QUANTIFIED GOAL ON CLIMATE FINANCE (NCQG)

proposed in COP21 for setting post-2025 climate finance goal (new goal

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NCQG is proposed to raise the floor on climate finance above the current $100 billion
annual target

UN Development Programme unveiled Climate Promise 2025

Climate Promise Initiative is an initiative to support developing countries on their climate
action. • It is world’s largest offer of support to developing countries on NDC (Nationally
Determined Contribution) enhancement and implementation.

Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction (Buildings-GSR) 2024

• Released by: Jointly by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Global
Alliance for Buildings and Construction (GlobalABC).
○ GlobalABC, founded at COP21, is leading global platform for all built environment
stakeholders committed to a common vision: A zero-emission, efficient and resilient
buildings and construction sector.

PHASING OUT MERCURY MEASURING DEVICES IN HEALTHCARE PROJECT

by UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
Members : Albania, Burkina Faso, India, Montenegro, and Uganda
Funding: By Global Environment Facility
To Phase out mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers at a rate of 20% annually,
and reduce mercury spillages.
o Encourage adoption of accurate, affordable and safe mercury-free alternatives, while
improving management of mercury-containing medical waste

Honeycomb-structured clouds play a crucial role in the region's climate.

Open honeycomb clouds allow sunlight to pass and tend to produce more intense,
sporadic rainfall, which "washes" the aerosols out.
These clouds are more common in the winter. ○ Closed honeycomb clouds reflect
sunlight leading to low rainfall and thus less effective at removing aerosols.

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Plastic and Toxic chemicals from the world deposit and accumulate in the Arctic, making
the Arctic a “hemispheric sink”. These are transported on atmospheric and oceanic
currents from lower latitudes through a process known as global distillation or the
“grasshopper effect.”

Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (GGGW)

• The World Meteorological Congress has approved a new GHG monitoring initiative
‘Global Greenhouse Gas Watch (GGGW)’ to aid urgent action in reducing heat-trapping
gases.

First movers’ coalition (FMC)

• India participated in the First Movers Coalition (FMC) Leadership Meeting • FMC: Led
by the World Economic Forum and the US government. • Launched at COP26 as a
flagship public-private partnership to clean up the most carbon-intensive sectors.

Global Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Infrastructure (GGMI)

• Launched by: WMO • Aim: To provide better ways of measuring planet-warming
pollution and help inform policy choices.

Major Economies Forum (MEF) on Energy and Climate

USA aims to catalyse global climate action through its MEF on Energy and Climate.
Launched in 2009, it aims at facilitating candid dialogue among major emitting countries
to garner the political leadership needed to advance efforts against climate change.

Enhancing Naturebased Solutions for an Accelerated Climate Transformation (ENACT)

Partnership
• Launched by: Germany and Egypt along with the IUCN at COP 27, which took place
at Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt in 2022.
• Aims to coordinate global efforts to address climate change, land and ecosystem
degradation, and biodiversity loss through Nature-based Solutions (NbS).
India not a part.

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Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases (GRA)

The GRA is an international organization that brings countries together to find ways to
grow more food without growing greenhouse gas emissions.
The GRA was launched in 2009 by New Zealand and has since grown to include 67
member countries (India is not a member).

Rare butterfly species Neptis philyra was recently discovered for the first time in India.
• Has been discovered in Tale Valley wildlife sanctuary in lower Subansiri district of
Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is commonly known as long-streak sailor.

'Arogyappacha' (Trichopus zeylanicus) found endemic to Agastyar hills of Kerala is used

by the local 'kani' tribe as a health food for getting instant stamina, ever green health and
vitality

Global Forest Watch (GFW).

World Resources Institute (WRI) established GFW in 1997. o It is an online platform that
provides data and tools for monitoring forests. o It allows access to near real-time
information about where and how forests are changing around world

Gape limitation is a concept in ecology that refers to the physical constraint on the size
of prey that a predator can consume. This limitation is primarily determined by the size
of the predator’s mouth or “gape”.

Coral Triangle is a marine area located in the western Pacific Ocean. It includes the waters
of Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Solomon
Islands.

Paira cropping system is a relay method of sowing in which short-duration pulses/oilseeds

are broadcast in standing crop of rice ~2 weeks before its harvest.

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• It does not allow interventions such as tillage, weeding, irrigation, and fertilizer
application.

Data in Climate Resilient Agriculture DiCRA is a collaborative digital public good that
provides open access to key geospatial datasets pertinent to climate-resilient agriculture.
o Curated by UNDP and partner organizations to inform public investments in
agriculture.

WORLD'S FIRST EVER NUCLEAR ENERGY SUMMIT

• Summit was jointly organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and
Belgium . o It was organised in the wake of the historic inclusion of nuclear energy in the
Global Stocktake agreed at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28), 2023.
Currently, nuclear energy is responsible for around 25 % of global low carbon electricity
production.
• Summit was attended by more than 30 nations (including India) and European Union.

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)

Refers to long-term ocean fluctuation in Pacific Ocean.
• 2 phases: o Cool or Negative Phase: Lower temperatures in the eastern equatorial
Pacific. And a warm temperature in north, west and southern Pacific
. o Warm or positive phase: West Pacific Ocean becomes cool and the wedge in the east
warms.

Cloudburst
• Cloudburst is a rain event if 10 cm rainfall is received at a station in one hour.
(According to IMD) o Extent: It is a localized but intense rainfall activity and usually
occurs over a small geographical region of about 20 to 30 sq. km.

Bio remediation technology developed in India for Oil spills

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Oilzapper (developed by TERI), an eco-friendly technique of using the bacteria to get rid
of oil sludges and oil- spill.
Oilivorous-S (jointly developed by TERI and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd) has an
additional bacterial strain that makes it more effective against sludge and crude oil with
high-sulphur content

Earthquakes generate ionospheric disturbances that are referred to as Coseismic

ionospheric perturbations (CIP).
Coseismic vertical crustal movements excite acoustic waves in the atmosphere. o These
waves propagate to reach the ionosphere, causing disturbances in electrons along the line
of sights connecting ground Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers and
satellites.

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) has launched a pilot scheme called
Mission 50K-EV4ECO.
• Mission aims to strengthen the Electric Vehicle (EV) ecosystem in India by financing
EVs purchase through direct and indirect lending to Micro, Small and Medium
Enterprises (MSMEs) and NBFCs respectively.
• To serve as precursor to SIDBI-World Bank's EVOLVE programme

Global Biofuel alliance (GBA)

• India launched the GBA at the G20 summit.
Memberso 7 G20 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Canada, India Italy, South Africa, USA.
o 4 G20 invitee countries: Bangladesh, Singapore, Mauritius, UAE. o 8 Non- G20
countries: Iceland, Kenya, Guyana, Paraguay, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Finland.
12 International organizations: World Bank, ADB, WEF, World LPG Organization, UN
Energy for All, UNIDO, Biofutures Platform, ICAO, IEA, International Energy Forum,
IRENA, World Biogas Association.
Aims to expedite global uptake of biofuels.

Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS)

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• It is a technology in which water is recycled and reused after mechanical and biological
filtration and removal of suspended matter and metabolites.
• Use: High-density culture of various species of fish, utilizing minimum land area and
water.
Reduced operational costs, climate resilience High capital cost,

'electronic soil', a low-power bioelectronic growth substrate, tailored for hydroponic

cultivation. o e-Soil can electrically stimulate the root system and growth environment of
plants.

Initiatives by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL

National Efficient Cooking Programme (NECP).
Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA)
Street Lighting National Programme
Smart Meter National Programme
Buildings Energy Efficiency Programme

Ministry of Power established UTPRERAK, a Centre of Excellence to Accelerate

Adoption of Energy Efficient Technologies in Indian Industry

Open Access

Open Access (OA) means non-discriminatory access to electricity transmission and

distribution system provided to eligible consumers, generators and state distribution
companies (DISCOMs

India stands 4th in The world in terms of wind power installed capacity (43.7 GW), only
after China, USA and Germany. o Wind energy contributes to 10.3% in India’s energy
basket.

Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR) to leverage Emerging

Technologies in the Power Sector.
To Identify emerging technologies of future relevance. o Create a vibrant & innovative
ecosystem for energy Sector Stakeholders.

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India outperforms US and China in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

(LEED) net zero certifications. LEED rating system is globally recognized certification
system. • Provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green
buildings. • Developed by: U.S. Green Building Council .
Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) • India’s own green building
rating system • Jointly developed by: The Energy & Resources Institute (TERI) and
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

Green Building
• Refer to the use of environmentally friendly construction materials, processes,
operation, and maintenance.

ZSI’s publication “75 Endemic Birds of India

India home to 12.40% of global bird diversity.
o Three endemic species not recorded in last few decades
✓ Manipur Bush Quail ✓ Himalayan Quail ✓ Jerdon’s Courser
o Three species classified as ‘Critically Endangered’ by IUCN
✓ Himalayan Quail ✓ Jerdon’s Courser ✓ Bugun Liocichla
o Highest number of endemic species have been recorded in Western Ghats
✓ Malabar Grey Hornbill ✓ Malabar Parakeet
✓ Ashambu Laughing Thrush ✓ White-bellied Sholakili
⁰ Several species are endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands:
✓ Nicobar Megapode ✓ Nicobar Serpent Eagle ✓ Andaman Crake ✓ Andaman Barn
Owl

State of India’s Birds 2023’ Report by Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

Bird species richness has reduced
o Long-distance migrants have declined the most, by over 50%.
✓ Shorebirds that breed in the Arctic have been particularly affected (declining by close
to 80%).
o Several bird species such as the Indian Peafowl, Rock Pigeon, Asian Koel and House
Crow are showing an increasing trend.
• Key birds and their habitat
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o Endangered
✓ Indian Skimmer: Around Chambal, Ganga, Mahanadi, Yamuna, and Son
✓ Black-bellied Tern: Around Chambal, Mahanadi, Ganga, Son, Godavari, and Yamuna
o Critically Endangered
✓ Bengal Florican: Restricted to the Himalayan Terai and grasslands of northeastern
India (Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh)
✓ Baer’s Pochard: Wetlands of Assam and Manipur

First Census of Water bodies

Key highlights of the Census
o 24.24 lakh water bodies
✓ 97.1% in rural areas ✓ 2.9% are in urban areas
o Top 3 states with most water bodies: West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh.
o States/UTs with least water bodies: Sikkim, Chandigarh, Delhi.
o Man-made water bodies: 78% o Natural water bodies: 22%

Gentiana Kurroo
It is a perennial herb with flowers that are deep blue, paler in the throat and spotted with
green and white o They are also called as Himalayan gentian or Trayman. It is critical
endangered

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