Environment and Ecology - 2 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

How bad is India’s single use plastic crisis?

Why in News?

This article discusses the pressing issue of single-use plastics (SUP) in India, particularly in the street food sector, as highlighted during the Sixth United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-6). The assembly focused on promoting sustainable actions against climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Single Use Plastic (SUP) in India: Definition, Status, and Global Impact

Definition: SUP refers to plastic products designed for one-time use before disposal or recycling.

Status:

• India generates approximately 0.6 million tonnes of banned SUP annually.
• As of 2019, India was the 13th largest producer of SUP polymers globally.
• India ranks 3rd in SUP waste generation, contributing 5.5 million tonnes per year.
• Per capita, India produces 4 kg of SUP waste annually, managing only about 11% of it.

Identification of Single Use Plastic Items:

• Based on a report from an expert committee under the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals.
• Assessment parameters include a Utility Index and Environmental Impact.

Challenges and Consequences of Single-Use Plastics in India

Laws & Regulations:

• The current definition does not differentiate between necessary and unnecessary plastics.
• A ban on only 19 selected SUP items remains ineffective as many problematic items are still in use.
• Unclear criteria for phasing out certain items have left corporations largely unimpacted.
• There are loopholes in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy.

Severe Impacts on Biodiversity:

• India mismanages about 85% of its plastic waste.
• SUP waste harms marine life and contributes to environmental degradation.

Economic Impact:

• The cost of managing plastic pollution is substantial, with estimates reaching US $3.7 trillion for 2019 production alone.
• SUP pollution damages tourism and local economies.

Case Study - Impact on Himalayas:

• Microplastics have been found in glaciers, with potential release into rivers during melting.
• Urbanization and tourism have contributed to plastic accumulation in the region.
• Plastic disposal has led to soil and water pollution, affecting biodiversity and freshwater sources.

Survey Conducted By The Centre For Science And Environment (CSE):

• The CSE conducted surveys to evaluate the enforcement of the SUP ban, revealing weak implementation and lack of data on manufacturers.
• Retailers are penalized while manufacturers continue production without repercussions.

India’s Action on Single Use Plastic

Ban on Identified Single Use Plastic:

• In 2018, a commitment was made to phase out SUP by 2022.
• A formal ban on certain SUP items was enacted in 2021, effective July 2022.

Comprehensive Action Plan:

• Issued in February 2022, focusing on supply-side and demand-side interventions.
• Promotes alternatives to SUPs and emphasizes public awareness.

India’s Comprehensive Approach to Tackling Plastic Pollution:

• India signed a resolution in 2022 for a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.
• Initiatives like the India Plastics Pact aim for a circular economy for plastics.

Way Forward

• Enhance capacity building for officials on recycling and waste management.
• Mandate public disclosures on waste management efforts by local governments.
• Focus on accountability and transparency in enforcement.
• Invest in alternatives to SUPs and promote reusable packaging systems.

Gupteswar Forest as Biodiversity Heritage Site

Why in news?

The pristine Gupteswar Forest, adjacent to Gupteswar Shiva temple in Odisha’s Koraput district, has been designated as the fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) within the state.

Area and Importance:

• The forest spans 350 hectares and holds significant cultural value, characterized by sacred groves that are traditionally honored by the local populace.

Flora and Fauna Diversity:

• This forest is notable for its vast biodiversity, hosting at least 608 species of fauna, including 28 mammal species.

Significant Species:

• Among the notable fauna are the mugger crocodile, Kanger Valley rock gecko, and sacred Grove Bush Frog.
• The forest is also home to various bird species, such as black baza, Jerdon’s baza, Malabar trogon, common hill myna, white-bellied woodpecker, and banded bay cuckoo.
• Additionally, the limestone caves in the forest shelter eight bat species, two of which are classified as near-threatened by the IUCN, specifically Hipposideros galeritus and Rhinolophus rouxii.

Floral Diversity:

• The forest features an impressive array of plant life, including threatened medicinal species like the Indian trumpet tree and Indian snakeroot.

What is a Biodiversity Heritage Site?

• Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS) are specifically defined areas that encompass unique and ecologically sensitive ecosystems, exhibiting a high diversity of both wild and domesticated species, alongside rare and threatened species as well as keystone species.

Legal Provision:

• Under Section 37(1) of ‘The Biological Diversity Act, 2002’, state governments have the authority to officially designate areas of biodiversity significance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites, following consultation with local bodies.

Restrictions:

• The establishment of a BHS does not impose restrictions on the traditional practices and uses of local communities, except for those voluntarily agreed upon by them. The main objective is to improve the living standards of local communities through conservation efforts.

First BHS of India:

• The first Biodiversity Heritage Site in India was the Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka, which was designated in 2007.

Last Five Additions to BHS:

• Haldir Char Island, West Bengal (May 2023)
• Birampur-Baguran Jalpai, West Bengal (May 2023)
• Tungkyong Dho, Sikkim (June 2023)
• Gandhamardan Hill, Odisha (March 2023)
• Gupteswar Forest, Odisha (Feb 2024)

Tripling Renewables by 2030

Why in News?

Recently, a report has been released by the think tank Climate Analytics titled "Tripling Renewables by 2030: Interpreting the Global Goal at the Regional Level." This report details what a rollout aligned with a 1.5°C increase would entail on a regional basis and outlines the necessary investment to achieve this goal. At the COP (Conference of Parties) 28, nations reached an agreement to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030. Coupled with a commitment to double energy efficiency, this initiative represents one of the most significant actions to shift away from fossil fuels during this crucial decade.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Tripling Renewables for 1.5°C Target: To meet the 1.5°C target established in the Paris Agreement, global renewable energy capacity must expand to 11.5 TW by 2030, which is 3.4 times the levels seen in 2022. The scaling of renewable energy will vary by region, influenced by the pace at which fossil fuels are phased out and the anticipated growth in electricity demand.

Regional Contributions:

• Asian Region: Asia is projected to contribute significantly, accounting for approximately 47% of the 8.1 TW of renewable capacity additions required globally by 2030. This growth is primarily driven by China and India, although there are concerns regarding ongoing coal-fired power plant constructions in these countries that could undermine a transition aligned with 1.5°C.
• OECD: The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is expected to provide around 36% of the global capacity additions, but growth in this region will be slower at a rate of 3.1x due to lower electricity demand and a higher initial capacity.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: This region is set to grow rapidly at a rate of 6.6x owing to its low current renewable capacity and high energy access requirements. Per capita electricity demand is forecasted to increase by 66% between 2020 and 2030, necessitating substantial international climate finance to support this growth.
• Investment Requirements: To meet the 1.5°C target, an investment of USD 12 trillion in the power sector is required by 2030, averaging USD 2 trillion annually from 2024. Two-thirds of this funding should be directed towards renewable installations, while the rest will focus on grid and storage infrastructure.
• Investment Gap and Potential Solutions: There is a significant investment shortfall, with projections indicating a USD 5 trillion deficit between 2024 and 2030. Redirecting funds from fossil fuels to renewables could potentially bridge this gap and align the energy sector with the 1.5°C objective.
• Challenges and Urgency: Sub-Saharan Africa faces considerable hurdles due to insufficient investment and lack of international support, which threatens to exclude millions from the advantages of renewable energy. Immediate action is essential to mobilize funding and enhance renewable energy deployments in economically disadvantaged regions to honor the COP28 commitments.
• Policy Recommendations: In addition to increasing renewable energy capacity, it is crucial for governments to eliminate public subsidies for fossil fuels to effectively lower emissions. A clear roadmap and reliable information on investment and climate finance needs are essential for guiding efforts toward these goals, while civil society must have benchmarks to hold governments accountable.

What are the Indian Initiatives towards Clean Energy Transition?

• India has demonstrated a commitment to clean energy with ambitious targets, including 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, which encompasses 450 GW from renewable sources, and a 43% renewable energy purchase obligation by 2030. These targets are supported by various policies and legislative measures.
• Net Zero Target: India aims for net zero emissions by 2070. In August 2022, the country updated its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, aiming for 50% of the total electric power installed capacity to come from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
• Energy Conservation Amendment Bill, 2022: The Lok Sabha passed this bill in August 2022 to mandate the use of non-fossil fuel sources, including green hydrogen, green ammonia, biomass, and ethanol, for energy and as feedstock in industries. The bill also empowers the Central Government to establish carbon markets.

Low-Carbon Action Plan (LCAP)

Why in news?

Bihar has launched a comprehensive action plan aimed at enhancing its waste management capabilities by developing a structured approach for the waste and domestic wastewater sectors. This initiative is part of the state's commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. The detailed evaluation conducted by ICLEI (International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives), South Asia, plays a vital role in this strategy. ICLEI is a global network of over 2500 local and regional governments working towards sustainable urban development, influencing sustainability policies and driving local actions for low-emission, nature-based, equitable, resilient, and circular development.

What is the Low Carbon Action Plan (LCAP)?

About: The LCAP serves as a strategic framework designed to tackle the issues related to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and to promote effective waste management practices. Tailored specifically for Bihar, the LCAP provides a detailed roadmap aimed at reducing emissions in the waste and domestic wastewater sectors, aligning with the state's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2070.

Components:

• Assessment and Inventory: The LCAP begins with a comprehensive evaluation of the current waste management systems, including solid waste and domestic wastewater management. This process involves gathering data on waste generation, treatment methods, and associated GHG emissions.
• Identification of Key Issues: The plan identifies significant challenges within the waste management framework, such as insufficient sewage collection and treatment, poor waste segregation practices, and inadequate solid waste disposal methods.
• Setting Targets and Goals: Based on the initial assessment, the LCAP sets ambitious emission reduction targets and goals for improving waste management, with specific timelines for 2030, 2050, and 2070.
• Intervention Strategies: The LCAP outlines various low-carbon interventions and recommendations to tackle the identified issues. Strategies include enhancing waste segregation at the source, improving collection and transportation systems, adopting efficient treatment technologies, and promoting methane recovery from wastewater.
• Community Engagement and Policy Enforcement: The success of the LCAP depends on the active involvement of multiple stakeholders, including government bodies, local communities, and private sector partners. Furthermore, effective policy enforcement is crucial to ensure adherence to waste management regulations and to foster sustainable practices.

What are the Benefits of LCAPs?

• Environmental Benefits: The primary advantage of LCAPs is their role in combating climate change by reducing emissions that contribute to global warming. This, in turn, can help mitigate problems such as extreme weather, rising sea levels, and ecological harm.
• Public Health Benefits: By decreasing reliance on fossil fuels like coal, LCAPs can enhance air quality, resulting in fewer respiratory diseases. They also promote active transportation options like walking and cycling, which can improve overall public health.
• Economic Benefits: Investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency can lead to job creation in these sectors. Additionally, there can be long-term financial savings from reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels.

What are the Challenges of LCAP?

• Upfront Costs: Transitioning to renewable energy sources or adopting energy-efficient technologies often necessitates significant initial investments.
• Changing Habits: Implementing the plan may require shifts in lifestyle and work habits, such as increased public transport usage or reduced vehicle dependency. This can face resistance from the community.
• Political Will: Achieving results from low-carbon initiatives may take time and sustained commitment. There can be political pushback against changes that affect powerful industries.
• Equity Concerns: The transition to a low-carbon economy must be managed equitably to ensure that all societal groups benefit and that disadvantaged populations do not disproportionately bear the burden.

Way Forward

• Spread the Burden: Employ a combination of public and private funding sources to alleviate initial financial pressures. Incentives like grants, tax breaks, and low-interest loans can encourage businesses and individuals to adopt low-carbon technologies.
• Focus on Long-term Savings: Highlight the long-term cost benefits of LCAPs, such as decreased energy bills from efficiency improvements and reduced healthcare costs due to better air quality.
• Set Ambitious but Achievable Goals: Divide LCAPs into clear, phased milestones to demonstrate progress and maintain stakeholder engagement.
• Job Training and Retraining: Invest in educational programs to equip individuals with the skills necessary for the low-carbon economy, ensuring a fair transition for all.
• Make Low-Carbon Options Attractive: Invest in public transport infrastructure, create bike lanes and walkable areas, and provide subsidies for electric vehicles and energy-efficient appliances.

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