Environment and Ecology: November 2023 UPSC Current Affairs | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

Global Marine Life and Oceans Warming

Context

Recently, a study published in the journal ‘Trends in Ecology and Evolution’ highlighted that climate change is making the oceans warmer, and as a result, tropical marine species are shifting from the equator towards the poles. 

• The temperate species are receding as it gets too warm, they face increased competition for habitat, and new predators.

How Does Climate Change Cause Tropicalisation as per the Study?

• Tropicalisation:
  • Climate change is causing a marine phenomenon known as tropicalisation, where tropical species expand their range while temperate species retract.
  • Temperate species are receding as it gets too warm, they face increased competition for habitat, and new predators arrive on the scene.
  • This global shift is altering ocean ecosystems, biodiversity, and could impact the global economy.
  • The first instance of this process was identified in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • The Mediterranean Sea is considered as a "tropicalisation hotspot" due to an increase in tropical species.
• Species Dispersal due to Climate change:
  • Climate change has altered the physical factors that affect species dispersal, such as ocean currents in areas that separate tropical/subtropical and temperate regions.
  • These warm-water boundary currents are heating faster than the global seawater average, facilitating the poleward movement of species, and reinforcing the retraction of temperate species.
  • Example: Range-expanding tropical damselfishes and temperate reef fishes have been documented altering their feeding and social behaviors to allow for coexistence,
• Evolution of New Traits:
  • Changes in how species interact can result in the evolution of new traits or behaviors due to the close connection between ecology and evolution.

What is Ocean Warming?

• About:
  • The ocean absorbs most of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, leading to rising ocean temperatures.
• Reason:
  • Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy, deforestation, and industrial processes releases significant amounts of greenhouse gasses, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, leading to a warming effect on both the atmosphere and the oceans.
  • Carbon Dioxide Absorption: Oceans act as a vast reservoir that absorbs a significant portion of the excess carbon dioxide from human activities. While this absorption helps mitigate climate change on land, it also results in the warming of the ocean itself.
  • Solar Radiation: Changes in solar radiation, though a minor contributor compared to human-induced factors, can influence ocean temperatures over long periods.
• Impact:
  • Coral Bleaching: Elevated temperatures can cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leading to coral bleaching. Prolonged bleaching weakens corals and makes them more susceptible to diseases, posing a significant threat to coral reef ecosystems.
  • Sea Level Rise: Warmer ocean temperatures contribute to the thermal expansion of seawater. This, along with the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, leads to rising sea levels, which can result in coastal erosion and increased vulnerability of coastal communities.
  • Disruption of Marine Food Webs: Changes in ocean temperatures can alter the distribution and abundance of marine species, affecting the structure of marine food webs. This can have cascading effects on fisheries and the livelihoods of communities dependent on them.
  • Ocean Acidification: The absorption of excess carbon dioxide by the oceans leads to ocean acidification. Acidification can harm marine organisms with calcium carbonate skeletons or shells, including corals, mollusks, and some plankton, affecting the entire marine food chain.

Conclusion

Global marine species shift due to climate-induced tropicalization, exemplified in the Mediterranean as a "hotspot." Ocean warming from factors like greenhouse gasses causes coral bleaching, sea level rise, and disruptions to marine food webs. Threatening biodiversity, coastal communities, and economies, urgent climate mitigation is crucial to preserve ocean health.

Rat-Hole Mining

Context

In the rescue operations for the collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarkashi, rat miners played a crucial role in completing the drilling process. 

• Rat-hole mining, a method of manual drilling common in Meghalaya, involves skilled workers digging narrow pits just wide enough for one person.
• The term “rat hole” refers to these pits used to extract coal. This method is hazardous, illegal in many countries due to safety concerns, and has faced criticism for its environmental impact.
• Rat-hole mining has faced criticism for its hazardous conditions, environmental damage, and accidents leading to injuries and fatalities.
• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned the practice in 2014 and retained the ban in 2015 due to safety concerns and environmental impact.
• Other methods, such as vertical drilling and auger mining, were also employed in the rescue operations, highlighting the diverse techniques used to address complex situations.

Ghol Fish

Context

The Gujarat government recently declared the ghol as the state fish, citing its economic value and uniqueness. 

Antarctic Ozone Hole

Context

According to a recent study, published in Nature Communications, stated that the Antarctic Ozone Hole has been massive in the last four years.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

• Ozone Depletion Trends:
  • The Antarctic ozone hole, consistently large, has exhibited unexpected thinning in recent years, deviating from the anticipated recovery trend since the 2000s.
  • Despite efforts outlined in the Montreal Protocol to curb ozone-depleting chemicals, the concentration of ozone at the hole's center has decreased by 26% from 2004 to 2022.
• Polar Vortex Dynamics:
  • The Antarctic ozone hole is situated within the polar vortex, a circular stratospheric wind pattern prevailing from winter to late spring.
  • During this period, Antarctic air from the mesosphere descends into the stratosphere, carrying natural chemicals like nitrogen dioxide that impact ozone chemistry in October.
• Factors Influencing Ozone Depletion:
  • Meteorological conditions, including temperature, wind patterns, and aerosols from events like wildfires and volcanic eruptions, along with variations in the solar cycle, play pivotal roles in shaping the size and behavior of the Antarctic ozone hole.
• Recommendations for Further Study:
  • Conduct in-depth research to comprehend the descent of air from the mesosphere and its specific impacts on ozone chemistry.
  • Investigate these mechanisms to gain insights into the future behavior of the Antarctic ozone hole.

What is an Ozone Hole?

• About:
  • An Ozone Hole refers to a severe depletion of the ozone layer—a region in the Earth's stratosphere containing a higher concentration of ozone molecules.
  • Ozone molecules (O3) in this layer play a crucial role in shielding the Earth from harmful Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
  • The ozone layer depletion leads to the formation of an area with significantly reduced ozone concentrations, often observed over Antarctica.
  • This phenomenon occurs primarily during the Southern Hemisphere's spring months (August to October), though it can also be influenced by global factors.
• Reasons for Ozone Hole:
  • The depletion is caused by human-generated chemicals known as ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride, and methyl chloroform.
  • These substances, once released into the atmosphere, rise to the stratosphere, where they break down due to the sun's ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine and bromine atoms that destroy ozone molecules.
  • The Antarctic ozone hole is the most famous and severe example of this phenomenon. It's characterized by a drastic reduction in ozone levels, allowing increased amounts of harmful UV radiation to reach the Earth's surface.
• Impact:
  • The increased UV radiation poses health risks to humans, including higher rates of skin cancers, cataracts, and compromised immune systems.
  • UV radiation can harm various organisms and ecosystems. Ozone depletion can indirectly influence climate change. Changes in the stratosphere due to ozone depletion can impact atmospheric circulation patterns, potentially affecting weather and climate in certain regions.

Baler Machine

Context

Addressing the issue of farm fires, the Supreme Court has turned its attention to the rising demand for Belar, a machine designed to facilitate off-site stubble management, particularly in Punjab and neighboring areas.

• Baler machines, which have been in existence for a decade, are currently in operation with around 2,000 units deployed in Punjab. 
• Notably, a significant proportion of these machines, precisely 1,268, benefit from substantial subsidies ranging from 50% to 80%, thanks to the Centre's Crop Residue Management (CRM) scheme.

What is a Baler Machine?

About

Balers play a pivotal role in stubble compression, acting as hydraulic presses to compact crop residues into dense, manageable packages. These compressed stubbles are securely bound using twine, wire, or strapping.

Before using a baler machine, farmers cut the crop residue with a tractor-mounted cutter. A tractor-mounted baler machine compresses the stubble into compact bales using netting.

• Significance:
  • Environmental Preservation: Eliminates the need for crop stubble burning, contributing to reduced air pollution and soil degradation.
  • Farmers burn stubble after harvesting, which contributes to air pollution. Balers offer an environmentally-friendly alternative to burning stubble by compressing it into bales.
  • Resource Efficiency: Efficiently compresses stubble, making it easier for handling, transport, and storage.
  • It allows farmers to immediately plough the field and sow the next crop.
  • Economic Gain: Opens avenues for revenue generation through the sale of compressed stubble as a valuable resource.
• Other Ways to Handle Stubble:
  • In-situ treatment of Stubble: For example, crop residue management by zero-tiller machine and Use of bio-decomposers (e.g., Pusa bio-decomposer).
  • Use of Technology: For example, Turbo Happy Seeder (THS) machine, which can uproot the stubble and also sow seeds in the area cleared. The stubble can then be used as mulch for the field.

What are the Issues with Balers?

• High Input Cost:
  • Each baler is priced at Rs 14.5 lakh without subsidies.
  • Currently, approximately 700 non-subsidized balers are in operation in Punjab.
• Affordability Issue:
  • No baler units were sold in the initial two years after their inclusion in the Crop Residue Management scheme.
• Unavailability of Enough Machines:
  • Punjab has about 32 lakh hectares of rice fields.
  • Only 15-18% of this area can be covered by the existing balers.
  • A single baler can cover 15-20 acres in a day.

Loss and Damage Fund

Context

In light of the escalating climate crisis, the 'Loss and Damage' (L&D) fund and adaptation have recently come into focus.

What is the Loss and Damage Fund?

 About

• Loss and Damage Fund Overview:
  • The 'Loss and Damage' (L&D) fund serves as a financial mechanism addressing the irreversible impacts of climate change beyond adaptation efforts.
  • It aims to compensate for actual losses incurred by communities, countries, and ecosystems, going beyond monetary losses to encompass human rights, well-being, and environmental sustainability.

Genesis and Evolution of the L&D Fund:

• Historical Accountability and Inception (30 Years):
  • Persistent calls over 30 years for affluent nations to acknowledge their role in historic pollution.
  • Historic pollution causing significant damage, especially in the poorest nations, elevating global temperatures by over 1 degree Celsius.
• COP 19 (2013):
  • Formal agreement at COP 19 led to the establishment of the L&D fund.
  • Specifically created to assist economically developing nations facing Loss and Damage due to climate change.

Subsequent Developments and Challenges:

• COP 25:
  • Establishment of the Santiago Network for L&D.
  • No commitment of funds at this point to support the initiative.
• COP 26 (2021):
  • Aimed to continue discussions over three years regarding the operationalization of the fund.
• COP 27 (November 2022):
  • After intense negotiations, representatives agreed to set up the L&D fund.
  • Establishment of a Transitional Committee (TC) to determine new funding mechanisms, with recommendations expected for consideration by COP 28.

Stalemate at TC4 and TC5

• TC4 Meeting
  • The fourth meeting of the TC4 concluded with no clear consensus on operationalizing the L&D fund. 
  • The key points of contention included the hosting of the fund at the World Bank, the foundational principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR), issues related to climate reparations, and the eligibility of all developing nations for the funds.
• TC5 Meeting
  • Recommendations from TC5 have been drafted and forwarded to COP 28. 

What are the Challenges Regarding the  Loss and Damage Fund?

• Developed Nations' Hesitancy:
  • Developed nations, notably the US, have refrained from committing as primary donors to the L&D fund, emphasizing the voluntary nature of their support and raising concerns about dedication to the fund's goals.
  • The reluctance of affluent nations to fulfill intended commitments erodes confidence in global climate negotiations, impeding the collaborative approach required to tackle climate change.
• Ambiguity Surrounding the Fund:
  • The L&D fund's size remains undisclosed, with attempts to specify it suppressed under pressure from the U.K. and Australia.
  • The current draft urges developed nations to contribute without a definitive commitment or framework, introducing uncertainty about the fund's scope and effectiveness.
• Diplomatic Breakdown and Global Ramifications:
  • Developing nations express dissatisfaction, perceiving inadequate attention to their concerns by the international community.
  • This complicates climate action and raises doubts about effectively addressing other global challenges.
  • Beyond immediate diplomatic consequences, the dilution of the L&D fund jeopardizes climate justice, worsening the plight of minimally contributing vulnerable communities in developing nations.
• Security Implications of Climate-Induced Instability:
  • Climate-induced instability poses security risks as conflicts arise in vulnerable nations, potentially spilling across borders.
  • These conflicts can lead to security challenges and, beyond immediate consequences, result in humanitarian crises, including food shortages, displacement, and increased conflicts.
  • The lack of support for vulnerable communities forces them to independently navigate the worsening climate and its repercussions.

Way Forward

• Global Commitment: Urge developed nations to actively contribute as primary donors to the L&D fund, ensuring a strong financial commitment.
• Transparency and Structure: Advocate for transparent discussions to define the fund's size, operational guidelines, and allocation mechanisms, providing clarity and accountability.
• Inclusive Diplomacy: Foster open diplomatic dialogues that address the concerns of developing nations, promoting collaboration for effective climate action and global issue resolution.
• Security Mitigation: Proactively address security implications of climate-induced instability, implementing measures to tackle humanitarian crises and supporting vulnerable communities.

India’s Energy Conservation Building Code, 2017

Context

In its World Energy Outlook 2023, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has emphasized that India stands out among other developing economies due to its Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017, as highlighted in the report.

• The IEA stated that India is unique among developing countries because its rules for energy efficiency in commercial buildings are strong, whereas in many other developing countries, energy efficiency in buildings is not as advanced as India.

What is India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017?

• About:
  • The ECBC was first released by the Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2007, followed by an update in 2017.
  • Currently, 23 states have notified rules to enforce ECBC compliance, while large states like Maharashtra and Gujarat are still in the process of drafting rules.
  • ECBC sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings, with the objective of enabling energy savings of between 25 and 50% in compliant buildings.
  • The code is applicable to commercial buildings like hospitals, hotels, schools, shopping complexes, and multiplexes which have a connected load of 100 kW or more, or contract demand of 120 kVA or more.
• Focus:
  • The ECBC in India focuses on six key components of building design, including the envelope (walls, roofs, windows), lighting systems, HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and electrical power systems.
  • These components have both mandatory and prescriptive requirements. The code applies to both new constructions and retrofitting existing buildings.
  • Compliant buildings are assigned one of three tags in ascending order of efficiency, namely ECBC, ECBC Plus, and Super ECBC.
• Need for ECBC:
  • Implementation of energy efficiency building codes like ECBC is important as buildings in India account for 30% of total electricity consumption, a figure that is expected to touch 50% by 2042.
  • Furthermore, BEE notes that 40% of buildings that will exist in the next twenty years are yet to be built, which gives policymakers and builders a unique opportunity to ensure that they are built in a sustainable manner.
• Evolution from 2007 to 2017:
  • The 2017 update of ECBC introduces additional priorities, such as renewable energy integration, ease of compliance, and the inclusion of passive building design strategies.
  • It also emphasizes flexibility for designers. This marks a significant shift from the 2007 version and aligns with global trends towards sustainable and energy-efficient practices.

Where Do States Stand In ECBC Implementation?

• Out of 28 states, only 15, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala, have adopted the latest 2017 (ECBC) rules.
• However, Gujarat, Maharashtra, J&K, Ladakh, and Manipur are yet to implement these rules, missing out on potential energy savings.
  • The National Research Development Corporation estimates that Gujarat alone could save 83 terawatt-hours of energy by 2030 with effective ECBC compliance.
• The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) of 2022 ranked Karnataka as the top state for energy efficiency in buildings, followed by Telangana, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab.
  • On the flip side, Bihar scored the lowest, and along with Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand, ranked as the five worst states for energy efficiency in buildings.

Way Forward

• The IEA acknowledges that India is one of the limited number of developing nations with building codes applicable to both commercial and residential structures. 
• The consistent implementation of these codes has the potential to yield substantial energy savings in the sector. 
• Additionally, India enacted the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act in 2022, broadening the scope of building codes within the country. 
• This amendment facilitates the transformation of the ECBC into the Energy Conservation and Sustainability Building Code, encompassing provisions related to embedded carbon, net zero emissions, materials and resource efficiency, the adoption of clean energy, and circularity measures.

Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022

Battery Usage in India

• India, along with numerous other countries, heavily depends on batteries to fuel various devices and systems, encompassing lead-acid batteries for vehicles and inverters, as well as lithium-ion batteries for electronic gadgets and electric vehicles.
• The escalating demand for energy storage solutions signifies progress and technological advancement, underscoring the imperative to address the consequential surge in battery usage.
• The widespread reliance on batteries in India, spanning lead-acid for vehicles and inverters and lithium-ion for electronic gadgets and electric vehicles, underscores the crucial necessity to effectively manage the resulting waste.

Challenges in Battery Waste Management

• Informal Recycling Practices:
  • In India's battery waste management, a significant hurdle is the prevalence of informal and unregulated recycling practices.
  • Numerous small-scale operations engage in battery recycling without adhering to proper environmental and safety standards, resulting in hazardous consequences.
  • The informal sector often lacks the necessary infrastructure for safe disposal and recycling, posing risks to both the environment and human health.
• Lack of Awareness:
  • A key challenge in effectively managing battery waste stems from a lack of awareness among consumers.
  • Many individuals dispose of batteries in regular household waste without realizing the environmental impact of such actions.
  • This lack of awareness extends to the potential dangers associated with specific types of batteries, like lead-acid batteries, containing hazardous materials that can contaminate soil and water.
• Limited Infrastructure and Technology:
  • Inadequate infrastructure and technology for battery recycling exacerbate challenges in India.
  • While lead-acid batteries benefit from well-established recycling processes, the recycling of lithium-ion batteries presents unique challenges due to their complex composition.
  • The scarcity of facilities equipped to handle different types of batteries hampers efficient recycling and contributes to improper disposal practices.

Regulatory Framework

• India has implemented regulatory measures to tackle hazardous waste, particularly batteries, with the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016.
• The 2016 rules provide guidelines for the environmentally responsible handling of e-waste, including batteries, highlighting the significance of their proper disposal and recycling.
• The regulatory framework places responsibility on stakeholders involved in waste management, emphasizing their role in ensuring the appropriate management of hazardous waste, including batteries.

Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022

• Replacement of Previous Regulations: The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules of 2001 have been replaced by new regulations.
• Scope of Coverage: The new rules encompass a wide range of batteries, including Electric Vehicle, portable, automotive, and industrial batteries.
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Concept: The rules operate on the principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), holding producers (including importers) accountable for collecting, recycling/refurbishing waste batteries, and incorporating recovered materials into new batteries.
• Environmental Compensation for Non-Compliance: Non-fulfillment of Extended Producer Responsibility targets will result in environmental compensation being imposed on producers, reinforcing their obligations outlined in the rules.
• Promotion of Industries and Entrepreneurship: The rules encourage the establishment of new industries and entrepreneurial ventures in the collection and recycling/refurbishment of waste batteries.
• Minimum Percentage of Recovery Mandate: Mandating a minimum percentage of material recovery from waste batteries under the rules is expected to drive technological advancements and attract investments in the recycling and refurbishment industry, creating new business opportunities.
• Progressive Recovery Targets: There are specified targets for the recovery of battery materials, aiming for 70% by 2024-25, 80% by 2026, and 90% from 2026-27 onwards.
• Utilization of Environmental Compensation Funds: Funds collected through environmental compensation will be utilized for the collection, refurbishing, or recycling of uncollected and non-recycled waste batteries.
• Key Role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Implementing and enforcing EPR is identified as a crucial strategy for promoting responsible waste management. EPR places the responsibility on producers and importers to collect, recycle, and environmentally dispose of their products at the end of their lifecycle.
• Incentivizing Responsible Product Design: EPR not only provides incentives for manufacturers to design products with recycling in mind but also ensures their active involvement in the proper disposal of their products, contributing to overall environmental sustainability.

Way forward

• Establishment of Authorized Recycling Facilities and Technological Advancements:
  • Promote the creation of authorized recycling facilities for effective battery waste management.
  • Utilize advanced technologies in these facilities to extract valuable materials from batteries and safely dispose of hazardous components.
  • Invest in research and development to enhance battery recycling technologies, especially with the increasing use of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and electronic devices.
• Public Awareness and Education:
  • Implement educational programs and public campaigns to raise awareness about the environmental impact of improper battery disposal.
  • Encourage responsible recycling practices among consumers through information dissemination.
  • Foster a sense of environmental responsibility to influence individual behavior and promote a culture of sustainable waste management.
• International Collaboration:
  • Engage in collaborative efforts with other nations to share best practices and learn from successful global waste management solutions.
  • Seek technical assistance, financial support, and valuable insights from international organizations to enhance India's capacity for effective battery waste management.
• Government Initiatives:
  • The government, particularly agencies like the Central Pollution Control Board and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, should play a pivotal role.
  • Formulate and enforce policies and guidelines for battery waste management.
  • Provide continued support for research and development, enforce existing regulations, and introduce new policies to address emerging challenges.
• Economic Incentives:
  • Offer economic incentives such as tax benefits and subsidies to motivate businesses and consumers to adopt sustainable waste management practices.
  • Encourage the establishment of recycling facilities and the development of eco-friendly technologies.
  • Create economic opportunities and jobs by incentivizing the recycling industry, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic growth.