The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 23rd April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Restoring earth’s right to ‘good health’ 

Why in News?

Earth Day is an annual event celebrated worldwide on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving our planet and promoting sustainable practices.

What is Earth Day?

• Earth Day is a global observance that raises awareness about environmental issues and encourages individuals to take action to protect the planet.
• It originated in the United States in 1970 and is now celebrated in over 190 countries.
• Activities on Earth Day include tree planting, clean-up campaigns, educational events, and advocacy for policy changes to address environmental challenges.
• Earth Day serves as a platform for individuals, organizations, and governments to collaborate and promote environmental stewardship.

Background

• Earth Day originated in 1970 following a massive protest involving approximately 20 million individuals, catalyzed by US Senator Gaylord Nelson. The movement emerged in response to the detrimental effects of the 1969 Santa Barbara oil spill and other environmental issues like air pollution and contaminated water bodies.
• In 2009, the United Nations officially recognized 22nd April as 'International Mother Earth Day.'

About

• Currently, Earth Day is coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG, operating as a nonprofit entity previously known as Earth Day Network.
• EARTHDAY.ORG focuses on fostering the largest environmental movement globally to facilitate substantial changes benefiting both humanity and the planet.
• The Paris Agreement, a pivotal international treaty signed on Earth Day in 2016, unites nearly 200 nations in a commitment to lower global greenhouse gas emissions.

Significance:

• The significance of Earth Day lies in acknowledging a shared responsibility, as outlined in the 1992 Rio Declaration (Earth Summit), to promote a harmonious relationship with nature and the Earth. This harmony aims to achieve a balanced interplay among the economic, social, and environmental requirements of present and future generations.

Earth Hour Initiative

Earth Hour, initiated by the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF) in 2007, occurs annually on the last Saturday of March. Participants from over 180 countries switch off their lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm local time to promote awareness of climate change and emphasize the importance of environmental conservation.

• Earth Hour is the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF)'s annual initiative that commenced in 2007. It occurs annually on the final Saturday of March.
• It urges individuals from over 180 nations to power down their lights from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm based on their local time.
• The primary aim is to enhance awareness concerning climate change and the imperative to preserve the environment.

What are the Different Aspects of the Water Crisis Experienced in India?

• Water Scarcity: India faces severe water scarcity issues, with many regions experiencing acute shortages, impacting agriculture, industry, and daily life.
• Unequal Distribution: The distribution of water resources in India is unequal, with certain regions abundant in water while others suffer from scarcity, leading to conflicts.
• Pollution Concerns: Water bodies in India are heavily polluted due to industrial effluents, sewage discharge, and agricultural runoff, deteriorating water quality and posing health risks.
• Groundwater Depletion: Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation and drinking purposes has led to a rapid decline in water tables, exacerbating the water crisis.

Water Flowing Through the Economy

• Precipitation serves as the main source of soil moisture and the water stored in vegetation (green water) as well as the water present in rivers and aquifers (blue water). Both blue and green water profoundly influence the food production process by irrigating crops, shaping harvest outcomes, and holding vital importance for the economy.
• The India Employment Report of 2024 illustrates that agriculture continues to engage approximately 45% of the population and employs a significant portion of the country's workforce. Studies conducted by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) indicate that the patterns of monsoon rainfall in India are undergoing transformations. Notably, over the past decade, 55% of 'tehsils' or sub-districts have experienced a noteworthy increase of more than 10% in southwest monsoon rainfall compared to the preceding three decades.
• This amplified rainfall, characterized by short-duration heavy downpours, poses challenges to activities such as crop sowing, irrigation, and harvesting within the agricultural sector. Enhancing the resilience of the agricultural industry to withstand climatic and water-related pressures is critical for sustaining employment opportunities, fostering economic growth, and ensuring long-term sustainability.

Key Findings on Water-Related Disasters

• Almost 75% of natural disasters in the last two decades were water-related.
• Between 1970 and 2019, flood-associated events in India increased significantly.
• Freshwater, a critical planetary boundary, has been overstepped.

Multidimensional Connotation of Water Crisis

• The water crisis manifests in physical and economic forms due to various factors such as rapid urbanization, industrialization, and unsustainable agricultural practices.
• Climate change and erratic rainfall patterns contribute to the water crisis.
• Issues like inefficient water management, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure worsen the crisis.
• Stakeholder engagement and runoff management are crucial aspects in addressing the water crisis.
• The water crisis can be categorized as either physical or economic, arising from various factors such as rapid urbanization, industrialization, unsustainable agricultural practices, climate change, erratic rainfall patterns, and excessive water usage.
• Other significant contributors to the water crisis include ineffective water management, pollution, inadequate infrastructure, lack of stakeholder involvement, and amplified runoff due to heavy rainfall, soil erosion, and sediment accumulation.
• Issues of Water Stress:
  • As per the World Resources Institute, 17 nations are experiencing 'extremely high' levels of water stress, posing threats of conflict, unrest, and peace disruptions among populations.
  • In India, the water availability is currently at a low level, classifying the country as water-stressed. Projections indicate a further decline to 1341m3 by 2025 and 1140m3 by 2050.
  • Water usage in India is distributed as follows: 72% for agricultural purposes, 16% by municipalities for households and services, and 12% by industries.

Water Stress and Depletion in India

• According to a report by the World Resources Institute, 17 countries, including India, are experiencing 'extremely high' levels of water stress, which poses a significant threat of conflict and unrest.
• India is currently facing water scarcity issues, with water availability projected to decrease to 1341m3 by 2025 and 1140m3 by 2050.
• Water Usage Breakdown: In India, 72% of water is used for agriculture, 16% for municipalities and household services, and 12% for industrial purposes.

What are the Different Steps Required for Mitigating the Water Crisis?

Effective Water Governance

• Effective water governance necessitates policies that acknowledge its connections with food and energy systems. Despite the adoption of various policies in India, many fail to recognize this interplay during planning and implementation. For example, when considering the expansion of green hydrogen, the associated water availability implications are often overlooked. Similarly, the consequences of increasing the use of solar irrigation pumps on groundwater levels must be carefully assessed before widespread deployment, particularly in areas with abundant solar resources and higher groundwater levels.
• Policies should integrate the food-land-water nexus by incorporating localized evidence and engaging communities to ensure sustainable outcomes.

Sustainable Use of Blue and Green Water

• India should prioritize the careful utilization of blue and green water resources through effective water accounting practices and efficient reuse strategies.
• The National Water Mission aims to enhance water use efficiency by 20% by 2025, while initiatives like the Atal Mission on Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 seek to reduce non-revenue water in urban areas to less than 20%, thereby minimizing losses before reaching end-users.

Leveraging Financial Tools for Climate Adaptation

• It is crucial to utilize financial mechanisms to secure funding for climate adaptation in the water sector. Despite a focus on mitigation in industrial, energy, and transport sectors, investments in climate change adaptation for water and agriculture in India remain limited.
• In 2019-20, per capita annual spending on climate change mitigation significantly exceeded that for adaptation, highlighting the need for increased financial commitments in this area.

Adopting Judicious Mix of Traditional and New Technologies

• Given that a substantial portion of India's food production relies on rainfed regions, there is an emphasis on balancing traditional indigenous practices with new technologies to enhance soil health, water conservation, and overall agricultural efficiency.
• The efficient utilization of water resources is paramount, necessitating a focus on maximizing water conservation and productivity.

Emphasizing Both Quality and Quantity

• Enhancing water availability in terms of both quantity and quality, encompassing blue and green water resources, is essential due to water's multifaceted significance beyond being a basic human right.
• Water plays a pivotal role in peace-building efforts and contributes significantly to improving overall quality of life. Prioritizing sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring water security, and preserving environmental integrity are increasingly critical imperatives.

Adopting Different Resource Conservation Measures

• Mitigating water crises entails implementing various resource conservation strategies, including general conservation measures and specific interventions such as rainwater harvesting, both in-situ and ex-situ, as well as rooftop rainwater harvesting.
• Rainwater harvesting serves as a resilience-building strategy against water scarcity and drought by enhancing groundwater recharge and supporting irrigation activities. Optimal utilization of surface water through large-scale rainwater harvesting structures, coupled with groundwater management and safe wastewater reuse, is crucial for sustaining and enhancing current levels of food grain production.

Need for a Protocol for Revival of Water Bodies

• There is a pressing need to establish a comprehensive protocol for the revitalization of ponds and water bodies to address existing challenges effectively.
• To address these issues, a thorough assessment of each water body's condition, water availability, quality, and the ecosystem services it sustains is imperative. Furthermore, initiatives to create and rejuvenate water bodies in every village by assessing their catchment areas are vital steps towards sustainable water resource management.

What Does the Earth Day, 2024 Signify for the Tribal Population in Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI)?

• The significance of Earth Day, 2024 for the Tribal Population in Andaman & Nicobar Islands (ANI) lies in...
• It represents a crucial moment for the indigenous communities of ANI to reflect on their deep-rooted connection with nature.
• Earth Day serves as a reminder for the tribal population to appreciate and protect their natural surroundings.
• This occasion emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and environmental conservation among the tribal groups.

Concerns

In May 2022, the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) administration issued three public notices without considering indigenous land ownership and management systems:

• Announcement of wildlife sanctuaries: a coral sanctuary at Meroë Island, a megapode sanctuary at Menchal Island, and a leatherback turtle sanctuary on Little Nicobar Island.
• Lack of Consultation and Coordination: Approximately 1,200 southern Nicobarese were not consulted despite holding traditional rights over the islands.
• Usurpation of Tribal Rights:
  • In mid-July 2022, an order was issued by the A&N administration asserting no claims or objections were received regarding the proposed sanctuaries.
  • Restrictions were imposed on the people of neighbouring areas.
• Denotification of the Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary:
  • The denotification coincided with plans for a mega project on Great Nicobar, leading to environmental and social concerns.
  • The project's impact includes destruction of habitats for various species and significant environmental damage.

Suggestions

• Balanced Development: Militarization and infrastructure projects in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands should not come at the expense of biodiversity conservation.
• Sustainably Developing ANI: Development should align with economic, ecological, and environmental constraints while respecting laws protecting indigenous tribes.
• Sister Islands: India and France could collaborate on sustainable island development through a "sister islands" concept, leveraging their territories for mutual benefit.
• India's Development Plans in Indo-Pacific: Investing in capacity building and maritime projects requires a focused island development model to address regional concerns and enhance influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Role of IOC: The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) and lessons from France's experiences can inform island-focused development models, benefiting both countries.

Issues in Andaman and Nicobar Administration's Wildlife Sanctuary Plans

• Disregard of Indigenous Land Ownership and Management Systems
  • In May 2022, the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) administration announced plans to create wildlife sanctuaries without considering indigenous land rights.
  • The proposed sanctuaries include a coral sanctuary at Meroë Island, a megapode sanctuary at Menchal Island, and a leatherback turtle sanctuary on Little Nicobar Island.
• Lack of Consultation and Coordination with Indigenous Communities
  • Approximately 1,200 southern Nicobarese reside on Great Nicobar Island and Little Nicobar Island, with traditional rights over both inhabited and supposedly "uninhabited" islands.
  • The A&N administration failed to consult or inform the southern Nicobarese about the establishment of the wildlife sanctuaries.
• Usurpation of Tribal Rights
  • In mid-July 2022, the administration claimed no objections were raised regarding the sanctuaries and declared no individual rights within the proposed sanctuary boundaries.
  • Restrictions were imposed on neighboring communities, citing national interest.
• Denotification of Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
  • The wildlife sanctuary plans followed criticism of denotifying the Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary for a mega project on Great Nicobar, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
  • The mega project is anticipated to cause significant environmental and social damage, including destruction of forests, coral reefs, and wildlife habitats.

Why Does the Earth Day, 2024 Mandate Developing a Policy Framework as Paramount Solution?

• Policy Framework at Intersection of Gender, Climate and Nutrition:
  • Developing a policy framework at the intersection of gender, climate, nutrition, and food value chains is crucial for tackling complex issues related to sustainable development and social equity. This framework acknowledges the interdependence of these elements and seeks to incorporate gender perspectives into policies and initiatives addressing climate change, enhancing nutrition, and ensuring food security.
• Redressing Challenges Facing Food Systems:
  • The Rome Declaration on Nutrition highlights the obstacles that current food systems encounter in providing adequate, safe, diverse, and nutrient-rich food for all. Approximately 800 million individuals globally lack reliable food access, while two billion people suffer from deficiencies in iron and zinc. Moreover, food systems contribute significantly to a third of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. The declaration advocates for adopting holistic strategies to tackle these challenges by aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Promoting a Sustainable Diet:
  • In India, various forms of malnutrition persist, with a significant portion of children under five being underweight and a large percentage of the population unable to afford a nutritious diet. Unhealthy eating habits have led to a rise in non-communicable diseases. While India has made strides in understanding the sustainability and nutritional aspects of diets, there is a need to evaluate if healthy diets can also contribute to mitigating climate change. A sustainable diet should cater to health and nutritional needs, align with cultural expectations, address economic constraints, and uphold justice.
• Developing Gender-Just Food Value Systems:
  • Women bear a disproportionate burden of the impacts of climate change and poor nutrition, despite playing crucial roles in food systems. Certain communities in Chhattisgarh exhibit more gender-equitable food systems, where women are acknowledged as equal contributors to both productive and reproductive economies. These systems grant women equal rights and entitlements, reduce their workload, facilitate access to infrastructure and technologies, and ensure a fair distribution of responsibilities. Communities with gender-equitable food systems display greater resilience to shocks like droughts. Involving women's collectives in decision-making related to their livelihoods enhances their access to financial resources, natural assets, and knowledge, resulting in increased productivity and improved health and nutrition outcomes.
• Adopting Indigenous Systems:
  • Indigenous food systems in various regions of India have sustained communities across generations, relying on resources from the natural environment with minimal human intervention. Many individuals living in forested areas consume a range of wild edibles, root vegetables, fruits, grains, and forest produce. Collaborating with local communities to develop diets based on locally available foods has enhanced their nutritional well-being while minimizing environmental impact.
• Reducing Emissions:
  • A plant-based diet is more environmentally sustainable compared to diets rich in animal products. Substituting animal foods with plant-based alternatives like meat and dairy products can help lower emissions. Shifting towards crops that require less energy, land, and water can lead to reduced emissions. Studies indicate that crops grown in environments with elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide levels may have lower concentrations of essential nutrients. Implementing a value-chain approach can enhance the benefits for communities by reducing emissions and aligning dietary choices with household needs.
• Scaling Up and Decentralising Food Production Systems:
  • There is an urgent need to expand and decentralize diversified food production systems, promote underutilized indigenous foods, and establish an analytical framework at the nexus of gender, climate, nutrition, and food value chains. Emphasizing nutritious food alone will not suffice to mitigate the environmental impact of food systems. Monitoring emissions associated with food production and distribution rigorously and ensuring accessible assessment tools for local communities are essential steps towards sustainability.

Conclusion

Expectations that systemic change will occur overnight are unrealistic. But it is possible to make a start by pursuing more coherence in water, energy and climate policies, creating data-driven baselines to increase water savings, and enabling new financial instruments and markets for adaptation investments. A water-secure economy is the first step towards a climate-resilient one.Similarly, Indigenous peoples are the original guardians of our earth. The world must learn from their wisdom. Reason and justice dictate that in southern Nicobar, there is a need to support and empower the islanders to continue to steward their ancestral territories, rather than robbing them of their lands, resources, lifeways, and worldviews.Accordingly, there is strong evidence that diverse food consumption can have a strong impact on nutrition and on per capita emissions. Focusing on nutritious diets alone will not help assess and reduce impact on the environment; it must be supported by linking diets to emissions as well. This in turn could force production systems to become more diverse, nutrition-sensitive, and emissions-sensitive.