The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 30th January 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Broken promises in a warming world

Why in News?

The recent news highlights the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under President Trump, showcasing the inconsistency of its climate commitments. This shift not only places a greater burden on developing nations but also undermines global efforts to combat climate change.

Impact of U.S. Withdrawal from the Paris Agreement

• President Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Agreement is seen as a significant setback in the global fight against climate change.
• The legal process of withdrawal will take a year to complete.
• The U.S., being the richest nation with a third of global wealth and the highest GDP, has historically contributed over a fifth of total carbon dioxide emissions since the pre-industrial era.
• As a signatory of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the U.S. was expected to lead in climate action and assist developing nations with financial and technological support.

U.S. Weak Commitment to Climate Action

• The U.S. has a history of failing to meet its global climate responsibilities, regardless of the ruling party.
• From 1992 to 2005, U.S. emissions increased, and the country did not join the Kyoto Protocol due to bipartisan opposition in Congress.
• Although emissions have declined since then, the reduction rate is slower than necessary.
• The Paris Agreement changed from legally binding commitments for developed nations to voluntary pledges from all countries to accommodate U.S. domestic politics.
• This approach was first seen in the 2009 Copenhagen climate summit and formalized in the 2015 Paris Agreement under President Obama.

Biden Administration’s Climate Actions

• Under President Biden, the U.S. became the world’s largest crude oil producer despite efforts at climate action.
• The minimal $300 billion annual climate finance target at COP29 (Baku) was influenced by resistance from the U.S. and its developed allies.
• Biden’s updated climate commitment in December 2024 aimed for a 60% emission reduction from 2005 levels by 2035, allowing the U.S. to consume a disproportionate share of the global carbon budget.
• At climate summits in Dubai and Baku, the U.S. urged developing nations for higher mitigation targets while making weak commitments itself.

Pattern of U.S. Climate Policy

• U.S. climate action has followed a frustrating cycle of weak commitments under Democratic administrations and withdrawal under Republican governments.
• This pattern has forced large emerging economies to take on increasing climate burdens, with developing nations facing financial withdrawal and pressure to decarbonize early.
• The situation exacerbates global inequalities and food insecurity.

Global Reaction to the U.S. Withdrawal

• The prevailing belief, shaped by the U.S., is that markets can drive climate action through private sector investments.
• However, a significant portion of energy in the U.S. and the EU still comes from fossil fuels, indicating that market-driven solutions have not been effective.
• Developed countries often face weaker accountability for climate commitments compared to developing nations, where public sectors play a larger role in climate action.
• In developed nations, there is a misleading notion that local governments and businesses can compensate for the gaps left by national policies.
• A 2024 University of Colorado Law School paper points out that many U.S. states have weak or nonexistent emissions reduction policies.

Advice for Developing Nations

• Developing countries should avoid trying to make up for the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement.
• Other developed nations are likely to provide only verbal support without taking substantial action.
• During Trump’s first term, the details for implementing the Paris Agreement were finalized in a way that shifted more responsibility to the Global South.
• If Trump were to win a second term, he might continue negotiations but demand greater commitments from developing countries.
• Even after withdrawing, the U.S. continues to portray itself as a leader in global climate efforts.

Maintaining Multilateralism and Development Goals

• Developing nations should remain engaged in global climate discussions, as climate change is a collective challenge that requires international cooperation.
• Countries like India and other nations in the Global South need to find a balance between pursuing climate action and addressing their own development priorities.
• There should be an increased emphasis on adaptation strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, ensuring that vulnerable communities are protected.

Conclusion

• Effective and just climate action demands strong political commitment from all countries involved.
• Other nations should encourage the U.S. to rejoin meaningful international efforts to tackle climate change and contribute positively to global climate goals.

Bridge the milk divide for a nutritionally secure India

Why is it News?

The article discusses the inequalities in milk consumption in India and highlights the need for fair access to milk for vulnerable groups to tackle issues of malnutrition and overnutrition.

India’s Milk Revolution and Present Challenges

•  India, once a land of milk scarcity, transformed into the world’s largest milk producer through the White Revolution, spearheaded by Verghese Kurien. This movement not only boosted milk production but also made milk a crucial part of the Indian diet, providing essential protein and nutrients, especially in a country where plant-based diets are prevalent. Milk plays a vital role in combating stunting and underweight issues among children. 
•  Despite this progress, milk consumption in India is marked by significant disparities. These inequities span across different income groups, regions, and social categories, raising concerns about equal access to this vital resource. Addressing these gaps is imperative for improving overall health outcomes in the country. 

Disparities in Milk Consumption

Recent data from the Household Consumer Expenditure Surveys (HCES) conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) reveal stark differences in milk consumption across various segments of the population:

• Income Disparities: The top 10% of income earners consume 3 to 4 times more milk per person compared to the poorest 10%. The bottom 30% of households are limited to just 18% of the country’s total milk consumption.
• Urban vs. Rural: Urban households have a milk consumption level that is 30% higher than their rural counterparts, despite the fact that a majority of milk is produced in rural areas.
• Social Categories: Scheduled Tribe households face significant disadvantages, consuming 4 litres less milk per person compared to households from the general category.
• Regional Variations: States like Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana have high per capita milk consumption, ranging from 333 to 421 grams per person daily. In contrast, eastern states such as Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal lag behind, with consumption levels as low as 75 to 171 grams per person.

Affordability and Overconsumption Issues

• Affordability: Meeting the recommended daily intake of 300 grams of milk would place a financial burden on 70% of households, requiring them to allocate 10-30% of their monthly income to purchase milk.
• Overconsumption: Affluent urban households often exceed the recommended milk intake, indulging in unhealthy dairy products like ice cream and sweets. This not only contributes to overnutrition but also obesity, highlighting a paradox where excess leads to health issues.

Focus on Vulnerable Groups

• Prioritizing Access: It is crucial to prioritize milk access for vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, lactating mothers, and the elderly in low-income areas. These populations are at a higher risk of nutritional deficiencies and require adequate milk intake for their health and development.
• Strengthening Provision: Existing schemes like POSHAN (National Food Security Mission) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) should be strengthened to ensure a consistent and sufficient supply of milk. States like Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Karnataka are already making strides in this direction, but the quantities provided need to be increased to meet the demand.
• Innovative Financing: Exploring innovative financing options such as social bonds, corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, and taxes on unhealthy foods can help boost milk provision. These measures can generate additional resources to support milk distribution initiatives targeted at vulnerable groups.
• Milk Coupons: Implementing milk coupon schemes in areas with robust dairy networks can enhance access to milk for low-income households. This approach not only supports local dairy farmers but also ensures that vulnerable populations receive adequate nutrition.

Awareness and Healthy Consumption

• Nutritional Awareness: There is a need to promote the nutritional benefits of milk, particularly targeting women in low-income communities. Campaigns through Anganwadi centres, self-help groups, and civil society organizations can help raise awareness about the importance of milk in the diet. States like Maharashtra and Bihar are already leading such initiatives, but there is a need for broader outreach.
• Moderation in Affluent Groups: Encouraging affluent households to moderate their milk consumption can help address the issue of overnutrition. By promoting awareness about the health risks associated with excessive dairy intake and unhealthy products, these households can make more informed choices. This moderation can also help make milk more affordable and accessible for vulnerable groups who need it the most.
• Learning from Successful Campaigns: Learning from successful public health campaigns like the U.K.’s Change4Life Sugar Swaps can provide valuable insights. Such campaigns, which focus on reducing sugar and fat intake, can be adapted to the Indian context to promote healthier consumption patterns among affluent households. By encouraging swaps and moderation, these campaigns can contribute to better health outcomes. 

Conclusion

Milk plays a crucial role in ensuring nutrition security in India. To realize Verghese Kurien’s vision of a nutritionally secure India, it is essential to ensure equitable access to milk for vulnerable populations while addressing the issue of overconsumption among affluent groups. By striking this balance, the benefits of the milk revolution can be extended to all segments of society, fulfilling the promise of improved nutrition and health for every Indian.