UPSC Mains Previous Year Questions 2023: GS3 Environment & Ecology | Environment for UPSC CSE PDF Download

Q1: What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? (Environment and Ecology)
Ans: Oil pollution, also referred to as oil contamination or oil spills, occurs when crude oil or refined petroleum products are released into water bodies due to accidents involving oil tankers, pipelines, offshore drilling rigs, or other industrial processes.

Impacts on the Marine Ecosystem:

• Harm to Marine Life: Coating feathers of seabirds and fur with oil spills makes it difficult for marine animals to regulate body temperatures, leading to hypothermia.
• Toxicity: Crude oil components are toxic to marine organisms, causing damage to their organs and impairing reproduction.
• Habitat Destruction: Oil spills can damage critical marine habitats such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marshes.
• Disruption of Food Chain: Loss of biodiversity has a cascading effect on interdependent species, with primary producers like phytoplankton being killed due to oil contamination.

Oil pollution poses significant challenges for a country like India:

• Economic Impact: India, being the world's second-largest aquaculture nation and the third-largest fish producer after China, faces disruptions in fishing and tourism industries due to oil pollution.
• Environmental Consequences: With diverse marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and mangroves, India experiences a loss of biodiversity from oil pollution.
• Health Implications: With a coastline of over 7500 km, oil spills can pose a significant health threat to coastal communities and those reliant on seafood.

Oil pollution is a critical concern for India, and concerted efforts to prevent and mitigate the impacts of oil spills are essential to safeguard the coastal environment, economy, and the well-being of coastal communities.

Q2: The adoption of electric vehicles is rapidly growing worldwide. How do electric vehicles contribute to reducing carbon emissions and what are the key benefits they offer compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. (Environment and Ecology)
Ans: The surge in global adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is driven by heightened environmental consciousness and increasing governmental incentives to promote sustainable transportation, combating escalating temperatures.

Role of electric vehicles in curtailing carbon emissions:

• EVs exhibit greater energy efficiency, consuming less energy compared to traditional vehicles and emitting fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
• They diminish reliance on fossil fuels, especially gasoline products, thereby diversifying energy sources.
• Running on electricity, EVs can be powered by cleaner sources like renewables, resulting in reduced direct emissions of GHGs such as carbon monoxide and CO2.
• The shift from internal combustion engines to electric motors contributes to lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and decreased pollutants, fostering enhanced air quality and a more environmentally friendly future.

Key advantages of EVs over traditional combustion engine vehicles:

• With lower fueling and maintenance costs, EVs offer a more economical alternative than gasoline products.
• They can significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions, especially when charged using renewable sources.
• EVs provide instant torque, ensuring rapid acceleration and a responsive driving experience.
• They operate more quietly than traditional vehicles, contributing to reduced noise pollution and a more enjoyable environment.
• EVs typically have a lower center of gravity, resulting in improved handling and comfort.

Although sustainable electricity generation remains a concern, ongoing technological advancements and governmental incentives position EVs as a promising solution for a future with minimal emissions.

Q3:  Comment on the National Wetland Conservation Programme initiated by the Government of India and name a few of India’s wetlands of international importance included in the Ramsar Sites. (Environment and Ecology)
Ans: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty aimed at the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands, designating those listed under the Convention as wetlands of international importance. Noteworthy Ramsar sites in India include:

• Karikili Bird Sanctuary (Tamil Nadu): Home to cormorants, grey heron, and open-billed stork.
• Pichavaram Mangrove (Tamil Nadu): An extensive mangrove forest island.
• Chandra Taal: One of the two high-altitude Ramsar wetlands.

The National Wetland Conservation Programme (NWCP) was launched to safeguard wetlands, recognizing their crucial benefits such as freshwater supply, biodiversity, flood control, groundwater recharge, and climate change mitigation. NWCP aims to conserve wetlands, prevent degradation, and grant local communities access to these benefits.

Significance of NWCP:

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC) has identified 115 wetlands in urgent need of conservation and management.
• It aligns wetland definitions with the Ramsar Convention.
• While state governments administer wetlands, the central government handles funds, technical assistance, and overall coordination.

Objectives of NWCP:

• Establishing policy guidelines for wetland conservation and management.
• Creating and maintaining a wetland inventory.
• Allocating financial assistance to states.
• Monitoring program implementation.
• Sponsoring multidisciplinary research by institutions.

The National Wetlands Conservation Programme (NWCP) and National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) were amalgamated under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) to streamline efforts and prevent administrative overlap, reflecting India's substantial achievements in safeguarding its wetlands.

Q4: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? (Environment and Ecology)
Ans: Global warming, once a theoretical concern, has now materialized into actual problems, prominently discussed since the IPCC report release. The elevation of global sea levels and its repercussions have raised serious alarms.

Impact on India and the Region:

• Environmental Impact:
  • Threat to Coastline: India's extensive coastline, a source of substantial economic benefits, faces jeopardy if coastal areas start submerging.
  • Coastal Wetland Degradation: Wetlands near coastal zones are at risk of degradation and potential extinction.
  • Coral Bleaching: Increased sea surface levels resulting in fresh water dilution can lead to coral bleaching.
  • Fauna Displacement: Biodiversity and animals face displacement, causing distress to ecosystems.
  • Groundwater Salination: The water table gets contaminated by incoming saltwater, reducing the availability of usable groundwater.
• Economic Impact:
  • Property and Resource Damage: Increased coastal disasters lead to substantial damage to property and resources.

  • Loss of Livelihood: Coastal-based professions face a decline, necessitating relocation due to reduced livelihood options and altering employment patterns.

• Social Impact:
  • Displacement of People: Climate refugees, individuals displaced by climate change, are increasing annually due to the impact of rising sea levels.
  • Stress on Inland Locations: Displaced individuals from coastal areas are likely to move inland, placing additional pressure on already stressed resources.

Measures:

• Mangrove Plantation: Activities like mangrove plantation can help alleviate issues related to rising sea levels.
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules and Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan: These regulations aim to manage and regulate resource utilization in coastal areas.

Various research studies predict an earlier onset of these effects with potentially more devastating consequences. Recognizing the impacts of rising sea levels, the government must formulate a policy addressing issues specifically related to this concern.