Environment and Ecology: December 2024 UPSC Current Affairs PDF Download

GS3/Environment

Dicliptera Polymorpha

Recently, scientists from the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI), which operates under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), have identified a new species named Dicliptera Polymorpha in the Northern Western Ghats of India.

What are the Key Findings Related to Species?

• Unique Traits of Dicliptera Polymorpha:
• Fire Resilience: This species has the ability to withstand summer droughts and is adapted to survive grassland fires.
• Dual Blooming Pattern: It exhibits two blooming phases: the first occurs post-monsoon from November to April, and the second happens between May and June following fires.
• Morphological Distinction: Its flower structures are notable for being uncommon in Indian flora but closely resemble those found in African species.
• Adaptations to Harsh Conditions: Dicliptera Polymorpha thrives on open grassland slopes within the Western Ghats, developing woody rootstocks that yield dwarf flowering shoots during its second blooming phase.
• Threats to Species:
• Human-Induced Fires: While fire can stimulate blooming, excessive or uncontrolled fires pose a risk to its habitat.
• Habitat Overuse: Overgrazing and changes in land use are significant threats to the biodiversity of grasslands where this species is found.

What are Key Facts About the Western Ghats?

• About: The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, are renowned for their diverse and unique array of flora and fauna.
• The range is referred to as Sahyadri in northern Maharashtra, Nilgiri Hills in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and Anaimalai and Cardamom Hills in Kerala.
• It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Western Ghats boast two biosphere reserves, 13 national parks, numerous wildlife sanctuaries, and many reserve forests.
• It includes the evergreen forests of Nagarahole, the deciduous forests of Bandipur National Park, and adjoining regions in Wayanad and Mudumalai National Park in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Global Biodiversity Hotspot: This region is recognized as one of India's four biodiversity hotspots, housing many endemic species and many yet-to-be-discovered organisms.

Conservation Efforts for Western Ghats:

• Gadgil Committee (2011): Known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), this committee recommended designating the entire Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA), restricting development in graded zones.
• Kasturirangan Committee (2013): This committee aimed to balance development with environmental protection. It proposed that only 37% of the Western Ghats should be designated as ESA and called for a comprehensive ban on mining, quarrying, and sand mining within ESA.

GS3/Environment

UNEP's Adaptation Gap Report 2024

Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published the Adaptation Gap Report 2024: Come hell and high water. This report highlights the urgent need for substantial increases in climate adaptation efforts, especially regarding the financing required for developing nations.

• Key Findings of the Adaptation Gap Report 2024:
• Adaptation Finance Gap: The disparity between the financial needs for adaptation and the actual funds available has increased. In 2022, only USD 28 billion was provided, which covers just 5% of the needs projected under the Glasgow Climate Pact.
• Funding Requirements: UNEP estimates that developing countries will require USD 387 billion each year by 2030 to effectively adapt to climate change.
• Funding Crunch: Approximately one-third of the adaptation finance gap is found in sectors typically funded by the private sector, indicating significant opportunities for private investments.
• Impact of Global Warming: According to the 2024 Emissions Gap Report, global temperatures may rise by 2.6°C to 3.1°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. Developing nations, which contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, are disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters.
• National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) Progress: Although 171 countries have at least one adaptation policy, there remain 26 countries without such policies, with 10 showing no interest in developing one. This reflects slow progress in planning and implementation.
• UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience: Introduced at UNFCCC COP28, this framework sets specific and thematic targets for adaptation, yet its implementation has been slow. It represents the first international declaration focusing primarily on climate adaptation.
• Transformational Adaptation: UNEP advocates for a transition from reactive to strategic adaptation, tackling more challenging areas like ecosystem preservation and cultural heritage. The term "transformational adaptation" sparked debate during COP28 but is deemed essential for managing increasing risks. This involves substantial changes in structures or functions to adapt to climate change, rather than just minor adjustments.

• Challenges in Climate Adaptation Financing for Developing Countries:
• Limited Financial Capacity: Adaptation initiatives such as constructing seawalls, developing resilient infrastructure, and ensuring water security impose significant financial burdens on developing nations.
• Shortfall in Developed Countries' Contributions: Developed nations have not fulfilled their financial commitments outlined in climate agreements, particularly the USD 100 billion target set for 2020.
• Dependence on High-Interest Loans: A large portion of the current funding comprises high-interest loans, increasing debt burdens and financial strain on the recipient countries.
• Urgency of Financial Commitment at COP29: The ambition to double adaptation finance by 2025 will only partially address the gap, underscoring the necessity for innovative financing solutions.

• Way Forward
• Strong Finances: The report stresses the importance of a solid financial commitment at UNFCCC to bolster adaptation efforts.
• Funding models: Suggested alternative funding mechanisms include risk finance, resilience bonds, debt-for-adaptation swaps, and payments for ecosystem services.
• Reforms: Changes in international financial institutions could enhance access to funding that does not increase debt levels.
• Transformational Change: Plans for capacity-building and technology transfer should aim to support adaptation across various sectors, scales, and development priorities, fostering the ability for transformational change.

The Adaptation Gap Report 2024 emphasizes the necessity for immediate action to enhance adaptation financing and promotes innovative solutions to assist developing nations. The report underscores the critical role of climate adaptation in the global climate agenda, highlighting the urgent need to close the adaptation finance gap, which remains a pivotal issue for the UNFCCC COP29 negotiations.

• Drishti Mains Question: Discuss the main financial and strategic gaps in global climate adaptation efforts identified in UNEP’s 2024 Adaptation Gap Report, and suggest ways to address these challenges.

GS3/Environment

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction: It is time to pay attention to funding disaster risk reduction

India has emphasized the importance of funding disaster risk reduction (DRR) and improving early warning systems during a recent meeting to review the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). This highlights a shift in focus from merely financing disaster response to proactive disaster risk management.

• The Sendai Framework (2015–2030) is an international agreement adopted at the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan.
• It was endorsed by the UN General Assembly in June 2015 and serves as the successor to the Hyogo Framework for Action (2005–2015), which was the most comprehensive international agreement on DRR until now.
• This framework aligns with various 2030 Agenda agreements, including The Paris Agreement on Climate Change, The Addis Ababa Action Agenda on Financing for Development, The New Urban Agenda, and The Sustainable Development Goals.
• The framework acknowledges that while the State has the main responsibility for reducing disaster risk, this task should also involve other stakeholders such as local governments and the private sector.

• Understanding disaster risk.
• Strengthening governance structures to effectively manage disaster risks.
• Investing in disaster risk reduction to enhance resilience.
• Improving preparedness for effective responses and ensuring recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction are conducted in a better manner.

• The High-Level Meeting (HLM) on the Midterm Review of the Sendai Framework was convened by the President of the General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York.
• This meeting provided a platform for Member States and stakeholders to discuss emerging issues since 2015, identify necessary adjustments, and work towards achieving the outcomes and goals of the Sendai Framework.
• The Indian delegation highlighted that DRR is gaining essential attention in global policy discussions, with both G20 and G7 prioritizing this issue.
• India has made significant advancements in its financial approach to DRR, granting state and local governments access to approximately $6 billion for disaster risk mitigation over five years (2021-2025).
• Additionally, there is a separate allocation of $23 billion designated for preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.

• The loss of lives due to cyclones has been reduced to less than 2%.
• India is developing ambitious programs aimed at mitigating risks from various hazards, including landslides, forest fires, heatwaves, and lightning strikes.

• The UN Secretary-General launched the initiative ‘Early Warning for All by 2027’ during India’s Presidency in 2023, which aims to establish a Working Group on Disaster Risk Reduction.

• To develop a comprehensive financial framework that addresses all aspects of DRR and clarifies the State's role in enhancing early warning systems during disasters.
• To promote multi-country cooperation, enhancing access to hazard and risk information while improving disaster risk governance.

This initiative is a pioneering effort by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) aimed at ensuring that everyone across the globe is safeguarded against dangerous weather, water, or climate events through life-saving early warning systems by the end of 2027.

The disaster risk management cycle consists of four key phases: Prevention/Mitigation and Preparedness during the pre-disaster stage, followed by Response and Rehabilitation/Reconstruction in the post-disaster stage.

GS3/Environment

Climate Change Impact on Small Island Developing States

Why in News?

At UNFCCC COP27 (2022) in Sharm El Sheikh, a new fund for loss and damage was established to assist nations vulnerable to climate change, especially Small Island Developing States (SIDS). However, wealthier nations, which are the largest contributors to carbon emissions, have not met their financial obligations, leaving many of these vulnerable countries without necessary support.

How is Climate Change Affecting SIDS?

• Increased Vulnerability of SIDS:
  • SIDS experience climate-related losses that are 3-5 times greater relative to their government revenues compared to other nations.
  • Even relatively affluent SIDS, such as Barbados and the Bahamas, encounter losses that are four times higher than those of other high-income countries.
  • Projected annual losses from extreme weather could reach USD 75 billion by 2050 for SIDS under a scenario of 2°C warming.
• Direct Impacts:
  • Extreme weather events driven by climate change inflict severe damage on homes, infrastructure, public services, and lead to loss of life.
  • An example is Cyclone Winston in 2016, which caused significant flooding in Fiji, resulting in 44 fatalities and major economic disruption.
• Indirect Impacts:
  • Challenges related to recovery and resource diversion hinder economic recovery, with critical sectors like tourism and agriculture severely affected.
  • Fiji experienced a 1.4% reduction in GDP growth due to the 2016 cyclone, illustrating the long-term economic toll of such disasters.
  • Small island states face ongoing fiscal challenges, with high recovery costs worsening national debt; for instance, Dominica's recovery from Hurricane Maria resulted in a debt-to-GDP ratio of 150%.
• Cost of Climate Change:
  • From 2000 to 2020, SIDS incurred USD 141 billion in direct and indirect impacts, averaging USD 2,000 per person.
  • Some nations faced even greater losses, such as USD 20,000 per person in certain circumstances.
  • According to extreme event attribution studies, 38% of total losses can be attributed to climate change.

Why do Developed Countries Need to Pay Up?

• Financial Responsibility:
  • Wealthy industrialized nations, which have historically emitted the most carbon, hold the primary responsibility for financing climate change mitigation and adaptation in vulnerable regions.
• Insufficient Current Funding:
  • The existing financial commitments are inadequate to tackle the scale of losses and damages already experienced, let alone prepare for future challenges.
  • The loss and damage fund requires significantly more funding annually, particularly for the most vulnerable nations like SIDS.
• Urgency for a Marshall Plan-Scale Response:
  • Given the severe impacts, the fund should be structured with the ambition and scale of a "modern Marshall Plan," ensuring that affected nations have the necessary resources for recovery and adaptation.
  • This plan should mirror the US-led initiative post-World War II that provided extensive aid to rebuild Western Europe, fostering political stability and long-term growth.
• Effective Fund Utilization:
  • The fund should implement budget support mechanisms, ensure rapid disbursement for timely recovery, and provide concessional finance to prevent increasing debt burdens.
• Failure to Meet Climate Commitments:
  • Developed nations have a track record of not fulfilling climate finance targets and emissions reduction commitments.
  • While they contribute less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, they are among those most affected by climate impacts.
  • As climate impacts intensify, future climate finance targets must be ambitious enough to address the scale of challenges faced.
• Induced Economic Loss (IELD) and the FRLD:
  • Indirect economic losses attributed to extreme weather may have totaled USD 107 billion from 2000 to 2022, with 36% of these losses linked to climate change.
  • The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD), designed to provide financial support to vulnerable nations, must also address these indirect losses to ensure prompt recovery.
• Growing Fiscal Stress:
  • Cumulative losses from direct and indirect impacts could reach USD 75.2 billion annually by 2050 under a scenario of 2°C warming.
  • Developed nations must enhance their financial contributions to ensure that adequate resources are available to tackle both immediate impacts and long-term economic challenges faced by SIDS.

Conclusion

The establishment of the loss and damage fund at UNFCCC COP27 represents a significant step towards supporting SIDS. Wealthy nations must fulfill their obligations to provide sufficient resources for climate resilience, addressing both immediate challenges and the sustainable development of these vulnerable nations.

Drishti Mains Question:

What are the key financial challenges faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in responding to climate change? Discuss the role of international financing in supporting these countries.

GS3/Environment

Protected Planet Report 2024

The 2024 Protected Planet Report, produced by the UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) in collaboration with the IUCN and its World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), serves as the first thorough assessment of the current global status of protected and conserved areas. This report underscores both the advancements made and the challenges that remain in fulfilling Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).

What is the Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal GBF?

The KM-GBF was adopted during the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP) of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). This framework lays out an ambitious roadmap aimed at realizing a global vision where humanity coexists harmoniously with nature by the year 2050, encapsulating four overarching goals for 2050 and 23 specific targets for 2030.

• Target 3 aims to ensure that by 2030, at least 30% of terrestrial, inland waters, coastal, and marine areas, especially those critical for biodiversity, are effectively conserved and managed through well-connected, ecologically representative, and equitably governed protected areas.
• This includes recognizing indigenous and traditional territories and integrating these areas into broader landscapes and seascapes, ensuring that sustainable usage aligns with conservation objectives and respects the rights of Indigenous peoples and local communities.

What are the Key Highlights of the Protected Planet Report 2024?

• Global Coverage Progress: Currently, 17.6% of land and inland waters, along with 8.4% of oceans and coastal areas, are protected. Although progress has been noted, the increase is marginal (less than 0.5% in both categories) since 2020.
• To achieve the 30% target by 2030, additional protections are necessary: 12.4% more land must be safeguarded and 21.6% more ocean areas need protection.
• Progress in Ocean Conservation: The most significant advancements since 2020 have occurred in ocean conservation, predominantly within national waters. However, in areas beyond national jurisdiction, coverage remains critically low (less than 11% of total marine and coastal protected areas).
• Challenges with Effectiveness and Governance: Fewer than 5% of land areas and only 1.3% of marine areas have undergone assessments for management effectiveness. Merely 8.5% of protected lands are adequately connected.
• Governance issues persist, with only 0.2% of land and 0.01% of marine areas evaluated for equitable management.
• Underrepresentation of Biodiversity: Only 20% of areas identified as crucial for biodiversity receive full protection, leading to uneven conservation efforts. Over two-thirds of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are partially or fully included in protected and conserved regions, yet one-third (32%) of KBAs lack any form of formal protection.
• Indigenous Peoples' Role: Indigenous communities manage less than 4% of protected areas, even though they govern 13.6% of global terrestrial regions outside formal protections. There is inadequate governance data for these territories, and their contributions often go unrecognized.
• Key Recommendations: Despite existing challenges, optimism remains as 51 countries have already exceeded the 30% target for land conservation, with 31 countries achieving this in marine areas.
• The report emphasizes that the 30% target remains attainable within the next six years through enhanced efforts, international collaboration, and support for Indigenous Peoples.
• Long-standing issues regarding data insufficiency persist, particularly concerning the positive biodiversity outcomes of protected areas, equitable governance for local populations, and the rights of women, Indigenous Peoples, and local communities. Increased efforts are essential in these domains.
• Indigenous Peoples must be empowered as caretakers of their lands, with their voices and traditional knowledge recognized and valued.
• Efforts should not only focus on expanding protected area coverage but also on ensuring that these areas are well-connected and strategically located in biodiversity hotspots.

What are the Key Goals of India’s Biodiversity Strategy?

NBSAP:

The CBD mandates that member countries, including India, develop a National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to conserve and sustainably utilize biodiversity.

India recently revised its NBSAP to align with the KM-GBF, aiming to protect at least 30% of its natural areas by 2030.

• The original NBSAP was formulated in 1999 and subsequently updated in 2008 and 2014 to meet the Aichi Biodiversity Targets, reflecting India's ongoing commitment to combat biodiversity threats.

India’s Updated NBSAP:

• The revised NBSAP aims to safeguard 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas, in line with the global objectives of the KM-GBF.
• The strategy emphasizes the restoration of ecosystems such as forests and rivers, ensuring the continued accessibility of essential resources like clean water and air.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Evaluate India’s updated National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) in the context of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

GS3/Environment

World Cities Report 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the UN-Habitat has released the World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action. The report highlighted that the cities are among the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, yet they face disproportionately severe impacts of climate change.

• Key Findings of the World Cities Report 2024:
• Temperature Increases: By 2040, nearly two billion people in urban areas will experience a 0.5°C rise in temperature. 14% of cities are expected to transition to drier climates while at least 900 cities could transition to more humid climates, particularly in tropical regions.
• Sea-Level Rise: By 2040, over 2,000 cities in low coastal areas, many under 5 meters above sea level, will expose more than 1.4 billion people to heightened risks from sea-level rise and storm surges.
• Disproportionate Impact: Urban areas are not only significantly impacted by climate change but also contribute substantially to greenhouse gas emissions, making them more vulnerable to climate shocks like floods and cyclones.
• Investment Gap: To develop climate-resilient systems, cities require an estimated USD 4.5 to USD 5.4 trillion annually, yet current financing is only about USD 831 billion, indicating a massive funding shortfall.
• Riverine Flooding: Flood exposure in cities has increased significantly, growing 3.5 times faster than in rural areas since 1975. By 2030, 517 million people in cities will be at risk of riverine flooding, representing 14% of the global urban population.
• Decline of Green Spaces: The percentage of urban green spaces has decreased from 19.5% in 1990 to 13.9% in 2020, leading to both environmental and social challenges in urban settings.
• Increased Vulnerability: Informal settlements are primary contributors to vulnerability, often situated in flood-prone and low-lying areas. These communities lack protective infrastructure and legal recognition, making them more exposed to climate impacts and unable to invest in necessary upgrades due to fears of eviction.
• Green Gentrification: Certain climate initiatives, such as the establishment of parks, have resulted in green gentrification, displacing underprivileged communities. This phenomenon occurs when a low-income neighborhood undergoes transformation due to an influx of wealthier residents, raising property values and rents.
• How Urban Areas Contribute to Global Warming:
• Energy Consumption: Urban areas account for 71% to 76% of CO2 emissions from global final energy use, primarily due to the concentration of energy-intensive industries, transportation systems, and high-density residential and commercial buildings. Urban lifestyles are generally energy-intensive, leading to high demands for electricity, heating, and cooling.
• Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants that utilize fossil fuels release various greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
• Land Use Changes: Converting land for housing, infrastructure, and industrial purposes diminishes the Earth's capacity to absorb and store carbon, with urban land areas projected to triple from 2015 to 2050, resulting in deforestation and habitat destruction.
• Waste Generation and Landfills: Organic waste decomposing in landfills emits methane, a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential significantly higher than that of CO2.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities, especially those with extensive concrete and asphalt, absorb and retain heat more than rural areas, creating an urban heat island effect.
• How Cities are Affected by Global Warming:
• Heatwaves: Global warming is leading to increased global temperatures and a rise in the frequency of heatwaves, with examples of severe heatwaves occurring in India.
• Urban Heat Islands (UHIs): Urban Heat Islands are metropolitan areas that are significantly warmer than their surrounding regions due to heat-absorbing surfaces and energy consumption.
• Coastal Flooding: Rising temperatures are causing glaciers and ice sheets to melt, contributing to sea level rise that inundates coastal areas, displacing communities and disrupting ecosystems.
• Wildfire Season: The wildfire season has become longer and more intense due to rising temperatures and prolonged droughts, increasing the risk of wildfires.
• Way Forward:
• Resilient Infrastructure: Infrastructure is critical for reducing emissions, accounting for 79% of total emissions and is essential for achieving 72% of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It should be designed to withstand climate impacts and address social and environmental issues that increase community vulnerability.
• Green Energy: Promoting electrification of public transport and electric vehicles can help reduce the carbon footprint associated with personal and public mobility.
• Diverse Financing Mix: To address financing gaps, well-structured loans and credit facilities can assist cities in investing in long-term climate solutions. Affordable financing models, including climate-friendly loans and green bonds, can help secure necessary capital for climate initiatives.
• Urban Carbon Sinks: Cities can mitigate emissions by investing in nature-based solutions such as green roofs, urban forests, and parks that absorb carbon dioxide. Compact urban planning can also reduce urban sprawl, thereby cutting the need for extensive travel and related emissions.
• Circular Waste Management: Effective waste management practices, including recycling and composting, can prevent methane emissions from landfills.
• Whole-of-Society Approach: Vertical coordination between various levels of government and horizontal coordination across sectors and stakeholders is vital for ensuring consistent, inclusive, and effective climate action.
• Strengthening Local Capacities: Local governments are best equipped to devise tailored solutions that address the specific challenges and needs of their communities. Encouraging lifestyle changes, such as walking, biking, and carpooling instead of using private vehicles, can further reduce demand.
• Conclusion: The report emphasizes the urgent need for cities to tackle climate change impacts, highlighting their vulnerability and role in global warming. Effective solutions require resilient infrastructure, green energy, and circular waste management, underpinned by diverse financing and localized actions to foster climate-resilient and inclusive urban environments.

Drishti Mains Question:

Q. Discuss how urban areas contribute to global warming and the measures required to mitigate their impact.

GS3/Environment

Urbanisation and Industrialisation Depleting Groundwater

Why in News?

A recent study titled Detection and Socio-Economic Attribution of Groundwater Depletion in India highlighted the significant impact of urbanisation and industrialisation on groundwater depletion in five Indian states.

What are the Key Findings of the Study?

• Affected States:
  • Punjab and Haryana (Hotspot I): These states are the most affected, experiencing a loss of 64.6 billion cubic metres of groundwater over two decades.
  • Uttar Pradesh (Hotspot II): There was an 8% decrease in irrigation demand, while domestic and industrial usage surged by 38%, contributing to a 4% decline in groundwater levels.
  • West Bengal (Hotspot III): Despite minimal growth in irrigation (0.09%), a 24% increase in other water usage led to a 3% drop in groundwater.
  • Chhattisgarh (Hotspot IV): A rise in water consumption across all sectors has resulted in falling groundwater levels.
  • Kerala (Hotspot V): Groundwater levels declined by 17% despite significant rainfall, attributed to a 36% reduction in irrigation and a 34% increase in other water uses.
• Primary Cause: The rapid urbanisation of 10% from 2001 to 2011, combined with industrialisation particularly in urban regions like Faridabad and Gurgaon, has led to substantial groundwater depletion since 2012.
• Rising Demand: The increased need for domestic and industrial water, alongside only minor declines in rainfall during the study period, has contributed to groundwater depletion.

What are the Major Causes of Groundwater Depletion?

• Over-Reliance on Groundwater: Approximately 80% of India's water usage for irrigation comes from groundwater, which is being excessively extracted to meet rising food demands.
• Poor Water Management: Inefficient water usage, leaking pipes, and inadequate infrastructure for rainwater capture are significant contributors to groundwater depletion.
• Decline in Traditional Water Conservation Methods: The reduction in practices like rainwater harvesting and the use of check dams has limited opportunities for groundwater recharge.
• Climate Change: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns adversely affect groundwater recharge, making aquifers more vulnerable to depletion.

What are the Impacts of Groundwater Depletion?

• Reduced Crop Yields: Depletion of groundwater restricts irrigation, which negatively impacts crop productivity and food security.
• Urban Water Scarcity: As cities increasingly depend on groundwater, depletion leads to higher costs and reduced water availability, straining municipal services.
• Public Health Risks: With only 4% of the world's freshwater resources available for 18% of the global population, declining water quality due to overuse and contamination raises the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Ecosystem Loss: Lower water tables adversely affect wetlands, forests, and aquatic ecosystems, disrupting biodiversity.
• Increased Drought Risks: Groundwater depletion diminishes resilience against droughts, which are expected to become more frequent due to climate change.

What are the Challenges in Groundwater Management in India?

• Overexploitation: The Green Revolution has heightened the demand for groundwater to ensure food security, leading to widespread borewell installation and significant depletion in many regions.
• Climate Induced Challenges: Erratic rainfall patterns and heightened pollution levels have worsened water scarcity across the country.
• Weak Regulatory Framework: Current regulations only cover 14% of overexploited blocks, permitting unchecked groundwater extraction and exacerbating scarcity.
• Lack of Local Regulatory Enforcement: Insufficient local governance during the early stages of depletion worsens water scarcity issues.
• Community Involvement and Institutional Weaknesses: Although Participatory Groundwater Management (PGM) has empowered some communities, many initiatives suffer from weak institutional support and sustainability challenges.
• Subsidies and Usage: Subsidized electricity for water pumping fosters excessive groundwater extraction, leading to rapid depletion.

What are the Strategies for Sustainable Groundwater Management?

• Address Demand and Supply:
  • Supply Side: Initiatives such as watershed management and aquifer recharge are essential, but must be supported by demand-side measures.
  • Demand Side: Promoting water-efficient irrigation methods (like drip irrigation) and encouraging less water-intensive crops can alleviate groundwater stress.
• Community Participation: Increasing community involvement in groundwater governance enhances sustainability, as seen in regions with defined aquifers.
• Regulatory Enhancements: Implementing comprehensive regulations at local levels before areas reach critical depletion can avert further losses.
• Cross Sectoral Reform: Reforms that lessen incentives for groundwater overexploitation, including revising power subsidies, are crucial for sustainable resource management.

Drishti Mains Question

Q. Analyze the impact of urbanization and industrialization on India’s groundwater resources, noting states with significant depletion. Discuss associated challenges and propose mitigation measures.

GS3/Environment

IUCN’s First Global Tree Assessment

Recently, the first Global Tree Assessment was released as part of an update to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, with its findings announced during the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16) held in Cali, Colombia.

What is the Global Tree Assessment Report?

• About:
• The Global Tree Assessment (GTA) is an initiative aimed at evaluating all tree species worldwide to include them in the IUCN Red List, thereby enhancing the data available for conservation decision-making.
• Purpose:
• The primary goal is to assess the conservation status of tree species globally, which aids in improving conservation strategies and information.
• Launch:
• Initiated in 2015, the GTA prioritizes conservation actions, research, and funding for species that are at the highest risk of extinction.
• Partnerships and Collaboration:
• The assessment collaborates with over 60 botanical organizations, 25 IUCN groups, and numerous tree experts globally.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Species at Risk:
• Out of 47,282 tree species analyzed, 16,425 are classified as threatened with extinction. Notable endangered species include magnolias, oaks, maples, and ebonies.
• The number of threatened tree species surpasses the total of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians combined, with trees facing risks across 192 countries.
• In the South Western Ghats of Kerala, the small tree Buchanania barberi is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2018.
• Urgent conservation measures, including germination trials that showed high seed viability, have been initiated to save this species.
• Main Threats:
• Deforestation: Land clearing for agricultural and livestock production is a significant factor contributing to tree extinction, particularly in tropical regions and areas rich in forests like South America.
• Logging: The exploitation of tree species for timber and other forest products adds pressure on their natural populations, with over 5,000 species used for timber and more than 2,000 for food, medicine, and fuel.
• Invasive Species, Pests, and Diseases: The health of trees is increasingly threatened by non-native species and pathogens, especially in temperate regions.
• Climate Change: Factors such as rising temperatures, sea level rise, and more frequent extreme weather events pose significant threats to tree species, particularly in tropical and island ecosystems.
• Ongoing Conservation Efforts:
• Conservation initiatives in areas like the Juan Fernández Islands, Cuba, Madagascar, and Fiji have effectively protected endangered tree species.
• Countries such as Ghana, Colombia, Chile, and Kenya have developed national strategies focused on tree conservation.
• Gabon has established key conservation areas specifically aimed at protecting tree biodiversity, showcasing a proactive stance in preserving ecological diversity.

GS3/Environment

Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024

Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) released its Asia–Pacific (APAC) Climate Report 2024, highlighting alarming economic impacts of climate change on the Asia-Pacific region.

• Economic Impacts of Climate Change:
  • Under scenarios of high greenhouse gas emissions, the APAC region might experience a significant 17% reduction in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2070.
  • This reduction could escalate to as much as 41% by 2100 if emissions remain high.
  • Specific countries face severe impacts: India may see a GDP decline of 24.7% by 2070, while Bangladesh could suffer a 30.5% loss, Vietnam a 30.2% reduction, and Indonesia a 26.8% decline.
• Main Drivers of Economic Losses:
  • Sea Level Rise:
    • Coastal flooding threatens up to 300 million individuals by 2070, with projected annual damages potentially reaching USD 3 trillion.
  • Labour Productivity Decline:
    • Overall, the APAC region could face a 4.9% GDP loss due to decreased labour productivity; however, India’s loss could reach as high as 11.6%.
  • Cooling Demands:
    • As temperatures rise, regional GDP might decline by 3.3%, with India experiencing a sharper drop of 5.1% due to increased cooling requirements.
• Climate Change Impact on Natural Disasters:
  • Riverine Flooding:
    • Annual flooding could result in damages totaling USD 1.3 trillion across the APAC region by 2070, affecting over 110 million people.
    • In India, projected losses include over USD 400 billion in residential damages and more than USD 700 billion in commercial damages.
  • Storms and Rainfall:
    • The increased intensity of tropical storms and rainfall is likely to exacerbate flooding and landslides, particularly in vulnerable mountainous regions like the India-China border, where landslide incidents could rise by 30-70% under severe warming conditions.
• Implications for Forests and Ecosystems:
  • Climate change is expected to diminish forest productivity in the APAC region by 10-30% by 2070 under high-emission scenarios.
  • India anticipates losses exceeding 25%, similar to Vietnam and Southeast Asia, whereas regions like China and Central Asia may experience less than 5% loss.
• Steps Needed for Improvement:
  • Net-Zero Targets and Gaps:
    • Out of 44 economies in Asia, 36 have established net-zero emission targets. However, only four countries have made these targets legally binding, and most lack comprehensive action plans.
    • China and India aim for net-zero targets in 2060 and 2070, respectively, which is slower compared to many OECD countries, where 32 out of 38 have net-zero targets, and 23 are legally committed, most aiming for 2050.
    • To enhance climate ambitions, developing Asia needs clearer policies and increased financial support, with institutions like ADB ready to assist in achieving these goals.
  • Climate Finance:
    • The region requires annual investments ranging from USD 102 billion to USD 431 billion for climate adaptation, a significant increase from the USD 34 billion tracked from 2021 to 2022.
    • There is a need for more private investment and improved policies to meet these targets. Recognizing climate risks and implementing regulatory reforms can attract private climate investments.
  • Renewable Energy:
    • The report emphasizes the potential for the region to leverage renewable energy sources to facilitate a transition to net-zero emissions.
    • Utilizing both domestic and international carbon markets is highlighted as an effective strategy for climate action.