Environment and Ecology: November 2024 Current Affairs | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Dicliptera Polymorpha

Why in News?

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

Key Takeaways

• Fire Resilience: This species can endure summer droughts and adapt to grassland fires.
• Dual Blooming Pattern: It flowers twice—once after the monsoon (November to April) and again in May to June following fire events.
• Morphological Distinction: It possesses unique inflorescence structures uncommon in Indian species, resembling those found in certain African species.
• Adaptations to Harsh Conditions: The plant thrives on open grassland slopes in the Western Ghats. Its woody rootstocks generate dwarf flowering shoots during the secondary flowering phase.

Threats to Species

• Human-Induced Fires: While fire can stimulate blooming, excessive or mismanaged fires pose risks to its habitat.
• Habitat Overuse: Overgrazing and land-use changes are significant threats to grassland biodiversity.

Key Facts About the Western Ghats

About:

The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Hills, are renowned for their rich and diverse flora and fauna. The region is referred to as Sahyadri in northern Maharashtra, Nilgiri Hills in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and the Anaimalai and Cardamom Hills in Kerala.

• UNESCO Recognition: The Western Ghats are designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: It is one of India's four recognized biodiversity hotspots, hosting numerous endemic and yet-to-be-discovered species.
• Protected Areas: The region encompasses two biosphere reserves, 13 national parks, several wildlife sanctuaries, and multiple reserve forests.
• Forest Types: The Ghats include evergreen forests like those in Nagarahole, and deciduous forests found in Bandipur National Park and surrounding areas in Karnataka and adjacent regions of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Conservation Efforts for Western Ghats

• Gadgil Committee (2011): Also known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), this committee recommended designating all of the Western Ghats as Ecological Sensitive Areas (ESA), allowing only limited development in graded zones.
• Kasturirangan Committee (2013): This committee aimed to balance development and environmental protection, suggesting that only 37% of the Western Ghats should be classified as ESA. It also recommended a complete ban on mining, quarrying, and sand mining in ESA regions.

UNEP's Adaptation Gap Report 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the Adaptation Gap Report 2024 titled "Come hell and high water." This report emphasizes the urgent need for substantial increases in climate adaptation efforts, especially in terms of financing for developing nations.

Key Takeaways

• The adaptation finance gap has widened, indicating a significant disparity between financing needs and actual funding.
• In 2022, only USD 28 billion was provided for adaptation, meeting merely 5% of the projected needs under the Glasgow Climate Pact.
• UNEP estimates that developing countries require USD 387 billion annually by 2030 for effective climate adaptation.

Additional Details

• Adaptation Finance Gap: The gap highlights the insufficient funding for climate adaptation initiatives, particularly in developing countries, which face severe climate impacts despite contributing little to global emissions.
• Funding Crunch: Only about one-third of the adaptation finance gap is found in sectors typically supported by private investments, suggesting a need for increased private sector involvement.
• Impact of Global Warming: The Emissions Gap Report 2024 warns that global temperatures could rise by 2.6°C to 3.1°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100, exacerbating vulnerabilities in developing nations.
• Progress on National Adaptation Plans (NAPs): Although 171 countries have at least one adaptation policy, many countries lack interest in developing further policies, indicating slow progress in adaptation planning.
• Transformational Adaptation: UNEP advocates for a shift from reactive to strategic adaptation, focusing on more challenging areas such as ecosystem preservation and cultural heritage.
• Challenges in Climate Adaptation Financing: Developing countries struggle with limited financial resources for large-scale adaptation projects, often relying on high-interest loans which aggravate their debt burdens.

Mains Question

Q: 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.

Sendai Framework and India’s Commitment to DRR

Why in News?

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

Key Takeaways

• The Sendai Framework is an international agreement aimed at reducing disaster risks, adopted in 2015.
• India has made significant strides in disaster risk mitigation, with a focus on funding and implementing DRR strategies.

Additional Details

• Sendai Framework: The Sendai Framework (2015–2030) was adopted during the 3rd World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Sendai, Japan. It serves as a successor to the Hyogo Framework and is aligned with various international agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals.
• Priority Areas:The framework focuses on four main areas:
  • Understanding disaster risk.
  • Strengthening disaster risk governance.
  • Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience.
  • Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response.
• The recent High-Level Meeting (HLM) convened at UN Headquarters aimed to assess the implementation of the Sendai Framework and address emerging issues.
• India's commitment includes over $6 billion for disaster risk mitigation from 2021 to 2025, supplementing $23 billion for preparedness and recovery.
• Achievements: India has successfully reduced cyclone-related fatalities to below 2% and is developing programs to tackle other hazards like landslides and heatwaves.
• Global Initiative: The 'Early Warning for All by 2027' initiative aims to ensure global access to life-saving early warning systems for hazardous events.
• Disaster Risk Management Cycle: This cycle includes four phases: Prevention/Mitigation, Preparedness (pre-disaster), and Response, Rehabilitation/Reconstruction (post-disaster).

Climate Change Impact on Small Island Developing States

Why in News?

At the UNFCCC COP27 in 2022 held in Sharm El Sheikh, a new loss and damage fund was established to assist climate-vulnerable nations, particularly Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Despite this agreement, wealthier nations, which are the largest carbon emitters, have not fulfilled their financial commitments, leaving many vulnerable countries without necessary support.

Key Takeaways

• SIDS experience 3-5 times greater climate-related losses compared to other nations.
• Projected annual losses for SIDS could reach USD 75 billion by 2050 under a 2°C warming scenario.
• Developed nations are primarily responsible for funding climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Additional Details

• Increased Vulnerability: SIDS, including wealthier nations like Barbados and the Bahamas, face significant climate-related losses, with wealthier SIDS experiencing four times more losses compared to other high-income countries.
• Direct Impacts: Extreme weather events, such as Cyclone Winston in Fiji (2016), lead to severe damage to infrastructure and loss of life, highlighting the urgent need for effective recovery strategies.
• Indirect Impacts: The economic recovery from disasters is often slow, significantly impacting sectors like tourism and agriculture. For instance, Fiji's GDP growth was reduced by 1.4% due to the cyclone.
• Cost of Climate Change: From 2000 to 2020, the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on SIDS totaled USD 141 billion, averaging USD 2,000 per person, with some countries experiencing even higher costs.
• Need for Financial Support: Current financial pledges are insufficient to tackle ongoing losses and damages. There is an urgent need for a substantial increase in funding, akin to a modern "Marshall Plan," to help affected nations recover and adapt.
• The establishment of the loss and damage fund at COP27 represents a crucial step in addressing the financial challenges faced by SIDS due to climate change. Wealthy nations must fulfill their commitments to provide adequate resources for climate resilience, ensuring sustainable development in these vulnerable regions.

Mains Question

Q: 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.

Protected Planet Report 2024

Why in News?

The 2024 Protected Planet Report, produced by the UNEP–World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the IUCN along with its World Commission on Protected Areas (WCPA), marks the first comprehensive evaluation of the global status of protected and conserved areas. The report emphasizes both achievements and ongoing challenges in reaching Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF).

Key Takeaways

• Global Coverage Progress: Currently, 17.6% of land and inland waters, and 8.4% of oceans and coastal areas are protected. There has been minimal increase since 2020, necessitating further actions to meet the 30% target by 2030.
• Progress in Ocean Conservation: The most significant advancements have occurred in national waters, yet areas beyond national jurisdiction remain poorly protected.
• Challenges with Effectiveness and Governance: A lack of assessment for management effectiveness and equitable governance hampers progress.
• Underrepresentation of Biodiversity: Only 20% of areas crucial for biodiversity are fully protected, with significant gaps in conservation coverage.
• Indigenous Peoples' Role: Indigenous communities govern a small fraction of protected areas while holding substantial land outside formal protection.

Additional Details

• Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal GBF: By 2030, at least 30% of terrestrial, inland water, coastal, and marine areas, especially those vital for biodiversity, should be effectively conserved and managed.
• India's Biodiversity Strategy: India has updated its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) to align with the KM-GBF, aiming to protect at least 30% of its natural areas by 2030.
• Indigenous Peoples' Support: The report advocates for recognizing and supporting Indigenous Peoples in conservation efforts, emphasizing their knowledge and rights.

World Cities Report 2024: Cities and Climate Action

Why in News?

Recently, the UN-Habitat released the World Cities Report 2024, which focuses on the relationship between urban environments and climate action. The report emphasizes that cities are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions while also being disproportionately affected by climate change impacts.

Key Takeaways

• By 2040, nearly two billion urban residents will face a temperature increase of 0.5°C.
• Over 2,000 cities in low coastal areas will expose more than 1.4 billion people to risks from sea-level rise and storm surges.
• Urban areas are major greenhouse gas emitters and are more vulnerable to climate shocks like floods and cyclones.
• To achieve climate resilience, cities require annual investments of USD 4.5 to USD 5.4 trillion, but current financing is only USD 831 billion.
• Flood exposure in urban areas has increased significantly, with 517 million people projected to be at risk by 2030.
• Urban green spaces have declined from 19.5% in 1990 to 13.9% in 2020, worsening environmental and social issues.
• Informal settlements are highly vulnerable due to their location and lack of infrastructure.
• Green gentrification from climate initiatives can displace low-income communities.

Additional Details

• Energy Consumption: Urban areas account for 71% to 76% of global CO2 emissions due to energy-intensive industries and lifestyles.
• Industrial Activities: Factories and power plants that burn fossil fuels contribute to various greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
• Land Use Changes: Urban expansion reduces the Earth's ability to store carbon, with urban land projected to triple from 2015 to 2050.
• Waste Generation: Landfills release methane, a potent greenhouse gas, as organic waste decomposes.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: Cities retain heat more than rural areas, exacerbating temperature increases.

How Cities are Affected by Global Warming

• Heatwaves: Global warming increases the frequency and severity of heatwaves.
• Urban Heat Islands (UHIs): UHIs are significantly warmer due to heat-absorbing surfaces.
• Coastal Flooding: Rising sea levels inundate coastal areas, displacing communities.
• Wildfire Season: Increased temperatures and prolonged droughts heighten wildfire risks.

Way Forward

• Resilient Infrastructure: Infrastructure should be designed to withstand climate impacts and enhance community resilience.
• Green Energy: Promoting electrification of public transport and electric vehicles can reduce carbon footprints.
• Diverse Financing Mix: Structured loans and climate-friendly financing models are essential for funding climate solutions.
• Urban Carbon Sinks: Investments in nature-based solutions can help offset emissions.
• Circular Waste Management: Recycling and composting can mitigate methane emissions from landfills.
• Whole-of-Society Approach: Coordinated efforts across government levels and sectors are crucial for effective climate action.
• Strengthening Local Capacities: Local governments are best equipped to implement tailored solutions for their communities.

In conclusion, the report underscores the urgent need for cities to confront climate change, highlighting their dual role as both vulnerable entities and significant contributors to global warming. Effective solutions must include resilient infrastructure, green energy initiatives, and comprehensive waste management strategies, supported by diverse financing and localized actions to foster climate-resilient urban environments.

Mains Question

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

Urbanisation and Industrialisation Depleting Groundwater

Why in News?

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

Key Takeaways

• The study identifies five critical hotspots: Punjab and Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Kerala.
• Punjab and Haryana have lost 64.6 billion cubic metres of groundwater in two decades, making them the most affected region.

Additional Details

• Affected States:
  • Punjab and Haryana: Most affected, with significant groundwater loss.
  • Uttar Pradesh: Experienced a 4% groundwater decline due to increased domestic and industrial usage.
  • West Bengal: Saw a 3% drop in groundwater with minimal irrigation growth.
  • Chhattisgarh: Increased usage across all sectors has led to declining groundwater levels.
  • Kerala: Despite high rainfall, groundwater declined by 17% due to changing usage patterns.
• Primary Cause: Rapid urbanisation and industrialisation have significantly contributed to groundwater depletion, with urban areas like Faridabad and Gurgaon experiencing sharp declines since 2012.

Groundwater depletion is mainly driven by rising demands from domestic and industrial sectors, coupled with only slight reductions in rainfall during the study period.

Major Causes of Groundwater Depletion

• Over-Reliance on Groundwater: Irrigation accounts for about 80% of India’s total water usage, heavily relying on groundwater.
• Poor Water Management: Inefficiencies in water usage and lack of infrastructure have worsened the situation.
• Decline in Traditional Water Conservation Methods: A decrease in practices like rainwater harvesting has limited groundwater recharge.
• Climate Change: Changing climate patterns are impacting groundwater recharge rates, making aquifers more vulnerable.

Impacts of Groundwater Depletion

• Reduced Crop Yields: Limited irrigation affects crop productivity and food security.
• Urban Water Scarcity: Cities face higher costs and reduced water availability due to reliance on depleting groundwater.
• Public Health Risks: Water quality declines, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases.
• Ecosystem Loss: Lower water tables disrupt biodiversity and affect various ecosystems.
• Increased Drought Risks: Depletion reduces resilience to droughts, which are becoming more frequent.

Challenges in Groundwater Management

• Overexploitation: The Green Revolution increased groundwater dependence, leading to excessive borewell installations.
• Climate Induced Challenges: Erratic rainfall and pollution have intensified water scarcity issues.
• Weak Regulatory Framework: Current regulations cover only a small fraction of overexploited blocks, allowing excessive extraction.
• Lack of Community Involvement: Weak institutions limit the effectiveness of community-based management efforts.
• Subsidies and Usage: Subsidized power for water pumping encourages rapid depletion.

Strategies for Sustainable Groundwater Management

• Address Demand and Supply:
  • Supply-side initiatives like watershed management are essential.
  • Demand-side measures include promoting water-efficient irrigation methods.
• Community Participation: Empowering local institutions can enhance governance and sustainability.
• Regulatory Enhancements: Implementing comprehensive local regulations can prevent overexploitation.
• Cross-Sectoral Reform: Revising power subsidies and supporting climate-smart agriculture are critical steps.

In conclusion, the interplay of urbanisation and industrialisation significantly impacts groundwater resources in India, necessitating immediate and effective management strategies to ensure sustainability and resilience against future challenges.

IUCN’s First Global Tree Assessment

Why in News?

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

Key Takeaways

• The Global Tree Assessment (GTA) evaluates all tree species worldwide for inclusion in the IUCN Red List, enhancing conservation information for better decision-making.
• Of the 47,282 tree species analyzed, 16,425 are identified as threatened with extinction, surpassing the total of threatened birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

Additional Details

• Purpose: The GTA aims to prioritize conservation actions, research, and funding for species that are most at risk of extinction.
• Launch: Initiated in 2015, this assessment collaborates with over 60 botanical organizations, 25 IUCN groups, and numerous tree experts globally.
• Main Threats:
  • Deforestation: Land clearing for agriculture and livestock is a primary driver of tree extinction, especially in tropical regions.
  • Logging: Many species are exploited for timber and other forest products, increasing pressure on natural populations.
  • Invasive Species, Pests, and Diseases: Non-native species and pathogens adversely affect tree health, particularly in temperate zones.
  • Climate Change: Rising temperatures, sea levels, and extreme weather events pose significant risks to tree species, especially in tropical and island ecosystems.
• Ongoing Conservation Efforts:
  • Successful initiatives have been implemented in regions such as the Juan Fernández Islands, Cuba, Madagascar, and Fiji to protect endangered tree species.
  • Countries including Ghana, Colombia, Chile, and Kenya have developed national strategies focused on tree conservation.
  • Gabon has established key conservation areas specifically for trees, showcasing a proactive approach to biodiversity preservation.
  • The Global Tree Assessment highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect the world's tree species, which are vital for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity.

Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) published its Asia-Pacific (APAC) Climate Report 2024, which reveals concerning economic impacts of climate change affecting the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Takeaways

• By 2070, the APAC region could witness a 17% reduction in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to high-end greenhouse gas emissions.
• This decline may escalate to 41% by 2100 if high emissions continue.
• India is projected to face a 24.7% decline in GDP by 2070.
• Bangladesh could see a potential 30.5% loss, while Vietnam might experience a 30.2% reduction, and Indonesia a 26.8% decline.

Additional Details

• Main Drivers of Economic Losses:
  • Sea Level Rise: An estimated 300 million people are at risk of coastal flooding by 2070, leading to annual damages of up to USD 3 trillion.
  • Labour Productivity Decline: The region is projected to incur a 4.9% GDP loss due to reduced productivity, with India facing a potential loss of 11.6%.
  • Cooling Demands: Rising temperatures could decrease regional GDP by 3.3%, with India seeing a sharper decline of 5.1% due to increased cooling requirements.
• Climate Change Impact on Natural Disasters:
  • Riverine Flooding: Annual damages could amount to USD 1.3 trillion affecting over 110 million people by 2070, with India facing damages exceeding USD 400 billion in residential and USD 700 billion in commercial sectors.
  • Storms and Rainfall: Increased intensity of tropical storms and rainfall is likely to exacerbate flooding and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions like the India-China border, where landslides may surge by 30-70%.
• Implications for Forests and Ecosystems: Climate change could diminish forest productivity in the APAC region by 10-30% by 2070 under high-emission scenarios, with regions like India, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia suffering losses exceeding 25%, while losses in China and Central Asia may remain under 5%.
• Steps Needed for Improvement:
  • Net-Zero Targets and Gaps: Out of 44 economies in Asia, 36 have set net-zero emission targets, but only four have legally enshrined these targets. Countries like India and China aim for net-zero by 2070 and 2060, respectively, trailing behind many OECD nations.
  • Climate Finance: The region requires between USD 102-431 billion annually for climate adaptation, a significant increase from the USD 34 billion tracked from 2021 to 2022.
  • Renewable Energy: The potential for renewable energy to facilitate a net-zero transition is emphasized, along with the need for domestic and international carbon markets to support climate action.
  • The Asia-Pacific Climate Report 2024 underscores the urgent need for enhanced climate policies and financial support to mitigate the severe economic impacts posed by climate change in the region. Accelerating adaptation responses and scaling up climate finance are essential steps forward.

3rd Edition of the World Solar Report Series

Context

The 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series was released at the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance.

About

The newly launched 4 reports namely World Solar Market Report, World Investment Report, World Technology Report, and Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries each highlight a crucial area in the global shift towards sustainable energy.

First introduced in 2022, this series provides a comprehensive overview of global progress in solar technology, key challenges, and investment trends in the sector.

Key Highlights

World Solar Market Report

• Rise in Solar Capacity: Global solar capacity has increased from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023—a 40% annual growth rate. 
• Solar Industry Employment Boom: It provides 16.2 million jobs, with solar leading with 7.1 million—up 44%, and 86%.

World Investment Report

• Exponential Growth in Energy Investments: Global energy investments are set to soar from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to $3.1 trillion in 2024—a steady climb at nearly 5% annually. 
• APAC leads global solar investments: APAC is at the forefront of solar investments pouring USD 223 billion into solar in 2023. 

World Technology Report 

• It include record-setting 24.9% efficiency in solar PV modules, an 88% reduction in silicon usage since 2004, and a 90% drop in utility-scale solar PV costs, fostering resilient, cost-effective energy solutions.
• Readiness Assessment of Green Hydrogen in African Countries’report
• Green hydrogen offers a viable alternative to coal, oil, and gas, supporting Africa’s transition to cleaner energy.

About the International Solar Alliance

• It is an international organisation with 120 Member and Signatory countries. 
• Established: By Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of France Francois Hollande in 2015.
• Headquarter: First international intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India. 
• Mission: To unlock US$1 trillion of investments in solar by 2030.
• Reducing the cost of the technology and its financing.

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity

• India’s total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW. 
• Having the 8,180 MW (megawatt) of nuclear capacity, the total non-fossil fuel-based power now accounts for almost half of the country’s installed electricity generation capacity. 
• As of 2024, renewable energy-based electricity generation capacity stands at 201.45 GW, accounting for 46.3 percent of the country’s total installed capacity.
• Solar power contributes towards 90.76 GW, wind power follows closely with 47.36 GW, hydroelectric power generating 46.92 GW and small hydro power adding 5.07 GW, and biopower, including biomass and biogas energy, adds another 11.32 GW.

India’s Targets

• India has a vision to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2070, in addition to attaining the short-term targets which include:
• Increasing renewables capacity to 500 GW by 2030,
• Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewables,
• Reducing cumulative emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030, and
• Reducing emissions intensity of India’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 45% by 2030 from 2005 levels.

Geoengineering to Combat Global Warming

What is Geo-engineering or Climate Engineering?

Geo-engineering, also known as climate engineering, refers to a range of potential technologies and techniques aimed at manipulating the global climate to reduce or counteract some of the negative effects of climate change. The primary methods involve removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere or controlling the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface.

Working in Geo-engineering or Climate Engineering

Geo-engineering focuses on two main strategies:

• Removal of Greenhouse Gases: Primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.
• Managing Solar Radiation: Reducing the amount of solar energy absorbed by the Earth and increasing the reflection of sunlight away from the planet.

Greenhouse Gas Removal
The greenhouse gas removal techniques aim to extract CO₂ and other harmful gases from the atmosphere. Some methods include:

• Bio-energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Extracting bio-energy from biomass while simultaneously capturing and storing the carbon.
• Carbon Air Capture: Removing carbon dioxide directly from the air.
• Afforestation, Reforestation, and Forest Restoration: Increasing the forest cover to absorb carbon dioxide.
• Ocean Fertilization: Introducing nutrients into the ocean to boost marine food production, create a natural carbon sink, and reduce CO₂ levels in the atmosphere.

Solar Radiation Management

These methods are designed to reflect sunlight away from the Earth, thus reducing global warming. Key techniques include:

• Surface-based: Using lighter-colored roofing, altering ocean brightness, or growing high-reflectivity crops.
• Troposphere-based: Marine cloud brightening, where seawater is sprayed to make clouds more reflective.
• Upper Atmosphere-based: Injecting reflective aerosols, such as sulfate aerosols, into the stratosphere.
• Space-based: Using space mirrors or dust to block sunlight from reaching the Earth.

Various Geoengineering Techniques

Some notable geoengineering techniques include:

• Bio-energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Involves extracting bio-energy from biomass and storing the captured carbon, thereby reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels.
• Ocean Fertilization or Ocean Nourishment: Intentionally introducing nutrients (e.g., iron, phosphorus) to the ocean to increase marine food production and reduce atmospheric CO₂.
• Soil Carbon Sequestration (SCS): Soils can act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂. This method could potentially offset up to 15% of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
• Stratospheric Aerosol Injection (SAI): Gases are pumped into the stratosphere to reflect sunlight and mimic the cooling effect of volcanic eruptions.
• Marine Cloud Brightening (MCB): Involves spraying particles into marine clouds to make them more reflective, thus reflecting sunlight away.
• Cirrus Cloud Thinning (CCT): Thinning high-altitude clouds to allow more long-wave radiation to escape into space.

Advantages of Geo-engineering (Climate Engineering)

Geo-engineering offers several potential benefits:

• Climate Stabilization: It could help stabilize global temperatures, counteracting climate change if traditional methods fall short.
• Cost-effective: Some techniques, such as carbon removal, may be more affordable than conventional mitigation approaches.
• Complement to Mitigation: Geo-engineering can serve as a supplementary tool to enhance emission reduction strategies.
• Emergency Response: It could be used as a temporary solution to rapidly reduce global temperatures in the event of a climate emergency.
• Commercial Use of Sequestered CO₂: CO₂that has been captured and stored can be utilized in various industries, including:
  • Chemical production (e.g., hydrochloric acid, dry ice)
  • Fertilizer industry (e.g., urea production)
  • Food and beverage industries (e.g., baking soda, refrigeration systems)
  • Horticulture
  • Paper and welding industries
  • Water treatment processes
  • Carbon-based fuel production
  • Packaging and plastic development
  • Concrete and road construction

Challenges in Geo-engineering (Climate Engineering)

Despite its potential, geo-engineering faces several challenges:

• Scalability: Some methods may not be effective when applied on a global scale. For instance, marine cloud brightening could have unforeseen consequences.
• Moral Hazard: Relying on geo-engineering might reduce political and social will to invest in reducing carbon emissions at their source.
• Lack of International Regulations: Current international laws are not fully equipped to address the unique challenges presented by geo-engineering.
• Risk of Unintended Effects: If geo-engineering projects fail, it might be difficult to assess how the climate will react to the changes.
• High Costs: Implementing geo-engineering solutions can be very expensive.
• Regional Climate Impacts: Introducing aerosols or changing marine compositions could affect regional climates.
• Ozone Depletion: Some geo-engineering methods, such as aerosol injection, could contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer.

Conclusion

Geo-engineering, or climate engineering, offers a promising approach to complement traditional climate change mitigation methods. However, it requires careful consideration of its risks, ethical implications, and governance challenges. As climate change intensifies, evaluating and understanding geo-engineering technologies will be crucial to developing comprehensive strategies that can help safeguard the environment and ensure a sustainable future.