Geography Environment & Disaster Management

International Energy Agency’s Coal 2023 Report

Why in news ?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its annual coal market report named Coal 2023.

Major Findings of the Report

• Global coal consumption: It reached a record high in 2022 by rising 4% year-on-year.
• In China, demand rose by 4.6%, in India, it increased by 9%, in Indonesia, it shot up by 32%.
• Coal Demand in 2023: It is rising by 1.4% in 2023.
• Consumption declined sharply in most advanced economies in 2023, including record drops in the European Union and United States of around 20% each.
• Demand in emerging and developing economies remains very strong, increasing by 8% in India and by 5% in China in 2023.
• Decline in Demand in 2026: Coal demand to fall by 2.3% by 2026 compared with 2023 levels, even in the absence of governments implementing stronger climate policies.
• Renewable Capacity Expansion: More than half of the global renewable capacity expansion is set to occur in China, which currently accounts for over half of the world’s demand for coal.

What is the International Energy Agency?

• The International Energy Agency (IEA), which has its headquarters in Paris, France was set up as an autonomous agency in 1974 by member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD) in response to the mid-1970s oil crisis.
• The IEA’s main focus is on energy policies, which include economic development, energy security, and environmental protection.

Members:

• The IEA family is made up of 31 member countries, 13 association countries including India, and 4 accession countries.
• A candidate country to the IEA must be a member country of the OECD.

Source – Indian Express

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Green Credit Programme

Why in news ?

Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India has notified the draft ‘Green Credit Programme (GCP)’ implementation rules for 2023.

What is the Green Credit Programme?

• The ‘Green Credit’ means a singular unit of an incentive provided for a specified activity, delivering a positive impact on the environment.
• The Green Credit Programme as a mechanism that complements the domestic Carbon Market.
• While the domestic carbon market focuses solely on CO2 Emission reductions, the Green Credit System aims to meet other environmental obligations as well, incentivizing sustainable actions by companies, individuals, and local bodies.

Administration:

The Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) shall be the administrator of the programme which will develop guidelines, processes and procedures for  implementation of the programme.

Significance:

• The Green Credit Programme will also encourage private sector industries and companies as well as other entities to meet their existing obligations, stemming from other legal frameworks, by taking actions which are able to converge with activities relevant for generating or buying green credits.
• The guidelines bring together mechanisms to quantify and support ecosystem services together and would be of great help for organic farmers and FPOs.

What are the Concerns Regarding Greed Credit Mechanism?

• Experts are concerned that the market-based mechanism of green credits may lead to Greenwashing.
• Greenwashing refers to the practice of making false or exaggerated claims about environmental sustainability or achievements to create a positive image while not actually delivering significant environmental benefits.
• The fear is that companies or entities may engage in tokenistic or superficial activities to generate green credits without making substantial efforts to address environmental issues.

Green Credit Registry and Trading Platform:

• Includes the establishment of a Green Credit Registry.
• Administrator responsible for setting up and maintaining a trading platform.

Overview of LiFE Movement (Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) movement):

• India introduced the concept during the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
• LiFE encourages an environmentally conscious lifestyle, emphasizing mindful and deliberate utilization over mindless and wasteful consumption.
• A circular economy, driven by conscious and deliberate consumption, is promoted as an alternative to the prevalent “use-and-dispose” economy.

Objectives of the LiFE Movement:

• The movement aims to utilize social networks to influence climate-centric social norms.
• It plans to establish a global network of individuals termed ‘Pro-Planet People’ (P3) who are committed to adopting and advocating for eco-friendly lifestyles.
• The P3 community will foster an ecosystem that encourages sustainable environmental practices and aims to sustainably reinforce environmentally friendly behaviors.
• “Meri LiFE” (My Life) mobile application
• Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) recently launched the “Meri LiFE” (My Life) mobile application, aiming to empower youth and encourage their active participation in addressing climate change.
• The app focuses on five key LiFE themes, including saving energy, water, and reducing single-use plastic, adopting sustainable food systems, and promoting healthy lifestyles.
• Moreover, the app includes a “5 for 5 Challenge,” engaging users in five LiFE actions leading up to World Environment Day on June 5th, 2023.

Additionally, the ministry has developed two portals:

The Mission LiFE Portal, providing access to a plethora of creative videos and knowledge materials related to LiFE, and the Meri LiFE Portal, enabling institutions to upload event reports and monitor the progress of the ongoing mass mobilization initiative.

Source – Indian Express

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Asiatic Wild Dog 

Why in news ? 

In a recent study titled ‘Do dholes segregate themselves from their sympatrids? Habitat use and carnivore co‑existence in the tropical forest,’ researchers have unveiled fascinating insights into the coexistence dynamics between dhole or Asiatic wild dog (Cuon alpinus), and tigers within Assam’s Manas National Park.

About:

Dhole (Cuon alpinus) is a wild carnivorous animal and is a member of the family Canidae and the class Mammalia.

Habitat:

• Dholes, historically widespread across southern Russia to southeast Asia, are now mainly found in south and southeast Asia, with northern populations in China.
• In India, they are clustered in the Western and Eastern Ghats, central India, and northeast India, with Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh playing a crucial role in their conservation, according to a 2020 study.

Conservation:

• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 2.
• International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List: Endangered.
• The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix II.
• The creation of reserves under Project Tiger provided some protection for dhole populations sympatric with tigers.
• In 2014, the Indian government sanctioned its first dhole conservation breeding center at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam.

Manas National Park

• It is a national park, Project Tiger Reserve, an elephant reserve and a biosphere reserve in Assam, India. It borders the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
• It was declared a national park in 1990 and earned the badge of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
• Manas National Park is home to a varied species of Fauna of the likes of the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic Elephants, Tigers, Clouded Leopards, Hoolock Gibbons, etc.

Distribution:

• It has a large distribution range south and Central Asia and Russia.
• In India, the species inhabits the southern part of the Indo-Gangetic plains, Eastern and Western Ghats and most parts of North-Eastern India.
• It is also found in some parts of Ladakh and Kashmir.

Source – Indian Express

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Carbon capture process 

Why in news ? 

According to a recent Oxford University study, relying on CCSS technologies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions is not viable.

About:

• It is a process designed to mitigate the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) generated from industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels, particularly in power plants.
• The goal of CCS is to prevent a significant amount of CO2 from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming and climate change.

Benefits of CCS

• Prevent Global Warming: CCS directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions at the source.
• Simultaneous Pollutant Removal: Oxyfuel combustion (during CO2 compression) reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulphur dioxide(SOx) gases, providing dual benefits by addressing multiple pollutants.
• Economic Benefits: Creates jobs for skilled professionals, contributes to economic growth through applications in power generation, geothermal energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

Source – Indian Express

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Buxa Tiger Reserve (BTR) 

Why in news ? 

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of a report on the mowing down of three elephants by a goods train at Buxa Tiger Reserve.

About Buxa Tiger Reserve

• Buxa Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve and national park in northern West Bengal.
• Buxa Tiger Reserve was created in 1983 as the 15th tiger reserve in India.
• Buxa Tiger Reserve lies in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal.
• Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan.
• The Sinchula hill range lies all along the northern side of BTR and the eastern boundary touches that of the Assam state

Source – PIB

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Earth’s E Prime Layer

Why in news ?

Recently, researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery of a mysterious layer – the E prime layer – positioned above Earth’s core.

How Did E Prime Layer Develop Over Time?

• New research reveals a fascinating process where tectonic plates, carrying surface water, have been transporting it deep into the Earth’s interior over billions of years.
• As this water reaches the core-mantle boundary, located approximately 1,800 miles beneath the Earth’s surface, it instigates significant chemical changes that directly influence the structure of the Earth’s core.

Earth’s Inner Layer

Earth is composed of four distinct layers, based on their density. The outermost layer is called crust, then comes the mantle, followed by the outer core and finally, the inner core.

Source – TOI

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Rat-hole Mining

Why in news ?

Rat-hole mining has begun to rescue the trapped workers in Uttarkashi tunnel.

what is Rat-Hole Mining? 

• Rat hole mining is a method of extracting coal from narrow, horizontal seams, prevalent in Meghalaya.
• The term “rat hole” refers to the narrow pits dug into the ground, typically just large enough for one person to descend and extract coal.
• Once the pits are dug, miners descend using ropes or bamboo ladders to reach the coal seams. The coal is then manually extracted using primitive tools such as pickaxes, shovels, and baskets.

Types:

• Side-Cutting Procedure: In the side-cutting procedure, narrow tunnels are dug on the hill slopes and workers go inside until they find the coal seam.
• The coal seam in the hills of Meghalaya is very thin, less than 2 m in most cases.
• Box-Cutting: In Box-cutting, a rectangular opening is made, varying from 10 to 100 sqm, and through that a vertical pit is dug, 100 to 400 feet deep.

Concerns of Rat hole mining

• Safety Concerns: Rat hole mining is often carried out in very small and unstable tunnels, lacking safety measures such as proper ventilation, structural support, or safety gear for the workers.
• In 2018, around 15 rat hole miners died inside a coal mine in the East Jaintia Hills district in Meghalaya.
• Environmental issues: The mining process can cause land degradation, deforestation, and water pollution.
• Rat-hole mining in Meghalaya had caused the water in the Kopili river (it flows through Meghalaya and Assam) to turn acidic.
• Loss of lives: This method of mining has faced severe criticism due to its hazardous working conditions, and numerous accidents leading to injuries and fatalities.

Reasons for the persistence of rat hole mining

• Lack of Alternative Livelihood: In some areas, there are limited alternative employment opportunities. Hence it is difficult for miners to transition to other professions.
• Lack of political will: For many regions rat hole mining is the main source of revenue.Thus authorities do not take strict action to regulate the practice.
• Poverty: Economic challenges and poverty drives individuals to engage in rat hole mining as a means of survival.

Source – Indian Express

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Tungabhadra River

Why in news ?

A 17-year-old was recently swept away in the Tungabhadra River in Huligi village.

About Tungabhadra River

• It is a major river in the south Indian peninsula.
• It is a major tributary of the Krishna River.

Origin:

• It is formed by the union of two rivers, Tunga and Bhadra, and hence the name.
• Both the Tunga and Bhadra Rivers originate on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats.
• The two rivers merge at Koodli in the Shimoga district of Karnataka, giving birth to the Tungabhadra River.

History:

• The Hindus consider this river sacred, and there is a mention of the river in Ramayana, where it is referred to as Pampa.
• In historical times, the Tungabhadra River was known as the Varada River.
• The river was an important source of water for the Vijayanagara Empire, which ruled over the region from the 14th to the 17th century.

Source – Indian Express 

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El Nino Impact on Food Security: FAO

Why in news ?

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently forecast that El Nino may fuel more extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires and droughts.

El Niño and IOD:

• An El Niño phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was intensifying, which can adversely affect the southwest monsoon.
• While not all El Niño events negatively impact the monsoon due to its complexity, the dynamics between El Niño and the monsoon are evolving.
• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) can balance the adverse impact of the El Nino on the South West Monsoon.

Formation of El Niño

El Niño results from a complex interplay between oceanic and atmospheric forces. The primary catalyst is the weakening of the east-to-west trade winds that typically prevail across the tropical Pacific Ocean.

This weakened wind pattern enables warm water from the western Pacific to flow back to the eastern Pacific, causing a rise in sea surface temperatures.

Impact of El Niño on Global Regions

Oceanic and Atmospheric Effects: El Niño influences ocean temperatures, currents, coastal fisheries, and local weather patterns spanning from Australia to South America and beyond. Warmer ocean surface waters lead to increased rainfall due to the ascent of warm air.

Regional Weather Patterns: South America experiences heightened rainfall, contributing to coastal floods and erosion. Conversely, Indonesia and Australia face dry conditions, resulting in reservoir depletion and reduced river flow, posing risks to water-dependent agriculture.

How are the Emerging Climate Hotspots in India Impacted by Declining Monsoon Precipitation?

Water Stress in Central India:

Certain regions in Central India are emerging as climate change hotspots with critical implications for water, food, and ecological security.

Persistent water stress and urban centers facing water shortages pose challenges.

Declining Monsoon Precipitation:

Monsoon precipitation has been declining since the 1950s, potentially due to reduced land-sea thermal gradients due to the warming of the seas.

Source – The Hindu 

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Lhonak Lake

Why In News ?

• Recent flash floods in north Sikkim resulted from the bursting of the South Lhonak Lake. This flood occurred due to continuous rain and rising water level in Teesta river.

Important Fact: 

• Glaciers are large masses of ice that form from the accumulation and compaction of snow over long periods. They flow slowly downhill under their weight and gravity, shaping the landscape and playing a crucial role in Earth’s climate and hydrology by storing and releasing freshwater.
• Glaciers cover ∼10% of the Earth’s land surface, but they are shrinking rapidly across most parts of the world, leading to cascading impacts on downstream systems.
• An international team of researchers conducted a study two years ago and warned that South Lonak Lake in Sikkim could burst in the future and significantly affect the downstream area.

In the context of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF):

• According to NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), glacial retreat due to climate change occurring in most parts of the Hindu Kush Himalayas has given rise to the formation of numerous new glacial lakes, which are the major cause of GLOFs.
• Glacial lakes, like South Lhonak Lake, form in front of, on, or beneath melting glaciers.
• As they grow, they become more dangerous, often dammed by unstable ice or sediment.
• If the dam breaks, a huge amount of water flows downstream, causing floods and this is called GLOF..
• These floods can be triggered by a number of factors, including changes in the volume of the glacier, changes in the water level of the lake, and earthquakes.

Reasons why South Lonak Lake is vulnerable to GLOF:

• With the rising global temperatures, glaciers in Sikkim Himalayan have been melting rapidly, giving rise to many glacier lakes and expanding the already existing ones in the region.
• According to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), there are currently more than 300 glacial lakes in Sikkim Himalayan, and 10 (including South Lhonak Lake) have been identified as vulnerable to outburst floods.
• Lhonak has grown nearly 1.5 times and South Lhonak nearly 2.5 times their initial size in 1989.
• An earthquake of magnitude 4.9 in 1991 near the parent glacier feeding the South Lhonak Lake and the recent earthquake (6.9) in 2011 may have weakened the boundaries of the lake.

Source – The Hindu

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Cyclone ‘Tej’

Why in News?

• Recently the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Tej, which is forming a depression in the Arabian Sea, has intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm near the coasts of Oman and Yemen.

With Reference to Cyclone ‘Tej’:

• Cyclonic Storm Tej is predicted to move northwestwards and cross the Yemen-Oman coasts between Al Ghaidah (Yemen) and Salalah (Oman) on October 24.
• This extremely severe cyclonic storm is expected to move at a speed of approximately 115-125 km per hour.
• Cyclonic storm Tej is the name given by India.
• This storm has originated in the Arabian Sea.

About Cyclone:     

• A cyclone is a low pressure area around which air circulates rapidly towards its center. The wind direction is anti-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Cyclones usually occur with destructive storm surge and inclement weather.
• The word cyclone is derived from the Greek word cyclos which means coils of a snake. The term was coined by Henry Peddington because tropical storms originating in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea appear like coiled serpents of the sea.

Cyclone Status in Arabian Sea:

• Recent years have seen a frequency of “very severe cyclonic storms” over the Arabian Sea.
• An extremely severe cyclone is defined as one whose wind speed reaches 220 km per hour.

Tropical Cyclone:

• Cyclones that originate and develop in the oceans of tropical regions are called ‘tropical cyclones’. These occur between 5° to 30° north and 5° to 30° south latitudes. It is noteworthy that due to minimum Coriolis force in the areas between 5° to 8° latitude on either side of the equator, these cyclones are usually absent.
• Tropical cyclones are extremely destructive atmospheric storms, which originate in the oceanic region between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, and then flow towards the land area.
• Due to the effect of ITCZ, winds from different areas converge in the center of low air pressure and due to the effect of Coriolis force, they rise up following a circular path. As a result, tropical cyclones are formed with the help of circular isobars.
• The main areas of tropical cyclones are Caribbean, China Sea, Indian Ocean and Australia.

Source – Indian Express

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Heat Belts

Why in News?

• A new study recently reveals the emergence of an “extreme heat belt” in the United States, which is likely to spread to other regions of the world by

In Terms of Heat Belt:

• The Heat Belt is a belt of extreme heat where there is at least one day per year in which summer temperatures reach 125 Fahrenheit (52^०C).
• The developing “Extreme Heat Belt” creates an area of ​​vulnerability for most of the US states.
• It was projected that the extreme heat belt would increase from 50 counties in 2023 to more than 1,000 by 2053.

Calculation of Heat Index:

• Heat index is a parameter that considers both temperature and humidity to calculate the apparent temperature or “feels like” temperature to humans.
• It helps understand the effect of humidity at high temperatures and how it contributes to human discomfort during hot weather.
• Heat index launched by India Meteorological Department (IMD) on experimental basis.
• It is intended to provide general guidance for areas with high apparent temperatures that cause discomfort to people.

Classification of Temperature Belts of the World:     

• Sun is the main source of atmospheric temperature. In fact, the atmosphere receives very little heat energy from the Sun, as it receives most of its energy from long-wave terrestrial radiation.
• Temperate Zone: The temperate zone is located between 23.5 degrees and 66.5 degrees in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The northern temperate zone is located between the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Cancer. The southern temperate zone is located between the Antarctic Circle and the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Tropical Zone: The tropical zone is the largest thermal zone and is located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. This is the hottest region of the Earth. The area from the Tropic of Cancer (23.5°N) to the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°S) across the Equator (0°) is considered the tropical region. The sun rays fall directly at least once a year.
• Frigid Zone: This is the coldest region of the earth. This region is located north of the Arctic Circle (66.6°N) and south of the Antarctic Circle (66.5°S) and is permanently frozen. There is no sunlight in this area for most months of the year.

Importance of Thermal Zones:

• This division of the Earth into different heat zones helps in understanding the climate changes and to study weather conditions across the world.

Source – Indian Express

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Aerosol

Why In News ?

• Recently, a new analysis by the Physical Research Laboratory of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has revealed that a worrying increase in aerosol levels is being observed in the Hindukush-Himalayan-Tibetan Plateau region.

In terms of Aerosols:       

• Aerosols are microscopic particles suspended in the atmosphere.
• When these particles are large enough, we notice their presence when they scatter and absorb sunlight. Their scattering of sunlight can reduce visibility (haze) and redden sunrises and sunsets.
• Aerosols are short-lived, unlike greenhouse gases which persist and accumulate in the atmosphere for long periods of time.
• Most aerosols are of natural origin, about 90% by mass. For example, volcanoes release huge columns of ash into the air, as well as sulfur dioxide and other gases, causing sulphates.
• The remaining 10% of aerosols are considered anthropogenic or man-made, and they come from a variety of sources.
• Automobiles, incinerators, smelters and power plants are prolific producers of sulphate, nitrate, black carbon and other particles.
• Deforestation, overgrazing, drought, and excessive irrigation can alter the land surface, increasing the rate at which dust aerosols enter the atmosphere. Even indoors, cigarettes, cooking stoves, fireplaces and candles are sources of aerosols.

Direct Effect of Aerosol:

• Aerosols interact directly and indirectly with the Earth’s radiation budget and climate.
• Different aerosols scatter or absorb sunlight to different degrees depending on their physical properties. Although most aerosols reflect sunlight, some also absorb it.
• The effect of aerosols on light depends mainly on the structure and color of the particles.
• Pure sulphates and nitrates reflect almost all radiation, cooling the atmosphere. In contrast, black carbon readily absorbs radiation, warming the atmosphere but also shading the surface.
• In the Arctic, aerosols from wildfires and industrial pollution are likely accelerating ice melt.

Importance of Aerosol:

• Aerosol mixed clouds, being brighter, reflect more energy received from the Sun towards space.
• The formation of these new particles covers 40 percent of the Earth’s surface. This means that aerosol particles are helpful in keeping the Earth’s temperature down, contrary to global warming.
• Understanding the formation of these particles in equatorial regions and their contribution to the characteristics of clouds will help us understand and develop climate models.
• The CIRES study shows that in remote areas where the air is cleaner, the influence of aerosol particles on cloud formation is greater.

Source – Down to Earth

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The most dangerous earthquake occurred in Afghanistan 

Why In News ?

• Recently, more than 2000 people have died and more than 9,000 have been injured in the powerful earthquake that occurred in Afghanistan.
• According to the US Geological Survey, the earthquake, which occurred 35 km northwest of Herat city, had a magnitude of 6.3. The intensity of other earthquakes was 6.3, 5.9 and 5.5.

What is earthquake?   

• In simple words, earthquake means vibration of the earth. This is a natural phenomenon, in which waves are generated due to the release of energy from inside the earth, which spread in all directions and cause the earth to vibrate.
• The waves generated by earthquake are called seismic waves, which move on the earth’s surface and are measured by ‘seismographs’.
• The place below the earth’s surface where the epicenter of an earthquake is located is called hypocenter and the place above the earth’s surface where seismic waves reach first is called epicenter.
• Earthquake events are measured either by the magnitude or intensity of the shaking. The magnitude scale is known as the Richter scale. Magnitude is related to the energy generated during an earthquake. Magnitude is expressed in absolute numbers, 0-10.
• The intensity scale is named after Mercelli, an Italian seismologist. The intensity scale takes into account the visual damage caused by the event. The intensity scale ranges from 1-12.

About Elpide Belt:

• The Alpide Belt extends for 15,000 km, roughly following the boundary of the Eurasian and African tectonic plates.
• It extends from the Middle East to the Himalayas and Indonesia.
• It extends from the Himalayas in the east, through the Mediterranean region to the Azores in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Tectonic plates are structures in the Earth’s crust that move slowly, often creating pressure and friction between each other.

Distribution of earthquakes on Earth:

• The world’s largest earthquake belt, the Trans-Pacific Seismic Belt, is found along the Pacific Ocean, where about 81% of our planet’s largest earthquakes occur. It is also known as the “Ring of Fire”.
• The second major belt, the Alpine-Himalayan Belt (Mid-Continental Belt), extends from Europe to Sumatra across the Himalayas, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
• The third major belt is in the submerged Mid-Atlantic Ridge. A ridge is an area where two tectonic plates extend apart. Much of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is deep underwater and far from human interference.

Brief on Afghanistan’s deadliest earthquake in years:     

• Powerful earthquakes have killed more than 2,000 people and injured more than 9,000 in Afghanistan, in the deadliest tremors in years in the earthquake-prone country.

• Afghanistan is earthquake-prone, as it is located in the mountainous Hindukush region, which is part of the Alpide belt.
• The Alpide Belt is the second most seismically active region in the world, after the Pacific Ring of Fire.
• Additionally, the Earth’s crust is particularly vibrant in Afghanistan, as it is where the Arabian, Indian, and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
• The boundary between the Indian and Eurasian plates exists near Afghanistan’s border with Pakistan.

Source – The Hindu

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Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022

WHY IN NEWS ?

Excessive number of species have been included in the new schedules of the Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022, with no consultation or process.

What is the Objective of Bill?

Protection of Endangered Species: Bill seeks to enhance punishment for illegal Wildlife trade .

Better Management of Protected Areas: It provides for certain permitted activities like grazing or movement of livestock and Bonafide use of drinking and household water by local communities.

Wildlife Protection (Amendment) Act, 2022

• It seeks to increase the species protected under the law, and implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
• The Act entrusts the Chief Wild Life Warden to control, manage and maintain all sanctuaries in a state. They are appointed by respective State government.
• It provides for any person to voluntarily surrender any captive animals or animal products to the Chief Wild Life Warden.

Issues for conservation

Schedule 1- It confers the highest protection, contains about 600 species of vertebrates and hundreds of invertebrates

Schedule 2- It contains about 2,000 species with 1,134 species of birds alone.

What are the Constitutional Provisions for Wildlife Conservation?

• The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, Forests and Protection of Wild Animals and Birds was transferred from State to Concurrent List.
• Article 51A(g) of the Constitution states that it shall be the fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests and Wildlife.
• Article 48 A in the Directive Principles of State policy, mandates that the State shall endeavor to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.

The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972:

It provides the legal framework for the protection of various species of wild animals, management of their habitat and also for the regulation and control of trade in the products derived from various parts of wild animals.  Prohibition of hunting of wild animals;

• Protection and management of wildlife areas and the animals, birds and plants in these areas;
• Establishing new protected areas such as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries; and
• Control of illegal wildlife trade.

SOURCE – THE HINDU

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Mytella strigata

WHY IN NEWS ?

Recently, the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Fisheries Department and the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority to file a detailed report on the removal of invasive mussel species Mytella strigata from Ennore-Pulicat wetland.

Details:

• Known as kakka aazhi among the fishermen, they say it is a South American mussel species that is spreading due to the discharge of ballast waters from ships visiting the ports of Kattupalli
• The problem mussel is Mytella strigata or Charru mussels.
• Native to South America, these mussels have invaded tidal wetlands in several parts of the world, including Vembanad in Kerala, by travelling across continents in the ballast waters of ships.
• This is the first time this invasive species has been found in the Eastern coast.
• The spread of this species is posing a threat to the locally found Yellow Clam (Manja Matti) and Green Mussels (Pachai Aaji).
• Recently, for the first time an ecological crisis has arisen due to the spread of this species in Pulicat and Ennore coasts.

Appearance:

• It can form dense clusters that colonise hard substrates or occupy epibenthic habitats, including other mussel species.
• It is usually present on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of tropical South and Central America.
• It has spread to Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore, the Gulf of Thailand, west coast of India and the south-eastern United States.
• Threats: These mussels spread like a carpet over the river bottoms and thus prevent prawns from grazing or burying themselves in the sediment.

SOURCE – THE HINDU

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Invasive Plant Species 

WHY IN NEWS ? 

About 66 per cent of the country’s natural systems are threatened with invasive species, according to the report.

MAIN BODY

• Introduced as an ornamental species and for use as firewood from South and Central America or for paper-making, the species has become highly invasive in the Sigur plateau in both the core and buffer zones of the MTR.
• It has bright yellow flowers and has a negative effect on local biodiversity, crowding out native species and limiting food availability for wildlife.
• Forest Department is formulating a 10-year-plan to systematically remove Lantana camara, the other major weed that poses a threat to biodiversity in both the core and buffer zones of the Tiger Reserve.

5 major invasive species of Nilgiris are:

1. Senna spectabilis
2. Lantana camara
3. wattle
4. Eucalyptus
5. Pine

• Eucalyptus and Pine, though exotic, do not spread as quickly as the other species and are considered easier to manage
• Funds raised from the removal of the species will be used in eco-restoration to help bring back native species.

What are Invasive Alien Species?

• Invasive alien species, also known as invasive exotic species or non-native species, refer to organisms that have been introduced to regions or ecosystems outside of their native range and have established self-sustaining populations.
• These species often outcompete native species and disrupt the balance of ecosystems, leading to a range of negative impacts.

Impacts of Invasive Alien Species:

• Ecological Impacts: Invasive species can outcompete native species for resources such as food, water, and habitat, leading to a decline or extinction of native species.
• Some invasive species may become predators of native species, causing declines in prey populations.
• These disruptions can have far-reaching consequences for ecosystem stability and resilience.
• Economic Impacts: The annual costs of invasive alien species have quadrupled every decade since 1970. In 2019, the global economic cost of these species exceeded a staggering USD 423 billion annually.
• Species like Zebra mussels can clog water pipes and infrastructure, leading to expensive repairs and maintenance.

International Instruments and Programmes on Invasive Species:

• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (2022): Governments have committed to reducing the rate of introduction and establishment of invasive alien species by at least 50% by 2030.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD – 1992): Adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, it recognizes invasive alien species as a major threat to the environment, second only to habitat destruction.

SOURCE – THE HINDU

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Manis Mysteria

Why in news ?

Adding to the eight known species of pangolins, scientists recently discovered a ninth variety, tentatively named “Manis mysteria”

Manis Mysteria

• Findings – eight species of pangolin (4 Asian and 4 African varieties).
• It is now updated to nine with the newly discovered pangolin named Manis Mysteria.
• Manis Mysteria – This species bears similarities to the Asian branch of the pangolin family, known as Manis.
• The researchers gave it the name Manis Mysteria, in reference to its enigmatic nature.
• Origin – Most of the Asian pangolins are thought to have originated in South-East Asia.
• Threats – which is a victim of global trafficking, are coveted in particular for use in traditional medicine.
• The small animal is also highly prized for its meat.

What are Pangolins?

• They are mammals known for their distinctive appearance and protective scales.
• They are often referred to as “scaly anteaters” due to their characteristic scales and their diet, which primarily consists of ants and termites.
• Pangolins are found in parts of Africa and Asia and are known for their elusive nature and status as the most trafficked mammals in the world.

Threat:

• All pangolin species are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.
• The Indian pangolin, also called thick-tailed pangolin, is classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.

Source – The Hindu

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Shrinking lion numbers in Africa 

Why in News? 

The Study by Journal Nature Communications highlighted the concerns with respect to the population of Lions lying well below the carrying capacity across 62 geographic locations of African countries which also have socio-economic connotation to that.

What are the Key Highlights

• The study Socio-political and ecological fragility of threatened, free-ranging African lion populations, published in journal Nature Communications, observed that “Somalia was the most fragile lion range country, followed by Sudan.”
• The threatened species under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) were estimated to be between 20,000 and 25,000 in number and may be declining, the report said.
• Lions may have been extirpated from about 92 per cent of their historical ranges,it estimated, adding a 36 per cent decline in species range has been witnessed over the past 21 years.
• “On average, lions were estimated to be at around 33.3 per cent (range 1.9 per cent-328.2 per cent) of predicted carrying capacity,” it stated.
• The research observed that southern African countries such as Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia have recorded an increase of population by 12 per cent between 1993 and 2014. But the remaining lion habitats have seen a decline by 60 per cent, especially in west and central Africa.

Protection Status:

• Asiatic Lion – Endangered.
• IUCN Red List: Vulnerable
• Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
• CITES: Appendix I for populations of India, all other populations are included in Appendix II.
• Scientific Name: Panthera leo

Source – The Hindu

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Moonquakes

Why in News ? 

An earthquake is caused when tectonic plates shift, however, the quakes themselves aren’t restricted to the earth.

Central Idea

• A research utilized seismic data collected between 1976 and 1977, showcasing how the lunar lander left by the
• Apollo 17 astronauts might be causing seismic activity on the moon.
• The study emphasizes that these moonquakes are not the result of natural processes but stem from vibrations
• generated by the lunar module descent vehicle, which was placed on the moon’s surface in 1972.

About Apollo 17 Mission

• Apollo 17 was the final Apollo mission to the Moon, marking the sixth lunar landing.
• It was launched by December 6, 1972, with a night launch, which was unique in the Apollo program.
• This mission had specific scientific objectives, differentiating it from previous missions, and aimed to collect
• ancient highlands crustal material and investigate the possibility of recent lunar volcanic activity.
• Neil Armstrong, the first person to set foot on the lunar surface, went under the Apollo 11 mission in July 20, 1969.

Understanding Moonquakes

Similarities to Earthquakes: Moonquakes share similarities with earthquakes as both involve seismological vibrations.

Researchers have identified four types of moonquakes, three of which are relatively benign. Shallow moonquakes, the closest to the surface, are the most destructive.

1. Deep Moonquakes: Occur approximately 700 kilometers below the lunar surface.
2. Shallow Moonquakes: Take place at depths of only 20 to 30 kilometers, lasting up to 10 minutes.
3. Vibrational Moonquakes: Typically result from meteorite impacts.
4. Thermal Quakes: Caused by the moon’s crust expanding as it warms following subzero temperatures during the night.

• Moonquakes occur as often as every 27 days, primarily due to temperature fluctuations between lunar day and night, totalling approximately 7,000 moonquakes in a decade

Moonquakes vs. Earthquakes

• Moonquakes are generally smaller in magnitude than earthquakes but are known for their extended duration.
• Shallow moonquakes recorded by Apollo astronauts have reached up to a magnitude of 5.5.

Human Lunar Landings

• Multiple countries have embarked on lunar missions, with India being the most recent in 2023, following the United States, Russia, and China.
• India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission included a seismometer, which detected a moonquake, providing valuable data for future analysis.

Significance of Monitoring Moonquakes

• Understanding moonquakes holds potential significance for future lunar missions, particularly if NASA establishes a permanent lunar outpost.
• Seismometers, like those used on the moon, are vital for comprehending lunar geology and ensuring the safetyof future lunar explorers.
• Monitoring lunar seismic activity is crucial for designing experiments and missions aimed at unravelling the
• mysteries of Earth’s closest celestial neighbor.

The moon presents a unique opportunity for in-depth planetary study beyond Earth.

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New Central Empowered Committee (CEC) for Environmental Issues

Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has constituted a Central Empowered Committee (CEC) on environmental issues.

MoEFCC has constituted this Standing Statutory Committee (CEC) in exercise of the power conferred under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

This new committee will replace an earlier ad-hoc ‘CEC’ formed in 2002. In its order, the Supreme Court has asked the Center to take forward the process of making the CEC permanent in place of the old ad-hoc ‘CEC’.

It may be noted that the CEC has been assisting the court for the last two decades in matters related to permissions granted to mining and forest projects. This ad-hoc ‘CEC’ was formed to monitor the implementation of the Supreme Court order in TN Godavarman vs. Union of India (1996).

Key facts regarding CEC:

• Structure: It consists of a Chairman and three expert members elected for a term of three years. Their tenure can be extended once till they attain the age of 60 years.
• A serving officer will act as the Chief Coordination Officer (CCO). This officer will not be below the rank of Deputy Inspector General/Director of Forests in the Government of India.
• ‘The Chairman and CCO should have experience in relation to environment, forests and wild animals. Also, there will be one expert member each related to these subjects.

Source – Down to Earth

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Powerful quake in Morocco 

Recently, an earthquake of 6.8-6.9 magnitude occurred in the Marrakesh-Safi region of Morocco, which is the most destructive earthquake to hit the country in the last 120 years.

This is the second deadliest earthquake of 2023 after the Turkey-Syria earthquake. There is news of death of more than 2,000 people in this. The Moroccan government declared three days of national mourning following the earthquake.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located near the Atlas Mountains. The Atlas Mountains extend across Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. The highest peak of this Atlas range is Toubkal Mountain located in Morocco.

Reason for earthquake in Morocco:

• According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), Morocco lies near the Azores-Gibraltar Transform Fault, located between the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Due to which earthquakes frequently occur in the northern region of Morocco.
• Similar strong earthquake tremors were felt in Al Hoceima in north-eastern Morocco in 2004.
• Additionally, the largest and most destructive earthquake in history occurred in Morocco’s neighboring country Algeria during 1980, with a magnitude of 7.3.

Morocco:

• Morocco is a country in the Maghreb region of North Africa. Its capital is Rabat, while its largest city is Casablanca.
• It has the Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Morocco is bordered by Algeria to the east and the region of Western Sahara to the south.
• The Strait of Gibraltar separates Spain from Morocco. And the Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean Sea in the east to the Atlantic Ocean in the west.
• Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in Morocco. Here in 1994, the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization was signed.

Causes of earthquake:

• Endogenous sudden vibrations or movements in the earth’s crust, which originate naturally below the earth’s surface (in the underground), are called earthquakes.
• Generally, earthquakes occur due to upheavals in the rocks due to compression and tension in the earth’s crust and its rocks due to tectonic activity, volcanic activity, isostatic adjustment.
• Through volcanic activity, hot magma, water and gases etc. from the underground push rapidly and exert pressure on the rocks due to which earthquakes occur.

Measurement of Earthquake Intensity:

• Seismic intensity is measured on the basis of two scales, Mercalli scale and Richter scale. The Richter scale is currently most used to measure seismic magnitude.
• Numbers from 1 to 9 are marked on this scale. In this, each front number represents 10 times the seismic magnitude of the number behind it.

Source – The Hindu

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Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023 Rankings 

Recently the awards of ‘Clean Air Survey 2023’ were announced by the ‘Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan (SVS)

• It is a new initiative by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to rank cities on the basis of air quality and implementation of approved activities under the City Action Plan (NCAP) in 131 non-attainment cities.
• The classification of cities has been done on the basis of 2011 population census.

Key points of Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan 2023

• Under the first category (million plus population), Indore stood first, followed by Agra and Thane.
• Worst performers: Madurai (46), Howrah (45) and Jamshedpur (44).
• In the second category (3-10 lakh population), Amravati got the first position, followed by Moradabad and Guntur at the third position.
• Worst performers: Jammu (38), Guwahati (37) and Jalandhar (36).
• Similarly, for the third category (population less than 3 lakh), Parwanoo secured the first position. After this Kalaamb and Angul secured second position.
• Worst performer: Kohima (39).

International Day of Clean Air for Blue Sky

• All these awards have been given on the occasion of the fourth “International Day of Clean Air for Blue Sky”. This year the theme of this day was- “Together for Clean Air”
• Every year, on 7 September, the world celebrates “International Day of Clean Air for blue skies” to raise awareness and facilitate actions to improve air quality.
• It was declared by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in the year 2019.

National Clean Air Program (NCAP)

• The National Clean Air Program (NCAP) aims to systematically address air pollution by involving all stakeholders and ensuring necessary actions.
• Under this programme, 131 cities have been identified for implementation of city specific action plans.
• This is the first attempt in the country to create a national framework for air quality management with a time-bound reduction target.
• It aims to reduce the concentrations of coarse (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5) by at least 20% over the next five years (base year for comparison – 2017).
• Under NCAP, the Ministry has also launched a portal ‘PRANA’ to monitor the implementation of NCAP.
• The action plans of cities, states and line ministries will be reflected in this portal and monitored for the status of their implementation.

Source – PIB

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Sand Mining: Irreversible damage to Ocean benthic life

According to a recent report by global data platform ‘Marine Sand Watch’, about six billion tonnes of sand is extracted from the world’s oceans annually, causing irreversible damage to benthic life.

What is benthic life?

• Benthic life refers to organisms that live on or near the bottom of aquatic environments such as oceans, seas, lakes, and rivers.
• These organisms are adapted to life on the ocean floor or river bottom, and play important roles in the ecosystem, including decomposing organic matter and providing food for other aquatic species.

Key Point:

• The report estimates that four to eight billion tonnes of sand is being extracted from the seabed every year.
• What is even more worrying is that this number is expected to increase to 10 to 16 billion tons per year.

‘Marine Sand Watch’:

• ‘Marine Sand Watch’ has been developed by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and GRID-Geneva.
• GRID-Geneva is part of the Early Warning and Assessment Division of the global group of environmental information centers of the United Nations Environment Programme, known as the Global Resource Information Database (GRID) network.
• GRID-Geneva and Nairobi were the first centers to launch in mid-1985.
• The platform will track and monitor sand, mud, silt, gravel and rock dredging activities in the world’s marine environments, including hotspots such as the North Sea, Southeast Asia and the East Coast of the United States.

Preventive measures taken by countries:

Some countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Cambodia, have banned sea sand exports over the past 20 years, while others lack any laws and/or effective monitoring programs.

Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including:

• Reducing sand consumption, imposing taxes and regulations on sand extraction.
• Exploring alternatives to sand in construction, such as recycling concrete or using fill materials such as construction waste.
• Involving local communities in decision making, especially those downstream or dependent on sand resources.
• To coordinate sand resource management between offshore regulators, coastal communities and upstream river basins.

Legal Mechanism:

• Sand is classified as a “minor mineral” under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and is controlled by state governments.
• The primary sources of sand are rivers and coastal areas, and its demand has increased due to India’s construction and infrastructure development activities.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued “Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines 2016” to promote environment-friendly sand mining practices.
• The International Seabed Authority (ISA), governed by a United Nations treaty, regulates mineral exploration and extraction.

Source – Down to Earth

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Bans on two more veterinary drugs linked to vulture deaths in India 

Recently, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned the production, sale and distribution of Ketoprofen and Aceclofenac and their formulations for animal use.

The ban has been made by a notification under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Key Facts:

• Both these medicines are included in the three medicines which are considered fatal for vultures (vulture-toxic).
• Protectionists have been demanding a ban on both these drugs for a long time. Whereas the third medicine is Nimesulide which is not banned.
• There are six non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are toxic to vultures.
• However, environmentalists and conservationists are appreciating the Union Health Ministry’s move to stop the veterinary use of these pesticides Aceclofenac and Ketoprofen and its formulations with immediate effect.
• It may be noted that in the year 2006, India had banned the use of diclofenac for veterinary medicine, because it was found to be poisonous for vultures.
• Conservationists later approached the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to raise the matter with the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on the other three drugs as well. A PIL was also filed in the Delhi High Court on this issue.
• Conservationists are suggesting meloxicam and tolfenamic acid as safer alternatives. Aceclofenac is converted to diclofenac in the bodies of larger animals, and vultures eat their carcasses.
• According to a recently published study by IVRI and colleagues, aceclofenac is converted to diclofenac in buffaloes, as it did in cows. This poses a threat to the already endangered Gyps vultures in South Asia.
• Although there are animal-safe alternatives on the market, more research is being done to provide safer alternatives and to establish the toxicity of nimesulide.

Vulture:

• It is a species of bird that eats dead animals, found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Vultures also play an important role in keeping wildlife diseases under control.
• There are 9 species of vultures found in India. Most of these nine species are in danger of extinction.
• The bearded, long-billed and oriental white-backed are protected in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The rest are protected under ‘Schedule IV’.

Source – The Hindu

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Report on water crisis released by World Resources Institute (WRI)

According to a recently published report, one-fourth of the world’s population is facing extremely high water stress.

As per the data released by the World Resources Institute (WRI), 25 countries including India are facing extremely severe water crisis every year.

“Extreme water stress” being faced by a country means that the country uses at least 80 percent of its annual available water supply.

Similarly, “high water stress” refers to the exploitation of at least 40 percent of the annually available water supply.

Other Key Points:

• 50 percent of the world’s population faces extreme water stress conditions for at least one month a year.
• By 2050, 31 percent of global gross domestic product (GDP) will be affected by severe water stress.
• By 2050, four countries, namely India, Mexico, Egypt and Turkey, will be responsible for more than half of global GDP affected by severe water stress.
• 60 percent of the world’s irrigated agricultural land is facing severe water stress.

Reasons for global water crisis:

• Water usage has increased,
• There is a lack of investment in water-related infrastructure,
• Policies related to water use are not sustainable.
• The gap in water availability has increased due to climate change etc.

Key Recommendations:

• Water use governing structures should be improved through development of nature-based solutions and green infrastructures.
• Adoption of programs such as debt for nature swaps should be considered. Such programs should include a commitment to invest in mangrove restoration or wetland conservation.
• Cultivation of water-use efficient crops should be promoted. Under this, instead of irrigation through drains in the fields, methods like sprinkler or drip irrigation should be used.
• Urban water resilience action plans should be developed in cities.

Initiatives taken for water conservation in India:

• National Water Mission has been started.
• Water conservation initiatives are included under different schemes like MNREGA, Atal Groundwater Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY), AMRUT Mission, Jal Jeevan Mission.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan – Catch the Rain is being run.
• Right crop campaign has been started.

World Resources Institute (WRI):

• WRI is a global research organization, spanning more than 50 countries and focusing on six critical environmental and development issues: climate, energy, food, forests, water, and cities and transport.
• It was established in 1982. Its headquarters is in Washington, USA.

Source – WRI

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UNDP And Partners Launch Open-Source Software For Carbon Credits Trading

Recently the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has launched software called ‘National Carbon Registry’.

This software will enable countries to effectively manage national data and processes for trading carbon credits.

Key Points:

• Software called the National Carbon Registry has recently been recognized as a Digital Public Goods (DPG).
• As a DPG, the registry uses open source code, allowing countries to replicate and adapt the information to suit their needs and contexts.
• The registry’s modules, software, and technical documentation can be reused and tailored by countries, potentially reducing production costs and implementation timelines.
• Also, it can be integrated with national measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) mechanisms to meet international reporting requirements. This registry will promote the development of the carbon market by facilitating trading of carbon credits.
• Article 6 of the Paris Agreement allows countries to voluntarily cooperate with each other to achieve emissions reduction targets set in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Carbon markets establish trading systems where carbon credits or allowances are bought and sold. Companies or individuals can use carbon markets to offset their greenhouse gas emissions. They can do this by purchasing carbon credits from entities that remove or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• A carbon credit is a type of tradable permit. This is equivalent to one tonne of carbon dioxide or any other greenhouse gas removed, reduced or stored from the atmosphere. Carbon trading was introduced in 1997 by the Kyoto Protocol.
• The Ministry of Power in India has notified the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023. It aims at the institutionalization and functioning of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM).

Source – UNDP

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State of India’s Birds 2023 report

Recently Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have released the report titled ‘Status of Birds of India, 2023’.

This report is a periodic assessment on the distribution area, population trends and conservation status of major bird species of India.

Key points of the report:

• The number of bird species has decreased due to commercial monoculture gardening, urbanization, infrastructure development, climate change etc.
• The highest decline of more than 50 percent has been recorded in long distance migratory birds.
• Shorebirds that breed in the Arctic have been particularly affected. There has been a decline of about 80 percent in their numbers.
• Several bird species such as the Indian peafowl, rock pigeon, Asiatic cuckoo and common crow are showing an increase in numbers.

Important birds and their habitat areas:

Endangered-

• Indian Skimmer: Found in the region around Chambal, Ganges, Mahanadi, Yamuna and Son rivers.
• Black-Bellied Tern: Found in the vicinity of Chambal, Mahanadi, Ganga, Son, Godavari and Yamuna rivers.

Critically Endangered-

• Great Indian Bustard: Rajasthan, Gujarat etc.
• Bengal Florican: Found in the Himalayan foothills, grasslands of Uttar Pradesh and Northeast India (Assam and Arunachal Pradesh).
• Bear’s Pochard: Found in the wetlands of Assam and Manipur.

Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established in 1916. It was established under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to explore the animal diversity of the country.

Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

• WII सोसाइटी के अध्यक्ष: MoEFCC का प्रभारी मंत्री ।
• ‘Wildlife Institute of India’ established in 1982 as an autonomous Natural Resource Services Institute under MoEFCC, located in Dehradun (Uttarakhand).
• Functions: It conducts wildlife research with reference to biodiversity, endangered species etc.
• President of WII Society: Minister in charge of MoEFCC.

Source – Indian Express

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WWF Applauds the Adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund

The “Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF)” has been launched at the recently held 7th session of the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Through the GBFF, governments, non-profits and the private sector can now contribute their funds to the GBFF

With this financial contribution, the goals and targets of the ‘Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’ (KMGBF) will be met.

Target of GBFF:

• The MGBF aims to protect 30% of land and 30% of coastal and marine areas by 2030, known as 30-by-30.
• About 20% of the funds from the GBFF are targeted to support indigenous and local action to protect and conserve biodiversity.
• At least 36% of the Fund’s resources are intended to support the most vulnerable, small island developing states and least developed countries.
• Around 25% of the fund will be disbursed through selected international financial institutions to ensure streamlining of policies and raising resources through private sector participation.

About GBFF:

• Governance: The GBFF Council will have the following representation – 16 member developing countries; 14 members from developed countries and 2 members from Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union countries. The decisions of the GBFF Council will be taken by consensus on the lines of the GEF mechanism.
• Financial Management: The World Bank will be invited to play the role of trustee of the GBFF.
• The GBFF will be set up on the lines of the Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency (CBIT) Trust Fund, the Least-Developed Countries (LDCs) Fund, the Special Climate Change Fund and the Nagoya Protocol Implementation Fund (NPIF).

Global Environment Facility (GEF):

• The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a financial mechanism that provides grants to developing countries for projects that benefit the global environment and promote sustainable livelihoods in local communities.
• It was established on the eve of the 1992 Rio Earth Summit.
• It is an international partnership of 183 countries, international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector that addresses global environmental issues.
• Its headquarter is in Washington DC, USA.

Functions:

Seven main areas: biodiversity, climate change (mitigation and adaptation), chemicals, international waters, land degradation, sustainable forest management/REDD and depletion of the ozone layer.

Source – Down To Earth

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Fukushima: China retaliates as Japan releases treated nuclear water

Recently, Japan will release 1.34 million tonnes of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean after 12 years.

It may be noted that this plant was hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) concluded in a final report in July 2023 that if the water was released as designed, there would be negligible effects on the environment and human health. The plan will be executed by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), the operator of the nuclear plant.

The Fukushima plant is located on the east coast of the country. This site is located about 220 kilometers north-east of the capital Tokyo.

Japan claims that it has used an ‘Advanced Liquid Processing System’ (ALPS) to treat stored water. ALPS is a pumping and filtration system. It removes most radioactive substances from water except tritium. Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen. It is very difficult to separate it from water.

Concerns related to Water release:

• DNA can be damaged if this water containing tritium reaches the body.
• Exposure to radioactive substances can cause health problems like leukemia, anemia, bleeding, etc.
• This water can destroy the nutrients present in the soil.
• The release of waste water can pollute the ocean, which can lead to an increase in the cost of salt and seafood.
• China has banned seafood imports from Japan including Fukushima and Tokyo.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

IAEA is an intergovernmental organization. It was established in 1957. Its purpose is to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to prohibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons.

Source – Indian Express

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