INSTA MAINS 2023
EXCLUSIVE
ENVIRONMENT
, INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (ENVIRONMENT)
NOTES
Table of Contents
Climate Change............................................................................................................. 3
1. GLOBALIZATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ................................................................................. 3
2. DEBT-FOR-CLIMATE SWAPS .................................................................................................... 4
3. MAKING CITIES CLIMATE-READY ............................................................................................. 5
4. IMPACT OF ANTARCTIC ICE MELTING ON OCEAN CURRENTS ................................................... 6
5. RISING SEA LEVELS AND THEIR DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES ................................................. 6
6. CLIMATE JUSTICE.................................................................................................................... 7
7. CLIMATE CHANGE AND MOUNTAINS OF THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE .................................. 8
8. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ARCTIC SEA ICE? .............................................................................. 9
9. ROLE OF PANCHAYATS IN TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE ........................................................ 10
10. IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES ....................................... 12
11. NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE.................................................. 13
Biodiversity ................................................................................................................ 15
1. INDIA CAN BECOME A BIODIVERSITY CHAMPION .................................................................. 15
2. IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY ............................................................................................ 16
3. WILDLIFE TRANSLOCATION PROGRAMMES ........................................................................... 17
4. LAND RECLAMATION ............................................................................................................ 19
5. GLOBAL LAND OUTLOOK REPORT ......................................................................................... 20
6. ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) .......................................................................... 22
7. 30 YEARS OF PROJECT ELEPHANT ......................................................................................... 23
8. INDIA CELEBRATES 50 SUCCESSFUL YEARS OF “PROJECT TIGER”............................................ 23
9. TIGER CENSUS 2022 AND INTERNATIONAL BIG CAT ALLIANCE ............................................... 24
10. CAN WE DEMOCRATISE TIGER CONSERVATION IN INDIA? ................................................. 25
11. HOW AI CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................ 25
12. GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF SOIL CARBON IN GRASSLANDS ................................................... 26
13. HOW TO SAVE OUR HIGH SEAS FROM OVERFISHING AND POLLUTION? ............................ 28
14. PROTECTING BEE POPULATION ......................................................................................... 29
Pollution..................................................................................................................... 30
1. METHANE MITIGATION POLICIES .......................................................................................... 30
2. POLLUTION IN GANGA .......................................................................................................... 31
3. GROUNDWATER EXPLOITATION AND SINKING LAND............................................................. 31
4. RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION ........................................................................................... 32
5. MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION .................................................................................................. 33
6. PLASTIC WASTE IN INDIA ...................................................................................................... 33
7. INDOOR AIR POLLUTION ....................................................................................................... 34
8. WORLD BANK REPORT: AIR POLLUTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH IN SOUTH ASIA ........................ 35
9. HOW TO MANAGE INDIA’S SOLAR PV WASTE PROBLEM? ...................................................... 35
10. E-WASTE RULES ................................................................................................................ 37
11. E-WASTE’S IMPACT ON POOR CHILDREN........................................................................... 37
12. LIGHT POLLUTING THE DARK SKY ...................................................................................... 38
13. CHINAMPAS: FLOATING GARDENS MADE OF PLASTIC BOTTLES ......................................... 39
14. POLLUTION DUE TO COAL-BASED THERMAL POWER GENERATION IN INDIA ...................... 39
15. CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE ..................................................................................... 41
Renewable Energy ...................................................................................................... 42
1. THE ROLE OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION .............................. 42
2. INDIA MISSES RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET: PARLIAMENTARY PANEL .................................. 43
3. BECOMING A GREEN HYDROGEN SUPERPOWER: OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS ........... 43
4. E-WASTE: SOLAR PANELS ...................................................................................................... 45
www.insightsonindia.com 1 InsightsIAS
, INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (ENVIRONMENT)
NOTES
Forest, Deforestation and Desertification .................................................................... 48
1. THE CASE FOR OPEN, VERIFIABLE FOREST COVER DATA ........................................................ 48
2. INDIA’S COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION POLICY ................................................................ 49
Water Management ................................................................................................... 50
1. ALL INDIA REPORT OF FIRST CENSUS OF WATER BODIES ....................................................... 50
2. WATER WARNING: THE CASE OF ‘VANISHING’ RAINFALL ....................................................... 50
3. UN WORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2023 ................................................................ 52
4. PREPAID CARDS FOR POWER TO SAVE GROUNDWATER ........................................................ 54
5. GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION IN INDIA ........................................................................... 55
6. GROUNDWATER STORAGE IN GANGA BASIN DECLINES ......................................................... 55
7. BLUE ECONOMY THREATENED BY MARINE LITTER ................................................................ 56
8. RESTORING URBAN LAKES .................................................................................................... 57
International Environmental Convention .................................................................... 59
1. SYNTHESIS REPORT OF IPCC AR6 ........................................................................................... 59
Coral Reefs ................................................................................................................. 61
1. CORAL REEFS DAMAGED ...................................................................................................... 61
2. CORAL REEFS ECOSYSTEM .................................................................................................... 62
Miscellaneous............................................................................................................. 64
1. ROADMAP TO ENERGY JUSTICE ............................................................................................ 64
2. UN TO ALLOW DEEP SEA MINING: ISSUES AND CONCERNS ................................................... 65
3. COASTAL CRISIS IN ODISHA ................................................................................................... 66
4. TOURISM IN THE HIMALAYAS IS NOT UNIFORM .................................................................... 67
5. ICIMOD REPORT: WATER, ICE, SOCIETY, AND ECOSYSTEMS IN THE HINDU KUSH HIMALAYA .. 68
6. SOUTH ASIA’S CLIMATE MIGRATION ..................................................................................... 69
www.insightsonindia.com 2 InsightsIAS
, INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (ENVIRONMENT)
NOTES
Climate Change
1. Globalization and Climate Change
McKinsey Global Institute studies and WTO are of the view that globalization is necessary for the
path to sustainability and mitigating the impact of climate change.
What is Globalization in the context of the Environment?
Globalization, in terms of the environment, refers to the interconnectedness and
interdependence of economies and societies worldwide, leading to the global exchange of goods,
services, information, and ideas. It has both positive and negative environmental impacts.
Why is Globalization Necessary for decarbonization?
Aspect Reasons Example
Resource Globalization allows for the E.g., Lithium, is primarily sourced
Distribution efficient sourcing and trading of from Australia and Chile, and its
resources from areas with global availability is essential for
abundant supply to areas with the widespread adoption of
high demand. electric vehicles
Technological Globalization promotes the E.g., Sharing of R&D in renewable
Innovation exchange of knowledge, ideas, energy technologies like solar
and technological advancements panels and wind turbines has
across borders. accelerated their deployment and
reduced costs globally.
Access to Financing Globalization allows for cross- E.g., the global carbon credit
border financial flows, making it trading mechanism
easier for countries to access the
necessary capital and investment
for decarbonization projects.
Scalability and Globalization enables the E.g., Tesla company’s Giga factory
Economies of Scale establishment of global supply for the manufacture of EV
chains, allowing for large-scale batteries in China, Australia and
manufacturing and distribution the USA
of renewable energy
technologies.
Knowledge Sharing Globalization facilitates the E.g., Paris Agreement,
and Policy sharing of best practices, International Solar Alliance etc.,
Alignment expertise, and policy
frameworks among countries.
How globalization leads to a negative impact on the environment:
Negative Impact Description
Carbon Emissions Globalized trade increases carbon emissions from shipping, air
travel, and long-distance transportation of goods. E.g., importing
goods from distant countries to meet consumer demands leads to
increased emissions from transportation.
Deforestation and Global demand for commodities like timber, soy, and palm oil drives
Habitat Loss deforestation and habitat loss in regions with rich biodiversity. E.g.,
the expansion of palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia has led to
extensive deforestation and the loss of critical ecosystems.
www.insightsonindia.com 3 InsightsIAS
EXCLUSIVE
ENVIRONMENT
, INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (ENVIRONMENT)
NOTES
Table of Contents
Climate Change............................................................................................................. 3
1. GLOBALIZATION AND CLIMATE CHANGE ................................................................................. 3
2. DEBT-FOR-CLIMATE SWAPS .................................................................................................... 4
3. MAKING CITIES CLIMATE-READY ............................................................................................. 5
4. IMPACT OF ANTARCTIC ICE MELTING ON OCEAN CURRENTS ................................................... 6
5. RISING SEA LEVELS AND THEIR DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES ................................................. 6
6. CLIMATE JUSTICE.................................................................................................................... 7
7. CLIMATE CHANGE AND MOUNTAINS OF THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE .................................. 8
8. WHAT IS HAPPENING TO ARCTIC SEA ICE? .............................................................................. 9
9. ROLE OF PANCHAYATS IN TACKLING CLIMATE CHANGE ........................................................ 10
10. IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES ....................................... 12
11. NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE.................................................. 13
Biodiversity ................................................................................................................ 15
1. INDIA CAN BECOME A BIODIVERSITY CHAMPION .................................................................. 15
2. IMPORTANCE OF BIODIVERSITY ............................................................................................ 16
3. WILDLIFE TRANSLOCATION PROGRAMMES ........................................................................... 17
4. LAND RECLAMATION ............................................................................................................ 19
5. GLOBAL LAND OUTLOOK REPORT ......................................................................................... 20
6. ENVIRONMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA) .......................................................................... 22
7. 30 YEARS OF PROJECT ELEPHANT ......................................................................................... 23
8. INDIA CELEBRATES 50 SUCCESSFUL YEARS OF “PROJECT TIGER”............................................ 23
9. TIGER CENSUS 2022 AND INTERNATIONAL BIG CAT ALLIANCE ............................................... 24
10. CAN WE DEMOCRATISE TIGER CONSERVATION IN INDIA? ................................................. 25
11. HOW AI CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT ............................................................................ 25
12. GLOBAL ASSESSMENT OF SOIL CARBON IN GRASSLANDS ................................................... 26
13. HOW TO SAVE OUR HIGH SEAS FROM OVERFISHING AND POLLUTION? ............................ 28
14. PROTECTING BEE POPULATION ......................................................................................... 29
Pollution..................................................................................................................... 30
1. METHANE MITIGATION POLICIES .......................................................................................... 30
2. POLLUTION IN GANGA .......................................................................................................... 31
3. GROUNDWATER EXPLOITATION AND SINKING LAND............................................................. 31
4. RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION ........................................................................................... 32
5. MICROPLASTIC POLLUTION .................................................................................................. 33
6. PLASTIC WASTE IN INDIA ...................................................................................................... 33
7. INDOOR AIR POLLUTION ....................................................................................................... 34
8. WORLD BANK REPORT: AIR POLLUTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH IN SOUTH ASIA ........................ 35
9. HOW TO MANAGE INDIA’S SOLAR PV WASTE PROBLEM? ...................................................... 35
10. E-WASTE RULES ................................................................................................................ 37
11. E-WASTE’S IMPACT ON POOR CHILDREN........................................................................... 37
12. LIGHT POLLUTING THE DARK SKY ...................................................................................... 38
13. CHINAMPAS: FLOATING GARDENS MADE OF PLASTIC BOTTLES ......................................... 39
14. POLLUTION DUE TO COAL-BASED THERMAL POWER GENERATION IN INDIA ...................... 39
15. CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE ..................................................................................... 41
Renewable Energy ...................................................................................................... 42
1. THE ROLE OF SMALL MODULAR REACTORS IN THE ENERGY TRANSITION .............................. 42
2. INDIA MISSES RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGET: PARLIAMENTARY PANEL .................................. 43
3. BECOMING A GREEN HYDROGEN SUPERPOWER: OPPORTUNITIES AND LIMITATIONS ........... 43
4. E-WASTE: SOLAR PANELS ...................................................................................................... 45
www.insightsonindia.com 1 InsightsIAS
, INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (ENVIRONMENT)
NOTES
Forest, Deforestation and Desertification .................................................................... 48
1. THE CASE FOR OPEN, VERIFIABLE FOREST COVER DATA ........................................................ 48
2. INDIA’S COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION POLICY ................................................................ 49
Water Management ................................................................................................... 50
1. ALL INDIA REPORT OF FIRST CENSUS OF WATER BODIES ....................................................... 50
2. WATER WARNING: THE CASE OF ‘VANISHING’ RAINFALL ....................................................... 50
3. UN WORLD WATER DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2023 ................................................................ 52
4. PREPAID CARDS FOR POWER TO SAVE GROUNDWATER ........................................................ 54
5. GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION IN INDIA ........................................................................... 55
6. GROUNDWATER STORAGE IN GANGA BASIN DECLINES ......................................................... 55
7. BLUE ECONOMY THREATENED BY MARINE LITTER ................................................................ 56
8. RESTORING URBAN LAKES .................................................................................................... 57
International Environmental Convention .................................................................... 59
1. SYNTHESIS REPORT OF IPCC AR6 ........................................................................................... 59
Coral Reefs ................................................................................................................. 61
1. CORAL REEFS DAMAGED ...................................................................................................... 61
2. CORAL REEFS ECOSYSTEM .................................................................................................... 62
Miscellaneous............................................................................................................. 64
1. ROADMAP TO ENERGY JUSTICE ............................................................................................ 64
2. UN TO ALLOW DEEP SEA MINING: ISSUES AND CONCERNS ................................................... 65
3. COASTAL CRISIS IN ODISHA ................................................................................................... 66
4. TOURISM IN THE HIMALAYAS IS NOT UNIFORM .................................................................... 67
5. ICIMOD REPORT: WATER, ICE, SOCIETY, AND ECOSYSTEMS IN THE HINDU KUSH HIMALAYA .. 68
6. SOUTH ASIA’S CLIMATE MIGRATION ..................................................................................... 69
www.insightsonindia.com 2 InsightsIAS
, INSTA MAINS 2023 EXCLUSIVE (ENVIRONMENT)
NOTES
Climate Change
1. Globalization and Climate Change
McKinsey Global Institute studies and WTO are of the view that globalization is necessary for the
path to sustainability and mitigating the impact of climate change.
What is Globalization in the context of the Environment?
Globalization, in terms of the environment, refers to the interconnectedness and
interdependence of economies and societies worldwide, leading to the global exchange of goods,
services, information, and ideas. It has both positive and negative environmental impacts.
Why is Globalization Necessary for decarbonization?
Aspect Reasons Example
Resource Globalization allows for the E.g., Lithium, is primarily sourced
Distribution efficient sourcing and trading of from Australia and Chile, and its
resources from areas with global availability is essential for
abundant supply to areas with the widespread adoption of
high demand. electric vehicles
Technological Globalization promotes the E.g., Sharing of R&D in renewable
Innovation exchange of knowledge, ideas, energy technologies like solar
and technological advancements panels and wind turbines has
across borders. accelerated their deployment and
reduced costs globally.
Access to Financing Globalization allows for cross- E.g., the global carbon credit
border financial flows, making it trading mechanism
easier for countries to access the
necessary capital and investment
for decarbonization projects.
Scalability and Globalization enables the E.g., Tesla company’s Giga factory
Economies of Scale establishment of global supply for the manufacture of EV
chains, allowing for large-scale batteries in China, Australia and
manufacturing and distribution the USA
of renewable energy
technologies.
Knowledge Sharing Globalization facilitates the E.g., Paris Agreement,
and Policy sharing of best practices, International Solar Alliance etc.,
Alignment expertise, and policy
frameworks among countries.
How globalization leads to a negative impact on the environment:
Negative Impact Description
Carbon Emissions Globalized trade increases carbon emissions from shipping, air
travel, and long-distance transportation of goods. E.g., importing
goods from distant countries to meet consumer demands leads to
increased emissions from transportation.
Deforestation and Global demand for commodities like timber, soy, and palm oil drives
Habitat Loss deforestation and habitat loss in regions with rich biodiversity. E.g.,
the expansion of palm oil plantations in Southeast Asia has led to
extensive deforestation and the loss of critical ecosystems.
www.insightsonindia.com 3 InsightsIAS
