Why is it in the News?

The world stands on the brink of witnessing its fourth mass coral bleaching event, a phenomenon that threatens to hit vast expanses of tropical reefs, including significant portions of Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef.

Key Findings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):

• Impending Fourth Mass Coral Bleaching Event: The world is on the brink of a fourth mass coral bleaching event, following those in 1998, 2010, and 2014.
  • To classify as global, widespread bleaching must occur across three ocean basins: the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian.
• Impact of Previous Events: The last global mass coral bleaching event occurred from 2014 to 2017, resulting in the loss of nearly a third of the Great Barrier Reef's corals.
  • Preliminary data indicates that approximately 15% of the world's reefs experienced significant coral die-offs during this event.
• Current Situation: This year is witnessing even more severe bleaching events, with the Caribbean experiencing its worst coral bleaching on record following the Northern Hemisphere summer last year.
• Link to Climate Phenomena: Coral bleaching is often associated with the naturally occurring El Niño climate phenomenon, which leads to warmer ocean waters.
• Climate Change Impact: The world recently experienced its first 12-month period with an average temperature exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.
  • A temperature rise of 1.5°C is considered the tipping point for mass coral die-offs, with scientists estimating that 90% of the world's corals could be lost as a result.

About the Corals and Coral Reefs:

• Corals: Corals are animals known as polyps, which engage in a symbiotic relationship with tiny algae called zooxanthellae.
  • These algae provide corals with food and oxygen, while corals offer them a safe habitat.
•  Coral Reefs: Coral reefs are limestone structures formed by thousands of tiny coral animals and are predominantly found in tropical climates.

Coral Bleaching and Its Concerns:

• Coral bleaching occurs when corals are exposed to stressful conditions like high temperatures, pollution, or changes in water chemistry, leading them to expel the zooxanthellae.
  • Without these algae, corals lose their color and turn white, hence the term 'bleaching,' and cannot survive for long in this state.
• Recovery Potential: Despite its severity, coral bleaching doesn't necessarily mean the end of the reef; timely removal of stressors can facilitate the return of zooxanthellae and coral recovery.
• Ecological Importance: Coral reefs serve as habitats and food sources for numerous fish and marine species.
  • They also offer coastal protection from erosion and storms and play a critical role in regulating the Earth's climate by absorbing and storing carbon dioxide.
• Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Beyond their ecological functions, coral reefs represent stunning biodiversity and natural beauty, making their loss a tragic prospect for future generations.
• Impacts: When coral reefs suffer, so do the ecosystems and communities reliant on them, underscoring the far-reaching consequences of coral degradation.

Why is it in the News?

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 4,797 crore research scheme to boost and maintain research momentum in the fields of ocean, atmospheric and polar sciences.

What is PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)?:

• The PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) will be an umbrella scheme spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences to help continue many of the ongoing research projects covering the period from 2021 to 2026.
• This scheme encompasses five existing sub-schemes:
  • Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)
  • Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)
  • Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)
  • Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE)
  • Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)
• The principal objectives of the comprehensive PRITHVI Scheme are as follows:
  • Enhancing and maintaining long-term observations across the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere to monitor critical indicators of the Earth System and its changes.
  • Developing modelling systems to comprehend and forecast weather patterns, ocean dynamics, and climate-related hazards, while advancing the understanding of climate change science.
  • Exploring the polar and high seas regions to uncover new phenomena and resources.
  • Innovating technology for the exploration and sustainable utilization of oceanic resources benefits society at large.
  • Translating insights from Earth systems science into services that contribute to societal well-being, environmental preservation, and economic prosperity.
  • This scheme is poised to foster the development of integrated, multidisciplinary earth science research and innovative initiatives across various institutes under the MoES umbrella.

Significance of the PRITHVI Scheme:

• Under the PRITHVI Scheme, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) plays a pivotal role in delivering vital services concerning weather, climate, oceanography, coastal conditions, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards.
• These services play a crucial role in issuing forecasts, warnings, and alerts for a wide array of natural disasters, including tropical cyclones, floods, tsunamis, and earthquakes.
  • By facilitating disaster preparedness and risk mitigation, they contribute significantly to safeguarding lives and property.
• Earth System Sciences encompass a comprehensive study of the interconnected components of the Earth, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, along with their intricate interactions.
• The PRITHVI Scheme is designed to address these components comprehensively, enhancing our understanding of Earth System Sciences and delivering dependable services for the nation's benefit.
• Through integrated research and development endeavours across diverse MoES institutes, the scheme is poised to tackle major challenges in weather forecasting, climate science, oceanography, cryospheric studies, and seismology.
  • These efforts aim to explore sustainable methods for harnessing both biological and non-biological resources, ensuring responsible utilization of our planet's resources.