In News:

The drought that hit all nine Amazon rainforest countries - including Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela and Peru - is expected to worsen in 2024

Role of Climate Change:

• Likelihood Increase: Climate change made the drought 30 times more likely.
• Temperature and Rainfall: It drove extreme high temperatures and contributed to lower rainfall.

Future Projections:

• Expected Worsening: The drought is predicted to worsen in 2024, with the rainy season expected to recede in May.

Impact on Ecosystems:

• River Levels: Rivers have reached their lowest levels on record, with the Rio Negro river falling to its lowest minimum (12.7 meters) since records began in 1902.
• Dolphin Deaths: At least 178 endangered pink and gray Amazon river dolphins died due to low water levels and high temperatures.
• Fish Deaths: Thousands of fish died from low oxygen levels in Amazon tributaries.

Impact on Human Life:

• Disruptions: Waterways dried up rapidly, forcing people to undertake long journeys across dried river sections to access essential goods like food and medicine.

Contributing Factors:

• El Niño Influence: Periodic warming in the Eastern Pacific Ocean (El Niño) contributed to decreased rainfall but not to higher temperatures.

Potential Consequences:

• Forest Fires and Biome Health: The drought could exacerbate forest fires, combined with climate change and deforestation, potentially pushing the Amazon toward a point of no return where it ceases to be a lush rainforest.
• Previous Droughts: While the region has experienced at least three intense droughts in the past 20 years, this one’s impact on the entire Amazon basin is unprecedented.

Why is it in the News?

Last month, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasted above-normal rain in the upcoming monsoon season in India, with “favourable” La Nina conditions expected to set in by August-September.

What are El Niño and La Nina?

• El Niño (meaning “little boy” in Spanish) and La Nina (meaning “little girl” in Spanish) are climate phenomena that are a result of ocean-atmosphere interactions, which impact the temperature of waters in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean which affects global weather.
• The Earth’s east-west rotation causes all winds blowing between 30 degrees to the north and south of the equator to slant in their trajectory.
  • As a result, winds in the region flow towards a southwesterly direction in the northern hemisphere and a northwesterly direction in the southern hemisphere which is known as the Coriolis Effect.
• Due to this, winds in this belt (called trade winds) blow westwards on either side of the equator.
  • Under normal ocean conditions, these trade winds travel westwards along the equator from South America towards Asia.
  • Wind movement over the ocean results in a phenomenon called upwelling, where cold water beneath the ocean surface rises and displaces the warm surface waters.
• At times, the weak trade winds get pushed back towards South America and there is no upwelling.
  • Thus, warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures are recorded along the equatorial Pacific Ocean, and this is known as the emergence of El Niño conditions.
• Conversely, during La Nina, strong trade winds push warm water towards Asia.
  • Greater upwelling gives rise to cold and nutrient-rich water towards South America.
  • Thus, climatologically, El Niño and La Nina are opposite phases of what is collectively called the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle.
  • It also includes a third neutral phase.
• El Niño events are far more frequent than La Nina ones.
  • Once every two to seven years, neutral ENSO conditions get interrupted by either El Niño or La Nina.
  • Recently, La Nina conditions prevailed between 2020 and 2023.

How could the incoming La Nina impact global weather?

• La Niña, driven by the cooling of ocean waters due to the ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) cycle, can significantly influence global weather patterns.
• The air circulation loop in the region, affected by these temperature changes, impacts precipitation levels in neighbouring areas and can alter the Indian monsoon.
• Currently, the El Niño event that began in June last year has significantly weakened.
• Neutral ENSO conditions are expected to be established by June.
• Following this, La Niña conditions are anticipated to emerge, with its effects likely becoming apparent from August.

La Nina’s Impact on India:

• With above normal rain forecast, the seasonal rainfall is expected to be 106 per cent of the Long Period Average (LPA), which is 880mm (1971-2020 average).
• Except in east and northeast India, all remaining regions are expected to receive normal or above-seasonal rainfall.
  • Heavy rains could result in some regions witnessing riverine and urban flooding, mudslides, landslides and cloudbursts.
• East and northeast India region, during La Nina years, receive below average seasonal rainfall.
  • Therefore, there may be a shortfall in water reserves there this year.
• During La Nina years, incidents of thunderstorms generally increase.
  • “The east and northern India regions could experience thunderstorms accompanied by lightning.
• With increased farming activities undertaken during the July and August rainy months, which coincides with the season’s enhanced lightning and thunderstorms, there is a high risk of fatalities in these regions.
• In addition to ENSO, there are other parameters that can impact the monsoon.
• However, in a La Nina year, a deficit monsoon over India can be easily ruled out.

La Nina’s Impact on the World:

• Similar to India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and their neighbouring countries receive good rainfall during a La Nina year.
  • This year, Indonesia has already witnessed floods.
• On the other hand, droughts are common in southern regions of North America, where winters become warmer than usual.
  • Canada and the northwestern coast of the United States see heavy rainfall and flooding.
  • Southern Africa receives higher than usual rainfall, whereas eastern regions of the continent suffer below-average rainfall.
• ENSO has a huge impact on hurricane activity over the Atlantic Ocean.
• During a La Nina year, the hurricane activity here increases.
  • For instance, the Atlantic Ocean churned out a record 30 hurricanes during the La Nina year 2021.

Is Climate Change Affecting ENSO?

• Over India, El Niño is known to suppress the southwest monsoon rainfall and drive higher temperatures and intense heat waves, like the present summer season.
• In the past, monsoon seasons during years following an El Niño were 1982-1983 and 1987-1988, with both 1983 and 1988 recording bountiful rainfall.
  • At present too, a similar situation could play out.
• The 2020-2023 period witnessed the longest La Nina event of the century.
• Thereafter, ENSO neutral conditions developed, which soon gave way to El Niño by June 2023 which has been weakening since December last year.
• Scientists say that climate change is set to impact the ENSO cycle.
• Many studies suggest that global warming tends to change the mean oceanic conditions over the Pacific Ocean and trigger more El Niño events.
• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has also said that climate change is likely to affect the intensity and frequency of extreme weather and climate events linked to El Niño and La Nina.

Why is it in the News?

Carbon farming offers a versatile solution applicable across diverse agro-climatic regions, simultaneously addressing issues such as soil degradation, water scarcity, and climate variability challenges.

What is Carbon Farming?

• Carbon farming refers to a set of agricultural practices designed to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the soil.
• The primary goal is to mitigate climate change by enhancing carbon capture and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Through strategic land management, farmers can play a crucial role in offsetting carbon emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.

Principles of Carbon Farming:

• Carbon Sequestration: The core principle involves capturing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and storing it in the soil.
  • This is achieved by promoting the growth of plants and trees that absorb carbon from the atmosphere.
• Reduced Emissions: Carbon farming emphasizes practices that minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
  • This includes optimizing fertilizer use, adopting no-till farming, and reducing reliance on synthetic inputs.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Integrating diverse crops and promoting agroforestry practices contribute to biodiversity conservation.
  • This enhances ecosystem resilience and supports sustainable agricultural systems.
• Soil Health: Improving soil health is fundamental to carbon farming.
  • Practices like cover cropping and rotational grazing not only sequester carbon but also enhance soil structure, water retention, and nutrient cycling.

Benefits of Carbon Farming:

• Climate Change Mitigation: The primary benefit is the significant contribution to mitigating climate change.
  • Carbon farming helps offset carbon emissions, acting as a natural solution to reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
• Improved Soil Fertility: The focus on soil health leads to increased fertility and productivity.
  • Healthy soils contribute to better crop yields, reduced erosion, and enhanced resilience to climate-related challenges.
• Biodiversity Enhancement: Carbon farming practices support biodiversity by creating habitats for diverse plant and animal species.
  • This contributes to ecological balance and resilience in the face of environmental changes.
• Economic Opportunities: Farmers engaged in carbon farming may access new revenue streams through carbon offset programs.
  • These initiatives incentivize sustainable practices and provide financial benefits to farmers.

Challenges in Carbon Farming:

• Transition Period: Implementing carbon farming practices often requires a transition period, during which farmers may face initial costs and adjustments to new techniques. Financial support and education are crucial during this phase.
• Market Access: Connecting farmers to carbon offset markets can be challenging. Developing transparent and accessible markets for carbon credits is essential for the success of carbon farming initiatives.
• Education and Awareness: Many farmers may not be familiar with carbon farming practices.
  • Education and awareness programs are necessary to disseminate information, build capacity, and encourage widespread adoption.

Conclusion

Carbon farming is a dynamic and evolving approach to agriculture that holds immense promise in the fight against climate change. By understanding its principles, benefits, and challenges, farmers and stakeholders can actively contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future. The key terms associated with carbon farming provide a foundation for navigating this innovative landscape and embracing practices that benefit both the environment and agriculture.

Why is it in the News?

Global trade dynamics are expected to remain sluggish in 2024, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has warned.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• UNCTAD’s latest projections indicate global growth of 2.6 percent in 2024, slightly slower than in 2023.
• This marks the third consecutive year in which the global economy will grow at a slower pace than before the pandemic when the average rate for 2015–2019 was 3.2 percent.

India’s growth is expected to be marginally lower than in 2023:

• Regarding India, the report stated that the economy grew at 6.7 percent in 2023 and is expected to be marginally lower at 6.5 percent in 2024.
• It noted that the expansion in 2023 was influenced by strong public investment and the services sector, which received a boost from robust local demand for consumer services along with assured external demand for business services exports.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is expected to keep interest rates constant in the near term, while strong public investment expenditures will offset restrained public consumption spending.

About the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):

• The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1964 to promote the interests of developing countries in global trade.
  • With its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, UNCTAD has 195 member states and collaborates with numerous nongovernmental organizations worldwide.
  • The organization focuses on formulating policies related to various aspects of development, including trade, aid, transport, finance, and technology.
• UNCTAD plays a crucial role in addressing the concerns of developing countries regarding international institutions, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank.
  • By providing a platform for these countries to discuss and tackle their unique challenges, UNCTAD contributes to global economic development and reduces inequalities.
• Some notable achievements of UNCTAD include the establishment of the Global System of Trade Preferences (now replaced by the World Trade Organization), which reduces tariffs and removes non-tariff trade barriers, the Common Fund for Commodities, providing financial assistance to countries dependent on commodity exports, and various agreements for debt relief.
• In recent years, UNCTAD has focused on addressing globalization challenges and helping the least developed countries integrate into the global economy.

Why is it in the News?

In a study published recently, researchers analyzed more than 500 future emissions scenarios the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessed in its latest reports.

About the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):

• The IPCC was created in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• It is the leading international body for the assessment of climate change.
• It is a key source of scientific information and technical guidance to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.
• The IPCC provides governments with scientific information for use in developing climate policies.
• The IPCC currently has 195 members.
• The IPCC does not undertake new research. Instead, it synthesizes published and peer-reviewed literature to develop a comprehensive assessment of scientific understanding.
  • These assessments are published in IPCC reports.
  • They are subject to multiple drafting and review processes to promote an objective, comprehensive, and transparent assessment of current knowledge.
• The IPCC’s work is guided by principles and procedures that govern all main activities of the organization.
• IPCC member governments and observer organizations nominate experts and the IPCC's scientific governing body, the IPCC Bureau, selects authors and editors with expertise in a range of scientific, technical, and socio-economic fields.

What are IPCC Assessment Reports?

• Typically, IPCC reports comprise three Working Group reports:
  • One on physical science
  • One on climate adaptation, and
  • One on mitigation action.
• One synthesis report consolidates findings from the three Working Group reports.
• Then there are thematic special reports.
• Each report assesses climate-related scientific literature to capture the state of scientific, technical, and socio-economic knowledge on climate change.
• The IPCC is currently in its Seventh Assessment cycle (AR7).

How Does it Assess Future Scenarios?

• The IPCC uses ‘modelled pathways’ to estimate what it will take to limit the warming of the earth’s surface.
• These pathways are drawn using Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) that describe human and earth systems.
• IAMs are complex models that examine possible futures of the energy and climate systems and economies.
• Its macroeconomic models can point to future growth levels in terms of GDP;
  • Its energy models can project future consumption
  • Vegetation models can examine land-use changes; and
  • Earth-system models use the laws of physics to understand how climate evolves.
• With such integration across disciplines, IAMs are meant to provide policy-relevant guidelines on climate action.
• However, these models also have shortcomings. They prioritize least-cost assessments — for example, the absolute cost of setting up a solar plant or undertaking afforestation in India is lower than in the U.S.
• However, experts have said they could exercise the option of enabling countries to equitably share the burden of action, where the richest undertake more drastic mitigation action more immediately.

About the Latest Study:

• Conducted by a team of specialists from Bengaluru and Chennai, the study scrutinized 556 scenarios outlined in the IPCC's AR6 report.
• Their findings indicate that by 2050, per-capita GDP in Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, West Asia, and other parts of Asia will remain below the global average.
• Collectively, these regions account for 60% of the global population.
• Additionally, the study highlighted disparities in the consumption of goods and services, as well as energy and fossil fuel consumption, between the Global North and the Global South.

Why Does Equity Matter?

• Equity is crucial in climate action as per the UNFCCC, which mandates developed nations to lead in combating climate change.
• However, current modeling approaches often overlook equity, burdening poorer nations disproportionately.
• Researchers highlight the need for modeling techniques that prioritize climate justice and equitable distribution of responsibilities.
• They argue that mitigation pathways should ensure developed regions accelerate towards net negative emissions and allocate carbon budgets to less developed regions.
• Addressing this gap requires a paradigm shift in scenario building, emphasizing both equity and environmental sustainability.
• This approach is vital for fostering global cooperation and achieving meaningful climate action.

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?

MethaneSAT — a satellite which will track and measure methane emissions at a global scale — was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket from California recently.

What is MethaneSAT?

• MethaneSAT will orbit the Earth 15 times a day, monitoring the oil and gas sector.
• It will create a large amount of data, which will tell “how much methane is coming from where, who’s responsible, and are those emissions going up or down over time”.
• The data collected by MethaneSAT will be made public for free in near real-time.
• This will allow stakeholders and regulators to take action to reduce methane emissions.

Institutions involved in the development:

• The entity behind MethaneSAT is the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) — a US-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group.
• To develop the satellite, EDF partnered with Harvard University, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, and the New Zealand Space Agency.

Features of MethaneSAT:

• Historically, tracking the source of methane emissions and measuring them has been quite challenging.
  • ?While some satellites can provide high-resolution data, they can only scan specific, pre-targeted sites.
  • Others can examine larger areas and detect large emitting events, but cannot scan “smaller sources that account for the majority of emissions in many, if not most, regions,” the EDF statement added.
• Due to this discrepancy, according to an International Energy Agency (IEA) report, global methane emissions are about 70 per cent higher than levels reported by national governments.
• MethaneSAT is expected to fix the issue.
• Equipped with a high-resolution infrared sensor and a spectrometer, the satellite will fill critical data gaps.
• It can track differences in methane concentrations as small as three parts per billion in the atmosphere, which enables it to pick up smaller emissions sources than the previous satellites.
• MethaneSAT also has a wide-camera view — of about 200 km by 200 km — allowing it to identify larger emitters so-called “super emitters”.

Significance of MethaneSAT:

• Advancing the Goals of the Global Methane Pledge 2021: The Global Methane Pledge, signed by over 150 countries in 2021, aims to reduce collective methane emissions by at least 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.
  • During the previous year's COP, over 50 companies pledged to significantly reduce methane emissions and routine flaring.
  • MethaneSAT will play a crucial role in helping these entities achieve their targets.
• Enhancing Transparency: The satellite will usher in a new era of transparency by providing publicly available data accessible to anyone worldwide.
• This data will enable monitoring of methane commitments made by governments and corporations, promoting accountability and transparency in emission reduction efforts."

Why Do We Need to Track and Measure Methane Emission?

• Methane is an invisible but strong greenhouse gas, and the second largest contributor to global warming after carbon dioxide, responsible for 30 percent of global heating since the Industrial Revolution.
• According to the United Nations Environment Programme, over a period of 20 years, methane is 80 times more potent at warming than carbon dioxide.
• The gas also contributes to the formation of ground-level ozone — a colorless and highly irritating gas that forms just above the Earth’s surface.
  • According to a 2022 report, exposure to ground-level ozone could be contributing to one million premature deaths every year.
• Therefore, it is crucial to cut methane emissions and the main culprit, fossil fuel operations, which account for about 40 percent of all human-caused methane emissions.
• The objective of MethaneSAT is to help achieve this goal.

Why is it in the News?

Germany has recently declared its approval for carbon capture and offshore storage for specific industrial sectors.

What is Carbon Capture and Storage?

• CCS refers to a host of different technologies that capture CO2 emissions from large point sources like refineries or power plants and trap them beneath the Earth.
• Notably, CCS is different from carbon dioxide removal (CDR), where CO2 is removed from the atmosphere.
• CCS involves three different techniques of capturing carbon, including: Post-combustion, Pre-combustion, and Oxyfuel combustion.
  • In post-combustion, CO2 is removed after the fossil fuel has been burnt. By using a chemical solvent, CO2 is separated from the exhaust or ‘flue’ gasses and then captured.
  • Pre-combustion involves removing CO2 before burning the fossil fuel. “First, the fossil fuel is partially burned in a ‘gasifier’ to form synthetic gas. CO2 can be captured from this relatively pure exhaust stream,” according to a report by the British Geological Survey. The method also generates hydrogen, which is separated and can be used as fuel.
  • In oxyfuel combustion, the fossil fuel is burnt with almost pure oxygen, which produces CO2 and water vapor. The water is condensed through cooling and CO2 is separated and captured. Out of the three methods, oxyfuel combustion is the most efficient but the oxygen burning process needs a lot of energy.
• Post-combustion and oxyfuel combustion equipment can be retro-fitted in existing plants that were originally built without them. Pre-combustion equipment, however, needs “larger modifications to the operation of the facility and are therefore more suitable to new plants.
• After capture, CO2 is compressed into a liquid state and transported to suitable storage sites.
  • Although CO2 can be transported through ship, rail, or road tanker, pipeline is the cheapest and most reliable method.

Can Carbon Capture Help Save the world?

• Operational CCS projects generally claim to be 90 percent efficient, meaning they can capture 90 per cent of carbon and store it.
• Studies, however, have shown that a number of these projects are not as efficient as they claim to be.
  • For example, a 2022 study by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) found most of the 13 flagship CCS projects worldwide that it analyzed have either underperformed or failed entirely.
• Moreover, CCS technologies are quite expensive.
  • When CCS is attached to coal and gas power stations it is likely to be at least six times more expensive than electricity generated from wind power backed by battery storage.
  • It is far cheaper and more efficient to avoid CO2 emissions in the first place.
• There are also only a few operational CCS projects across the world even though the technology has been pushed for decades.
• According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), there were 40 operational CCS projects in 2023, which captured more than 45 metric tonnes (Mt) of CO2 annually.
• To ensure the planet doesn’t breach the 1.5 degree Celsius temperature increase limit, it would take an “inconceivable” amount of carbon capture “if oil and natural gas consumption were to evolve as projected under today’s policy settings.
• It added that the electricity required to capture that level of carbon as of 2050 would be more than the entire planet’s use of electricity in 2022.
• Therefore, there couldn’t be an overreliance on carbon capture as a solution to tackle climate change.

Why is it in the News?

Antarctica's Doomsday Glacier, the world's widest glacier, has lost over 50 billion tons of ice and the melting rate is on the rise as the continent gets warmer.

What is Doomsday Glacier?

• The Thwaites Glacier (also known as Doomsday Glacier), a massive and world’s widest glacier is located in West Antarctica.
• The Doomsday nickname reflects the potential for catastrophic flooding if the glacier were to collapse completely.
• Scientists are particularly concerned about Thwaites Glacier because of its size and location.
  • If it were to collapse or significantly retreat, it could lead to a more rapid flow of ice from the interior of West Antarctica into the ocean, contributing to rising sea levels.
  • The collapse could lead to a 65 cm rise in global sea level.
• The ice loss in the region has been observed to be accelerating since the 1970s, however, so far it remained unclear as to when this retreat began.
• The significant glacial retreat began in the 1940s and the findings coincide with previous work that studied retreat on Pine Island Glacier and found glacial retreat began in the ‘40s as well.
• This change is not random nor specific to one glacier but It is part of a larger context of a changing climate.

Why Did the Melting Begin?

• The meeting was kicked off by an extreme El Nino climate pattern that warmed the west Antarctic, and since then the glacier has not been able to recover from the damage.
  • It is significant that El Niño only lasted a couple of years, but the two glaciers, Thwaites and Pine Island remain in significant retreat.
  • Once the system is kicked out of balance, the retreat is ongoing.
• The Doomsday Glacier's melting remains one of the most crucial events triggered and accelerated by climate change and could lead to the submergence of several coastal regions of the world.

Why is it in the News?

Malta became the 119th country to join the International Solar Alliance recently.

About the International Solar Alliance (ISA):

• The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an alliance of more than 120 signatory countries that aims to reduce the dependence on non-renewable sources of energy like fossil fuels.
• Currently, 118 countries are signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement.
• The ISA is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies as a means for bringing energy access, ensuring energy security, and driving energy transition in its member countries.
  • The platform strives to develop and deploy cost-effective and transformational energy solutions powered by the sun to help member countries develop low-carbon growth trajectories, with a particular focus on delivering impact in countries categorised as Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilise efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions.
• It was conceptualised on the sidelines of the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015.

Role of India:

• As a founding member, India holds a pivotal position within the alliance, serving both as a host nation and a major contributor to achieving its objectives.
• The ISA marks a historic milestone as the first international organisation to establish its secretariat in India.
• With a target of generating 100 GW of solar energy by 2022, India's commitment represents a significant portion of the ISA's overall goal.

Recent Developments:

• The ISA was granted Observer Status by the UN General Assembly, fostering closer collaboration between the alliance and the United Nations to advance global energy growth and development.
• The approval of the 'Solar Facility' by the ISA introduces a payment guarantee mechanism aimed at incentivizing investments in solar projects, further driving progress towards sustainable energy initiatives.

Why is it in the News?

Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and more intense in many places around the world because of climate change.

How Does Climate Change Impact Extreme Weather Events?

• The Earth's average temperature has gone up by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since 1850, mostly because of human activities like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.
• This temperature rise has led to more frequent and stronger extreme weather events worldwide, such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, hurricanes, and wildfires.
• It's hard to directly blame one single weather event on climate change because there are many factors involved.
• However, studies can tell us if climate change made a particular event worse or more likely to happen.
  • For example, after a deadly heatwave in Western Europe in 2019, a study found that climate change made that heatwave five times more likely to occur.
  • In India, heatwaves have become longer because of global warming, and they're expected to get even worse in the future.
  • Climate models predict that by the 2040s, heatwaves might become 12 times more common.
• Higher temperatures also make droughts worse.
  • In East Africa, for instance, a severe drought happened between 2020 and 2022, leading to famine and displacing millions of people.
  • A report found that climate change made droughts like this at least 100 times more likely in that region.
• Warmer temperatures also contribute to wildfires by drying out land and making it easier for fires to start and spread.
  • In Canada, for example, a study showed that climate change doubled the chances of extreme fire conditions.
  • This was particularly concerning because Canada recently faced its worst wildfire season ever.
• As temperatures rise, the air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and more flooding during storms.
  • Warm air can also dry out the soil, making droughts worse. But when warm, moist air meets cooler air, it can lead to more intense storms and flooding.
• There's also evidence that climate change is making hurricanes stronger and more frequent.
  • Warmer oceans provide more energy for hurricanes to form and intensify.
  • The oceans have absorbed a lot of the extra heat from greenhouse gases, making them warmer.
  • This, in turn, leads to stronger storms and more damage when they hit land.
• So, while climate change doesn't directly cause any single weather event, it's making extreme weather events more common and more severe, putting people and ecosystems at risk.

Why is it in the News?

The Indian Himalayas are experiencing an unusual lack of snowfall this winter, impacting ski resorts and prompting holiday cancellations.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• Unprecedented precipitation deficit: December witnessed an alarming 80% precipitation deficit in the western Himalayan region.
  • The ongoing dry spell in January is attributed to the absence of active western disturbances this winter season, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Impact on freshwater resources: Experts warn of potential impacts on freshwater availability in the Himalayan region.
  • The extended dry spell poses a threat to horticulture and agricultural production, raising concerns among experts.
• Unseasonal blooming and alarming temperature anomalies: Despite being peak winter, Ladakh and Kashmir experienced unusually warm temperatures, leading to early crop blooming.
  • A report by IMD scientists reveals maximum temperatures 5-8 degrees Celsius below normal over the northern plains since December 29.
• Challenges to water levels and ecosystems: Experts also highlight the significance of the Chillai Kalan snowfall period as the only freshwater source.
  • The prolonged dry spell has resulted in reduced water levels in rivers and streams, posing challenges to the region's ecosystems.

Factors contributing to severe weather conditions:

• Scientists attribute the severe weather to three main factors:
  • Lack of active western disturbances
  • Prevailing El Nino conditions, and
  • A strong jet stream.
• El Nino, characterised by abnormal warming in the central Pacific Ocean, contributes to altered weather patterns.
• Mechanics of fog formation: Scientists explain the three conditions required for fog formation: weak low-level winds, moisture, and overnight cooling.
  • The lack of strong western disturbances disrupts these conditions, contributing to the prolonged fog.
• Persistent jet streams and cold wave conditions: Strong jet streams prevailing over north India for the last five days have led to the subsidence of cold air, enhancing cold wave/cold day conditions.

These conditions are expected to continue over the next five days, intensifying the challenges posed by the ongoing weather anomalies.

Why in the News?

Migratory birds have started their annual journey to Chilika Lake—India’s largest waterbird habitat in Odisha — ahead of winter this year.

About Chilika Lake:

• Chilika Lake is the largest brackish water lake and a shallow lagoon with estuarine character spread across the districts of Puri, Khurda and Ganjam in the state of Odisha in eastern India.
• It is considered to be the largest lagoon in India and is counted amongst the largest lagoons in the world.
• It is the largest wintering ground for migratory waterfowl found anywhere on the Indian sub-continent.
• It is one of the hotspots of biodiversity in the country, and some rare, vulnerable and endangered species listed in the IUCN Red List of threatened Animals inhabit the Lake area for at least part of their life cycle.
• On account of its rich bio-diversity, Chilika Lake was designated as a "Ramsar Site", i.e. a wetland of International Importance.
• The Nalaban Island within the lake is notified as a Bird Sanctuary under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• The National Wetlands, Mangroves and Coral Reefs Committee of the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, have also identified the lake as a priority site for conservation and management.
• The Lake is a highly productive ecosystem, with rich fishery resources.
• The rich fishing grounds sustain the livelihood of more than 0.2 million fisherfolk who live in and around the lake.
• It has a great heritage value and maritime trade to the far east countries used to take place from here.
• It is the largest winter ground of migratory birds in the Indian sub-continent and home to more than 150 highly threatened Irrawaddy dolphins, which is the largest lagoonal population globally.
• It supports some of the largest congregation of migratory birds from large parts of Asia, particularly during the winters that arrive from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, Aral Sea, remote parts of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and South East Asia, Ladakh and the Himalayas to feed and breed in its fertile waters.

Why in the News?

Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday launched a Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC), conceptualised under India’s G20 Presidency, to promote the practices of resource efficiency and circular economy globally.

About Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC):

• RECEIC was launched in 2023 at Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with the honorable presence of Shri Bhupender Yadav, Minister for Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.
• The launch event witnessed the participation of distinguished guests, including the Commissioner on Environment from the European Union and esteemed Ministers from Canada, France, Italy, Denmark, Mauritius, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Industry-Driven Initiative:
• RECEIC is an industry-led initiative with a primary goal of fostering global resource efficiency and circular economy practices.
• Embracing the circular economy model, RECEIC promotes production and consumption practices involving sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products to maximize their utility.
• Sustainable Impact:
• The coalition is envisioned to be a self-sustaining entity, committed to lasting environmental sustainability, beyond India's G20 Presidency.
• Founding Members:
• With 39 companies headquartered in 11 different countries, the coalition boasts a diverse group of founding members.
• As a collaborative platform, RECEIC fosters knowledge-sharing, best practice exchange, and the adoption of sustainable approaches among participating industries.

Why in the News?

Recently, scientists warned that Haploclastus nilgirinus, a tarantula species, may face endangerment due to habitat loss and the effects of climate change.

About Haploclastus Nilgirinus:

• This tarantula species, known as Haploclastus nilgirinus, is a venomous and rarely seen spider that burrows in the Nilgiri hills of the Western Ghats.
• Notably, there is a significant difference in size between males and females of this species, with the males being considerably smaller.
• The primary threats to Haploclastus nilgirinus are illegal wildlife trade and the impact of climate change.

What is a tarantula?

• Tarantulas are a type of large, hairy spider belonging to the Theraphosidae family.
• They are found all around the world, except for Antarctica.
• These spiders move slowly on their eight hairy legs but are skilled nocturnal predators.
• Adult tarantulas typically measure around five inches (13 centimeters) in length, and when their legs are fully extended, their span can reach up to 11 inches (28 centimeters).