Essay Class 04: Science & Tech.

+ Environment & Ecology (Brijendra Singh)

Environment & Ecology – Three Fundamental Principles

1. Sustainability
Meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future
generations to do the same. It involves minimizing waste and pollution, and promoting the
long-term well-being of both humans and the environment.

2. Conservation
Ensure responsible and sustainable use of natural resources. It emphasizes the importance of
protecting and preserving ecosystems, biodiversity, and the integrity of ecological processes.

3. Climate Change
Reduce risk and vulnerability to climate change, by reducing GHG emissions, strengthening
resilience, and developing the capacity to anticipate and respond successfully to change.

Principle One : Sustainability

I. Dimension: Air

Ideal Condition: Reduce air pollution.

Concerns:

i. Household air pollution, primarily due to inefficient cooking mediums such as open fires
or the use of kerosense, biomass and coal.
ii. Ambient air pollution, caused by industrial and vehicular emissions, power generation
(flyash), burning of crop residue in agriculture, burning of waste, construction activities
etc.
iii. Air pollution can cause acid rain, which affects freshwater animal life; it erodes the ozone
layer and causes exposure to excessive ultraviolet radiation; it disrupts the metabolism
and photosynthesis of plants.

Recommendation:

i. Use clean fuels and technologies to reduce household air pollution- this includes solar,
electricity, biogas, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) etc.
ii. Promote policies that support cleaner transport, power generation and industrial practices
and better municipal waste management.
iii. Encourage innovations such as smog-eating buildings (which have coatings that break
down air pollutants), catalytic converters in vehicles, alternative fuels such as hydrogen
and electricity etc.

Evidence:

i. Pusa bio-decomposer is a microbial solution that can decompose paddy straw in 15-20
days on 5000 acres of land. This will help prevent stubble burning, which is a major cause
of air pollution. It will be helpful for states like Punjab that generate around 20 million
tonnes of paddy straw annually.
ii. The Environment Performance Index (EPI) report of 2022 by Yale University has put
India at the bottom of the 180 countries assessed. The prime reason for this poor rank is
the millions of premature deaths occurring in India every year due to its poor ambient air
quality.

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 iii. The WHO estimates that:
a. Around 2.4 billion people worldwide cook using open fires or inefficient stoves
b. Household air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3.2 million deaths in 2020,
including over 2,37,000 deaths of children under the age of 5.
c. Women and children, typically responsible for household chores, bear the greatest
health burden from the use of polluting fuels in homes.
d. In 2020, 86% of people in urban areas used non-polluting fuels and technologies,
compared with 48% of the global rural population.
e. In 2019, 99% of the world’s population was living in places where the WHO air
quality guidelines levels were not met.
f. In 2019, ambient air pollution is estimated to have caused 4.2 million premature
deaths worldwide.
iv. India has ranked 8th in the list of countries with the worst air quality index, according to
the World Air Quality Report 2023. Further, 12 of the 15 most polluted cities in Central
and South Asia are in India. A healthy AQI should fall below the range of 50, but many
Indian cities consistently report an AQI far in excess of 400.
v. Delhi consistently experiences severe air pollution, leading to health concerns and
emergency measures such as school closures, restrictions on the use of private vehicles,
and bans on construction activities.
The Bhalswa landfill in Delhi is a huge, 62-metre high garbage dump. In April 2022, it
caught fire and kept emitting toxic fumes for the next 6 days.
vi. Toyota has implemented green supply chain practices to reduce air pollution. They ensure
the use of environmentally friendly materials and implement energy-efficient production
processes to minimize their carbon footprint and air pollution.
vii. The Great Smog of London (1952) was one of the most severe air pollution events in
history. A combination of cold weather and extensive coal burning led to the
accumulation of pollutants and caused an estimated 12,000 deaths in a period of 4 days.
viii. The US Clean Air Act (1970) proves that reducing air pollution and ensuring economic
growth can go hand in hand. Between 1970-2020, the combined emissions of six common
pollutants have dropped by 78%, while U.S. economic indicators remain healthy.

II. Dimension: Water

Ideal Condition: Ensure availability of clean freshwater.

Concerns:

i. Industrial discharge, which happens due to the release of pollutants such as chemicals,
heavy metals, and toxins into water bodies by industries.
ii. Agricultural runoff, which refers to the excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides in
agriculture. These chemicals are carried away by rainwater or irrigation and end up in
nearby rivers, lakes, or groundwater.
iii. Untreated sewage and wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources are
discharged into water bodies. These effluents contain harmful bacteria, viruses,
pathogens, and other contaminants.
iv. Oil spills from ships or oil pipelines form a slick on the water surface, suffocating marine
life, damaging habitats, and contaminating the water.
v. Dumping of solid waste, including plastics and other hazardous materials, into water
bodies.
vi. Rapid urban development and construction increase the amount of impervious surfaces
like concrete. This leads to increased surface runoff, carrying pollutants such as sediment,
chemicals, and debris into water bodies.

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Recommendation:

i. Rainwater harvesting, which involves capturing and storing rainwater for various uses
such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and groundwater recharge.
ii. Greywater recycling. Greywater refers to gently used water from household activities
like bathing, laundry, and dishwashing. Implementing greywater recycling systems allows
this water to be treated and reused for irrigation or toilet flushing, reducing the demand
for freshwater.
iii. Water-efficient agriculture, by adopting water-saving techniques such as drip irrigation,
precision farming, and improved irrigation scheduling.
iv. Desalination, which involves removing salt and impurities from seawater to produce
freshwater. Desalination technologies have been implemented in water-stressed regions,
providing an alternative water source and reducing pressure on freshwater supplies.
v. Water recycling systems, to treat wastewater from domestic, industrial, or municipal
sources to produce reclaimed water. This reclaimed water can be used for various non-
potable purposes like irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge.
vi. Efficient industrial practices that include water-efficient technologies and recycling and
treating industrial wastewater.
vii. Sustainable urban planning, that include green infrastructure like rain gardens and
permeable pavements, water-efficient landscaping, and the use of recycled water for
municipal purposes.

Evidence:

i. The World Economic Forum estimates that:

a. around 70% of surface water in India is unfit for consumption.
b. Every day, almost 40 million litres of wastewater enters rivers and other water bodies.
c. Being downstream of polluted stretches in India is associated with a 9% reduction in
agricultural revenues and a 16% drop in agricultural yields.
d. The health costs for India from water pollution are estimated at about $6.7-8.7 billion
per year.
e. Lack of water, sanitation and hygiene results around 4 lakhs deaths annually in India.
ii. In Feb. 2023, the Niti Aayog stated that 70% of the freshwater sources in India were
contaminated and India ranks 120 out of 122 countries in terms of water quality.
Major sources for contamination were pollution by landfills, septic tanks, overuse of
fertilizers and pesticides, large volumes of untreated domestic sewage discharged into
local water bodies etc.
iii. Israel has historically suffered from water scarcity, but has now achieved water security.
It has revolutionized its water recycling system to fulfil 25% of its water needs, by
recycling most of its wastewater.
In the early 2000s, Israel invested $750 million in water reclamation projects-this enabled
it to purify most of its collected wastewater for reuse. In contrast to Israel’s 87% water
reuse rate, the United States’ rate is less than 10%.
Further, in 2022, 85% of the country's drinkable water was produced through desalination
of saltwater.
iv. Balbir Singh Seechewal is an environmentalist who is renowned for his efforts in
cleaning and restoring the Kali Bein, a 160-kilometer-long tributary of the Beas river.
In the early 2000s, the Kali Bein had turned into a highly polluted drain due to industrial
waste, sewage, and agricultural runoff. Seechewal mobilized the local community to
revive the river, using traditional methods of water management and eco-friendly
techniques. One significant achievement was the construction of a sewage treatment
system, which treated the wastewater from villages along the river, preventing its direct
discharge into the Kali Bein, and transforming it into a clean and thriving water body.
v. Namami Gange and the Yamuna Action Plan are projects to improve the water quality of
the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Their methodology includes the construction of sewage
treatment plants, diversion of untreated sewage, and the promotion of organic farming
practices in the river basins.

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 In 2020, the Govt. of India launched the National Desalination Mission as part of its
efforts to address water scarcity. The mission aims to establish desalination plants along
the coastlines of India to harness the abundant seawater resources.
vi. The River Thames is today considered one of the world’s cleanest rivers running through
a city. Yet, in 1962, it was declared “biologically dead” by scientists at London’s Natural
History Museum.
This was achieved by setting up sewage treatments plants across the river and ensuring
that untreated sewage did not enter the river.
The government innovated by using biotic monitoring to assess the progress. This is a
scoring system that measures pollution by counting the macroinvertebrates, such as snails
or water beetles, found in a river, and giving each species a score according to its
tolerance to low dissolved oxygen levels. Low overall scores indicate that the river isn’t
capable of sustaining organisms that need oxygen, meaning that pollution levels are
unacceptably high.
vii. The largest oil spill in history is the Deepwater Horizon oil spill that occurred in 2010 in
the Gulf of Mexico.
The spill was a result of an explosion and subsequent sinking of the Deepwater Horizon
drilling rig. It caused the release of 800 million litres of crude oil into the Gulf of Mexico
over a period of 87 days. It contaminated marine habitats, impacted fisheries and wildlife,
and caused extensive damage to coastal areas, including beaches and wetlands.
viii. In Oct. 2022, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) released a statement
warning that by 2030, as many as 700 million Africans will be displaced due to water
scarcity issues. It states that by 2030, only 1 in 5 countries will have sustainably managed
water sources. With changing precipitation patterns and shrinking water reservoirs such
as lakes and glaciers, combined with a growing need for water, there is a growing risk of
water-related conflict.

III. Dimension: Soil

Ideal Condition: Prevent soil erosion and maintain soil health.

Concerns:

i. Waste from industrial and mining activities, such as toxic chemicals, improper disposal of
industrial waste, leakage from storage tanks etc.
ii. Improper agricultural practices, such as overuse of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and
herbicides. Additionally, the disposal of agricultural waste, such as crop residues and
animal manure, can introduce pollutants into the soil.
iii. Improper disposal of household waste, including plastics, batteries, electronic waste, and
household chemicals, can result in soil pollution. Landfills that are not properly managed
can also leak toxic substances into the surrounding soil.
iv. Urban development and construction activities introduce contaminants such as concrete,
asbestos and paint residues to the soil.
v. Nuclear accidents or improper disposal of radioactive waste can result in severe soil
pollution. Radioactive substances can persist in the soil for extended periods, posing long-
term risks to human health and ecosystems.

Recommendation:

i. Proper chemical management, which includes minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers
and pesticides, adopting non-chemical pest control methods, using organic alternatives to
synthetic chemicals and the safe storage of chemicals to prevent leaks.
ii. Precision agriculture techniques, such as using GPS and remote sensing technologies, to
enable farmers to apply fertilizers and pesticides precisely, minimizing excess use and
preventing runoff into the soil.

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 iii. Soil erosion control measures, such as terracing, contour plowing, strip cropping, and the
use of cover crops, to prevent erosion of top-soil and the degradation of soil quality.
iv. Sustainable agriculture practices, such as organic farming methods that focus on
enhancing soil fertility through composting and crop residues.
v. Proper waste management, by ensuring that hazardous materials from households and
industries are disposed of in designated facilities and minimizing the amount of waste
sent to landfills.
vi. Regular soil testing and monitoring to identify any signs of contamination.
vii. Implement erosion control measures, such as sediment barriers, sediment ponds, and
vegetative cover, to prevent soil erosion during construction activities.
viii. Agroforestry, which refers to combining the cultivation of crops with the integration of
trees. It creates a sustainable and diverse agricultural system where trees provide shade,
enhance soil fertility and prevent erosion.

Evidence:

i. Barahnaja is an ancient traditional system of multiple cropping practised in Garhwal,

Uttarakhand. The term literally means "12 seeds or food grains" and refers to the 12 types
of crops that are grown together in a single field to enhance soil fertility and food
security, and maintain ecological balance. There are no pesticides or fertilizers involved
and many crops in the barahnaja system have medicinal uses. This sustainable farming
method is climate-resilient and has been recognized as organic.
ii. In countries such as China and Vietnam, farmers practice rice-fish farming, where rice
paddies are integrated with fish ponds. The fish help control pests and weeds in the rice
fields, while their excrement fertilizes the soil. This integrated approach improves
biodiversity and maintains soil fertility.
iii. The Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986 caused high levels of radiation to permeate the
soil. Although plants thrive in the region today, due to the absence of human activity, they
contain high concentration of carcinogenic elements and are unfit for consumption.
Scientists estimate that it take a few centuries for the soil at Chernobyl to become fit for
cultivation again and will take around 20,000 years to become habitable for humans.
iv. Tata Precision Agriculture is an initiative by Tata Consultancy Services that aims to
provide farmers with advanced technologies and solutions. They utilize IoT (Internet of
Things), satellite imagery, and data analytics to offer precision agriculture services,
including crop health monitoring, weather forecasting, and advisory services.
Similarly, Mahindra Samriddhi is an agricultural services platform that provides precision
farming solutions, including soil and crop health monitoring, weather forecasting, and
advisory services.
v. Coconut-based agroforestry is a common practice in Kerala. Coconut trees are
intercropped with a variety of crops such as banana, pineapple, black pepper, and
turmeric. This system provides protection against soil erosion and improves microclimate
for the understory crops.
Similarly, bamboo-based agroforestry is prevalent in the northeastern states of India,
where bamboo species are cultivated alongside agricultural crops. These systems ensure
soil protection and also increase farmer incomes through bamboo production for furniture
and handicrafts, and additional income from intercropped crops.
vi. The Government of India's Soil Health Card Scheme aims to provide farmers with
information on soil nutrient status and recommendations for appropriate nutrient
management. By promoting balanced fertilizer use and organic inputs, the scheme helps
improve soil health, increase organic matter content, and enhance soil carbon
sequestration.

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 Principle Two : Conservation

I. Dimension: Flora

Ideal Condition: Maintain biodiversity of global flora.

Concerns:

i. Habitat loss, due to the destruction and conversion of natural habitats for agriculture,
urbanization, logging, and infrastructure development.
ii. Large-scale deforestation, particularly in tropical rainforests, is a significant threat to
global flora. Deforestation not only directly removes plant species but also affects the
overall ecosystem and disrupts the intricate relationships between plants, animals, and
microorganisms.
iii. Anthropogenic climate change, which causes rising temperatures, altered precipitation
patterns, and extreme weather events. Changes in climate conditions can affect plant
growth, flowering, seed production, and overall distribution.
iv. Illegal trade, in the form of unsustainable harvesting of plant species for timber,
fuelwood, medicine and ornamental plants.
v. Air pollution, water pollution, and soil contamination, due to pollutants emitted from
industrial activities, agricultural practices, and urban areas can damage plants, reduce
their reproductive success, and disrupt ecosystems.
vi. Plant blindness, which refers to the inability to notice plants in one’s everyday life,
thereby failing to recognize the urgency to conserve them.

Recommendation:

i. Permaculture, which involves designing agricultural systems that are self-sustaining,

productive, and ecologically balanced. This includes practices such as companion
planting, using organic fertilizers, incorporating animal integration, and implementing
water conservation techniques.
ii. Biodynamic farming, to preserve the interconnections between soil, plants and cosmic
forces. Biodynamic farmers use organic materials to enhance soil fertility and promote
biodiversity, and follow planting and harvesting rhythms based on lunar cycles.
iii. Restore degraded plant habitats through reforestation, afforestation, and habitat
rehabilitation projects.
iv. Promote the conservation of natural habitats, such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands,
through land-use planning and protected area management.
v. Identify and designate protected areas, national parks, and nature reserves that include
representative ecosystems and important plant species.

Evidence:

i. 24 million acres of forest are lost every year-that is roughly the size of Bihar, India’s 12th
largest state. Only half of this deforestation is offset by regrowing forests. Nearly 95% of
this deforestation occurs in the tropics and 14% of deforestation is caused by the need to
provide for the consumption of the world’s richest.
ii. The Amazon rainforest, known as the "lungs of the Earth," lost 4.9 million acres of forest
cover in 2022, a 21% increase over 2021 when it lost 4 million acres. The primary causes
are logging, agricultural expansion and illegal mining.
iii. Researchers from the University of Hyderabad studied historical maps and satellite
images of the Eastern Ghats from 1920 to 2015. Their study reveals that the forest cover
has reduced from 43.4% of the total geographical area in 1920, to 27.5% in 2015.
While agriculture was the main reason for deforestation during the early years, the
primary factors post-1975 were mining and the construction of dams and roads.
iv. The Kani tribes in Kerala practice sustainable harvesting of forest produce. They have in-
depth knowledge of medicinal plants and follow traditional practices to ensure the

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 sustainable use of these resources. They gather medicinal plants without depleting their
populations, promoting the conservation of medicinal flora.
v. The Apatani tribe of Arunachal Pradesh practices an agricultural system called "Donyi-
Polo" that combines wetland rice cultivation with the conservation of natural resources.
They follow a traditional method of crop rotation and use the unique practice of fish
farming in their rice fields. This practice helps maintain the fertility of the soil, reduces
dependence on external inputs, and supports the coexistence of diverse plant species.
vi. The Bhil tribe in various parts of India, such as Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, practices
agroforestry as a means of sustaining soil quality. They integrate the cultivation of crops
with the planting of trees, shrubs, and other useful plants. The trees provide shade,
enhance soil structure, prevent erosion, and contribute organic matter through leaf litter,
enriching the soil and improving its fertility.
vii. Zero Budget Natural Farming is a method developed by agriculturist Subhash Palekar. It
emphasizes the use of locally available materials and promotes self-sufficiency in
farming. ZBNF involves techniques like mulching, seed treatment with cow dung and the
use of beneficial microorganisms. This practice aims to eliminate external inputs and
increase soil health and productivity.
viii. The Green India Mission, launched in 2014, aims to increase India's forest cover by 5
million hectares and improve another 5 million hectares. The mission has contributed to a
0.56% increase in forest cover between 2017-2019. It focuses on carbon sequestration,
biodiversity conservation, and enhancing ecosystem services.
ix. Sacred Groves: These are patches of forest that local communities protect due to their
religious and cultural beliefs. There are over 13,720 sacred groves in India, playing a
crucial role in biodiversity conservation. Sacred groves act as natural gene pools and help
in the conservation of endemic species. Their conservation is a unique example of
community-based, nature-centric cultural practices.

II. Dimension: Fauna

Ideal Condition: Reduce the species extinction rate.

Concerns:

i. Habitat Loss, which refers to the destruction and fragmentation of natural habitats due to
human activities such as deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion, are
major threats to global fauna. Loss of habitat disrupts the ecological balance, leading to
species extinctions.
ii. Climate Change, in the form of rising temperatures and altered precipitation patterns
Species struggle to adapt leading to altered reproductive cycles and increased
vulnerability to disease and predation.
iii. Illegal Wildlife Trade, in the form of hunting, poaching, and trafficking of animals for
their meat, body parts, or exotic pets.
iv. Pollution from sources such as industrial waste and agricultural runoff adds chemical
pollutants and plastics to ecosystems. These contaminants accumulate in food chains,
affecting the health and reproductive success of species.
v. Invasive Species, which are non-native species in an ecosystem and compete with native
species for resources, leading to population declines and even extinctions.

Recommendation:

i. Conservation of habitat, by establishing protected areas, national parks, and wildlife

reserves to safeguard critical habitats and provide safe spaces for animals to live and
reproduce.
ii. Combatting illegal wildlife trade, through strict enforcement of laws, increasing
awareness and supporting initiatives to combat poaching and trafficking of endangered
species.

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 iii. Sustainable land use practices, such as responsible agriculture, forestry, and urban
planning, to minimize habitat loss and fragmentation. These practices can include
reforestation, agroforestry, and promoting the use of sustainable farming methods that
minimize the negative impacts on wildlife and their habitats.
iv. Protecting endangered species, by implementing species-specific conservation strategies,
captive breeding programs, and reintroduction efforts to restore populations in the wild.
v. Promoting ecotourism, by providing economic incentives for conservation efforts.
Promoting wildlife viewing activities that minimize disturbance to animals and their
habitats can support local communities, while ensuring the long-term survival of wildlife.

Evidence:

i. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that:

a. the rapid loss of species today is estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000 times
higher than the natural extinction rate.
b. between 0.01 and 0.1% of all species become extinct each year.
c. if we take the lower estimate of the number of species, that there are around 2 million
different species on our planet, then between 200 and 2,000 species are becoming
extinct each year.
d. if we take the upper estimate of the number of species, that there are 100 million
different species on our planet, then between 10,000 and 100,000 species are
becoming extinct each year.
ii. CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora) regulates trade in nearly 40,000 species, worldwide. 183 of the world’s
governments have agreed to its terms, that aim to stop international trade becoming a
threat to the viability of any species it lists.
iii. The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan has a long-standing tradition of protecting trees and
wildlife. They follow the principles of "Jeev Daya" (compassion towards all living
beings) and "Van Raksha" (tree conservation). They have established sacred groves called
"Orans" where they protect and nurture native trees, preventing deforestation and
ensuring the survival of plant species.
iv. The Kattunayakan tribe in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve of Tamil Nadu has a unique
practice of sustainable hunting known as "Patta Mattai." They follow strict rules and
hunting techniques that ensure a balance between human needs and wildlife conservation.
The tribe practices selective hunting, allowing animal populations to replenish and
maintain the ecological equilibrium.
v. The Mishing tribe residing in the riverine areas of Assam has a cultural practice called
"Banbibi." – a designated area within the community is declared a sacred grove where
hunting and fishing are prohibited. This custom helps in the conservation of local fauna
and ensures the protection of endangered species like the Gangetic river dolphin.
vi. The Garo tribe in Meghalaya has a customary practice called "Nokmas" or "village
headmen" who play a vital role in wildlife conservation. Nokmas are responsible for
enforcing rules against hunting certain species, protecting wildlife habitats, and
promoting sustainable practices. They act as custodians of local biodiversity, ensuring the
well-being of both flora and fauna.
vii. The Water Buffalo, introduced in India for agricultural purposes, has become invasive in
certain regions. In places like Assam, feral water buffalo populations have caused habitat
degradation, trampled vegetation, and competed with native wildlife for resources.
viii. Costa Rica is often regarded as a leading ecotourism destination. The country is known
for its extensive protected areas, diverse ecosystems, and commitment to sustainable
tourism practices. Visitors are always accompanied by trained guides when they explore
national parks or engage in wildlife observation-this minimizes any adverse impact on
species habitat and survival.

ix. Vulture populations in India faced a drastic decline due to the veterinary drug diclofenac,
which caused kidney failure in these birds. Recognizing this, the Indian government
banned the drug in 2006. Conservation efforts also included captive breeding programs,

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 establishing Vulture Safe Zones, and monitoring populations. These measures have led to
a slow but steady recovery of vulture populations. Vultures play a crucial role in
ecosystems as scavengers, preventing the spread of diseases by consuming carcasses.
III. Dimension: Aquatic

Ideal Condition: Protect aquatic life and ecosystems.

Concerns:

i. Habitat destruction due to costal development and construction.

ii. Overfishing.
iii. Pollution from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, sewage, and improper waste
management.

Recommendation:

i. Protect and restore habitats.

ii. Sustainable fisheries management.
iii. Reducing pollution and improving water quality.
iv. Promote climate change resilience, by protecting coastal areas, conserving mangroves and
coral reefs, and promoting climate-resilient practices in coastal development.
v. Reduce coral bleaching. When the water is too warm, corals expel the algae living in their
tissues, causing the coral to turn completely white. This is called coral bleaching.
Although corals can survive bleaching, they are under more stress and vulnerable.

Evidence:

i. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a collection of marine debris in the North Pacific
Ocean. It is spread across an area of 1.6 million square kilometres. The debris in the Patch
does not reduce and keeps accumulating, because much of it is not biodegradable.
ii. The largest and longest reef system in the world, the Great Barrier Reef of Australia has
experienced some of the most severe effects caused by coral bleaching and climate
change. The most notable mass bleaching events occurred in 2016 and 2017, due to which
50% of the reef died.
iii. The coral reefs surrounding the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean have
experienced severe damage from various sources, such as coral mining for construction
materials, destructive fishing practices, coastal development, and tourism-related
activities.
iv. The Apatani tribe in Arunachal Pradesh practices an ancient system of wetland
management known as paddy-cum-fish culture. They create small, interconnected rice
terraces that function as both agricultural fields and fish ponds. The practice not only
provides sustenance through rice cultivation but also promotes fish production, water
conservation, and biodiversity in the wetlands.
v. The Khasi and Jaintia tribes of Meghalaya practice a unique form of traditional water
management known as 'Living Root Bridges.' These bridges are constructed by
interweaving the roots of rubber fig trees to create a living, growing bridge over rivers
and streams. This traditional practice maintains the natural flow of water, prevents soil
erosion, and ensures the integrity of water bodies.

vi. In 2022, India joined the Mangrove Alliance for Climate.

India has mangrove forests along more than 30% of its coastline. Nearly 50% of these are
in the Sundarbans. These coastal trees help mitigate damage from extreme storms, and
serve as a buffer against cyclones and sea-level rise. Mangrove forests can store ten times
more carbon than terrestrial forests. Also, they can store carbon up to 400 percent faster
than land-based tropical rainforests. They thus play a crucial role in carbon sequestration,
coastal protection, and aquatic biodiversity.

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 Principle Three : Climate Change

I. Dimension: Mitigation

Ideal Condition: Transition to a low-carbon economy.

Concerns:

i. Burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas for energy production,
transportation, and industrial processes is the largest source of GHG emissions. Further,
some sectors, such as aviation and heavy manufacturing, have limited low-carbon
alternatives, making their decarbonization particularly challenging.
ii. Deforestation, primarily for agricultural expansion, logging, and urbanization, results in
the loss of carbon sinks, such as forests. When forests are cleared, the carbon stored in
trees is released into the atmosphere as CO2.
iii. Many industrial activities, including cement production, steel manufacturing, and the use
of certain refrigerants, release GHGs.
iv. Agricultural activities contribute to GHG emissions through various processes. Livestock,
like cattle and sheep, produce methane during digestion and manure decomposition. Rice
cultivation in flooded paddy fields creates anaerobic conditions that promote the
production and release of methane.
v. Improper waste management, such as the decomposition of organic waste in landfills,
generates methane emissions.
vi. Economic barriers, because the transition to a low-carbon economy requires significant
investments in renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient infrastructure.

Recommendation:

i. Promote Organic Farming. Since it does not use fossil fuel-based fertilizers and synthetic
pesticides, organic farming has a significantly lower carbon footprint. Studies show that
the elimination of synthetic fertilizers alone could lower global agricultural greenhouse
gas emissions by about 20%.
ii. Transition to clean and renewable energy, by expanding the deployment of solar, wind,
hydroelectric, and geothermal power, as well as investing in energy storage technologies.
Transitioning to electric vehicles and improving public transportation systems can also
help reduce emissions from the transportation sector.
iii. Improve energy efficiency, by enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, adopting energy-
efficient technologies, improving insulation and encouraging energy-saving practices.
iv. Promote sustainable land use and forest conservation. Forests act as carbon sinks,
absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere.
v. Promote Blue Carbon ecosystems, which refers to coastal ecosystems like seagrasses, salt
marshes, and mangroves. They are highly effective carbon sinks and can significantly
improve carbon sequestration.
vi. Improve waste management practices to help reduce methane emissions from landfills.
For instance, composting organic waste and capturing methane from waste treatment
facilities can significantly lower emissions.
vii. Promote climate-smart agricultural practices, such as soil carbon sequestration, precision
agriculture, optimizing fertilizer use and implementing agroforestry systems.
viii. Implement carbon-pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems.
This creates economic incentives to reduce emissions and encourages industries to invest
in low-carbon solutions.

Evidence:

i. The Aug. 2021 report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states that
emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for approximately
1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900, and finds that averaged over the next 20 years, global
temperature is expected to exceed 1.5°C of warming.

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 Many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented in hundreds of thousands
of years, and some of the changes already set in motion—such as continued sea level
rise—are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years.

ii. The Hindu Kush-Himalaya Assessment of 2019 was authored by 210 scientists from 22
countries over five years. The landmark research predicts that the mountain chain
stretching from Pakistan to Myanmar will lose 2/3rd of its ice fields by 2100 if global
greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically curbed. Even with collective international
effort to restrict global warming to 1.5°C, the glaciers will still have shrunk by 36 % by
the end of this century.

By the end of this century, climate change will become the single biggest driver of an
unprecedented scale of migration and displacement across the Indian subcontinent.
Already vulnerable to natural disasters, South Asia could be left grappling with millions
of “climate refugees”, regional conflicts, and militarized contests over precious resources
like food and water.
iii. Greenhouse gas emissions are mainly linked to the level of a nation’s wealth: the richest
countries represent only 16% of the world population but almost 40% of CO2 emissions.
The poorest countries in the world account for nearly 60% of the world’s population, but
for less than 15% of emissions.
On a per capita basis, emissions are about 20 metric tons of CO2 per annum in the United
States—approximately double the amount per person in the European Union or in China,
and almost 10 times the amount in India.
The contribution of the United States to cumulative, global GHG emissions is 25 percent,
the European Union’s 22 percent, China’s 13 percent, and India’s 3 percent.
iv. NASA’s Megacities Carbon Project is focused on the problem of accurately measuring
and monitoring greenhouse-gas emissions from the world’s biggest cities. Around 1/3rd of
fossil-fuel carbon dioxide emissions come from about 2 percent of the land surface – the
cities and the power plants that feed them. The goal is to connect cities around the world
and to ultimately deploy a worldwide urban carbon monitoring system.
v. Sikkim became the first fully organic state in India in 2016. The Sikkim Organic Mission
promotes organic farming practices and has helped farmers transition to organic
cultivation methods. It focuses on the production of organic cash crops like ginger,
turmeric, cardamom, and oranges.
vi. The Govt. of India plans to develop an Indian Carbon Market, where a national
framework will be established with the objective to decarbonise the Indian economy by
pricing the GHG emissions through trading of the Carbon Credit Certificates.
vii. India’s renewable energy capacity has increased by 250% between 2014-21. This has
been made possible by allowing 100% FDI in the renewable energy sector. Between
2000-2021, India attracted $10 billion, which is expected to rise to $ 500 billion by 2028.
India currently ranks 4th globally in renewable energy capacity and wind power and 5th in
solar power capacity.
viii. The Net Zero Teesside (NZT) project in UK seeks to capture CO2 produced in industrial
processes and transport these emissions by pipeline to storage sites several kilometres
beneath the North Sea. Sequestered deep beneath the sea, this carbon would no longer
contribute to the greenhouse effect. The aim is to reduce emissions in carbon-intensive
industries in the UK to zero by as early as 2030.
ix. Agriculture accounted for roughly 2/3 of all methane emissions related to human
activities. This methane primarily comes from the digestion processes of cattle. Scientists
have discovered that a red seaweed which grows in the tropics can reduce methane
emissions by 80% in cattle when it is added to their feed.

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II. Dimension: Adaptation

Ideal Condition: Adapting to climate change and reducing risks.

Concerns:

i. Climate change is a complex phenomenon with uncertainties regarding the exact timing,
magnitude, and regional impacts. This makes it challenging to develop adaptation
strategies that can address the range of potential scenarios and long-term changes.
ii. Lack of awareness and understanding among individuals and communities, which makes
it difficult to mobilize support and allocate resources.
iii. Limited financial resources, especially in developing countries, can hinder the
implementation of adaptation projects.
iv. Limited technology and knowledge transfer, which impedes adaptation efforts in
developing countries.
v. Lack of long-term planning and monitoring.

Recommendation:

i. Invest in scientific research on climate change impacts, vulnerabilities, and adaptation

options is essential. This includes improving climate modeling, conducting vulnerability
assessments, and filling knowledge gaps for effective adaptation planning.
ii. Strengthen climate finance, by enhancing financial support, particularly for developing
countries. This can be achieved through international climate finance mechanisms,
public-private partnerships, innovative financing mechanisms, and incentives for private
sector engagement.
iii. Promote nature-based solutions, such as ecosystem restoration, sustainable land
management, and biodiversity conservation.
iv. Develop climate-resilient infrastructure, such as resilient housing, flood-resistant
infrastructure, and water management systems. Integrating climate considerations into
infrastructure planning and investing in resilient design can minimize climate risks.
v. Establish robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness of
adaptation actions, identify gaps, and learn from past experiences.

Evidence:

i. The Great Green Wall is an ambitious pan-African initiative aimed at combating

desertification, land degradation, and climate change by creating a wall of trees across the
Sahel region of Africa. It aims to increase vegetation cover, sequester carbon dioxide,
improve soil fertility, create microclimates, provide habitat for wildlife, and offer
economic opportunities for local communities.
ii. Tesla is introducing many sustainable manufacturing practices, such as using renewable
energy sources like solar and wind power in their production facilities, optimizing energy
consumption, and utilizing advanced air filtration systems to minimize emissions from
their manufacturing processes.
iii. India co-founded the International Solar Alliance with France in 2015. It is a coalition of
over 120 countries aiming to promote the deployment of solar energy and mobilize $1
trillion in investment by 2030. The ISA facilitates collaboration among member
countries, financial institutions, and the private sector to accelerate the adoption of solar
energy technologies, increase access to clean energy, and promote sustainable
development.
iv. Green Energy Corridor is a comprehensive scheme launched by India to facilitate the
integration of renewable energy into the national grid. It involves the development of
dedicated transmission infrastructure for renewable energy projects, such as solar and
wind, to enhance the grid's capacity and stability.
v. The Delta Works is a system of dams, barriers, and storm surge barriers in the
Netherlands designed to protect low-lying areas from sea-level rise and extreme weather

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 events. It is considered to be one of the world's most comprehensive flood protection
projects.
vi. Bangladesh has launched the Coastal Afforestation Project, which focuses on planting
mangroves to act as natural barriers against storm surges, protecting coastal communities
from flooding and erosion.
Communities in Bangladesh have also developed floating gardens,, which are built on
floating platforms made from water hyacinths. They allow crops to be grown during
floods, providing food security for vulnerable communities.
vii. Chennai has adopted rainwater harvesting as a climate change adaptation measure, to
reduce its vulnerability to water scarcity and erratic monsoon patterns. The city
encourages residents and institutions to capture and store rainwater through rooftop
collection systems, storage tanks, and recharge wells. Rainwater harvesting helps
recharge groundwater and provides an alternative water source during dry periods.

III. Dimension: Society

Ideal Condition: Public awareness and cooperation.

Concerns:

i. Public denial of climate change.

ii. Lack of awareness and understanding about the complexities of climate change.
iii. Climate distress, which refers to severe psychological distress due to the adverse
manifestations of climate change and the inability to slow it down.

Recommendation:

i. Reduce Carbon Footprint. A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases that
are generated by our actions. The average carbon footprint for a person in USA is 16 tons,
one of the highest rates in the world. The global average is 4 tons. To avoid a 1.5℃ rise
in global temperatures, the average global carbon footprint per year needs to drop under 2
tons by 2050.
ii. Reduce Ecological Footprint. EF is a measure used by the Global Footprint network to
conduct sustainability assessments. It is estimated that on average, human consumption
can be regenerated by 1.7 Earths, indicating that it is not sustainable. Australia’s
ecological footprint is 9.3, USA’s is 8.2, India’s is 1.1.

iii. Save electricity. This reduces the consumption of natural resources and the emissions of
harmful substances into the atmosphere. This can be achieved through simple household
changes such as using induction cookers, adopting alternative sources of energy such as
wind, water, and solar power etc.
iv. Lifestyle changes, such as shifting towards a vegetarian diet, which has a lower carbon
footprint. Similarly, reduce the use of single-occupancy vehicles, increase the use of mass
transport, electric vehicles etc.
v. Ban single-use plastic, for instance in daily purchases and shopping. Jute is a sustainable
alternative. The focus should on recycle and reuse, as much as possible. India has
enforced this ban from 01 July 2022.
vi. Promote energy-efficient household products, such as energy saving light bulbs, smart
fridges, smart thermostats etc. Energy savings made through design innovations for
household goods might be small individually, but they have the potential to scale and
significantly impact energy consumption over time.
vii. Promote afforestation drives and water conservation. For instance, putting a one-litre
bottle inside the toilet tank saves one litre of water per flush.

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Evidence:

i. To promote sustainable construction practices and reduce the environmental impact of

buildings, India has implemented green building rating systems like the Green Building
Rating System and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
certification. These initiatives encourage energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste
management in the construction sector.
ii. Around 1 billion tonnes of food is wasted each year globally, according to the United
Nations Environment Program. When food is wasted, the land, water, energy, and other
inputs that are used in producing, processing, transporting, preparing and storing the food
are wasted as well. Food waste produces the harmful greenhouse gas methane, which
contributes to global warming. In fact, food waste alone is estimated to account for
around 8% of human-related greenhouse gas emissions globally, even more than the
airline industry.
iii. Earth Overshoot Day marks the date when humanity’s demand for ecological resources
and services in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year.
In 2022, it fell on July 28. In contrast, it fell on 20 Dec. 1971, 11 Nov. 1981, 9 Oct. 1991,
21 Sept. 2001 and 3 Aug. 2011.
In 2020, it fell on 22 Aug., largely due to the impact of COVID lockdowns.
iv. Greta Thunberg, a Swedish environmental activist, was 18 years old when she initiated
the Fridays for Future movement in 2018. She began striking outside the Swedish
Parliament to demand stronger climate action. Her action sparked a global movement
where students around the world started skipping school on Fridays to protest government
inaction on climate change. On 24 May 2019, 1,600 protests across 150 countries drew
millions of strikers.
v. Jadav Payeng (Padma Shree 2015), also known as the "Forest Man of India", has
dedicated his life to planting trees. Over several decades, he has single-handedly planted
and nurtured a vast forest in Assam. His efforts have transformed a barren sandbar into a
thriving ecosystem, providing habitat for wildlife and contributing to carbon
sequestration.
vi. Chewang Norphel (Padma Shree 2015), also known as the "Ice Man of India," is an
engineer from Ladakh. He has been instrumental in addressing water scarcity in Ladakh
by developing artificial glaciers. Large ice structures are created by channeling and
storing water during the winter months-these artificial glaciers slowly melt during the
warmer months, providing a sustainable water source for agriculture and other purposes.

Quotes on Environment & Ecology

1. We are the first generation to feel the sting of climate change, and we are the last generation
that can do something about it. – Barack Obama
2. Climate change is sometimes misunderstood as being about changes in the weather. In reality,
it is about changes in our very way of life. - Paul Polman
3. Men argue. Nature acts. – Voltaire
4. We are living on this planet as if we have another one to go to. - Terri Swearingen
5. Sustainable agriculture depletes neither the land nor the people. – Wendell Berry
6. Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught, and the last stream
poisoned, will we realize we cannot eat money.
7. Climate change is the ultimate test of humanity's ability to act collectively. - Kofi Annan
8. We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors. We borrow it from our children.
9. The earth does not belong to us. We belong to the earth.
10. The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it. - Robert Swan
11. We never know the worth of water till the well is dry. - Thomas Fuller
12. The environment and the economy are two sides of the same coin. If we cannot sustain the
environment, we cannot sustain ourselves. - Wangari Maathai

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 13. The Earth laughs in flowers. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
14. Biodiversity is the living library of the planet, a vast and beautiful array of life forms that has
evolved over billions of years. - Edward O. Wilson
15. In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to
destroy. - John Sawhill
16. The greatest tragedy of our time is not the extinction of species, but the apathy of those who
could prevent it.
17. A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit
in.- Greek Proverb
18. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. - Chinese
Proverb
19. The world has enough for everyone's needs, but not everyone's greed. - Mahatma Gandhi
20. Solving the climate crisis is not an option, it's a necessity. – Al Gore

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