e & e (dec 15) (1)
TRANSCRIPT
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
GS-III Module
Environmental Ecology
Prelims-cum-Mains-2016
Current Affairs
VOLUME –
3
(December – 2015)By
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari(Scientist in IIT Delhi)
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
1. Analyze the demand of developing countries regarding fund and
technology mechanism to counter climate change. Give your arguments from
both the perspectives of developing and developed countries.
Answer: The developed world argues cuts should be based – in the long term,
at least – on current GHG emissions; this means heavily polluting countries like
China and India will have to make stringent GHG cuts.
Developing countries have a very different viewpoint: they say climate change
results from the cumulative build-up of GHGs in the atmosphere over time, rather
than from emissions in any one year. So, they argue, it should be the developed
world that makes the biggest GHG cuts.
At one extreme, the relative contribution of developed countries as a group is at
80% of the total warming the Earth has experienced so far. However, this figure
falls to 48% when other factors are taken into account.
At the end of the 20th century, with the developed countries the main
contributors to the anthropogenic rise in GHGs, many developing countries
argued that they should not be penalized for the rich world’s historical emissions.
But since then relative contributions to global warming have been changing fast,
mainly because of the rapid rate at which emerging economies are industrializing.
The best way to support adaptation plans in developing countries in the near
future is to ensure that fast-track financing promised by developed countries is
indeed balanced between adaptation and mitigation. Advocating for imposing a
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
strong price on carbon in developed countries, which will facilitate investments in
research, development and deployment of cleaner energy technologies, and for
making these technologies affordable and available to developing countries.
2. Funds for the climate finance should be recognized as the obligation for
developed nations. Comment.
Answer: Climate finance refers to financing channeled by national, regional
and international entities for climate change mitigation and adaptation projects
and programs. They include climate specific support mechanisms and financial aid
for mitigation and adaptation activities to spur and enable the transition towards
low-carbon, climate-resilient growth and development through capacity building,
R&D and economic development. The term has been used in a narrow sense to
refer to transfers of public resources from developed to developing countries, in
light of their UN Climate Convention obligations to provide "new and additional
financial resources," and in a wider sense to refer to all financial flows relating to
climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Finance is sourced from public, private and public-private sectors and can be
channeled through various intermediaries, notably BFIs, MFIs, development
cooperation agencies, the UNFCCC (various funds including those managed by the
Global Environment Facility), non-governmental organizations and the private
sector. The financials flows can flow from developed to developing countries
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
(North-South), from developing to developing countries (South-South), from
developed to developed countries (North-North) and domestic climate finance
flows in developed and developing countries.
A number of initiatives are underway to monitor and track flows of international
climate finance. E.g. the Climate & Development Knowledge Network works to
ensure developing nations benefit from climate finance.
3. What should be the solution of funding problem for climate talk’s
conclusion? Discuss.
Answer: Finance, remains a major sticking point. Developing countries want
richer ones to pledge funding to enable them to cut their emissions — for
instance, by funding renewable energy schemes or energy efficiency.
To solve that global predicament, an “ecological partnership” between
industrialized countries can be of great help. The partnership would be charged
with finding creative solutions to environmental problems, creating a funding and
investment strategy and a strategy for monitoring progress. Strong measures to
protect the environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting
renewable energy. Adoption and implementation of the Kyoto Protocol, thereby
all nations can together contribute to provide the creativity, commitment and
leadership to address the global challenge.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
Some other factors to aid the funding problem can be as follows:
The Adaptation Fund under the Protocol should be launched at an early
date and be accessible to all developing countries.
Operation of the Global Environment Fund should be improved and
financing sources should be expanded.
Advances in science should be applied and technology transfer cooperation
enhanced.
Involvement of private sector in various initiatives wherever possible.
4. Discuss what the final draft is proposed by UNFCCC.
Answer: The overall goal of the Paris agreement, to keep global temperature
rise to a specified quantum compared to pre-industrial levels, is pegged at either
“below 1.5 degrees C”, or, as “well below 2 degrees C.”
Many contentious issues remain to be resolved in the draft, starting with long-
term quantified emissions reduction for a 2050 target, finance for developing
countries, and updated targets for countries based on stocktaking of carbon
dioxide, equitable distribution of the remaining carbon budget for the world, and
making explicit the responsibility of developing countries versus developed
nations.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
Options included in the text talk about developed countries and others “in a
position to do so” engaging in economy-wide carbon emissions cuts. There is also
a clear option which says the extent to which developing countries would
effectively implement their commitments would depend on developed countries
living up to their own commitments on financing, technology transfer and
capacity building. This reflects India’s position.
On peaking of greenhouse gas emissions, the discussion is on making it “as soon
as possible” with the caveat that peaking requires deeper cuts of emissions by
developed countries and longer periods for developing countries. Achieving zeroGHG emissions growth by 2060-80 is proposed.
5. The rainstorm in the subsequent years is going to be more intense due to
the climate change. In the light of the statement, discuss the impact of climate
change on Indian monsoon.
Answer: The highest daily rainfall in a century. Freak weather conditions on
one day. The hottest-ever Indian Ocean. The strongest-ever El Niño. The hottest
year on record.
The bad news is that a perfect storm of meteorological conditions combined to
create Chennai’s worst-ever deluge, exacerbated in no small part by civic
infrastructure pushed to its limit and systemic dysfunction. The worse news is,
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
that could happen again, and soon; 2015’s El Niño is on course to being the
strongest ever recorded.
The Indian summer climate in the coming century looks to be wetter on average,
together with flood and drought conditions occurring more often. The potential
impacts across the nation encompass the range of events, including searingly high
temperatures, droughts and intense rainfall.
A 5-10% change in total rainfall sounds small – does it really matter to life in
India? The Indian monsoon is remarkably stable as a whole, with a mean total of
around 850mm in the months of June to September, and an inter annual (year-to-
year) variation of only around 10% in most cases. Even these relatively small
variations in the Indian monsoon can influence things like agricultural production
and the stocks and commodities market, so a 5-10% change on top could have
significant impacts.
6. What are the steps taken by the country to curb pollution in the capital
city and rest states? While it seems that such efforts are not enough, what
should be strategy of a state to counter pollution?
Answer: Steps taken by country to curb pollution in capital city and rest
states:
1.
Introduction of Compressed Natural Gas-powered vehicles in the city that
are widely accepted as having helped reduce pollution
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
2.
Closing down of two thermal power plants
3. Pushing the entry time of trucks into the city late into the night
4.
Advancing of the cut-off date for Euro-VI emission norms
5.
Regulating private vehicle use by means of license plate restrictions – Odd-
Even Formula
6. Private four-wheelers and two-wheelers access to Delhi’s roads only on
alternate dates based on even/odd license plate numbers
Strategic measures to counter the pollution at a greater level:
1.
Easing and expanding public transport must be the Delhi government’s
priority or any state’s
2. Good housekeeping - including efficient operation of machinery,
monitoring of raw material flows, segregating waste, and training staff
3.
Materials substitution - such as phasing out CFCs, and switching from
solvent-based paints to water-based alternatives
4.
Manufacturing modifications - including cutting the number of processes or
switching from chemical to mechanical, and introducing closed-loop
processing
5. Resource recovery - for example re-using pollutants in the same process,
and selling waste by-product as raw materials in other industries
6. The removal of direct point-source discharges from waterways
7.
Better management of fertilizer and manure
8.
Replacement of failing septic systems with environmentally safer sewer
systems
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
9.
Protective agricultural practices such as the planting of vegetative buffer
strips between cropland and waterways
10.
Expanded levels of treatment of residential storm water through the use of
best management practices
7.
What do you mean by carbon space? How it should be regulated?
Comment.
Answer: Carbon space is a key term in the global climate change discussion. It
refers to how much carbon we can still emit into the earth’s atmosphere
without setting in motion dangerous climate change.
Following the 2009 Climate Summit in Copenhagen, almost all countries
(including India, China, Japan, the US and the European countries) have agreed
that the global climate should not warm by more than 2 degrees Celsius.
Climate change is a bigger challenge, and presents an extraordinary situation
and calls for extraordinary solutions, demanding that the developed world
deliver on its promise of providing $100 billion to developing nations as annual
climate finance from 2020.
Carbon space can be regulated by adopting following measures:
1. Automobile companies to make cleaner emissions and setting a unified
standard for emissions
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
2.
Proper treatment of waste before disposing it to environment directly
3. Craft regulations under existing legal authority, particularly the Clean Air
Act
4.
Regulation of greenhouse gases should be carried out via a system that
complements other nations’ programs
5. A forum for stakeholders, politicians and the public to contribute to the
design of climate-change policy
6. Afforestation at a large scale and proper maintenance of the planted
trees
8. What are the strategies adopted by china to tackle air pollution? What
should India learn from it?
Answer: The ten “tough measures” to curb China's pollution outlined are:
1. Reduce pollutant emissions through renovation of key industries.
Accelerate the clean transformation of urban dust and fuel quality.
2.
Strictly control high energy consumption of high-pollution and other key
industries’ production capacity.
3. Improve public transport and clean energy production, reducing
atmospheric pollutants emission intensity by 30% or more by 2017.
4. Develop natural gas, coal methane and other clean energy supplies.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
5.
Strengthen energy-saving and environmental indicator constraints on
construction, land, power and water supply.
6.
Implement incentives and constraints on new energy saving mechanisms
to increase sewage collection efforts, as well as increase support for air
pollution control. Strengthen international cooperation to cultivate
environmental protection and new energy industries.
7.
Enforce laws and standards for industrial restructuring and upgrading.
Formulate or revise emission standards for key industries, using the
proposed amendments of the Atmospheric Pollution Prevention Act and
other laws. Heavy polluting industries and enterprises must disclose
environmental information, and urban air quality rankings and penalties for
violations will be established.
8.
Densely populated urban areas around the Bohai Sea, including Beijing,
Tianjin, the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and other regions, must
establish joint prevention and control mechanisms on atmospheric
environmental targets and assessment systems.
9.
Establish local government emergency management in response to heavily
polluted weather, and limit emissions from polluting enterprises and
vehicles.
10.
Develop a code of conduct that can be applied to the whole society, with
local government taking overall responsibility on local air quality. The main
responsibility for the implementation of corporate pollution lies with the
State Council’s relevant departments who should advocate conservation
and green consumption patterns.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
India is still in denial about the alarming pollution levels in the national capital.
Our government still want to compare itself to Beijing but the Chinese city is
already moving ahead. It's pollution levels have reduced, they have put in place a
5-year plan, monitoring systems and an alarm system (to warn of high pollution
levels). India definitely can learn some lessons from its neighbor in bringing down
pollution levels.
As air pollution levels were high, the Beijing administration adopted a multi-
pronged strategy from introducing cleaner fuel to phasing out older vehicles to
putting restrictions on buying new vehicles and incentives for adopting electric
vehicles.
Phasing out a personal car every day, the city capped the number of vehicles at six
million, adding Euro V compliant fuel was introduced in 2013 to reduce toxic
pollutants.
In comparison, there are over seven million vehicles in Delhi and introducing Euro
V will take another eight years, by which time vehicles in Beijing will be running
on Euro 7.
What Beijing achieved should be an inspiration for Delhi as it has dual benefits of
healthier residents and spurring economic growth.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
9. What should the future strategies of India be regarding management of
carbon emissions?
Answer: India has announced ambitious Renewable Energy (RE) plans — how
it can meet or even exceed the targets depends on the economics, which goes
beyond simplified Rs./kilowatt hour. RE cannot be stored easily, and it usually
isn’t available when the demand is highest.
Thinking beyond treaties and commitments
Treaties are a step forward, but how does India exceed its commitments or
targets?
Innovate. This isn’t just technology such as batteries or solar energy, but also
business models, regulation, etc. Global help is valuable, but this would
necessarily involve the private sector, and not just governments or those signing
treaties.
Focus on the longer-term and on efficiency. Lots of houses (and even cities) are
yet to be built. We should not rely on “clean energy” to absolve us of over-
consumption or inefficiencies. Fixing this will take a systems approach that spans
jurisdictions or even politics, with much of the effort required at a state or local
level.
Recognize that population growth is an issue. Make it easier for people to want
fewer children (through social security schemes, non-agricultural jobs, etc.). No
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
one says use coercion or be as strict as China, but imagine where the world would
be if China’s population growth rate was like India’s?
Develop. If you believe the environmental Kuznets curve (where you first developby being dirty and then clean up when you can afford it), India should develop
quickly. If a nation consumes energy but is “coasting along” (not developing
enough), it has squandered energy and carbon resources. There is no inherent
cap on consuming more energy if it gives disproportional and ultimately
sustainable development.
10. The species like butterflies are waging deadly war against impact of
climate change. Discuss the importance of their conservation, highlighting their
role as 'FLAGSHIP SPECIES' in the ecosystem.
Answer: There is something magical about butterflies in different colours
flitting around from one flower to another. India is home to 1,800 species and
subspecies that are increasingly being valued for aesthetic reasons. But what is
overlooked is that these beautiful creatures are flagship species for biodiversity
conservation and indicators of a healthy ecosystem. For generations, butterflies
have been waging a deadly and long-drawn-out war with their natural enemy,
parasitoids, insects, who in their egg and larval stage, live in the tissue of a host
and feed on it. Death of the host, in this case the butterfly, is the only eventuality.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
Scientists have found that this war is waged even at the genetic level.
Entomologists at Bengaluru’s ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect
Resources (NBAIR) have, for the first time, been able to systematically document
how these parasitoids pose a serious threat to the butterfly endangered species
through its different life stages.
There are many factors that are detrimental to the conservation of butterflies,
such as pesticide drifts, industrial pollution, deforestation, encroachment of
natural habitat, lack of appropriate flora and even illegal butterfly trade. But what
is ignored is the role of the natural enemies of butterflies, the parasitoids.
Butterflies contribute to value in fields of intrinsic, aesthetic, educational,
scientific, ecosystem, health and economic value as well. Conserving butterflies
will improve our whole environment for wildlife and enrich the lives of people
now and in the future.
11. Discuss the provisions of 'Draft Paris outcome'. Is the outcome a
successful story in the history of climate talks? Give your opinion.
Answer: The ‘Draft Paris Outcome’ is a 29 page outcome document. The
suggested provision says that this Agreement will be implemented on the basis of
equity and in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national
circumstances and on the basis of respect for human rights.
On the long-term temperature goal, the outcome contains three optionalprovisions — to reflect the 1.5°C temperature limit; to reaffirm the below 2°C
limit and to express the goal as well below 2°C; to have below 1.5°C as the
temperature limit. The last option is accompanied by a provision emphasizing use
of the best available science, equity, sustainable development, and the need to
ensure food security.
Under the crucial Finance section, a progression of fund raising beyond the $100
billion to be raised annually from 2020 is proposed.
A situation is created where just about every country in the world has actually put
something down on paper, so it’s brought everybody into the game. “Is it
enough? No, but we only get the ratcheting up if we get a combination of public
concern which drives domestic policies and technologies that lowers the cost of
[implementation]. The fact that most of the nations are now in this process, that’s
a substantial achievement.
12. Discuss the impact of urbanization, particularly reduction in the wetlands
and open spaces highlighting the loss incurred to Chennai by recent flood.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
Answer: Chennai’s resilience to the recent deluge has taken a severe beating
as nearly a quarter of its wetlands, open space and flood plains have given way to
concrete structures. Months before the series of depressions and “freak” weather
developments hit the city, researchers at the Centre for Ecological Sciences in the
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, tabulated the “worrisome” growth
patterns of the coastal city.
The bad planning and destruction of marshy lands have only exasperated the
devastation of the floods. The unprecedented deluge that Chennai has been
subjected to is a reminder of increasing frequency of such freak weather events
across the Indian sub-continent.
The fact is that urban sprawls such as Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Srinagar
etc. have not paid adequate attention to the natural water bodies that exist in
them. In Chennai, each of its lakes has a natural flood discharge channel which
drains the spillover. But we have built over many of these water bodies, blocking
the smooth flow of water. The art of drainage is forgotten. Land is only seen for
buildings, not for water.
The analysis also shows that the storm water drains constructed to drain flood
waters are clogged and required immediate desiltation. Chennai’s human-made
drainage is no replacement for its natural drainage systems.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
Yes Chennai floods and devastation is mostly man made and a consequence of
human's greediness. Of late with access to power and money anything can be
done. Encroachments, no proper sanitation and unplanned multistoried buildings
areas without proper compliance of drainage in the neighboring places are some
of the reasons for the disaster. It is the same in Andhra Pradesh as witnessed in
Floods in Nellore and Chittoor Districts. Unless remedial measures are taken on a
war footing the future of Chennai and other cities as well is at stake.
13. Discuss the conclusions of Paris talks. Are they going to improve the
climatic conditions?
Answer: The text addressed the concerns raised by India in all areas —
mitigation of carbon emissions, adaptation to climate change, financing,
technology development and transfer, capacity building and transparency.
Major features of the text outlined by French Foreign Minister and CoP21
president Laurent Fabius are:
It takes into account the differentiation and responsibility of developing
countries, and their respective capacities in light of national circumstances
Confirms the key objective of containing mean global temperature rise well
below 2 degrees Celsius and to endeavour to limit it to 1.5 degrees
Draft Paris Agreement
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
There will be five-yearly national contributions on actions taken to address
climate change
There is provision for adaptation to climate change. Cooperation on loss
and damage suffered by countries on a long term basis to provide
necessary means to all countries for durable development.
Provision of 100 billion per year as a floor by 2020 to help developing
nations.
A new figure to be defined for the period between now and 2020
Collective stocktaking every five years of national actions and consideration
of steps if efforts are insufficient for the objective set
The goal of the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, COP21, is to achieve a legally
binding, international agreement to keep average global temperatures no more
than 2°C above pre-industrial temperatures. As most of the nations have come
together to tackle the problem of Climate Change on one table, it marks a
significant achievement and if steps are put forward together, then definitely the
targets can be achieved making the Pact a success.
14. Why should India not accept bindings on emissions? Give your opinion
regarding it.
Answer: In climate negotiations, India’s stance has been clear: Firstly, India
does not accept any binding, external (internationally agreed) emissions caps. This
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
could imperil the more important goal of development and ending poverty
though industrialization. Secondly, India has very little responsibility for global
climate change. Its per capita emissions are tiny compared with those of the
developed world or even China. If you add a historical share (looking at a “carbon
budget”) the historical responsibility is clearly with Europe, Japan and North
America.
These are good arguments, no doubt. The only problem is this: If the rest of the
world does not accept India’s arguments of fair carbon budgets and fails to
reduce emissions significantly, Indians will suffer disproportionately. AtCopenhagen, India therefore offered a more pro-active negotiating stance, based
on the premise that India will never emit more on a per capita basis than
developed nations. India also made a voluntary pledge to reduce its carbon
intensity of GDP by 20-25% (based on 2005 levels). However, in coalition with
China (and, more tacitly, the US and Japan), it prevented a binding, global
emissions deal.
Facing pressure to accept legally-binding emissions cuts, India should make it
clear that it will not budge from its long-held position on the issue, while insisting
that it has shown flexibility on various other matters like domestic voluntary
reductions.
India, along with most of other developing countries, should stand on the fact
that taking up binding emissions cuts will hamper its growth, including poverty
alleviation efforts.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
In the coming years, the clamour from fellow developing countries to take on
legally-binding commitments is expected to grow. As the demands build up, India
needs to demand from a position of sensitivity.
15. While the Paris outcome is a history in itself where all the countries have
accepted and pledged cutting emissions, but even then the total sum of pledges
of 189 countries is unable to stop climate change. Comment.
Answer: The Paris Agreement on climate change marks a milestone in
preserving the earth’s environment and provides a floor on which to build
ambition and action. It is the outcome of a long struggle by millions of citizens
around the world, aided by the weight of scientific evidence linking severe, more
frequent weather events such as cyclones and droughts to man-made greenhouse
gas emissions. The 195 country-parties to the UN Framework Convention on
Climate Change — besides Palestine which joined in Paris — have acknowledged
that global climate action can no longer be postponed. While their adoption of
the Agreement has created history, the sum total of national pledges by 189
nations will be unable to stop climate change that is already happening. As the
UNFCCC acknowledges, these pledges will not be able to keep temperature “well
below 2 degrees C” compared to pre-industrial levels, leave alone the aspirational
target of a 1.5° C limit.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
It is also important to remember that there is a long window before the promises
on emissions cuts go into effect in 2020, a period during which developed nations
would continue to emit large volumes of greenhouse gases. Given such a
background and its responsibility as a legacy polluter, the richer half of the world,
which secured the support of vulnerable and poor nations in Paris, must use the
Agreement to liberally share its prosperity and technology. It would be perverse if
the climate pact is viewed as a business opportunity to fuel a wave of growth for a
few.
The deal requires countries to set increasingly ambitious targets for cutting their
national emissions and to report on their progress – but, crucially, leaves the
actual targets, which are not legally binding, for countries to decide for
themselves. National pledges to cut emissions, made ahead of the summit, are
likely to leave the world on course for warming of at least 2.7C, according to the
UN. The new goal of limiting warming to 2C, or even 1.5C, will be achieved only if
countries now make good on the processes set out in the deal to implement and
improve their pledges to cut emissions further.
16. Is restricting or banning particular vehicles a right and the only solution to
counter pollution? Give your opinion regarding the recent orders of NGT and
also suggest appropriate solutions thereof.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
Answer: License-plate driving bans such as the one implemented in Delhi
during first two weeks of January 2016 or the National Green Tribunal’s decision
to bar the registration of new and old diesel vehicles, are not the solution to
urban air pollution, according to analysis of recent data. In fact, arbitrary
restrictions have been shown to make air pollution worse in the long term.
The National Green Tribunal issued a temporary ban on the registration of new
diesel vehicles in Delhi, along with other directions, in an effort to crack down on
the alarming pollution levels in the national capital. Though these efforts are not
the only solution to encounter pollution, however, these measures mark a
significant improvement in air quality as per the case studies of cities like Beijing,
London, Mexico, Italy and Paris.
Recently, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered to bar the registration of
new and old diesel vehicles in DELHI. This has come after the HC calling the
national capital as a "gas chamber" of the country. This may have the followingimplications:
1) Consumers: People who were see looking to buy a new vehicle will have to wait
for some time. Furthermore, this decision may lead them to switch from diesel to
petrol, hence an advantage to the environment. But the retailers may reduce the
price after the bar is lifted, which would mean more sale = more influence on the
environment.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
2) Car manufacturers: It will be a major push towards R&D if they want to capture
the middle class market. So they may invent and deploy certain devices by which
end consumers and environment is the beneficiary (like Catalytic converters to
control NOx). But there sales are sure going to decrease. However, an
environmentally aware citizen may not buy diesel vehicles which means a
revenue loss, disinterest and reluctance in setting up new manufacturing plants.
3) Environment: Environment will be the ultimate beneficiary until the bar is
lifted. However, if people don't realize and run towards the cheaper mobiles later,
it may backfire. Also, seeing the present condition, a comparatively improved airquality index can be suspected in the coming days.
Adding to the Government’s decision, some other appropriate solutions can be as
follows:
1. Instead of the ban on vehicles being dependent on its age, the proposed
ban to be dependent the condition of the vehicle
2.
Efforts towards BS-V emission standards
3.
Sub-par quality fueling checkpoints
4. Awareness among the people
5. Check on the straw/stubble burning
6. Afforestation- One Person One Year One tree
7. Encourage for CNG and LPG based more cleaner technology
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
8.
Given stress on NGT the idea of variable working hours for the government
and private sector to reduce vehicular pollution in Delhi during peak hours
(short term goal)
9.
Encourage for public transport
10. Levy heavy "green tax" on diesel fueled private vehicle
17. The outcome of the Paris conference although provided space for greater
energy use, but it will keep scrutinizing India's actions. What should be strategy
of India in future to fulfill its INDCs?
Answer: As the world’s third-largest emitter and a country that’s highly
vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, it is encouraging to witness India
invest in actions to tackle climate change while addressing critical issues such as
poverty, food security and access to healthcare and education.
Here are five major takeaways that can help on India fulfill its INDC:
1.
Setting a clear signal for clear energy
2. Its emissions intensity target could go further
3. Sequester carbon by increasing forest cover
4.
Adaptation to be a key priority
5. Targets to be achieved with the detailed policies
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
But will this work? First, we should make sure the ratchet mechanism sustains
pressure on developed countries to ramp up their efforts. This will require and
upgrading our ability to analyse other country contributions and actively shaping
the fine print of implementing language for the Paris Agreement in the coming
years.
Second, and perhaps more important, we have to build a robust and ongoing
national process to examine our energy and climate future, to replace India’s
current ad hoc, disconnected, process of energy planning and policy. This requires
a more cogent system of energy information gathering and analysis. It alsorequires exploring actions that bring synergies across development and climate
outcomes (such as energy efficiency and public transport) and those that come
with direct costs to the economy.
India has to put forward a well-balanced climate plan that - alongside its
renewable energy goals - will generate transformational changes. These actions
are also being proposed alongside an aggressive development agenda. Although
implementation challenges remain, the INDC makes clear that India - along with
its peers - is working towards a strong international climate agreement.
18. Discuss the environmental control measures of china. Should India learn
something from the adverse conditions prevailing in china?
Answer: China has many environmental issues, severely affecting its
biophysical environment as well as human health. The water resources of China
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
are affected by both severe water quantity shortages and severe water quality
pollution. An increasing population and rapid economic growth as well as lax
environmental oversight have increased water demand and pollution.
China has responded by measures such as rapidly building out the water
infrastructure and increased regulation as well as exploring a number of further
technological solutions.
When the new environmental protection provisions go into effect in January
2015, the government's environmental agencies will be allowed to enforce strict
penalties and seize property of illegal polluters. Companies that break the law will
be "named and shamed", with company executives subject to prison sentences of
15 days. There will be no upper limit on fines; previously, it was often cheaper for
companies to pay the meager fines provisioned by the law than install anti-
pollution measures. In all, the new law has 70 provisions, compared to the 47 of
the existing law. More than 300 different groups will be able to sue on the behalf
of people harmed by pollution. It remains to be seen whether these changes to
the law will overcome some of the traditional problems with environmental
litigation in China, such as difficulty getting cases accepted by the court, trouble
gathering evidence and interference from local government.
Under the new law, local governments will be subject to discipline for failing to
enforce environmental laws. Regions will no longer be judged solely on their
economic progress, but instead must balance progress with environmental
protection. Additionally, local governments will be required to disclose
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
environmental information to the public. Individuals are encouraged to "adopt a
low-carbon and frugal lifestyle and perform environmental protection duties"
such as recycling their garbage under the law.
Yet as compelling as the similarities between India and China may be, what is
even more striking are the differences. First, the two countries are at significantly
different stages of economic development. Second, and more important, is the
difference in the two countries’ political systems.
To date, neither India nor China has emerged as a model for environmentalprotection that any other developing country would want to follow. The two
countries push forward, each with a strong leader at the helm, and each with a
new-found appreciation for the importance of environmental protection in
preserving public health and future economic growth potential. They are likely to
provide important insights into not only which policy mechanisms are most
effective but also into how system type may both advance and inhibit effectiveenvironmental protection. In this way, India may indeed learn from China.
19. "Every poison we put out into the environment comes back at us".
Elaborate.
Answer: Every poison we put out into the environment comes right back at
us, in our air, water and food. These poisons slowly seep into our bodies and take
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
years to show up as cancer or as immune system disorder or as hormonal or
reproductive system disorders — affecting even the foetus.
The Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) report, Body Burden: State of
India’s Health (2015) provides, for the first time, a collection of articles
highlighting the tangible link between our environmental degradation and health.
It lays emphasis on contaminated water, polluted air, climate change, sanitation,
pesticides, forest degradation and lifestyle-related issues.
The prognosis doesn’t read well for India. The report pegs air pollution as the fifth
leading cause of death in India leading to 6,20,000 premature deaths annually due
to stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, lower
respiratory infections and cancer of the trachea, bronchus and lungs, among
others.
Water contamination that causes diseases affects 37.7 million Indians annually,including 1.5 million children who die of diarrhoea alone.
Establishing the link between climate change and a rise in vector-borne diseases,
including dengue and malaria, the report notes: “The potential period of spread
of malaria has increased to 10-12 months (almost the whole year), which is up
from four to six months.” The report also warns that deforestation is causing
diseases in animals that were earlier confined to forests but now affect humans,
claiming 2.7 million lives annually. Worse, the World Health Organization says our
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
indiscriminate use of pesticides will cause 20 times more deaths due to cancer by
2030.
There is now a well-established link between our environment and our health. Infact, environmental degradation’s first assault is on our bodies and this is one of
the biggest reasons why we try to protect the environment.
20. Write a short note on Eel.
Answer: Eels are snake-like fishes with fins and gills, found mostly at bottom
of rivers and seas. Scientists of the Zoological Survey of India ( ZSI) have a
discovered a new species of eel along the coast of Digha in West Bengal’s Purba
Medinipur district.
The species, new to science, named Gymnothorax mishrai, is 32.4 cm long, brown
in colour and the body is without any patterns.
This newly discovered eel is a marine species. The fish is also edible. The specimen
was collected from fishing boats at a fish-landing centre located at Shankarpur,
West Bengal.
Though considered a delicacy in many countries like Japan, the consumption of
eels in India is limited to the coastal areas.
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
Distinct from other species described in the group Gymnothorax , this species of
moray eel has 134 vertebral bones. Since the number of vertebral bones is less
than 150, this particular species is categorized among short, brown, patterned
moray eels.
21. Discuss how selenium isotopes in the rocks can help study the origin and
evolution of animals.
Answer: It took 100 million years for oxygen in the oceans and atmosphere to
increase to the level that allowed the explosion of animal life on the Earth about
600 million years ago, according to new research.
It is, therefore, likely that early animal evolution was kick-started by increased
amounts of oxygen, rather than a change in animal behaviour leading to
oxygenation.
Researchers tracked what was happening with oxygen levels globally 770-520
million years ago using new tracers in rocks across the US, Canada and China.
Scientists took a new approach by using selenium isotope tracers to analyse
marine shales which gave us more information about the gradual changes in
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
oxygen levels than is possible using the more conventional techniques used
previously.
By measuring selenium isotopes in the rocks, the team revealed that it took 100million years for the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere to climb from less than
one percent to over 10 percent of today’s current level.
Scientists were surprised to see how long it took Earth to produce oxygen and our
findings dispel theories that it was a quick process caused by a change in animal
behaviour.
This was arguably the most significant oxygenation event in Earth history because
it ushered in an age of animal life that continues to this day.
Till date, it was not known how quickly the Earth’s oceans and atmosphere
became oxygenated and if animal life expanded before or after oxygen levels
rose.
22. Write a short note on Sheshachalam biosphere.
Answer: Taking a cue from the UNESCO's Man and Biosphere program, the
government of India has established the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve on 20 th
September, 2010. The reserve is the first biosphere reserve in Andhra Pradesh
and the 17th in India. By size, it is the 9th largest in India. The reserve aims to
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
support the conservation of species in situ by supporting economic and social
development. It is home to a number of endemic species including the famous
Red Sanders and Slender Loris. Being close to the pilgrim areas of Tirupati, the
reserve also has a number of temples and holy places to visit. The hilly terrain
offers some spectacular trekking opportunities too. Many scientific studies have
been and are being conducted in the reserve.
The area is characterized by hills of various elevations, deep gorges and many
waterfalls. This creates micro-climate conditions in the area and provides
hospitable environment for luxuriant growth of diverse flora including endemic
species. Visitors can have some thrilling views of the waterfalls, natural springs,
valleys, gorges, ridges and hill peaks. Likewise, trekkers can experience the thrill
of trekking through these wonderful areas.
The reserve covers areas of great historical and religious significance. The Sri
Venkateswara Temple, famous as the Tirupati Balaji temple lies within the
reserve. A number of pre-historic paintings and carvings have been found in the
region. In the medieval times, this region was the center of power for many
kingdoms and hence, a rich history exists. In the more modern times, the French
merchant-traveller, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, visited the area in his fourth voyage
and wrote an account of the forest and animals. This was the first written account
of the forests by a European. This account describes the existence of elephants in
the forest, which have dwindled since then. In the British times, the hunter-writer
Kenneth Anderson hunted in these forests and made a number of accounts on his
experiences. In the book Man Eaters and Jungle Killers, he writes about two tigers
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
- The Striped Terror of Chamala Valley and Mamandur Man Eater, which shows
the presence of tigers which are now extinct in this area. Now, the region is a hub
for pilgrims for its temples, for trekkers for its rugged terrain and stunning
biodiversity and for nature-lovers for its eco-tourist spots.
23. What is the prism of opportunities for India to fulfill its Paris promises?
Discuss how India can achieve the target of reducing carbon emissions.
Answer: India has welcomed the Paris Agreement on climate change, an
important pact concluded by 196 countries to put the world on the track to
sustainable development.
The national imperative is to adopt policies that can speedily remove carbon from
the energy mix, stop the degradation and destruction of forests, conserve water
resources, improve resilience in agriculture, and help communities adapt to the
destructive impacts of climate-related events that will be unavoidable in the
coming years.
Carbon emissions from economic activity continue to rise and India is the third-
largest emitter among individual countries. While it should pursue the legitimate
question of historical responsibility of rich nations led by the United States to
compensate victims of climate change, the domestic agenda announced in the
NDC cannot wait.
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
Arguably, the most prominent is the scaling up of renewable energy capacity to
175 gigawatts (GW) by 2022, of which solar power will form 100 GW (up from the
current level of about 4 GW). Impressive as this goal is, fabrication of solar cells
and production of modules need a dramatic “Make in India” plan in which the
entire citizenry feels invested. This can lead to mass proliferation of solar
photovoltaic rooftop installations on the lines of the mobile phone revolution that
swept the country and, in addition, boost employment.
Considering that India’s NDC talks of unlocking domestic funds along with new
and additional resources from developed countries to meet its objectives, Stateelectricity grids should be required by law to introduce transparent, well-
functioning, feed-in tariffs for rooftop solar installations (which Japan has done in
recent years), and to amend building codes to make it mandatory for all new
constructions.
A second “easy piece” in the energy puzzle is the transport sector which accountsfor about 14 per cent of national emissions. Road transport policy including urban
transport is mainly made by the States and has remained neglected.
Decarbonising this sector and increasing its efficiency needs strong mandates for
State governments, requiring them to comply with standards of minimum
performance. This would raise standards of bus and urban rail travel, encouraging
suitable investments, both public and private, and fast-track sustainable urbandevelopment. Providing a cross-subsidy for capital expenditure and operations
through a dedicated fee on fossil fuels would be the way forward.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
Without such measures, carbon emissions from passenger transport are bound to
rise steadily.
On the corporate side, all financial investments and lending should conform to a
sustainability code, to ensure that they do not end up adding to carbon emissions.
This is one area that civil society will influence in the coming years.
The ultimate objective is to ensure that all carbon emissions are turned into “net
zero” at some point beyond 2050, upon which no man-made greenhouse gas
emissions will be a net addition to the atmosphere — they will be captured in
some manner. That transition, with its promise of innovation, will be the great
story of the 21st century.
24. Discuss the challenges in front of domestic textile industries in following
the green environment norms directed by various ministries recently.
Answer: The textile industry has flagged concerns about an Environment
Ministry move to mandate virtually all textile firms to reduce their effluent
discharge to zero.
Following are the challenges in front of domestic textile industries:
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
1.
Such a stipulation goes beyond what the developed world follows and
would make Indian firms even more uncompetitive at a time when export
orders are shrinking
2.
Industry players would be granted 30 months to construct or augment their
existing effluent treatment plants to comply with this new regulation under
the Environment Protection Act of 1986, according to the ministry which is
a big stone in industries pathway
3. No new or existing units will be allowed to operate their factories, in the
absence of such arrangements which will affect the investment of
industries
4. While mooting an increase in the threshold of 25 kilo litres a day to 100 kilo
litres a day, smaller textile units wouldn’t be able to afford the costly
equipment for treating effluents with a zero liquid discharge approach
5.
Several units after necessary approvals from the environment ministry and
state pollution boards have invested in sea-discharge after treating
effluents. All these investments would stand futile with the implementation
of the proposed policy, thereby increasing the financial stress on these
companies and sheer wastage of national resources.
6. Technologies for such treatment plants is steam and electricity-intensive,
leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions as India largely relies on coal
for power
7.
Allowing very limited ground water extraction by units and then the entire
water to be recovered from the effluent treatment plants to be re-
deployed in the production process is a challenging task
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
25. What is the concept of green party? Discuss its future prospects.
Answer: The idea of a Green Party is — a political party with ecological
wisdom and participative democracy as its roots.
As far as innovations go, the idea of a Green Party is not exactly a brainwave;
Western countries have seen their share of political parties and alliances that
have been established on a ‘green’ platform. For instance, the German Green
Party (now called Alliance ’90/The Greens), established in 1980, is one of the
oldest and most prominent of these groupings. Many of these parties have made
it to their respective Parliaments and some even to the European Parliament.
Green Party aims to create a just, equitable and sustainable society with focus of
efforts primarily, though not exclusively, through the electoral system.
Following are some of the future prospects of Green Party:
1. To fight genetically modified organisms and Monsanto
2. To fight the takeover of the city by the builders’ lobby, which is cementing
the soil and water bodies
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
3.
To push the boundaries of democratic space, which is currently being
hemmed in by various forces
With corporates trying to shut out ecological movements, Greenpeace being a
recent example, there is a need for a broad green alliance. It looks like green
parties in India are just a seed of an idea, but an idea that holds a lot of promise.
26. Write a short note on krishna mystus and endangered species.
Answer: Indiscriminate fishing may spell doom for Krishna Mystus
(Hemibagrus maydelli ), the king of riverine fishes in the Krishna. The species
which is called as ‘Ponduga’ locally, was much in demand since it had a high
market value.
The giant fish grows about two metres long and weighs about 70 kg, the biggest
freshwater fish, and fetches Rs. 350 a kg. The researchers came to a conclusion
after three years of observation along 300 km river stretch in Mahabubnagar
district of Telangana state that the fish is found very rarely.
The fishermen from Nagarjunasagar in Nalgonda said that the presence of
‘ponduga’ had been declined largely. A trader from Chinnamunigal village of
Nalgonda district, said that he saw over 10 kg of the fish way back in 2002.
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
The species is considered one of the best fish which was also earlier found in
Bheema and Tungabadra, the tributaries of Krishna. The researchers have
recommended the State government control fishing during July and August which
are its breeding season to conserve it.
27. Do you think after the Iran nuclear deal, Paris conference and cooperation
for Syrian plan, world has achieved multilateral moments? If not, give reasons.
Answer: Though we see cooperation between various nations on different
platforms, yet it is not just to say that the world has achieved multilateral
moments. Following 2015 incidents imply that the gaps are still to be filled.
The Iran nuclear deal was a moment that followed protracted negotiations on a
multilateral forum involving Iran and the six world powers — the U.S., China,
Russia and three EU nations, Germany, the U.K. and France. The deal materialised
despite domestic pitfalls, both in the U.S. and in Iran, of bringing about a
successful agreement.
The climate agreement in Paris in December 2015 did heap in an additional
responsibility on the shoulders of the developing world. However, its emphasis on
a multilateral arrangement in the mitigation of climate change gave it a
consensual heft missing in the earlier summits.
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Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
The Iran nuclear deal and, to a great extent, the climate deal signed in Paris late in
December are certainly symbolic of a burgeoning phase of multilateralism. This
was characterised by the U.S. not acting as a singular fulcrum of power, but as
one among a set of actors, sometimes in concert and sometimes in dissonance.
Coming to Syrian crisis, both Russia and Turkey are deeply involved in the Syrian
conflict, tensions between these two countries would remain unless a sustainable
solution is found to the Syrian crisis, which is the challenge of 2016.
Hence, the year 2015 has underscored the trend of strengthening multipolarity
but has also bolstered the forces of instability.
28. Write a short note on Ashtamudi lake.
Answer: So called because of its 8 arms or channels, Ashtamudi Lake is the
gateway to the backwaters. This 16 km long lake is the second largest in Kerala,
finding its way into the sea through the Neendakara estuary. The District Tourism
Promotion Council (DTPC) Kollam provides boat rides as well as houseboat
cruises. The trip between Kollam and Alappuzha is one of the most popular and
longest backwater cruises in Kerala. The eight-hour journey will give you an
intimate experience of the famed waterways. Catch a glimpse of one of the many
splendours of Ashtamudi backwaters. As the boatman gently dips his paddle,
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari (PhD IIT Delhi) working as a scientist in IIT Delhi
with the association of Department of Science & Technology (GOI)
without disturbing the prevailing calm, the ripples spread out gently in the
shimmering golden hue of the sun.
The following are reported to be the reasons for deterioration of the lakeenvironment:
1. Intense anthropogenic pressure.
2. Oil spills from thousands of fishing boats and from industries in the
surrounding area.
3. Dwindling of the fragile lake zone due to conversion/destruction of natural
habitats for development purposes (reported that the lake which had an
area of 54 km2 [21 mi2] according to old survey reports has shrunk to
34 km2 [13 mi2] due to encroachments)
4. Large quantities of untreated sewage, disposal of human excreta, and the
pollution from paper mills, industries (aluminum, ceramics, seafood), as
well as from coconut husk retting.
5.
Many fish species may have become extinct due to lack of spawning
facilities on the banks of the lake due to canalization of the lake’s banks by
walls built of laterite and granite stones (these walls reportedly cover 80
per cent of the lake's banks)
Even as there is no dearth of official warnings of strong action against
encroachers, encroachments of massive scale continue unabated along the
Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala’s Kollam district. The encroachers often feel that it is
their right to encroach upon the lake, listed as a Ramsar site.
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Environmental Ecology: Current corner by Dr. Ravi P. Agrahari
D R i P A h i (PhD IIT D lhi) ki i i i IIT D lhi
This is a peak time to take action on such activities so that the beauty of the lake
is preserved for the future.
NEW BATCH START FROM: 5 APRIL (4:30 pm)