UPSC Environment Ecology Agriculture Notes

#Agriculture

■ Seed Congress resolves to promote biofortified crops -

✅Scientists, policymakers and industry representatives who participated in the 13th edition of the three-day National Seed Congress (NSC), which concluded on Saturday (November 30, 2024), resolved to work more on innovative seed technologies for farmers in the country.

● Highlights:

✅The 13th edition of the National Seed Congress (NSC), held from November 28 to 30, 2024, brought together scientists, policymakers, and industry representatives to deliberate on innovative seed technologies aimed at transforming India’s agricultural landscape.

● Key Focus Areas of the Congress:

✅Innovative Seed Technologies

✅Promotion of hybrid and biofortified crops to improve yield and nutritional content.

✅Development of stress-tolerant varieties to address climate challenges.

✅Acceleration of breeding cycles through advanced technologies.

✅Climate-Resilient Agricultural Practices:

✅Advocacy for methods like Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and zero tillage to reduce input costs and enhance resource efficiency.

✅Integration of these practices to ensure sustainability amid changing climatic conditions.

✅Policy Frameworks and Partnerships:

✅Discussions on the introduction of a new Seeds Bill to streamline regulatory processes.

✅Emphasis on Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to boost sustainable seed production and distribution.

✅Promotion of seed entrepreneurship to empower farmers and improve supply chains.

● Theme and Participation:

✅With the theme, ‘Innovating for a Sustainable Seed Ecosystem’, the Congress saw participation from over 700 delegates, including global experts. The event was jointly organized by the Union Agriculture Ministry and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

● Outcomes and Recommendations:

✅Strengthening State-Level Seed Systems

✅Uttar Pradesh, represented by Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh, announced initiatives to make the state a hub for quality seed production, leveraging recommendations from the NSC.

✅Proposals included the establishment of seed parks, enhanced PPPs, and farmer capacity building.

✅Biofortification and Food Security

✅Integration of biofortified crops, such as rice, into government programs like school nutrition schemes was endorsed.

✅These crops are seen as pivotal in addressing malnutrition and ensuring nutritional security.

✅Climate-Resilient Practices

✅Adoption of hybrid varieties and stress-tolerant crops as a response to climate change impacts.

✅IRRI Director General Dr. Yvonne Pinto emphasized the importance of collective action to tackle challenges such as food insecurity and climate change.

● The Way Forward:

✅The Congress’s discussions and recommendations provide a comprehensive blueprint for advancing India’s seed ecosystem. With the focus on innovative technologies, strengthened partnerships, and robust policy frameworks, the event underscores the need for sustained collective efforts to ensure food security, economic growth, and farmer welfare in the face of evolving challenges.
Prelims Takeaways

✅International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)

✅National Seed Congress (NSC)

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Agriculture

■ Farmers' IDs: First to hit 25% mark, Gujarat set to get incentives -

✅Agriculture Ministry sources said Gujarat officials have informed them that the state will be sending a formal proposal to get the funds under the the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25 in the next few days.

● Highlights:

✅Gujarat is poised to become the first state to avail of the Centre’s incentives under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2024-25, having achieved 25% of its target for creating a Farmers’ Registry.

✅This milestone was reached with 17.47 lakh Farmer IDs generated out of the state’s target of 66.21 lakh farmers. The state will soon formally apply for the associated funds, according to Agriculture Ministry officials.,

● Farmers’ Registry and Digital Agriculture:

✅A Farmer ID, or Kisan Pehchaan Patra, serves as a unique Aadhaar-based digital identity linked to state land records. It includes details like demographics, crops sown, and land ownership, forming the backbone of the Farmers’ Registry.

✅This registry is part of the AgriStack initiative under the Centre’s Digital Agriculture Mission, which aims to build digital public infrastructure for India’s agriculture sector.

● Central Incentives and Targets:

✅Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her Budget Speech that 6 crore farmers would be brought into the farmer and land registries this fiscal year. To incentivize states, the Centre has allocated ₹5,000 crore for the Farmers’ Registry in 2024-25, with funds disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis.

● Funding Milestones:

✅25% Coverage: ₹500 per Farmer ID.

✅50% Coverage: ₹750 per Farmer ID.

✅75% Coverage: ₹1,250 per Farmer ID.

✅100% Coverage: ₹1,750 per Farmer ID.

✅For example, a state registering 25 lakh farmers at 25% coverage would receive ₹125 crore, with progressively higher amounts for increased coverage.

● National Progress:

✅While Gujarat leads with 25% coverage, other states are progressing:

✅Madhya Pradesh: 9% coverage.

✅Maharashtra: 2% coverage.

✅States like Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Rajasthan have also initiated Farmer ID generation.

✅The Centre has adopted a camp-mode approach to expedite the process, offering ₹15,000 per camp and ₹10 per Farmer ID as additional incentives to states.

Benefits of the Farmers’ Registry:

● The Farmers’ Registry will allow farmers to:

✅Digitally identify and authenticate themselves.

✅Access government benefits and services without cumbersome paperwork.

✅Minimize the need for physical visits to offices and service providers.

✅This digital infrastructure promises to streamline service delivery and enhance efficiency in India’s agricultural sector.

● Prelims Takeaways

✅Kisan Pehchaan Patra

✅Digital Agriculture Mission

✅PM KISAN

SOURCE - INDIAN EXPRESS

#Environment

■ Economic factors, cultural reverence behind human-lion coexistence in Gujarat: Study -

✅Asiatic Lions – whose entire population numbering 674 is in Gujarat – co-exist with humans through mutual adaptation, enforced legal protection, economic drivers, and government compensation for livestock, among others, revealed new research released Thursday.

● Highlights:

✅Gujarat is the only habitat of the Asiatic Lion, with a population of 674. The coexistence of these lions with humans is shaped by mutual adaptation, economic incentives, and cultural acceptance. While this model of shared space has proven successful, it remains fragile, requiring sustained conservation efforts.

● Drivers of Co-Existence

✅Economic factors play a central role in fostering tolerance among locals. Regulated and unregulated wildlife tourism contribute to livelihoods, with some private landowners even engaging in illegal practices like baiting lions to attract tourists.

✅Additionally, government schemes offering compensation for livestock losses have helped mitigate resentment toward lions, though experts recommend revising these schemes to match market rates and introducing livestock insurance.

✅Cultural attitudes also support coexistence. Lions are often admired for their nobility and charisma, and many locals take pride in their presence. Legal protections against poaching and habitat encroachment further enhance the lions’ safety, allowing them to roam freely outside protected areas.

● Challenges to Co-Existence

✅Despite the positive drivers, human-lion interactions pose risks. Over 91% of livestock attacks occur outside protected zones, with districts like Amreli, Junagadh, and Gir Somnath being most affected. While livestock predation dominates conflicts, attacks on humans, though rare, heighten tensions.

✅The limited range of lions also raises concerns about genetic diversity and vulnerability to disease. Although the Supreme Court has directed their translocation to Madhya Pradesh, this order remains unimplemented, leaving the lions confined to Gujarat.

✅Unregulated tourism is another challenge, as it disrupts lion behavior and risks exacerbating conflicts. Meanwhile, some pastoralist communities, most affected by livestock losses, exhibit higher intolerance, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.

● Conservation Strategies

✅The study recommends proactive measures to sustain coexistence. Radio collars with geofencing can track lion movements, issuing warnings to prevent conflicts. Livestock compensation schemes should be revised, and community-based conservation programs, such as eco-tourism, can link economic benefits directly to lion protection.

✅To address genetic risks, the long-pending translocation to Madhya Pradesh must be implemented to ensure a healthier lion population. Conservation policies must also address the sociocultural and economic needs of local communities to maintain their support.

● Prelims Takeaways

✅Gir National Park

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ Silica mining:
NGT asks CPCB to prepare pan-India guidelines -

✅The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Friday directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to prepare detailed pan-India guidelines for silica sand mining and silica washing plants within three months.

● Highlights:

✅The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) to develop comprehensive, pan-India guidelines for regulating silica sand mining and silica washing plants. The directive aims to address environmental and health hazards associated with these activities and mandates completion within three months.

Key Directives by NGT

1. Guidelines for Silica Sand Mining and Washing Plants

✅CPCB to prepare detailed national guidelines outlining operational regulations.

✅These guidelines will guide statutory regulators while granting permissions for mining and washing plants.

✅Deadline for finalization and dissemination: Three months.

2. Health Hazard Mitigation

✅Focus on Silicosis: Silica mining and washing expose workers and nearby residents to silica dust, which causes silicosis, a severe occupational lung disease.

✅Specialized Healthcare: Uttar Pradesh (UP) government and the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) were directed to establish healthcare facilities in affected areas.

✅Medical infrastructure for prevention and treatment of workers to be provided without delay.

3. Regulatory Oversight

✅Authorities criticized for irregularities in mining operations and negligence in compliance monitoring.

✅Statutory regulators instructed to ensure compliance with all laws concerning mining and washing plants.

4. Penalties Imposed

✅Fines levied on private companies involved in illegal mining activities.

● Environmental and Health Concerns:

✅Environmental Impact

✅Silica mining disrupts ecosystems, contaminates water sources, and damages soil.

✅Washing plants generate wastewater, often containing harmful chemicals.

✅Health Risks

✅Silica dust inhalation leads to silicosis, a progressive lung disease with no known cure.

✅Workers and residents in proximity to mining sites face long-term respiratory issues.

● Importance of the Guidelines:

✅Standardization: Nationwide guidelines will ensure uniformity in mining and washing operations.

✅Environmental Safeguards: Provisions to mitigate environmental degradation.

✅Worker Protection: Mandates for protective gear, dust suppression mechanisms, and regular health check-ups.

● NGT’s Criticism of Authorities:

The NGT reprimanded regulatory bodies for their:

Failure in Monitoring: Lack of record enforcement in mining and washing plants.

✅Neglect of Legal Obligations: Inadequate attention to statutory compliance.

Next Steps

✅CPCB to draft and circulate guidelines.

✅UP government to coordinate with UPPCB and other departments to enhance medical infrastructure.

✅Regular monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with new norms.

● Prelims Takeaways

✅National Green Tribunal (NGT)

✅Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ IMD: Second warmest November since 1901 -


✅This warming trend has continued since the post-monsoon season in October, and could contribute to making 2024 the warmest year ever on record, globally.

● Highlights:

✅The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared November 2024 as the second warmest in 123 years, continuing a post-monsoon warming trend that could contribute to making 2024 the warmest year on record globally.
Key Temperature Highlights

● Maximum Temperatures:

✅Average monthly maximum temperature: 29.37°C (0.62°C above normal).

● Minimum Temperatures:

✅Average monthly minimum temperature: 16.91°C (1.05°C above normal).
Factors Behind Warmer November

● Weak Western Disturbances:

✅Western disturbances, typically bringing rainfall or snow to northwest India, crossed at higher latitudes.

✅This resulted in minimal precipitation across plains and less cooling in northern India.

● Lack of Cyclonic Disturbances:

✅Only two low-pressure systems formed in the Bay of Bengal, of which only one intensified into Cyclone Fengal.

✅Historically, November is favorable for cyclonic activity, which was notably absent this year.

● Rainfall Deficit:

✅Northwest India: 2.4mm rainfall, a deficit of 79.9% from normal.

✅Southern Peninsular India: Deficit of 37.9% due to weak northeast monsoon conditions.
Long-Term Trends and Concerns

● Declining November Rainfall:

✅IMD data (2001–2024) reveals that November rainfall has been normal or above normal in only six out of 24 years.

✅Decline in precipitation linked to weaker western disturbances and lower cyclonic activity.

● Global Warming Contribution:

✅The consistent rise in temperatures post-monsoon aligns with global warming trends, exacerbating the risk of extreme weather events and climate irregularities.
Implications for India

● Agricultural Impacts:

✅Warmer temperatures and reduced rainfall affect winter crops, especially in rainfed areas dependent on post-monsoon precipitation.

● Water Resource Challenges:

✅Reduced rainfall strains reservoirs, impacting drinking water supplies and hydropower generation in affected regions.

● Climatic Patterns:

✅Declining rainfall and rising temperatures emphasize the need for adaptive measures to address evolving climate challenges.

✅Prelims Takeaways

✅Cyclone Fengal

✅India Meteorological Department (IMD)

SOURCE - INDIAN EXPRESS

#Environment

■ Rethinking ‘representation’ for a meaningful COP30 -

✅The slow progress at COP29 in Baku highlights the enduring challenge of aligning global climate action with political realities. Despite years of negotiation, the lack of a unified global authority and the complex interplay of national interests continue to hinder substantial progress. As the world turns its attention to COP30 in Brazil, innovative approaches to climate negotiations offer a glimmer of hope.

● A New Paradigm for Representation:

✅The current model of climate negotiations often excludes the voices of those most affected by environmental degradation. This includes not only marginalized human populations but also non-human entities like oceans, forests, and the atmosphere.

✅An experiment at Sciences Po in 2015, known as the “Theatre of Negotiations,” proposed a radical rethinking of representation in climate talks. By granting equal rights and agency to non-human stakeholders, the event sought to foster a more inclusive and equitable framework for decision-making.

✅Delegates in this simulation represented not just nations and civil society but also ecological entities. This imaginative exercise challenged conventional notions of sovereignty, allowing participants to negotiate on behalf of the environment itself.

✅For example, the “Ocean” directly addressed the “United States,” and the “Atmosphere” negotiated with “China” over emissions. This dynamic approach forced a reevaluation of territorial boundaries and responsibilities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human societies.

● Insights and Implications:

✅The Nanterre experiment underscored the importance of clear communication, diverse representation, and alternative negotiation frameworks. It also revealed logistical challenges, such as resource mobilization and the scale of participation required for such inclusive processes. Despite these hurdles, the exercise demonstrated that innovative methods could inspire fresh perspectives and catalyze meaningful action.

✅However, integrating such approaches into formal COP negotiations poses significant challenges. The existing global governance structure is anthropocentric, often marginalizing the interests of non-human stakeholders.

✅While some countries, like Ecuador and New Zealand, have recognized the rights of nature in legal and institutional frameworks, these remain exceptions rather than the norm. Expanding these practices on a global scale requires both political will and public support.

● Bridging Ambition and Action:

✅For COP30, hosted in Belém, the symbolic representation of the Amazon as a stakeholder could set a transformative precedent. As the world’s largest rainforest and a critical carbon sink, the Amazon is both a victim of environmental degradation and a vital ally in combating climate change. Granting it a voice in negotiations could help bridge the gap between lofty ambitions and tangible actions.

✅Yet, representation alone is not enough. Transparency and consistency are equally vital. Hosting climate conferences in oil-reliant economies, as seen with Azerbaijan, sends conflicting signals and undermines trust. Aligning policies with stated values is crucial for rebuilding confidence in the negotiation process.

● A Call to Action:

✅The Anthropocene demands innovative solutions and a willingness to rethink entrenched systems. The lessons from COP29 and experiments like the “Theatre of Negotiations” point to the potential for more inclusive, imaginative, and effective climate governance.

✅As Brazil prepares for COP30, there is an opportunity to lead by example, embracing bold ideas and demonstrating that meaningful change is possible. The world cannot afford to sleepwalk through the climate crisis. Instead, it must awaken to the possibilities of a more equitable and sustainable future.

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ Ministry asks Maharashtra to address forced eviction concerns of 33 families in Tadoba-Andhari Reserve-

✅The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has directed the Maharashtra government to address complaints of “non-recognition of forest rights and forced eviction” raised by families living in Rantalodhi village inside the core area of Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.

● Highlights:
Remarkable Growth in Tiger Population:

✅The tiger population in Manas National Park in western Assam tripled from 2011 to 2019.

✅According to a study published in the Journal of Biological Conservation, the population density of adult tigers increased from 1.06 tigers per 100 sq. km in 2011-2012 to 3.64 tigers per 100 sq. km in 2018-2019.

✅The park has the potential to further increase its tiger density, with the study suggesting it could rise to 8 tigers per 100 sq. km if conservation efforts continue effectively.

● Factors Behind the Growth:

✅Increased Funding and Improved Infrastructure: The turnaround in the park’s tiger population was supported by increased funding and improved protection infrastructure.

✅Larger and Better Trained Staff: The addition of more park staff, who were trained in better patrolling techniques, also played a critical role in the recovery.

✅Tourism Revenue: Tourism in the region provided a steady stream of revenue, which directly supported the park's management and conservation initiatives.

✅Collaborative Efforts: The success of the project was driven by the collaborative efforts between local communities, government agencies, and conservation organizations.

● Role of Cross-Border Collaboration:

✅Manas National Park is part of a larger trans-boundary forest ecosystem that extends into Bhutan. This interconnected landscape played a vital role in providing a safe and expansive habitat for tigers.

✅Collaborative efforts between India and Bhutan, as well as the involvement of international conservation organizations like Panthera, were instrumental in facilitating effective tiger conservation.

● Support from International Agencies:

✅From 2015 to 2022, international agencies such as Panthera and the US Fish and Wildlife Services invested significant resources into conservation efforts at Manas.

✅These agencies worked alongside local communities and park authorities, focusing on reducing human dependency on the park’s resources through alternative livelihood programs.

✅The training of park staff in informed patrol tactics and working with the local communities to promote sustainable practices significantly reduced park entry by people dependent on natural resources.

● Challenges to Ongoing Conservation:

✅Despite the success, challenges like poaching and habitat loss remain persistent threats to the park’s tiger population.

✅As the tiger population grows and nears its carrying capacity, continuous management focus is necessary to ensure the survival of the species.

● Future Potential and Growth:

✅The study highlights that with continued conservation measures, the tiger population in Manas could continue to grow. If current trends persist, the number of tigers in the park could double by 2023.

✅In 2021, a total of 44 adult tigers were photographed in Manas, which further underscores the park’s potential to support a thriving tiger population.

● Contributions of Local and Grassroots Conservation:

✅The report emphasized the vital role of civil society organizations, grassroots conservation efforts, and tourism in the park’s recovery.

✅Retired forest officers and local conservation leaders also played a key role in spearheading the efforts.

● Prelims Takeaways:

✅UNESCO World Heritage Sites

✅Manas National Park

SOURCE - INDIAN EXPRESS

#Environment

■ Consensus on new climate finance goal remains elusive-

✅Developed countries say they have mobilised and transferred $115 billion in 2021-22 – though developing countries claim that target has not yet been met – but as per the Paris Agreement, a new target above $100 billion must be agreed upon by 2025.

● Highlights:

✅The NCQG represents the financial commitment by developed nations to support developing countries in their transition to sustainable energy, curbing greenhouse gas emissions, and adapting to climate change impacts. It builds upon the earlier pledge of $100 billion annually, which has remained unmet, and aims to set a more ambitious target post-2025.

● Major Disagreements
Developing Nations' Stance:

✅Propose trillions of dollars annually by 2025 to support climate action and adaptation.

✅Emphasize grants and low-cost loans to ensure accessibility and fairness.

✅Demand contributions proportional to historical emissions and per capita GDP of developed nations.

● Developed Nations' Stance:

✅Avoid strict definitions of financing modes (e.g., grants vs. investments).

✅Advocate broader inclusion of private-sector investments as part of climate finance.

● Distinction Between NCQG and Climate Finance:

✅Developing nations demand a clear demarcation of NCQG from general climate finance, which often includes profit-driven investments.

✅For instance, global climate finance flows reached $1.3 trillion annually (2021–2022), but much of it does not directly benefit vulnerable regions or communities.

● Allocation to Vulnerable Groups:

✅Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) insist on a fair share of the funds.

✅Concerns arise from historical trends, where public finance formed only $20 billion of the earlier $100 billion target.

● Accountability and Transparency:

✅Developing countries stress the need for clear frameworks to ensure timely and equitable fund disbursal, unlike past commitments marred by delays and discrepancies.

● Voices from the Negotiations:

✅India:

✅Union Environment Secretary Leena Nandan called for a structured approach to NCQG, demanding $1.3 trillion annually, with at least $600 billion in grants. She criticized reliance on private-sector investments, which often fail to address the needs of vulnerable populations.

✅Marshall Islands:

✅Tina Stege, the climate envoy, expressed frustration over the lack of urgency in the negotiations. Highlighting the existential threat faced by island nations, she lamented the disconnect between the draft text and real-world climate challenges.

● Key Challenges:

✅Balancing Equity with Feasibility:

✅Developed nations argue that massive commitments may be difficult to meet without leveraging private capital, while developing nations view this as a dilution of their demands.

✅Reconciling Growth with Justice

✅Historical emitters face mounting pressure to shoulder a larger share of the financial burden, but geopolitical tensions often overshadow such deliberations.

✅Urgency vs. Delays

✅The lack of a concrete agreement by 2025 could derail progress on the Paris Agreement goals, pushing the world closer to the feared 2.7°C warming scenario.

● Looking Ahead:

✅As the negotiations enter their final hours, finding a middle ground is critical. A possible compromise might include:

✅Setting a transitional NCQG with phased targets (e.g., $1 trillion annually by 2030).

✅Ensuring a minimum percentage of grants in the total finance package.

✅Instituting robust accountability mechanisms for fund allocation and impact measurement.

● Prelims Takeaways:

✅New collective quantified goal (NCQG)

SOURCE - THE HINDU

#Environment

■ A green transition for India-

✅With COP29 ongoing amidst global uncertainties, India’s approach to decarbonisation is clear: it must balance rapid economic growth with equitable climate action. With power demand set to nearly double by 2032 and increasing climate vulnerabilities, India needs to adopt a green, resilient, and inclusive energy strategy. Below are seven fundamental shifts that could transform India’s energy landscape.

● 1.Decentralise Energy Systems:

✅A shift from a centralised to a decentralised energy grid could revolutionise access to clean power across India. Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) sources like rooftop solar can be the backbone of localised energy systems.

✅For instance, India’s plan to solarise 10 million households could add 30 GW of clean energy. However, current rooftop solar prices remain high, especially for low-income households.

● 2.Prioritise Operational Expenditure over Capital Expenditure:

✅Instead of focusing solely on upfront costs (capex), India’s energy transition should embrace operational expenditure (opex) models, which offer flexible, usage-based pricing. For example, utilities could set up community solar installations and charge users based on consumption.

✅This shift could also promote services like district cooling systems and shared electric transport options, lowering entry costs and making clean energy accessible to a wider population.

● 3.Invest in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure:

✅With over 80% of India residing in climate-vulnerable areas, building resilience in energy systems is essential. Climate-proofing infrastructure—such as flood-resistant grids and cyclone-resistant installations—can reduce future disruptions and economic losses. It’s vital for businesses and governments to conduct climate-risk assessments and invest in resilient systems, especially as extreme weather events become more common.

● 4.Strengthen Global Supply Chain Integration:

✅Rather than adopting protectionist policies, India could integrate more deeply into global clean energy supply chains, particularly for solar photovoltaics and green hydrogen. Building strategic partnerships could position India as a valuable player in global clean energy markets.

✅This approach not only enhances energy security but also fosters a cooperative, rules-based framework that contrasts with unilateral policies seen elsewhere.

● 5.Combine Decarbonisation with Digitalisation:

✅India’s energy transformation is occurring alongside a digital revolution, with over 820 million internet users, a majority from rural areas. Smart technology integration—such as AI, smart meters, and data-driven energy management—can optimise energy distribution, reduce wastage, and enhance grid resilience.

● 6.Transition to a Circular Economy:

✅Shifting from a linear to a circular economic model could reduce waste and improve mineral security. Solar panel waste alone could reach 600 kilotonnes by 2030. Recycling critical minerals from this waste—such as silicon, tellurium, and cadmium—can reduce resource dependency and environmental impact.

● 7.Center Energy Transition Policies Around People:

✅Finally, a people-centric energy transition is essential. Financing must go beyond supporting large-scale developers and directly empower end-use consumers. Providing affordable loans or incentives for households to adopt electric vehicles, install rooftop solar, or use sustainable construction materials can amplify the impact of the clean energy transition. Aggregating individual demands into a larger portfolio can create a viable market for green consumer products.

● Conclusion: A Decade of Transformation:

✅The coming decade is pivotal for India’s energy future. Beyond simply changing energy sources, India’s transition is an opportunity to redefine its relationship with energy, economy, and the environment.

SOURCE- INDIAN EXPRESS

#Environment

■ ‘Unwieldy’ first draft at Baku sets 2030 goal of $5 trillion for climate action-

✅The most prominent feature of the text is an ask of at least $5-6.8 trillion until 2030, as the so-called New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance, for developing countries to meet their Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

● Highlights:

✅The 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) is underway, with its first major draft text released outlining key climate finance negotiations. This text is critical, as it defines potential outcomes for the conference and emphasizes equal voting power among the 190 participating countries.

● Setting the Climate Finance Target: New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG):

✅The central focus of the initial draft is the proposed New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on Climate Finance, a major point of negotiation:

✅Proposed Finance Target: Developing countries request a financial commitment of $5–6.8 trillion by 2030. This fund would enable these nations to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to renewable energy.

✅Role of Developed Countries: Developed nations are expected to significantly increase their contributions to meet this goal and validate global climate finance commitments.

● Historical Context and Existing Challenges:

✅The NCQG discussions revisit past commitments:

✅Previous Target (2009): Developed countries had pledged $100 billion annually from 2020 to 2025, a target that was reached only in 2022.

✅Unmet Commitments: Disputes continue over whether developed nations have fulfilled their pledges, with claims of $115 billion delivered in 2022 disputed by developing countries.

● Options within the NCQG:

✅The draft text outlines various funding options:

✅Overall Financial Commitment: A baseline estimate of $5-7 trillion by 2030.

✅Adaptation Finance: Separate annual targets for adaptation finance ranging from $215 to $584 billion until 2030.

✅Complex Methodologies: Additional funding estimates face challenges due to gaps in data, methodologies, and assumptions used in determining financial needs.

● Developing Nations’ Demands and Alliances:

✅Developing countries, including India, have formed alliances to advocate for fair climate finance:

✅Joint Positioning: India, China, and other developing countries are coordinating their demands, pushing for a text that acknowledges unmet commitments and ensures fair distribution of funds.

✅Text Revisions: The initial draft has grown in length, reflecting diverse demands but needing streamlining to be actionable.

● Expert Perspectives:

✅Experts highlight the challenges in finalizing a workable NCQG:

✅Need for Clarity: Independent experts call for agreement on finance quantity, quality, and timelines that align with developing nations' needs.

✅Text Overhaul Required: The draft is currently seen as overly complex and requires substantial reduction to focus on actionable goals.

● Prelims Takeaways:

✅New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)

✅Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW)

SOURCE - THE HINDU

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