Sep-16Envi Flashcards
Sep-16Envi -Index
- Ocean Warming and its Effects
- Working of Biodiversity Act 2002
- Aviation Climate Deal
- IGI is Asia-Pacific’s First ‘Carbon Neutral’ Airport
- WHO Study on Air Pollution Levels
- GM Mustard
- Desi GM Alternative to Monsanto
- Heritage Heroes Award
- National Ganga Council
- Gangetic Dolphins
- Habitat Destruction of Laggar Falcon in Madurai
- Giant Panda no Longer Endangered
- Indian Painted Frog
- New Species of Pika
- Prakampana-2016
7.1. OCEAN WARMING AND ITS EFFECTS
Why in news?
Recently a research report “Explaining ocean warming: causes, scale, effects and consequences” released by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) – has shown the effects of ocean warming.
Observations-Concerns
Oceans Impacted World’s waters have absorbed more than 93 per cent of the enhanced heating from climate change since the 1970s, curbing the heat felt on land but drastically altering the rhythm of life in the ocean. Ocean has been shielding us and the consequences of global warming.
Food security
Food security of India and several other major key food producing countries are threatened by changing weather patterns due to warming of the oceans, which may well be the “greatest” hidden challenge for the present generation
Rainfall patterns affected: already been changes to precipitation patterns in a number of areas of the planet resulting from large-scale atmospheric tele-connections with ocean warming
Increased rainfall in some mid-latitude and monsoon areas and decrease over various sub-tropical regions.
Yield is impacted:
Correlations between wheat and maize yields with the NAO (North Atlantic Oscillation) and PDO (Pacific Decadal Oscillation), so changes in these ocean-focused atmospheric patterns have direct implications on food production.
Similarly ceteris paribus, increasing temperatures tend to reduce rice, pulses
and maize yields.
Global warming is making the spread of diseases among animals and humans. This is threatening food security across the planet
Effects on monsoon (refer infographic)
Impacts on eco-system
Changes in the ocean are happening between 1.5 and 5 times faster than those on land. Such range shifts are potentially irreversible Climate change is altering the hibernation periods of animals, disturbing their breeding patterns and metabolism
Large-scale climatic anomalies affecting marine predator foraging behaviour and demography
Proliferation of East Antarctic Adélie penguins in response to historical deglaciation
Fisheries
At sea, warming temperatures will cause changes to the abundance and range of marine species used for food.
Huge implications for:
The billion people who depend on fish for their principal source of protein and
Fishing and aquaculture industries linked to this harvesting
Along with ocean warming, we also have increasing atmospheric temperatures.
According to NASA’s records, July month was the hottest month ever on the planet since we started taking records back in 1880. But now NASA has updated ‘the record warm to August’. This continued a streak of 11 consecutive months dating back to October 2015. Generally, the seasonal temperature cycle typically peaks in July, But unusually August 2016 wound up tied with July 2016 for the warmest month ever recorded.
This is causing de-glaciation, and rise of sea levels. According to Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI)
Around 12% of the ice sheet was found to be melting almost one month earlier than the previous top three dates for when more than 10% of the ice had begun to melt.
The average summer temperature was 8.2 degrees Celsius (46.8 degrees Fahrenheit) in Tasiilaq on Greenland’s southeast coast, the highest since records began in 1895.
The Greenland ice sheet, a potentially massive contributor to rising sea levels, lost mass twice as fast between 2003 and 2010 as during the entire 20th century, researchers said in December.
According to study by University of Washington: This year, Arctic sea-ice has reached the second lowest extent ever recorded by satellites.
A yacht of the Polar Ocean Challenge was able to sail the Arctic’s Northwest passage in only 14 days as it was “almost totally ice free” Effect on polar bears according to a new study
Sea ice season across all polar bear subpopulations in the Arctic has reduced by seven weeks since 1979,
Polar bears depend on sea ice to hunt seals, their main prey. They use the ice as a platform to ambush seals at breathing holes or break through the ice to reach their dens.
The findings of the study are being used by the International Union for Conservation of Nature to decide the conservation status of the species.
—Fig—
7.2. WORKING OF BIODIVERSITY ACT 2002
Why in news?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) had recently asked for action against top State officials who had failed to respond to an application filed before the tribunal for effective implementation of the act.
For the first time since the enactment of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, States have now been forced to look into its implementation.
Critical appraisal of the Act
India’s famed “green judge”, Justice Kuldip Singh, had observed in ICELA v. Union of India, 1996 case that “enacting of a law and tolerating its infringement is worse than not enacting a law at all”. This is typically true for the present state of biodiversity act 2002.
RTI responses from 15 States have revealed that out of more than 61,000 PRIs, only 14 per cent(less than 1,400) have PBRs (People’s Biodiversity Register).
The act has mostly failed in terms of implementation though the act has immense potential to safeguard India’s threatened biodiversity.
Failure of BD Act
This act is the most neglected of India’s environmental laws, and one of the least implemented.
Measures to conserve its rich biodiversity have not been sufficient. Despite many laws in place (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Forest (Conservation Act), 1980, Biological Diversity Act, 2002), the report admits that there is lack of effective enforcement of the laws to protect biodiversity.
Much of India’s forestland has been given away for industrial and infrastructural activities.
Over 40 per cent of India’s forests face different levels of degradation. The plan blames domestic demand for timber, fuel-wood and grazing for the crisis. About 80 per cent of the forest area faces heavy grazing while fire affects 50 per cent of the forest cover.
India now has just 12 varieties of food, which provide 80 per cent of the food energy. Changing lifestyles have affected variety, taste and nutritional value of food.
Agricultural biodiversity has been declining in India with more number of crops being commercially cultivated. Number of varieties grown under different agricultural systems has also fallen. Over 300,000 samples of indigenous plants kept in the National Gene Bank have gone out of cultivation.
Nearly 140 native breeds of farm livestock are facing survival threat. Low genetic diversity in natural conditions has affected the evolutionary development of indigenous wild species.
About 90 per cent of India’s traditional herbs are being traded. India’s share in the global complementary medicine market valued at us $62 billion is only 0.3 per cent, out of which 70 per cent comes from the export of raw materials.
Grasslands, rivers, wetlands and coastal and marine ecosystems are under threat causing widespread damage in support system for various species.
Grassland species like the Great Indian Bustard are under threat.
With just 180 left across the world, the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), a riverine species, is in the critically endangered category of the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (iucn).
Way forward
The NGT action shows the right direction of implementing provisions of BD act with regard to BMCs and PBRs.
PBRs could be an effective tool to counter false and misleading statements given in forest diversion proposals and EIA reports.
They could help a community present the facts before the government in order to highlight the ‘true value’ of the ecological entity proposed to be ‘sacrificed’.
Steps should be taken towards facilitating in creation and capacity building of BMC’s and PBRs in all the Panchayats.
7.3. AVIATION CLIMATE DEAL
Why in News?
International Civil Aviation Organisation approved a landmark accord at its assembly session in Montreal to curb aviation pollution.
More about the Deal
The proposal includes a mechanism for a `carbon emission tax’ on airlines in order to offset emissions in the aviation sector.
The agency’s carbon offsetting system is expected to slow the growth of emissions from commercial flights costing the industry less than 2 percent of revenues.
The accord requires participating countries to reduce emission by 2020 and limit it after it comes into effect from 2021.
Participation in the deal is voluntary from 2021 to 2026. The deal becomes mandatory from 2027.
Countries like US and China have agreed to go with the accord while Russia has refused to participate during the voluntary period.
India’s Stand
Although India has ratified the Paris Climate Deal, it has not agreed to the Aviation Climate Accord.
India feels that reducing “emissions” in the sector would be injustice to the country’s growing economy.
7.4. IGI IS ASIA-PACIFIC’S FIRST ‘CARBON NEUTRAL’ AIRPORT
Why in news?
The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has become
Asia-Pacific’s only and one of the world’s few airports to
achieve a “carbon neutral” status.
Currently, 25 airports in the world, most of them in Europe,
have earned carbon neutral status.
Importance of the tag
The Indira Gandhi International airport boasts of green
buildings, solar power plants, rainwater harvesting system
etc., which have helped reduce and offset carbon emissions.
The airport has taken a series of measures to reduce carbon
footprint, including setting up of a 7.84MW solar power plant.
This would mean, Delhi Airport will get highest level of
certification “level 3+ neutrality” available to airports across
the world.
Way forward
This achievement will set a new benchmark for other airports
in our region.
The achievement is a good step to showcase progress of India
and its commitment towards clean energy and new
technologies.
There should be enhanced focus on energy conservation and exploring alternative solution for generating green energy.
IGI Delhi Airport now aims to increase its solar power generation capacity to 20MW by 2020.
Box–What is carbon neutrality?
Carbon neutrality occurs when the net carbon emissions over an entire year are zero or when the airport absorbs or offsets the same amount of emission that was generated.
This achievement is accredited by ACI under Airport Carbon Accreditation that monitors the efforts of airports to manage and reduce their carbon emissions.
—Fig—
7.5. WHO STUDY ON AIR POLLUTION LEVELS
Why in news?
Fine particulate matter from industries, cars and biomass is causing premature mortality as observed by WHO.
A study conducted by the World Health Organisation and made public in September 2016 revealed that air pollution could have killed at least 600,000 Indians in 2012.
This is about a fifth of the 3 million who died worldwide because they were exposed to fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
Method of the study
The study findings are based on data derived from satellite measurements, air transport models and ground station monitors for more than 3000 locations, both rural and urban.
It also relies on publicly available national data on pollutant levels.
It is developed by WHO in collaboration with the University of Bath in UK.
Key points from the study
India comes just behind China which
witnessed an estimated 800,000
deaths in same period, according to
study.
The detailed study for India
suggested the reason for deaths in
absolute number as shown below.
2,49,388 Deaths due to Ischemic
heart disease
1,95,001 deaths due to stroke
1,10,500 deaths due to Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
(COPD)
26,334 deaths due to lung cancer
According to study, the actual impact
of air pollution is a “conservative
figure,” as it does not include the
separate impacts on health from
other air pollutants such as nitrogen
oxides (NOx) or ozone (O3).
According to study, all regions of the world are affected, however, populations in low-income cities are the most impacted.
As per the study, of all of pollutants, fine particulate matter has the greatest impact on health. PM 2.5 is responsible for aggravating or is directly responsible for many cardiovascular diseases and lung cancer.
Significance
There is nothing new to be known about air pollution. But the WHO report serves as an eye opener again. The study points out the level of impact in numerical terms.
It shows the degree of neglect and
indiscriminate levels of pollution in
our country and its adverse impacts.
This should serve as warning to
policy makers and the citizenry
about the negative consequences of
PM 2.5
There is a need of collective effort
from all the stakeholders to mitigate the impacts of air
pollution.
Way forward
The forest cover should be protected. Adequate forest cover
is essential for maintaining the quality of air.
Green belts should be created. Such areas should be
developed around densely populated cities.
There should be strict restriction for establishment of large
buildings and industries along the Green belt areas.
Automobile engines should be redesigned in such a way that
their emissions cause minimum pollution.
The burning of fossil fuels produces harmful gases and particulate matter that are released into the air. Alternatives to this should be promoted especially green energy technologies.
Provide cleaner fuels and scientifically designed cook stoves to reduce indoor pollution.
Industrial areas should be located at a safe distance from the residential areas.
Forest fires should be checked. Adequate preventive measures should be adopted to protect the forests.
Cheap devices for controlling air pollution should be developed.
Box–1-Major causes of Air Pollution Air pollution is caused when air in the atmosphere is filled with particulate matter. The largest source air of pollution in cities is from vehicle exhaust fumes. Filters that are not changed regularly in your air conditioning units will accumulate dirt and cause the spread of pollutants in the air you breathe inside your home.
Chemicals and toxic pollutants likes sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide react with water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acid rain. These pollutants come from factories, automobiles and any industrial or manufacturing plants.
Another source of air pollution is from dust and dirt that goes airborne due to every day labour in the agricultural and construction industry.
Dust is lifted from tractors working on fields, and from land clearing and general demolition in the construction industry.
Using household chemicals without adequate ventilation is a major source of indoor air pollution.
Volcanoes, dust storms, and forest fires are causes of natural air pollution
Box–2-Social and Economic Cost of Air Pollution
A World Bank study revealed that welfare costs and lost labour income due to air pollution amounted to 8.5% of India’s GDP in 2013.
The cost imposed on people living in regions where pollution and environmental degradation is higher.
According to a joint study by World Bank and University of Washington, total welfare losses between 1990 and 2013 because of premature deaths from air pollution increased by 94%.
—Fig—
7.6. GM MUSTARD
Why in news?
Technical sub-committee of India’s genetic engineering regulator has concluded that the genetically modified variety DMH-11 (Dhara Mustard Hybrid 11) did not “raise any public health or safety concerns for human beings or animals”.
Regarding this a report was released by the regulator,
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), which sought suggestions from the public over the next 30 days.
Details
The introduced proteins i.e. Barnase and Barstar are expressed at negligible to non-detectable levels in the edible parts and have been derived from commonly occurring non-pathogenic bacteria.
None of the three proteins has been shown to be toxic or allergenic through bioinformatics and acute toxicity studies in experimental animals
Process of approval
Suggestions from the public will have to be evaluated by GEAC to see if evidence on bio-safety has been ignored.
If there are no such concerns, the GEAC will have to decide whether to recommend DMH-11 for commercial cultivation.
The GEAC’s recommendation will then have to be approved by the environment minister whose decision will be final.
Arguments in support of GM mustard
In 2014-15, India imported 14.5 million tonnes of edible oils valued at $10.5 billion. Therefore, the need to raise domestic crop yields and cut dependence on imports.
Country’s cotton production has gone up more than 2½ times since Bt hybrids were first planted in 2002. Also, no adverse effects on human have reported (consumption of cotton seed oil, etc).
We import edible oil from GM crop using countries.
Delhi University’s CGMCP has pledged to distribute the GM mustard for free.
Key Concerns
Impacts could GM crops have on the environment and wildlife are not researched properly.
Insect resistant crops may affect non-target and helpful insects like butterfly, honey bee etc.,
Also pests and insects could develop resistance to the toxin
There is also a chance that herbicide resistant plants produce uncontrollable weeds or so called “super weeds”
They increase the yield but there are concerns about GM crops increasing input costs in a country where there is widespread farmer indebtedness and suicides.
Terminator seeds: One of the major issues with the GM crops is that the biotech companies (despite a global moratorium via UN Convention on Biological Diversity) can resort to the Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT) and produce the terminator seeds which makes crops die off after one harvest without producing offspring.
This would force the farmers to buy new seeds for each planting, which reduces their self-sufficiency and makes them dependent on major seed and chemical companies.
Also it is dangerous to keep in the hands of private companies, such technologies which may effect future food security.
The farmers also oppose the ‘seed monopolies’, which are causing price distortion and not adhering to government guidelines on price control in case of Bt Cotton.
They are also not being made accountable for the losses due to pest attacks like the recent pink bollworm.
GM crops effect on soil health and soil organisms is not known.
Effects on plant (and animal) biodiversity is not recorded.
Human Health may be effected: by inserting genes from organisms which have never been eaten as food, new proteins are introduced into the human and animal food chains. There is concern that these could cause allergic reactions or other health effects.
Many GM crops contain genes which provide resistance to commonly used antibiotics such as ampicillin. There is concern that these genes could be passed from food to bacteria in the guts of humans and animals.
Way forward
An independent and autonomous regulator which is insulated against pulls and pressures (envisioned in the lapsed Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India Bill)
A legislation to fix the liability of the seed monopoly is also desired.
In April this year, CIC asks ministry to make GM mustard bio safety data public under Sec IV of RTI and also Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety. But Ministry was against it. This should be changed as Transparency of data and functioning - is crucial for public and scientific confidence in the GEAC’s decision-making process.
Box–Barnase and Barstar genes are used for engineering male sterility in plants. Targets the TA29 gene.
Bio informatics: is the application of computer technology to the management of biological information.
—Fig—
7.7. DESI GM ALTERNATIVE TO MONSANTO
Why in News?
Indian scientists have developed two new sets of indigenous transgenic events in cotton cultivation that is a potential alternative to Mosanto seeds.
Highlights
Scientists at Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) have developed two independent ‘events’ for insertion of the cry1Ac gene.
cry1Ac gene isolated from a soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and is toxic for American bollworm insect.
The other promising indigenous GM event is whitefly-resistant cotton developed by the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow.
Scientists have isolated and cloned a gene from an edible fern Tectaria macrodonta.
The geneTma12 encodes a protein toxic to whitefly.
Significance
The two CGMCP new events will decrease dependence on Monsanto’s Bollgard II.
The levels of cry1Ac protein expression is known to be much higher than that of Bt cotton varieties developed by Monsanto, Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies.
The cry1Ac protein expression in the two events declines over the growing season, but the overall level is 2-3 folds higher than MON531, Monsanto’s cry1Ac event.
These events will make the Bt cotton variety much more resistant to bollworm attacks.
Higher protein expression will also address the growing vulnerability of Bt cotton to pink bollworm.
Both CGMCP and NBRI events come at a time when there is growing susceptibility of pink bollworm and whitefly in the currently grown Bt hybrids.
Not only has the total production fallen but also production per hectare.
7.8. HERITAGE HEROES AWARD
Why in news?
Assam-based ecologist and conservation activist Bibhuti
Lahkar has become the first Asian to be awarded the
prestigious Heritage Heroes Award by the International
Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
He received the award at the IUCN’s World Conservation
Congress.
Work of Mr. Lahkar
He has been working to save the grasslands, flora and fauna
of Manas National Park area for the past two decades.
He currently engaged as Manas Landscape Administrator
for Aaranyak, an NGO working for biodiversity conservation in Northeast India.
He was instrumental in connecting Manas Wildlife Sanctuary with the Royal Manas National Park in Bhutan.
He had also conducted a GIS survey of the Manas area and his research findings were highly beneficial in the Manas Tiger Conservation.
Box–What is Heritage Heroes Award?
The Heritage Heroes award is given by IUCN. It aims to recognise the outstanding efforts of a few brave people, around the four corners of the world, who relentlessly invest efforts to make a difference in the way natural World Heritage sites are conserved, sometimes despite life-threatening situations.
The objective of this initiative is to inspire people to value the importance of natural World Heritage sites and recognise the need to collectively invest in their conservation.
7.9. NATIONAL GANGA COUNCIL
Why in News?
The Union Cabinet under the chairmanship of PM Narendra Modi has cleared the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.
The Order enforces an institutional structure for policy and implementation and empowers National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) to discharge its functions in an independent and accountable manner.
A mission status will be granted to the Authority with corresponding power under the Environment (Protection) Act (1986).
Major Takeaways
The new council for River Ganga will replace the existing National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) for pollution prevention and rejuvenation of Ganga.
Setting of an Empowered Task Force that will ensure the existence and implementation of an action plan under various Departments, Ministries and States.
The NMCG will have a two tier structure with a Governing Council and an Executive Committee.
The NMCG will comply to the decisions of the National Ganga Council.
At the state level, State Ganga Committees would be formed for proper implementation.
Similarly, District Ganga Committees would be formed in each Ganga Bank District and they shall be monitored by the State Committees.
The special focus of the revamped structure would be to maintain ecological flows in Ganga with an aim to ensure water quality and environmentally sustainable development.
An innovative model based on Hybrid Annuity has also been approved for fast track creation of sewerage and treatment infrastructure in the Ganga basin.
Significance
The NMCG will now have the power to issue orders and also exercise the powers under the Environment Protection Act. It can now fine polluters.
NMCG will only take action in case of non-compliance when CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board) does not do so.
CPCB can also take action jointly with NMCG.
The said infrastructure will ensure ecological flows, abatement to pollution and rejuvenation of the river.
The authority will also be able to impose restrictions on polluting industries and carry out inspections to ensure compliance
7.10. GANGETIC DOLPHINS
Why in News?
Scientists and wildlife conservationist feel that the development of the Ganga under the National Waterway 1 project is threat to the survival of the gangetic dolphins.
Ganges River Dolphin is a sub-species of river dolphins, found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers.
Background
The Centre has planned to develop a 1600-km waterway between Allahabad and Haldia for inland transportation under a Rs. 4200-crore World Bank-aided project.
The first phase of the project from Haldia to Varanasi (1300 km) is now underway.
The NW1 is seen as a logistics gateway for northern India with the potential to reduce traffic congestion.
The stretch that covers that NW1 is also home to river dolphins.
There are almost 2500 river dolphins in Ganga and there population is diminishing.
River dolphins have been classified as “endangered” by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) in 1966.
These species are practically blind and rely on bio-sonar waves to move around.
7.11. HABITAT DESTRUCTION OF LAGGAR FALCON IN MADURAI
Why in news?
The Laggar falcon, once numerous in number, now has only two birds of this species surviving on the rock cliffs of Arittapatti in Madurai.
They are probably the only birds spotted in the entire south Indian region in the last two years.
There is no record of spotting Laggar Falcons on eBird, the US-based web page for birders.
Reasons for the decline in number
Indiscriminate sand quarrying on the Vaigai river bed and indiscriminate granite and stone quarrying in many parts of Madurai has led to loss of habitat of these birds.
Felling of palm trees in these areas, which is a nesting spot of many raptor species, is also one of the reasons for the disappearance of the birds.
About Laggar Falcons
Laggar Falcons are an indigenous raptor species with white and grey plumage, which can hunt and fly at speeds of up to 180 kmph. It resembles the lanner falcon but is darker overall.
7.12. GIANT PANDA NO LONGER ENDANGERED
Why in News?
The International Union of Conservation of Nature has said in a report that the Panda is now classified as “vulnerable” instead of “endangered” species.
Highlights of the Report
The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) report attributes the change in classification to the growing numbers of wild Panda.
The Panda population jumped to 1,864 in 2014 from 1,596 in 2004, as a result of work by the Chinese agencies to enforce poaching bans and expand forest reserves.
The report also warned that climate change is predicted to eliminate more than 35 percent of the Panda’s natural bamboo habitat in the next 80 years.
7.13. INDIAN PAINTED FROG
Why in News?
A rare Indian painted frog was spotted for the first time in
Bejjur forest in Telangana, Adilabad.
The find had been made in an area that fell outside the
mapped distribution area of the species.
Indian Painted Frog
The species is found in tree holes, burrows, pollution-free
wetlands and riverine areas.
This animal is listed among species of “least concern” by the IUCN.
Box–Bejjur Reserve Forest
The Bejjur Reserve Forest lies on the banks of Pranahita river in the eastern part of Telegana district.
The Peddavagu stream cuts across the Bejjur Reserve Forest.
There are over 50 types of trees. There is presence of rare striped hyena, leopard almost all ungulates except the gaur.
7.14. NEW SPECIES OF PIKA
Why in News?
A new Pika species named “Ochotona sikamaria” has been discovered in the higher altitudes of Himalayas in Sikkim.
The new species was discovered by the study based on genetic data and skull measurements.
The study has been published in the journal, “Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution”.
More on Sikkim Pika
These members of the Pika family look like tailless rats.
They are highly susceptible to climate change like increasing temperature.
