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 Environment
Current Affairs (2022-23)
Targeting UPSC Prelims 2023
By Mayuri Bhagwani
RED LIST OF THREATENED SPECIES
•The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) has unveiled its
updated Red List of Threatened Species during the COP15 biodiversity conference
in Canada.
•Climate change impacts at least 41% of threatened marine species.
•239 new species analysed in India have entered the list, of which, 29 are
threatened
Dugong: State animal of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
•Dugong populations in East Africa and New Caledonia have entered the IUCN Red List
as Critically Endangered and Endangered respectively. The species remains Vulnerable
globally.
• Threats: Unintentional capture in fishing gear in East Africa and poaching in New
Caledonia, and boat injuries and destruction of seagrass habitats in both locations.
•Only herbivorous marine mammals and feed on seagrass.
•Only member of the Order Sirenia found in India.
•Live in groups and come to the surface to breathe with a distinct dolphin-like tail.
•Have mammary glands.
•Habitat: Shallow coastal waters of the Indian and western Pacific Oceans.
Treaty of High Seas
UNCLOS (India also a
state party) lays
down a
comprehensive
regime of law and
order in world's
oceans and seas
establishing rules
governing all uses of
oceans and their
resources.
CHEETAH REINTRODUCTION
Eight wild African Cheetahs (5 female and 3 male) from Namibia, were recently
introduced in Kuno National Park (KNP), Madhya Pradesh under Project Cheetah.

•Both a flagship species (selected to act as an ambassador, icon or symbol for a

defined habitat, issue, campaign or environmental cause) and an umbrella
species (its conservation ensures conservation of other species of wild animals
and forests).
•World’s fastest land mammal, capable of running at 80 to 128 km/h.
• Diurnal i.e., they hunt during the day.
•Unlike other big cats (lions, tigers, etc.) don’t roar.
• Gestation period- 93 days.
• Live in three main social groups: females and their cubs, male coalitions, and
solitary males.
•World's first inter-continental large wild carnivore translocation project.
• Part of the centrally Sponsored Scheme- ‘Project Tiger’ of India.
• Funding: Funds from Project Tiger and Compensatory Afforestation Fund
Management & Planning Authority (CAMPA).
•Aim: To introduce African cheetah in India.
• Nodal Agency: National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) authorized for
funding, supervision and hand holding of the project. Wildlife Institute of India
(WII), national and international carnivore/cheetah experts/agencies for
technical and knowledge support.
Kuno National Park (KNP)
• Location: Lies in North-West of Madhya Pradesh close to state
border with Rajasthan in Vindhyan Hills of Central India.
• On its south-eastern side of the boundary, it forms a contiguous
forest landscape with patchy connectivity to Panna Tiger reserve
(TR) through the Shivpuri forest area.
• Ranthambhore NP and Kailadevi WLS (both part of the
Ranthambhore TR) are connected with it through good forest
patches towards the north- western boundary from across the
river Chambal.
• Only wildlife site in the country with a complete incentivized
voluntary relocation of villages from inside the park.
• River: Perennial Kuno river
• Forest Type: Northern tropical dry deciduous forest
GREAT INDIAN BUSTARDS
•In April, 2021, SC had ordered the power companies in Rajasthan and Gujarat to
make the high-tension power lines underground so that GIB do not get caught in
the web.

•Called ‘Son Chiriya’ in Madhya Pradesh, ‘Godawan’ in Rajasthan and ‘Maldhok’ in

Maharashtra.
•Despite weighing heavy, can easily fly.
• Bustard Species Found in India: Great Indian Bustard, the Lesser Florican and the
Bengal Florican.
•Endemic to Indian Sub-continent, Rajasthan has the highest population.
• Important Sites: Desert National Park Sanctuary (Rajasthan), Naliya (Gujarat),
Warora (Maharashtra) and Bellary (Karnataka)
•One of the Species for Recovery Programme under
Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats of the
Ministry of Environment and Forests
• Included under National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016)
PROJECT TIGER
Project Tiger will complete 50 years in the year 2023.

• A Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Ministry of

Environment, Forests and Climate Change, launched in 1973.
•Provides central assistance to tiger range States for in-situ
conservation of tigers in designated tiger reserves.
• Implementing Agency: Statutory body National Tiger
Conservation Authority (NTCA), established through Wild Life
(Protection) Amendment Act, 2006.
• Overarching supervisory/coordination role and approves the
Tiger Conservation Plan prepared by the State Governments.
•Funding pattern: Centre provides financial assistance to States of
60% and 50% for expenditure on all non-recurring items and
expenditure on recurring items respectively. Northeastern and
Himalayan States are provided 90% central assistance in both
cases.

•52 tiger reserves covering over 75,000 sq. km. : Ranipur TR (53rd
TR) and Ramgarh Vishdhari TR (52nd TR).
• Other Protected areas accorded approval for declaration as TR:
Sunabeda Wildlife Sanctuary (Odisha), Male Mahadeshwara Hills
Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka), and Guru Ghasidas National Park &
Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh).
•Core buffer strategy for TRs: Core areas are kept free of all human
activities, a co-existence agenda adopted in buffer and fringe areas
with landscape approach. NTCA recently banned new construction
in tiger reserves’ core areas.
• NTCA conducting 5th cycle of assessment using application M-STrIPES
(Monitoring System for Tigers Intensive-Protection & Ecological Status): Uses
GPS to geotag photo-evidence.
•Independent monitoring and the evaluation of tiger reserve by developing
Management Effectiveness Evaluation (MEE) Framework as per international
standards.
•Special Tiger Protection Force (STPF) deployed in several TRs for focused
anti-poaching operations.
•Technological advancements: E-Bird project uses Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
(UAV) for Surveillance and Monitoring.
Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve :
•4 th Tiger Reserve of Rajasthan after Ranthambore, Sariska and
Mukundra; and 52nd tiger reserve of India.
•River: Mez, a tributary of Chambal river.
•Dry Deciduous Forest

Ranipur Tiger Reserve (RTR)

Chitrakoot district of Uttar Pradesh.
Forest Type: Tropical dry deciduous forests
INDIA’S 33RD ELEPHANT RESERVE
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change gave its
nod to Terai Elephant Reserve (TER), UP
The area also includes: Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Pilibhit Tiger
Reserve and comprise forest areas of the Kishanpur Wildlife
Sanctuary, Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

About Elephant reserves • Declared as an administrative

category by government to demarcate large landscapes that
hold elephants and their movements. • Notified under
centrally sponsored scheme Project Elephant.
Tamil Nadu and Assam have the highest number of Ers
Mysore ER in Karnataka is the largest ER.
•Highly intelligent animals characterised by strong family bonds, sophisticated forms
of communication and complex behaviour, including tool use and the ability to feel
grief and compassion.
• Form herds of related females led by the oldest female, the 'matriarch'.
•Have longest gestation period of all mammals (18 to 22 months).
• Adult male Asian elephants are less social than females.
•Found in the central and southern Western Ghats, North East India, eastern India
and northern India and in some parts of southern peninsular India.
• As per the last count in 2017, India has 29,964 elephants.
• Karnataka has the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
•Found in the central and southern Western Ghats, North East
India, eastern India and northern India and in some parts of
southern peninsular India.
• As per the last count in 2017, India has 29,964 elephants.
• Karnataka has the highest number of elephants, followed
by Assam and Kerala.
INVASIVE SPECIES
•Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve faces new threat from invasive plant
species.
•Several identified invasive species: Bombax ceiba, Crateva magna, Trevia
nudiflora, Lagerstroemia speciose, Lagerstromia parvifiora, Litsea salicifolia,
Securinega irosa, Rosa involucrata, pomoea camea, Derms cuneilolia, Calamus
tenuis, and Leea macrophylla etc.
•An organism that causes ecological or economic harm in a new environment
where it is not native.
• For E.g.: In India, Parthenium (came from wheat imported from U.S. in 1950s)
and lantana (brought by British as ornamental
plants from South America) threatens more
than 40% of India’s tiger reserves.
ECO-SENSITIVE ZONES (ESZ)
•The Supreme Court has directed that every protected forest, national park and
wildlife sanctuary in the country should mandatorily have a minimum 1 km ESZ,
from their demarcated boundaries.
•Ecologically important and fragile areas around protected areas designated
under the Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986, to be protected from
industrial pollution and unregulated development.
•Notified by: The Central Government in exercise of the powers conferred by
section 3 of the EPA, 1986.
Aim of ESZs
1. Create some kind of “Shock Absorber” for the Protected Areas (PAs).
2. Act as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to
those requiring lesser protection.
3. Regulate human activities, rather than prohibit, around PAs.
BIODIVERSITY HERITAGE SITES (BHSS)
Tamil Nadu issued a notification declaring Arittapatti and Meenakshipuram
villages in Madurai district the first biodiversity heritage site in State.

•Well defined areas that are unique, ecologically fragile ecosystems, spread
over terrestrial, coastal and inland and marine waters having rich biodiversity.
•Notified by: State Governments, in consultation with ‘local bodies’.
• Identified and notified as per the provisions of the Section 37 of the Biological
Diversity Act 2002. o State Government in consultation with Central
Government may frame rules for the
management and conservation of BHS.
•Creation of BHSs may not put any restriction
on prevailing practices and usages of local
communities, other than those voluntarily decided by them.
• State Governments are also empowered to frame
schemes for compensating or rehabilitating any
person or section of people economically affected by
such notification.
•State Biodiversity Boards (SBB) may invite suggestion
for declaration of BHSs through relevant community
institutions (Gram sabhas, panchayats, urban wards,
forest protection committees, tribal councils).
•Presently 35 BHS are in India including Majuli,
Unakoti, Silachari Caves, Amarkantak etc.
• First Biodiversity Heritage Site of IndiaNallur
Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka (2007).
PROTECTED AREAS
CITES (CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN
ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA)
The 19th Meeting of Conference of the Parties (CoP 19) to CITES, also known as the
World Wildlife Conference, was held in Panama.
India’s Operation Turtshield (by Wildlife Crime Control Bureau)
Acts regulating International trade in all wildlife species of India (including the
species covered under CITES):
✓Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972,
✓ Export–Import Policy (EXIM Policy) under the Foreign Trade (Development and
Regulation) Act of 1992
✓ Customs Act of 1962.

• Management Authority for CITES (CITES-MA) in India: Director of Wildlife

Preservation, Government of India.
• Government of India appointed five Scientific Authorities to assist the CITES MA
on scientific aspects of CITES
✓ Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata.
✓ Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Kolkata.
✓ Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), Cochin.
✓ Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.
✓ Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB), Coimbatore.
THE WILD LIFE (PROTECTION) AMENDMENT ACT, 2022
Recently, the Wildlife (Protection)
Amendment Act, 2022 was
enacted to amend the WLPA, 1972
to incorporate more species
protected under the law.
Key Amendments:
• Rationalisation of schedules: Number of
schedules from 6 to 4.
Inserting a new schedule for specimens listed in
the Appendices under CITES (scheduled
specimens).
Removing the schedule for vermin species. Wild
animals will be declared as Vermin by Central
Government by the way of notification for any
area and for a specified period
•New Chapter VB for implementation of CITES: Designation of authorities by the
Central government
1. Management Authority (MA)- responsible for issuance of permits and certificates
for trade of scheduled specimens in accordance with the Convention.
2. Scientific Authority- to advice MA on aspects related to impact on the survival of
the specimens being traded.
FOREST (CONSERVATION) RULES, 2022
These rules are notified under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and will replace the
Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2003.
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980?
It is the principal legislation that regulates deforestation in the country.
•It prohibits the felling of forests for any “non-forestry” use without prior clearance by
the central government.
•The clearance process includes seeking consent from local forest rights-holders and
from wildlife authorities.
•The Centre is empowered to reject such requests or allow them with legally binding
conditions.
Process of approval for diversion of forest land culminates
after issuance of final diversion order by the State
Government or UT concerned which authorises use
of forest land for intended purpose and hands over the
land to the user agency.
Forest (Conservation) Rules, 2022
•The rules make a provision for private parties to cultivate
plantations and sell them as land to companies who need to
meet compensatory forestation targets.
•The new Forest Conservation Rules do not mention the earlier
requirement of attaining a gram sabha NOC before diverting
forest land for a project.
•They also allow forest rights to be settled after the final
approval for forest clearances has been granted by the Centre
•Since forest rights now need to be carried out by the state
government, state governments will be under even greater
pressure from the Centre to accelerate the process of diversion
of forest land.
•Section 2 of the act lists four criteria where permission of the
Central Government is required for any action of State regarding –
•Declaring that any reserved forest ceases to be reserved.
•Use of forestland for non-forest purposes.
•Leasing forest to any private person.
•Declaring that any forest land may be cleared of trees that have
grown naturally in that land, for the purpose of using it for
reforestation.
•Removing self-regenerating forest for the creation of plantation is
also the non-forest purpose.
•There is also a provision of compensatory afforestation. User agency
has to pay for forestland as if is revenue land. NPV (Net Present Value)
has to be paid for 50 years. NPV is an ecological cost of forests.
COMMUNITY FOREST RIGHTS (CFR)
Chhattisgarh recognized community forest rights (CFR) of the tribals of
the Kanger Ghati National Park (KNP)
• The KNP became the 2nd protected area in the country, after Simlipal
in Odisha, where CFR rights have been recognised.
• CFR area is common forest land that has been traditionally protected
and conserved for sustainable use by a particular community.

Kanger Ghati National Park (KNP)

•Kangar river
• Home to three exceptional caves –Kutumbasar, Kailash and Dandak-
with Stellagmites and Stalactitees structures.
• Tirathgarh Waterfall
•CFR are recognised under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest
Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (FRA), 2006 which:
✓ Recognize and vest the forest rights and occupation in forest land in forest
dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been
residing in such forests for generations but whose right could not be recorded.
✓ Allow the community to formulate rules for forest use by itself and others.
✓ Give the authority to the Gram Sabha to adopt local traditional practices of
forest conservation and management within the community forest resource
boundary.
• FRA provides for Community Rights (CRs) and CFR rights recognition in all forest
lands, including wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and national parks.
‘Tree City of the World’ (TCW) Tag
•Mumbai and Hyderabad have been jointly recognised as ‘2021 TCW’.
• TCW programme has been started by United Nations’ Food and Agriculture
Organisation and American non-profit organisation Arbor Day Foundation.
• Provides direction, assistance, and worldwide recognition for a
community’s dedication to its urban forest and framework for healthy,
sustainable urban forestry programme in town or city.
• City was evaluated based on five standards i.e. Establish Responsibility, Set
the Rules, Know What You Have, Allocate the Resources, and Celebrate the
Achievements.
Nagar Van Scheme
• Launched in 2020, on World Environment Day (5th June) to develop 400 Urban
Forests (Nagar Van) and 200 Nagar Vatika across the country in the next five years.
• Under the scheme : A minimum of 20 hectares of forests will be created in the
city.
• Forests will come up either on existing forest land or on any other vacant land
offered by urban local bodies.
• Van Udyan once established will be maintained by the State Government.
•Fully funded by the CAMPA (Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act, 2016) funds.
Miyawaki method

• Fazilka district of Punjab has become a trendsetter in expanding forest cover

by applying the Miyawaki method.
• It is a technique of urban afforestation by creating micro forests over small
plots of land.
• Devised by Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in 1980s.
• Ensures 10 times faster growth of plant and 30 times denser than usual.
• In this technique, native trees of region are divided into four layers (shrub,
sub-tree, tree, and canopy) after identification and analysis of soil quality.
NEW RAMSAR SITES
Recently, India has designated 26 new wetlands of international importance under
the Ramsar Convention.
With this designation, now India has a total of 75 Ramsar sites

•Wetlands Defined as any land area that is saturated or flooded with water, either
seasonally or permanently.
• As per Ramsar convention, wetlands include areas of marsh, fen, peatland or
water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is
static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth
of which at low tide does not exceed six metres.
• India has over 7 lakh wetlands covering ~16 Mha i.e., 4.86% of the total
geographic area of the country.
• In comparison to man-made wetlands area in India, natural wetlands area is
approximately two times.
BLUE FLAG BEACHES
The globally recognized International eco-label "Blue Flag”, has been accorded to
two new beaches – Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in
Lakshadweep, taking the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag
certification to 12.
• Awarded by: the Denmark-based non-profit Foundation for Environmental
Education or FEE.
• Mission: To promote sustainability in the tourism sector, through environmental
education, environmental protection and other sustainable development practices.
• Awarded to: beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators.
• Eligibility criteria: A series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and
accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
• Award is based on compliance to four main categories:
Environmental Education and Information; Water Quality;
Environmental Management; Safety and Services.
GREAT BARRIER REEF (GBR)
Scientists have successfully trialled a new
method i.e., Cryomesh to freeze and store coral
larvae. Mesh technology will help to store coral
larvae at -1960 C (-320.8°F).

GBR is world’s largest barrier reef, located at

north eastern coast of Australia in coral sea. o It
was declared a World Heritage Area in 1981
because of its 'outstanding universal value'.
Corals
• Invertebrate animals belonging to a large group of colourful animals called
Cnidaria.
•Each coral called a polyp.
• Contain microscopic algae called zooxanthellae (exist with animal in a symbiotic
relationship).
• Coral polyps (animals) provide algae (plants) a home, and in exchange the algae
provide polyps with food they generate through photosynthesis.
•Share less than 1% of the earth’s surface but provide a home to nearly 25% of
marine life.
• Form barriers to protect shoreline from waves and storms.
•Hard corals, primary reef-building corals, extract calcium carbonate from seawater
to build hard, white coral exoskeletons.
• Soft Corals, flexible because they lack solid skeleton.
Black Corals
• Researchers have discovered new
species of black corals living 2,500
feet below surface off the coast of
Australia.
• They are all over the world and at
all depths. However, typically, they
are known as deep-sea corals.
• They are rarely black, but rather
vary in color from white to red,
green, yellow, or brown.
Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI)
•AWBI has issued advisories regarding stray dogs and pet dogs because of rising
atrocities against dogs, feeders of dogs and caregivers.
• A statutory body (HQ: Ballabhgarh, Haryana) established in 1962 under
Prevention of Cruelty to Animal Act, 1960 (PCA Act).
• Mandate: Prevent infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals under
provisions of PCA Act, 1960 and Rules framed under this Act.
• Acts as an advisory body to Central Government and State Government.
Champions of the Earth award
•Indian wildlife biologist Dr Purnima Devi Barman honoured
with UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) 2022
Champions of the Earth award in Entrepreneurial Vision
category.
•Barman leads Hargila Army, an all-female grassroots
conservation movement to protect Greater Adjutant Stork
from extinction in Assam.

About Champions of the Earth award:

✓ Inception in 2005, awarded annually.
✓ UN’s highest environmental honour, it recognizes
outstanding leaders from government, civil society, and
private sector.
Oran land
•Residents from Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) are demanding the Oran land to be
declared as community-conserved sacred spaces against its current status of
wastelands.
• Orans are sacred spaces, which are rich in biodiversity and usually include a
water body.
• The orans are habitats of the great Indian bustard, desert cat, etc.
• Orans are also spaces where herders take their livestock for grazing and are
places for communal congregations, festivals, and other social events.
Aceclofenac
•Indian Veterinary Research Institute has demanded a ban on using aceclofenac
in cattle.
• Aceclofenac is a veterinary painkiller.
• It metabolises into diclofenac in water buffaloes and cows which eventually
threatens vulture populations in the country.
• Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory drug, was banned in 2006 as it was the main
cause of dramatic decline (99 per cent) of vulture population across Asia.
World Green City Award 2022
•Hyderabad city won the overall ‘World Green City Award 2022’ and ‘Living
Green for Economic Recovery and Inclusive Growth’ award.
• The results are announced by The International Association of Horticulture
Producers.
Report Publisher
State of the World’s Birds Bird Life International
State of the World's Forests 2022 United Nations Food and Agriculture
Organization (FAO)
IPBES Assessment Report: Intergovernmental Science-Policy
Sustainable Use of Wild Species Platform on Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
State of Mangroves 2022 Global Mangrove Alliance
Living Planet Report 2022 and Living World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
Planet Index (LPI)
Sustainable Development Report Sustainable Development Solutions
(SDR), 2022 Network (SDSN)
Report Publisher
State of the Global Climate Report World Meteorological Organization
(WMO)
Global Ocean Observing System World Metrological Organisation in
(GOOS) Report Card partnership with Intergovernmental
Oceanographic Commission of
UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO)
Greenhouse Gas Bulletin World Meteorological Organization
(WMO)
Climate Investment Opportunities in World Bank
India’s Cooling Sector
Climate and Development: An World Bank
Agenda for Action
Nationally Determined Contributions UNFCCC
(NDC) Synthesis Report
Report Publisher
State of Climate Action Report Climate Action Tracker (an independent
analytic group comprising Climate
Analytics and New Climate Institute),
the United Nations High-Level Climate
Change Champions, World Resources
Institute and others
Global Carbon Budget Global Carbon Project (GCP)
Climate Change Performance Index Germanwatch, NewClimate Institute
and Climate Action Network.
The World Heritage Glaciers Report Jointly released by UNESCO and IUCN
Report Publisher
Fostering Effective Energy Transition World Economic Forum (WEF)
Environment Performance Index World Economic Forum (WEF) in
(EPI) (Biennial) collaboration with Yale Center for
Environmental Law and Policy and
Columbia University Center for
International Earth Science
Information Network
Renewable Capacity Statistics 2022 International Renewable Energy
Agency (IRENA)
Renewable Energy (RE) Report 2022 International Energy Association
(IEA)
World Energy Employment Report International Energy Agency (IEA)
Report Publisher
Global Wind Report Global Wind Energy Council
State of India’s Environment (SoE) in Centre for Science and Environment
figures
EnviStats India 2022 EnviStats India 2022
Global Assessment Report on UN, published biennially by the UN
Disaster Risk Reduction 2022 Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
(UNDRR)
Sustainable Development Report (SDR), 2022
SUSTAINABLE CITIES INTEGRATED APPROACH PILOT (SCIAP)
PROJECT
UN-Habitat has, based on its findings on sustainable cities integrated approach
pilot project, highlighted issues related to Jaipur’s urban development to
propose strategic interventions and promote sustainable development.

• Implemented by: UNIDO and UN-Habitat in partnership with the Ministry of

Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Government of India.
• Funded by: Global Environment Facility.
• Covers 5 pilot cities: Jaipur, Mysore, Vijayawada, Guntur and Bhopal.
• Goal: To infuse sustainability strategies into urban planning and management
at the city level and create an enabling climate for investments in green
infrastructure that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve service
delivery and enhance the quality of living for all citizens, thereby building
resilience and strengthening the governance capacity of the cities.
• Major component of the project: To develop an Urban Sustainability
Assessment Framework (USAF) for spatial planning in India.
It is designed as a decision support tool for municipal commissioners and urban
practitioners to support sustainable and resilient urban planning and
management of cities in India.
• Jaipur has received an overall sustainability rating of three on USAF.
GRIHA (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment)
• UIDAI Headquarter in New Delhi has won the GRIHA Exemplary Performance
Award 2022.
• GRIHA was developed by TERI (private energy research institute) and was
adopted as national rating system for green buildings by Government of India in
2007.
• It evaluates environmental performance of a building holistically over its entire
life cycle, thereby providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a ‘green
building’.
• It is also recognized as India’s own green building rating system in INDIA’s INDC
submitted to UNFCCC.
INDIA’S FIRST SOVEREIGN GREEN BONDS (SGB) FRAMEWORK
Ministry of Finance approves India’s First Sovereign Green Bonds (SGB) Framework.
• A green bond is a fixed-income instrument designed to support specific climate-
related or environmental projects. SGBs are issued by the Government.
• Earlier, Union Budget 2022-23 announced the issuance of SGBs.
• A ‘green project’ classification is based on the principles like: Encourages energy
efficiency, reduces carbon & GHG emissions etc. Eligible projects under the
framework include: Renewable energy, clean transportation, water and waste
management, green building etc.
• Excludes, nuclear power generation, landfill projects, direct
waste incineration, hydropower plants larger than 25 MW etc.
• Green Finance Working Committee constituted to
validate key decisions on issuance of SGB.
• Proceeds will be deposited with Consolidated Fund of India.
OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an autonomous Institute
under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is establishing India’s first Ocean
Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant.
• OTEC plant will have a capacity of 65kW in Kavaratti, Lakshadweep with
indigenous technology.
• It will power the Low Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) based
desalination plant for conversion of Sea water into Potable water.
• Earlier in 1980, India had planned to set up an OTEC plant, off the Tamil Nadu
coast, but it was abandoned.
Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC)
•A process for producing energy by harnessing the temperature differences
(thermal gradients) between ocean surface waters and deep ocean waters.
This temperature difference can be used to produce electricity and to desalinate
ocean water.
• OTEC systems use a temperature difference of at least 20° Celsius to power a
turbine to produce electricity.
•OTEC has a theoretical potential of
180,000 MW in India subject to suitable
technological evolution.
•India is geographically well placed;
Generates a constant, clean source of
electricity unlike intermittent electricity
from renewable resources like wind and
solar; Potential to generate potable water,
hydrogen, and ammonia; Cold and nutrient
rich water from the OTEC process can
benefit commercial products such as air
conditioning, aquaculture, etc.
Challenges associated with OTEC:
• High up-front capital costs;
• Currently at pre-R&D/demonstration stage or the initial stage of
commercialization;
• Potential impact on marine organisms and ecosystem due to discharge of cooler,
denser and nutrient rich water from OTEC facilities, entanglement in cables,
entrapment, noise generation, accidental release of biocides (used for water
treatment) or other potential pollutants etc.
Sindhuja-I : It is an Ocean Wave Energy Converter developed by IIT Madras.
‘Global Methane Assessment: 2030 Baseline Report’
•Released by Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) and United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) at 27th Conference of Parties (COP27) to
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Key findings:
• Amount of Methane in the atmosphere is 260% of pre-industrial levels.
•Human-driven methane emissions are responsible for nearly 45% of current net
warming.
• 2021 saw the largest annual increase recorded.
Global Methane Pledge (GMP)
• Launched at COP26 in 2021 to catalyse action
to reduce methane emissions.
• Led by: United States and European Union.
• Aim: To collectively reduce methane
emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by
2030.
• Membership: More than 100 country
participants, together responsible for 45% of
global human-caused methane emissions.
•India did not sign the pledge because of its
concerns over the impact on trade, on the
country's vast farm sector, and the role of
livestock in the rural economy.
27TH CONFERENCE OF THE PARTIES (COP 27)
The 27th Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt,
recently concluded.
Loss and damage fund
It is a financing mechanism to compensate the most vulnerable countries from climate-linked disasters.
In the 1990s, the Alliance of Small Island States, began calling for the establishment of a loss and damage
fund.

AWARe (Action on Water Adaptation or Resilience)

AWARe was launched by Egypt’s COP27 Presidency, in partnership with World Meteorological
Organization (WMO).
It is an initiative that will champion inclusive cooperation to address water related challenges and
solutions across climate change adaptation.
AWARe aims at contributing to a successful outcome at the 2023 UN Conference on Water.

Infrastructure Resilience Accelerator Fund (IRAF)

It was launched by the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) at the India Pavilion, COP27,
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
IRAF is a multi-donor trust fund, established with the support of United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) and United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR).
It will be managed by the United Nation Multi-Partner Trust Fund Office (UN MPTFO), New York.
It will be supported by India, the UK, Australia and the European Union.
Global Shield Plan
The Global Shield (GS) is a funding mechanism that provides funding to countries
suffering climate disasters.
Coordinators - The Group of 7 (G7) and the V20 group of climate-vulnerable
countries.
Objectives
To close urgent protection gaps in countries by designing, funding, and
facilitating interventions.
To provide pre-arranged insurance and disaster protection funding after events
such as floods, droughts and hurricanes hit
To complement, not replace, the progress on loss and damage.
Pakistan will be among the first recipients of funding from the G7 ‘Global Shield’
initiative.

Technology Mechanism
The UNFCCC launched the first joint work programme of the Technology
Mechanism for 2023-2027.
The joint work programme will focus on high-potential sectors and high-potential
actions across water, energy, food, industry, and other systems.
Long Term-Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS)
India announced its LT-LEDS, a roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070.
The plan focuses on strategic transition of high-emission sectors and a discussion of
India’s climate adaptation needs.
India is the 58th country to submit its plans to the UNFCCC.

In Our LIFEtime campaign

It was jointly launched by India and UNDP to encourage youth between the ages of
18 to 23 years to become message bearers of sustainable lifestyles.
It also aims to foster responsible consumption patterns and influence the lifestyle
choices of the younger generations to make them Pro-Planet-People.
Leadership for Industry Transition (LeadIT) Summit
•It was launched by Sweden and India at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019
and is supported by the World Economic Forum.
•India and Sweden hosted the LeadIT Summit 2022 at COP27.
•The LeadIT initiative focuses on low carbon transition of the hard to abate
industrial sector.
•It gathers countries and companies that are committed to action to achieve the
Paris Agreement.

MoEFCC – UNDP Compendium

•India launched the MoEFCC – UNDP Compendium “Prayaas Se Prabhaav Tak -
From mindless consumption to mindful utilization’’ on the sidelines of COP27.
BASIC Ministerial Meet
Ministers of Brazil, South Africa, India and China (BASIC Countries)
pledged their full support for substantial progress towards the
establishment of a finance mechanism for Loss and Damage.
The principle of Common But Different Responsibilities (CBDR) and
respective capabilities was emphasised.

Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC)

Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) is an intergovernmental alliance
that works on a voluntary basis for planting, conserving and
restoring mangroves.
Members - MAC is led by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Indonesia
and includes India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan, and Spain.
Aim - To educate and spread awareness worldwide on the role of
mangroves in curbing global warming and its potential as a solution for
climate change
STOCKHOLM CONFERENCE
Recently, Stockholm+50 meeting was held at Stockholm, Sweden to commemorate
the 50 years since the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human
Environment (also known as the Stockholm Conference), which made the
environment a pressing global issue for the first time.

Stockholm Conference, 1972

•This was the first global convergence on the planetary environment and natural
resources.
•Also termed the “Swedish Initiative”, the idea of the Stockholm Conference was
first proposed by Sweden.
•The theme was ‘Only One Earth’.
•Stockholm Declaration: To build the “interconnections
between development, poverty and the environment”.
•Three Dimensions of the Conference:
•Countries agreed to not “harm each other’s environment or the areas beyond
national jurisdiction”.
•An action plan to study the threat to Earth’s environment.
•Establishment of an international body called the UN Environment Programme
(UNEP) to bring cooperation among countries.

•No country had an environment ministry until 1972.

•After 1972, the environment started making headlines and public consciousness
increased.
•Many of today’s conventions on environmental crises trace their origin to the
Stockholm Declaration.
Other outcome
• Identification of a theme of sustainable development: 20 years later, the 1992 UN
Conference on Environment and Development – the Earth Summit – in Rio de
Janeiro defined sustainable development.
✓ Precautionary principle: The Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone
Layer was the first multilateral environmental agreement (MEA) that codified
precautionary measures in 1985.
✓ Polluter-pays principle (PPP): Those producing pollution should bear the costs of
managing it to prevent damage to human health and the environment
UN OCEAN CONFERENCE (UNOC)
The second UNOC, co-hosted by Kenya and Portugal at Lisbon, ended
with the Lisbon Declaration, a political declaration entitled ‘Our Ocean,
Our Future: call for action’.

•First UNOC held in 2017 at UN Headquarters in New York, co-hosted by

the Governments of Fiji and Sweden.
•India was a participant and committed to a Coastal Clean Seas Campaign
and will work toward a ban on single use plastics.
• Over 150 countries collectively agreed to scale up science-based and
innovative actions to address ocean emergency, supporting the
implementation of SDG 14 (Life Below Water). This is in line with the
United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development
(2021- 2030
•Emphasized the particular importance of implementing the Paris Agreement
(2015) and Glasgow Climate Pact (2021) to help ensure the health, productivity,
sustainable use, and resilience of the ocean.
• States made voluntary commitments to conserve or protect at least 30% of the
global ocean by 2030 within Marine Protected Areas, and other effective area-
based conservation measures.
• UNESCO launched its key State of the Ocean Report (pilot edition) during the
event.
MISSION LIFE (LIFESTYLE FOR ENVIRONMENT)
Recently, the Prime Minister (PM) launched Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for
Environment) at the Statue of Unity at Kevadia, Gujarat to protect the
environment.

•India-led global mass movement.

•Concept introduced by the Indian PM at the UNFCCC COP-26 in Glasgow.
•Targets: Mobilise at least 1 billion Indians and other global citizens to take
individual and collective action for protecting and preserving the environment in
the period 2022 to 2027.
• Within India, at least 80% of all villages and urban local bodies aimed to
become environmentfriendly by 2028.
•Mission Duration: 5-year programme, visualizing three core shifts in our
collective approach towards sustainability.
• Implementation: NITI Aayog to curate and incubate in the first year.
• Vision: To live a lifestyle that is in tune with our planet and does not harm it.
People living such a lifestyle are called “Pro-Planet People (P3)”
CARBON BORDER ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM (CBAM)
Recently, India opposed CBAM or carbon border tax proposed by European Union
(EU) in 27th edition of Conference of Parties (COP) in Sharm El Sheikh.

•Plan from the European Union (EU), proposed in 2021.

• Will tax carbon-intensive products, such as iron and steel, cement, fertilizer,
aluminium, electricity, and hydrogen, from 2026.
• Aim: To eliminate the difference in carbon price paid by companies subjected to
the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) or its domestic compliance-based carbon
market.
•Part of the “Fit for 55 in 2030 package”- EU’s plan to reduce GHG emissions by at
least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, in line with the European Climate Law.
INDIA’S UPDATED NDCS
First NDC submitted to UNFCCC in 2015.
Prepared after carefully considering India’s national circumstances and the
principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities
(CBDR-RC). Represents the framework for India’s transition to cleaner energy for
the period 2021- 2030.
UNIFORM CARBON TRADING MARKET
The central government is considering implementation of a carbon
trading scheme that will subsume all carbon trading mechanisms in India.

The idea of cap-and-trade originated with the Kyoto Protocol.

NEW TARGETS FOR NATIONAL CLEAN AIR PROGRAMME
(NCAP)
The Centre has set a new target of a 40% reduction in particulate matter
concentration in cities covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) by
2026, updating the earlier goal of 20 to 30% reduction by 2024.
•Preparation of City-specific action plans which include measures
for strengthening the air quality monitoring network, reducing
vehicular and industrial emissions, increasing public awareness,
etc. o Implemented in 132 cities-
✓ 123 Non-Attainment cities (NACs) identified under NCAP based
on non-conforming to National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS) consecutively for five years.
✓ 8 million Plus Cities (MPCs) identified by 15th Finance
Commission (XV-FC), for receiving performance-based grant for
air quality improvement.
• PRANA (Portal for Regulation of Air-pollution in Non-Attainment
cities) portal monitors the implementation of NCAP.
• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will launch
Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan under NCAP.
COMMISSION FOR AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT (CAQM)
Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) bans use of coal in Delhi and
nearby cities from January 2023

• A statutory body established under the Commission for Air Quality Management in
National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021.
• First established in 2020 through an Ordinance.
• Headed by Chairperson with at least 15 years’ experience in the field of
environment and pollution or 25 years of administrative experience.
• Appeal of CAQM orders, directions etc.: National Green Tribunal.
• Functions of CAQM
✓ Coordinate actions on monitoring of air quality.
✓ Planning and executing plans to prevent and control air pollution in NCR.
✓Conduct research and development through networking with technical
institutions.
CAQM issued orders for
enforcing measures under
‘stage-1’ of GRAP in National
Capital Region (NCR) after
air quality deteriorated to
be in ‘poor’ category in
Delhi.
Bio-decomposer : Delhi government sprayed biodecomposers on fields to curb
stubble burning.

Bio-decomposer capsule:
• Developed by Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
• Accelerates decomposition process of stubble by turning it into manure over a
period of 15-20 days.
• Composed of a group of beneficial micro-organisms.
LIGHT POLLUTION
2022 International Dark Sky Week was recently conducted.
• An annual event hosted by International Dark-Sky Association (IDA).
• Aim: To raise awareness about the negative impact of light pollution and
celebrate the night sky
Light Pollution or Photo Pollution
• Presence of excessive, misdirected, or obtrusive artificial (usually
outdoor) light.
• Components of light pollution
o Glare – excessive brightness that causes visual discomfort.
o Skyglow – brightening of the night sky over inhabited areas.
o Light trespass – light falling where it is not intended or needed.
o Clutter – bright, confusing and excessive groupings of light
sources.

• Ways to tackle light pollution

o Promoting the use of LED technology and green energy for
displays and illuminations.
o Avoid illuminated advertisements (ads) that obscure or diminish
the effectiveness of traffic signals.
E-WASTE (MANAGEMENT) RULES 2022
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has notified
E-waste (management) Rules 2022, in the exercise of the powers conferred by the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

•India is 3rd largest Electronic waste producer in the world after China and United
States.
•Computer devices accounts for nearly 70% of annual e-waste production,
followed by telecom sector, medical equipment and electric equipment.
• Only 1.5% of electronic waste generated is recycled through institutional
processes.

'E-waste' Definition: Electrical and electronic equipment,

whole or in part discarded as waste, and rejects from
manufacturing, refurbishment and repair processes.
• Compulsory Registration of manufacturer, producer, refurbisher, or recycler
of the eproducts with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
• Introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Certificates to
incentivize registered electronic waste recyclers.
• CPCB to conduct random sampling of electrical and electronic equipment
placed on the market to monitor and verify the compliance of reduction of
hazardous substances provisions.
• Imposition and collection of environmental compensation on the producer in
case of non fulfilment of obligations as per CPCB guidelines.
NATIONAL POLICY ON BIOFUELS-2018
Recently, the Cabinet approved amendments to the National Policy on Biofuels,
2018 to advance the target of 20% ethanol blending in petrol to Ethanol Supply
Year (ESY) 2025-26 from earlier 2030
•Biofuels Refers to liquid transportation fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel,
derived from agricultural produce, forests or any other organic material
(feedstock).
• Based on the feedstock (raw materials) used to produce biofuels, they are
classified into four generations
ELECTRICITY (PROMOTING RENEWABLE ENERGY THROUGH
GREEN ENERGY OPEN ACCESS) RULES, 2022
•Ministry of Power has notified Electricity (Promoting Renewable Energy Through
Green Energy Open Access) Rules, 2022.
• Consumers are entitled to demand supply of Green Power from Discoms.
•Commercial and Industrial consumers are allowed to purchase green power on
voluntarily basis.
• Green Open Access is allowed to any consumer and reduction in the limit of Open
Access Transaction from 1 MW to 100 KW for green energy. This aims to enable small
consumers also to purchase renewable power through open access (OA)
• Increase transparency in approval process of OA.
• Uniform renewable purchase obligation on all obligated entities in the area of a
distribution licensees.
• Green certificates for consumers if they consume green power.
• Cross subsidy surcharge and additional surcharge shall not be applicable if green
energy is utilized for production of green hydrogen and green ammonia.
Geothermal Energy
• ONGC has reportedly started drilling its first well at Puga (Ladakh)
to generate electricity using geothermal power.
• Geothermal power plants use hydrothermal resources that have
both water (hydro) and heat (thermal). Hot water and steam from
deep underground can be piped up through underground wells and
used to generate electricity in a power plant.
• Benefits of Geothermal: carbon-free, renewable, provides a
continuous, uninterrupted supply etc.
• Disadvantages: Location-specific energy source, associated with
other emissions like sulphur dioxide and hydrogen sulphide, causes
mini tremors in area of operation, high initial cost etc.
• As per preliminary investigations undertaken by Geological Survey of India,
there are around 300 geothermal hot springs in India. o Other promising
geothermal sites are Chumathang in Ladakh, Cambay in Gujarat, Tattapani in
Chhattisgarh, Khammam in Telangana & Ratnagiri in Maharashtra.
Global Offshore Wind Alliance
• Nine new countries including Belgium, Colombia, Germany, US, UK etc. join
GOWA.
• Initiated by: International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Denmark and
Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC). GWEC is international trade association for
the wind power industry (India is also a member).
• Brings together governments and other stakeholders to accelerate deployment
of offshore wind power.
• Objective: To contribute to achieving a total offshore wind capacity of a
minimum of 380 GW by 2030 and an installed capacity increase of at least 70
GW per year from 2030. 4.7. ENERGY EFFICIENC
INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS (IYM) 2023
Recently, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the
United Nations, organized an opening ceremony for the
International Year of Millets – 2023 (IYM2023) in Rome, Italy.

The IYM 2023 will provide an opportunity to:

o increase global production,
o efficient processing and better use of crop rotation,
o promote millets as a major component of the food basket,
o promote research and development on millet.
Millets
• A diverse family of small-grained cereals (Poaceae family), indigenous
to various parts of India.
• Popularly known as Nutri-cereals as they provide most of the nutrients
required for normal functioning of the human body.
• Before the Green Revolution, millets were one of the largest grown
staples in India, but have been reduced to a marginal fodder crop to feed
livestock.
• India produces 20% of the globe’s production that is led by Africa and
the Americas.
• Top 5 millet-producing states in IndiaMadhya Pradesh, Gujarat,
Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra.
• Initiative to promote millet o National year of millets was observed in
2018
•Increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP) to support millet cultivators.
•Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0 mandates supply of millets at least
once a week in midday meal scheme.
RIGHT TO REPAIR
•Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) recently set up committee on the Right
to Repair to emphasize on the LiFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) movement
through sustainable consumption.
•Key sectors identified for this framework include Farming Equipment, Mobile
Phones/ Tablets, Consumer Durables and Automobiles & Automobile Equipment.
•Calls for manufacturers to make authentic parts available to consumers so that
they can get their device repaired from independent shops as well, if they so
desire. Recognised in many countries including the US, UK and European Union.
• Concern associated with right to repair: Large tech companies including Apple,
Tesla, etc. argued that it’ll open their intellectual property to third party repair
services.
‘Right to Repair’ Portal
• Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution unveiled
‘right to repair’ portal on occasion of National Consumer Day (December
24).
• On the portal, manufacturers would share manual of product details
with customers so that they could either repair by self, by third parties,
rather than depend on original manufacturers.
JOSHIMATH LAND SUBSIDENCE
Joshimath has been declared as a landslide and
subsidence-hit zone.

• Gradual settling or sudden sinking of Earth’s

surface due to removal or displacement of
subsurface earth materials.
• Land subsidence vs. Landslides: Land
subsidence refers to the gradual sinking of the
ground surface while Landslides are sudden
and rapid movements of soil and rock downhill.
Factors that make Joshimath highly vulnerable to
sinking
• Situated in middle slopes of a hill.
• Area around town covered with thick layer of
overburden material.
• Perennial streams- Karmanasa and Dhaknala
streams on west and east and Dhauliganga and
Alaknanda rivers on south and north.
• Snow in upper reaches, and highly weathered
rocks with low cohesive characteristics.
• Tectonic activity due to location on a fault line
(Vaikrita Thurst) and near Main Central Thrust and
Pandukeshwar Thrust.
• City built on an ancient landslide material i.e.
rests on a deposit of sand and stone, not rock,
which doesn’t have high load-bearing capacity.
• Unplanned construction
• The government appointed MC Mishra committee for
reconnaissance of the land subsidence near the Himalayan border.
• Findings of the report: Joshimath was situated on an old
landslide zone, and it does not have high load bearing capacity.
Joshimath could sink if development continued unabated.
• Recommendation Restrictions on heavy construction work,
agriculture on slopes, felling of trees. Construction of pucca
drainage to stop seepage of rainwater, proper sewage system, and
cement blocks on riverbanks to prevent erosion.
THANKYOU.