Why in news? According to World Meteorological Organization ,a disaster related to a weather, climate or water hazard occurred every day on average over the past 50 years – killing 115 people and causing US$ 202 million in losses daily.

Background:

Climate change and increasingly extreme weather events have caused a surge in natural disaster over the past 50 years disproportionately impacting poorer countries, according to World Meteorological Organisation and UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Main Projections of Climate change

• The IPCC has examined many different models and on the basis of the evidence has estimated that by 2100:10
  • The global average surface warming (surface air temperature change), will increase by 1.1 - 6.4 °C.
  • The sea level will rise between 18 and 59 cm.
  • The oceans will become more acidic as in Paleocene – Eocene, approximately 56 million years ago.
  • It is very likely that hot extremes, heat waves and heavy precipitation events will continue to become more frequent.
  • It is likely that tropical cyclones (typhoons and hurricanes) will become more intense, with larger peak wind speeds and more heavy precipitation associated with ongoing increases of tropical sea surface temperatures.

How climate change affect key sectors?

• Water: Drought-affected areas will likely become more widely distributed. Eg .Drought severity observed in Mediterranean , South Africa etc. Heavier precipitation events are very likely to increase in frequency leading to higher flood risks. Eg Western Europe
• Food: Increase in temperature & frequency of droughts at lower latitudes affect crop production negatively, while situation is opposite in mid and high latitude areas. Eg India and Pakistan.
• Industry, settlement and society: Coastal and river flood plains in Indonesia are severely impacted due to rampant Urbanisation, haphazard industrialisation as economy is linked with climate sensitive resources.
• Health: Frequent heat waves , floods have increased death, disease like diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition  in Sahel region of Africa.

How climate change affect different regions of the world ?

• Climate change is expected to reduce already low incomes and increase illness and death rates in many developing countries.Africa, small island states, and the Asian and African mega-deltas are likely to be particularly affected by climate change.
  • Africa : The frequency of weather- and climate-related disasters has increased since the 1970s, and the Sahel and Southern Africa have become drier during the twentieth century. By 2020, in some African countries agricultural yields could be reduced by as much as 50%. By the 2080s, the area of arid and semi-arid land in Africa will likely increase by 5-8%.
  • Asia : Continued melting of glaciers in the Himalayan region adversely affect water resources in the next two to three decades. Asia's coastal areas, and especially its heavily populated delta regions, will become even more prone to increased flooding because of both rising sea levels and river flooding.
  • Australia & New Zealand : Heat waves, droughts, fires, floods, landslides and storm surges will increase stresses on water supplies and agriculture and will change natural ecosystems. Less seasonal snow cover and shrinking glaciers will create additional problems.
  • Europe : Immediate need is to cope with retreating glaciers and extend of permafrost, reduced precipitation in Southern Europe. For Southern Europe, less water will reduce hydropower potential, tourism and, in general, crop production.
  • Latin America : In drier areas, climate change is expected to lead to increased salinization and desertification of agricultural land. The productivity of some crops and livestock will decrease, with adverse consequences for food security.
  • Polar regions : These regions experiencing reductions in the thickness of glaciers and the extent of ice sheets, and changes in natural ecosystems. Impacts on human communities in the Arctic will be reflected in changes in infrastructure and traditional or indigenous ways of living.

Weather factors that contribute to disasters

• Over the period 1991-2005, 3,470 million people were affected by disasters, 960,000 people died, and economic losses were US$ 1,193 billion".
• Poor countries are disproportionately affected, owing to intrinsic vulnerabilities to hazards and comparatively low capacities for risk reduction measures. Small countries are also particularly vulnerable - Grenada's losses of 919 US$ million as a result of Hurricane Ivan in 2004 were equal to 2.5 times its GDP.
• Over the last two decades (2002-2022), 76% of all disaster events were hydrological, meteorological or climatological in nature; these accounted for 45% of the deaths and 79% of the economic losses caused by natural hazards.
• Many long-term precipitation trends (2005-2018) have been observed, including significant increases in eastern parts of North and South America, Northern Europe and Northern and Central Asia, and more dry conditions in the Sahel and Southern Africa, throughout the Mediterranean region, and in parts of Southern
• More intense and longer droughts have been observed over wider areas since the 1970s, particularly in the tropics and subtropics.
• Changes in sea surface temperatures, wind patterns, and decreased snow pack and snow cover also have been linked to changing drought occurrence.
• There is good evidence for an increase of the more damaging intense tropical cyclone activity in the North Atlantic since about 1970, which is correlated with increases in tropical sea surface temperatures.

Conflict and climate

• Large population have been displaced by conflict and extreme weather disasters. A particular such hotspot is the Horn of Africa.
• In 2018 Ethiopia , Somalia, Sudan saw 3.8 million people displaced due to weather related events.
• Total area of the world effected by drought has increased since 1970s, with drier regions experiencing longer & hotter periods with no rain.
• In Sahel region , recurring drought and floods are squeezing already limited resources such as pastures, water points , further fielding tensions between communities .

High risk communities

• Women are the most vulnerable at risk from extreme weather such as storms or floods.
• Marginalised communities difficult to access healthcare, education , &  insurance in the aftermath of emergency.
• With increasing frequency and intensity of climate related hazards , the ability of people living in poverty to withstand shocks is gradually being eroded.
• In Pakistan repeated disasters forced the displacement of communities. 2011 cyclone contaminated their Agriculture land with saltwater , destroyed resources, forcing people to abandon their ancestral land .
• As women do not have access to credit & insurance , they are at greater risk of disasters.
• Gender inequalities also make it harder for displaced women to rebuild their lives.

 Examples of adaptation and disaster risk reduction

• Agriculture and food security: Altering crop strains to enhance their drought and pest resistance, changing planting times and cropping patterns, and altering land topography to improve water uptake and reduce wind erosion. Burkina Faso is one country which is researching new drought-resistant millet and sorghum for decreased rainfall regimes."'
• Water sector: Adaptation measures include actions on both water supply and water risks, such as protecting water supply infrastructure and traditional water supply sources, developing flood ponds, water harvesting, improved irrigation, desalination, non-water-based sanitation and improved watershed and trans-boundary water resource management. Integrated water resource management (IWRM) provides the accepted framework for such actions.
• Health sector: Measures include early warning systems and air-conditioning to address extreme weather events; systematic action on water- and vector-borne diseases to raise public awareness of watershed protection, vector control, and safe water- and food-handling regulations; the enforcement of relevant regulations; and support for education, research and development on climate-related health risks. As one example, Philadelphia (USA developed an excessive heat event notification and response programme to reduce the number of fatalities caused by future heat waves in response to the heat-related deaths during the summer of 2003)
• Awareness raising and education: Measures include curriculum development for schools, supply of information to community groups and women's networks, radio and television programmes, public poster campaigns, and leadership by national figures and celebrities.
• Environmental management: Measures include strengthening of environmental management in areas of greatest risk from weather hazards; protecting ecosystems, such as coral reefs or mangrove forests, that shield communities from coastal hazards; supporting transitions of livelihoods away from those that degrade environments and aggravate risk; and enforcing regulations concerning these practices.
• Early warning systems: Improving existing systems to cover the changed hazard circumstances, instituting specific means to disseminate warnings to affected people in a timely, useful and understandable way, and providing advice on appropriate actions to take upon receiving warnings.Heat wave early warning systems, for instance, have been developed in France after the heat wave of 2003.
• Development planning and practices: Adaptation and disaster risk reduction measures can be made a formal part of development processes and budgets and programmed into relevant sector projects, for example in the design of settlements, infrastructure, coastal zone development, forest use, etc., in order to achieve sustainable land management, avoid hazardous areas, and build safe schools, hospitals and other public facilities.

Way Forward :

• Deliver deeper and more urgent emissions reductions in order to limit global heating to 1.5 degree Celsius . Countries should update their Nationally Determined Contributions to Paris agreement.
• Increase the funding available to help world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities against the climate crisis.
• Continue to advance work on promoting rights , dignity & long term solutions for people displaced by climate crisis.
• National and International guidelines on relocation should enable women to play a lead role in decisions

Where to use ?

Paper I ( General Studies ) : Climate Change

Paper I( Geography Optional ) : Global Climatic Change , Role and response of man in climate change

Paper II ( Geography Optional ) : Environmental Hazards, Sustainable Development

Why in news ? Asia's Aral Sea had already shrunk to a fraction of its 1960 extent (black line). Further irrigation and dry conditions caused the sea's eastern lobe to completely dry up.

Background:

• Prior to 1960, the Aral Sea was the fourth largest inland water reservoir in the planet, with a surface area of 66,900 square km.
• 1960 is a key date because it was the last time that the sea’s water level was stable. Since then, production of cotton, famously referred to as “white gold” due to its economic importance in the Central Asia region, increased dramatically, and so did the demand for water.

About:

• Irrigation accounts for 92 percent of aggregate water withdrawals since 1960. 
• Shrinking glaciersand snowfields in the Tian Shan mountains and Pamirs are expected to diminish the water inflow into the Aral Sea even further.

Impact on land and climate

• "Satellite imagery and photography from manned spacecraft indicate that desert is spreading rapidly" in the area.
• Shrinking Sea has also affected the continental climate of Central Asia.
• Without the moderating influence of a large body of water, the seasons have become more extreme. Already hot summers have become hotter, dryer and longer; and winters, shorter, more bitter and dry.

Extent of its impact on Health

• Forty million peoplelive in the Aral Sea basin and are exposed to life-threatening consequences of the sea’s desiccation. 
• Desiccation of the Aral Sea is the eminent health concern as this can cause  salts, heavy metals, and chemical toxinsin the air and water affect bodies.
• Contamination from the industrial sector is created through the discharge of poisonous residues into rivers and into the air, leading to severe cases of poisoning and chronic respiratory illnesses. 
• A recent studyfound that people living in the areas closest to the Aral Sea have higher rates of cardiovascular diseases as well as psychological disabilities.
• Data from local oncology dispensaries in the Aral Sea basin between 2004 and 2013 reveal higher rates of malignant neoplasm, which manifest in a multitude of different cancers.
• Another concern is the transmission of diseases coming from the former island of Vozrozhdeniya, a key site for bioweapon testingby the Soviet Union.
• Malnutrition and infant mortality were higher in the Aral Sea zone than anywhere else in country

Initiatives taken:

• USAID launched a Regional Water and Vulnerable Environment Activity 2021-2024 worth $1.35 million focused on small innovative projects across the basin.
• European Investment Bank announced in 2019 that it was preparing to invest 100 million euroson Aral Sea restoration projects in Uzbekistan, but the project has been delayed and plans for its implementation remain unclear.

Where to use?

Paper I ( Geography optional ) : Evolution of landforms

Why in news ? While they are being promoted around the world as a crucial weapon in reducing carbon emissions, solar panels have an average lifespan of 25-30 years.Experts say billions of panels will eventually all need to be disposed of and replaced.

Background:

• The world has installed more than one terawatt of solar capacity. Ordinary solar panels have a capacity of about 400W, so if you count both rooftops and solar farms, there could be as many as 2.5 billion solar panels. Specialist infrastructure to scrap and recycle them is lacking.

Environmental Impacts of Solar Panels

• Energy Demand- Solar requires a significant amount of energy up front to produce. Mining, manufacturing and transportation all require substantial amounts energy. Quartz must be processed, and cleaned and then manufactured with other components which may come from different facilities (aluminum, copper etc..) to produce a single solar module. 
• Chemicals – To produce solar-grade silicon, semi-conductor processing typically involves hazardous chemicals.  Depending on the solar panel manufacturer and country of origin, these chemicals may or may not be disposed properly.  
• Recycling – Although solar panel recycling has not become a major issue yet, it will in the coming decades as solar panels need to be replaced. Countries without robust e-waste disposal means are at a higher risk of recycling related issues.

How much better is solar for the environment?

• Studies revealed that coal generates a footprint 18 times the size, while natural gas creates an emissions footprint 13 times the size of solar.
• It’s also worth repeating that solar energy produces zero emissions after production. For that reason alone, studies have revealed solar to be an essential solution to slowing climate change.

Where to use?

Paper II ( Geography optional ) : Renewable resources

Holoplanktonic: Holoplankton are organisms that are planktic (they live in the water column and cannot swim against a current) for their entire life cycle. Examples of holoplankton include some diatoms, radiolarians etc

Biological pump: The biological pump is the ocean's biologically driven sequestration of carbon from the atmosphere and land runoff to the ocean interior and seafloor sediments. It is the part of the broader oceanic carbon  cycle responsible for the cycling of organic matter formed mainly by phytoplankton during photosynthesis  as well as the cycling of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) formed into shells by certain organisms such as plankton and mollusks.

Hidden trade offs : It occurs when a product is marketed as environmentally friendly in one aspect but neglects to mention other negative environmental impacts.For instance, a disposable product might be labeled as biodegradable, but the production process still has a significant carbon footprint.

Air Sparging: An in-situ treatment technology that uses injected air to help remove harmful vapors from polluted soil and groundwater below the water table by injecting air directly into the saturated subsurface to encourage the solvents and gasoline to evaporate faster, which makes them easier to remove with a vacuum.

Fugitive Emissions: Fugitive emissions are accidental emissions of vapours or gases from pressurised apparatus, either due to faulty equipment, leakage or other unforeseen mishaps. It can also occur through evaporation, in such sources as storage tanks or wastewater treatment facilities.

• Bhungroo is a water management system that injects and stores excess rainfall underground and lifts it out for use in dry spells. Adoption of this Technology has decreased salt deposits on soil and increased fresh water supply, saving farmers from drought.
• It also artificially recharges aquifers , adding rainwater to underground water reservoirs. The non saline rainwater mixed with underground saline water brings down the salinity , making it fit for Agriculture use.
• It curtails desertification, build resilience to climate change and rejuvenate local biodiversity.
• Bhungroo has freed women from debt, given them land ownership and helped them participate in local governance as a result of their expertise and influence in agriculture and water;
• It provides food security and sustainable livelihoods to more than 18,000 marginal farmers (with over 96,000 dependent family members) in India.
• It is now a fully women-driven process, from selecting the farmers, erecting the technology and operating and maintaining the system.

Where to use?

Paper II ( Geography Optional ) : Drainage and Watershed systems, Regional development Planning

1. Langpin: It is one of the most underdeveloped villages bordering Kamrup district in Assam and West Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya. The place is now at the centre of boundary dispute between the two neighbouring states. (Approximate: West Khasi Hills)
2. Churchandpur: It  is one of the districts in the southwestern corner of the Indian state of Manipur. It is named after the Meitei King Churachand Singh, the Maharaja of Manipur Kingdom. Recently there has been instances of violence after clash between Mietei community and Kuki tribe. (Approx. Dimapur)
3. Guru Ghasidas National Park : Named after the Satnami reformist hero of the place, Guru Ghasidas, is the result of the carving of Chhattisgarh from Madhya Pradesh in the year of 2000. It is located in the Koriya district of Chhattisgarh.The park has undulating topography and it falls under the Tropical climate zone. Recently Officials reported that three people have been arrested for allegedly poisoning the big cat for killing a buffalo. ( Approx. Koriya )
4. Palur canal : Palur canal in Ganjam district connects Chilika lake with  Rushikulya river mouth off Ganjam coast. Recently  scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of eel from Palur canal in Odisha’s Ganjam district. (Approx. Chilika lake )
5. Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi: It is a district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh and was carved out of Bilaspur district. The district is bordered by Koriya and Korba districts to the east, Bilaspur and Mungeli districts to the south, and Anuppur district of Madhya Pradesh to the northwest. The district is predominantly mountainous. Recently tourist  Circuit Map of Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district was released. (Approx. Bilaspur)

Q:1 Consider the following statements regarding Storm Surges :

1. They are immense sea waves which are produced by underwater events such as earthquakes and mudslides.
2. Storm surge is primarily wind-driven and involves only the upper part of the ocean water.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:2 With reference to Graded Response Action plan , consider the following statements:

1. This response action plan is explicitly aimed to protect health with majorly focusing on reducing levels of coarse particulate matter ( PM 10 ).
2. For the implementation of the plan, the Centre has decided to set up the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:3 With reference to Permafrost , consider the following statements:

1. Permafrost soils are rich in organic carbon, which is a by-product of dead plants 
2. Although the ground is frozen, permafrost regions are not always covered in snow.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:4 Consider the following statements regarding Arsenic contamination :

1. The concentration of arsenic is higher in cooked rice compared to raw rice.
2. The WHO’s permissible limit for arsenic content in drinking water is 30 micrograms per litre.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:5 With reference to Aquaponics , consider the following statements:

1. It involves the growth of plants and fishes in an integrated manner
2. Plants in it along with fishes are in a symbiotic relationship.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:6 With reference to Sea butterflies, consider the following statements:

1. They have  frail feet that allow them to glide on solid surfaces  instead of swimming in water.
2. They are found in all oceans but are more diverse and abundant in colder waters.
3. They play a crucial role in linkingprimary producers with secondary consumers and higher trophic levels.

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct?

1. 1 and 2
2. 2 and 3
3. 1 and 3
4. All of the above

Q:7 With reference to Hidden trade offs, consider the following statements:

1. This occurs when a product is marketed asenvironmentally friendly in one aspect but neglects to mention other negative environmental impacts.
2. It is about making mandatory provisions for environmental costs in a government project .
3. It refers to ignoring the disastrous ecological consequences while undertaking infrastructure development .

Which of the above mentioned statements is/ are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2 and 3
3. Only 3
4. Only 1 and 3

Q:8 Consider the following:

      Hydroelectric project      :   Rivers

1. Kiru                                           :   Jhelum
2. Pakal Dul                        :  Chenab
3. Ratle                              :  Tawi

Which of the above mentioned pairs are correct ?

1. One pair
2. Two pair
3. Three pairs
4. All pairs

Q:9 Consider the following :

        Glacial landforms.    :  Definition

1. Cirque                       :  Trough like U shaped with broad floors and steep sides
2. Horns                        :  Deep glacial troughs filled with sea water.
3. Lateral Moraines         :  Formed where two tributary glaciers come together

Which of the above mentioned pairs are correct ?

1. One pair
2. Two pairs
3. Three pairs
4. None of the pairs

Q:10 With reference to Dynamic Ground Water Resource Assessment Report , 2022 consider the following statements :

1. The 2022 assessment suggests that groundwater extraction is the lowest since 2004.
2. In this report , ground water contribution to the National Gross Domestic product is also measured for the first time.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:11 Consider the following statements regarding Green Energy Open Access Rules, 2022 :

1. Commercial and Industrial consumersare allowed to purchase green power on a voluntary basis.
2. Fiscal incentivessuch as grants and investment subsidies to be  implemented to promote renewable heating and cooling.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q: 12 With reference to Greater Flamingos, consider the following statements:

1. It is a species of flightless bird native to South East Asia .
2. These species form monogamous pairs.
3. They get theircharacteristic pink color from their diet of brine shrimps and algae available in the coastal wetlands

Which of the above mentioned statements is / are incorrect?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Only 3
4. Only 1 and 2

Q:13 Consider the following statements regarding Baobab trees:

1. They are deciduous trees native to Africabut placed under Biological Diversity Act 2002
2. These trees produce drupaceous fruits which makes it difficult to produce more number of seeds.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:14 Consider the following statements regarding link between Climate and Covid 19:

1. Cooler and drier climates have facilitated faster transmission of Covid 19
2. There is a negative association between temperature and Covid 19.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q:15 Consider the following statements regarding Neanderthals:

1. Neanderthals had a robust build and a stocky physique adapted for survival in colder environments.
2. They lived in Eurasia and have sophisticated cultures.

Which of the above mentioned statements are correct ?

1. Only 1
2. Only 2
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2