22 Nov 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

B. GS 2 Related

Nothing here for today!!!

E. Editorials

Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. Alarming countdown

Syllabus: GS-3, Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation

Mains: Addressing climate change.

Context:​ The United Nations’ recent report, titled “Broken Record,” serves as a poignant reminder of the escalating urgency to address the alarming levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The report implies that warnings about the consequences of rising emissions are not only being overlooked but are also breaking new records. 

Key Highlights:

• Failure to Meet Temperature Targets:
  • The Paris Agreement (PA) aimed to limit temperature increases to below 2°C, with efforts to stay “as far as possible” below 1.5°C of pre-industrial levels.
  • The Broken Record report indicates that current commitments by countries would still result in a temperature overshoot of 2.5°C-2.9°C by the end of the century.
  • Urgent action is required as even the most optimistic scenarios give only a 14% chance of keeping temperatures below 1.5°C.
• Credibility of Net Zero Commitments:
  • Many nations have pledged to achieve ‘net zero’ carbon emissions, but the report questions the credibility of these commitments.
  • Even in the best-case scenarios, the likelihood of meeting the 1.5°C target is a mere 14%.
• Tardy Progress Despite Paris Agreement:
  • While the PA has led to some reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the pace of progress has been insufficient.
  • The report highlights that emissions in 2022 increased by 1.2% over 2021, nearly returning to pre-pandemic levels.
• Immediate Consequences of Delay:
  • Rising temperatures are evident, with 86 days recorded in 2023 experiencing temperatures over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • September of the same year marked the hottest month ever, with global average temperatures soaring 1.8°C above pre-industrial levels.

Significance

• Global Impact of Climate Change:
  • The consequences of delayed action are manifesting in unprecedented climate events, threatening ecosystems, and human well-being globally.
  • Urgent intervention is essential to mitigate the intensifying impacts of climate change.
• Critical Juncture for International Cooperation:
  • The world is at a critical juncture where immediate and collective efforts are imperative to avert catastrophic climate outcomes.
  • International cooperation and commitment are pivotal to addressing the root causes of emissions and devising effective solutions.

Solutions

• Accelerated Reductions by Wealthy Nations:
  • The report emphasizes the need for greater and faster emissions reductions, particularly from the wealthiest nations.
  • Historical responsibility for carbon emissions must be acknowledged, and ambitious commitments are required to lead the way in reducing global emissions.
• Urgency in Implementation:
  • Time is of the essence, and the world must expedite the implementation of sustainable practices and policies to achieve the necessary emission reductions.
  • The Broken Record report reiterates long-standing advice, emphasizing the urgency of immediate and impactful actions.

Nut Graf: The consequences of delayed efforts are already apparent, and the world must unite in a concerted effort to address climate change. Immediate, bold, and collaborative measures are imperative to safeguard the planet and future generations from the devastating impacts of climate change.

2. Recognising the impact of climate change on health

Syllabus: GS-3, Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation

Mains: Impact of climate change on health

Context:​ As India prepares for the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), it becomes imperative to delve into the profound impact of climate change on the country’s health. 

Issues:

• Direct Health Impacts:
  • Climate change leads to increased morbidity and mortality, exacerbating existing health challenges.
  • Elevated temperatures, heat waves, and extreme weather events directly contribute to sickness and death.
• Indirect Health Impacts:
  • Climate change disrupts nutrition, reduces working hours, and intensifies climate-induced stress.
  • Rising global temperatures, if unchecked, may render parts of India uninhabitable, amplifying health risks.
• Double Burden of Morbidity:
  • Communicable and non-communicable diseases face a compounded burden due to climate change.
  • Growth of disease vectors, changes in infection seasonality, and the introduction of new pathogens pose significant challenges.
• Impact on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health:
  • Climate change exacerbates non-communicable diseases, including kidney injuries and respiratory issues.
  • Mental health concerns, such as depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, often accompany climate emergencies, yet remain inadequately recognized and addressed in India.
• Urbanization Challenges:
  • Rapid, unplanned urbanization exacerbates the urban heat island effect, impacting health in urban areas.
  • Poorly planned urban spaces contribute to the burden of climate-induced health challenges, compounding existing issues like air pollution and stress.

Significance

• Global Urgency:
  • As temperatures reach unprecedented levels in 2023, global climate emergencies are expected to increase in frequency.
  • Urgent action is necessary to prevent further interference with food security, livelihoods, and exacerbation of health challenges.
• Intersection of Health and Climate:
  • The interconnection between climate change and health demands immediate attention, recognizing the intricate pathways through which climate impacts well-being.
  • Non-communicable diseases and mental health, often overlooked, require comprehensive management strategies.

Solutions

• Integrated Health Information Systems:
  • Modify health information systems to gather data on the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on health.
  • Incorporate socio-economic factors to better understand and address the heightened vulnerability of certain populations.
• Upstream Interventions:
  • Implement upstream interventions focusing on urban planning, green cover, water conservation, and public health initiatives.
  • Addressing determinants of health at a foundational level will yield broader benefits.
• Multilevel Action:
  • Recognize the need for action at global, regional, and local levels to effectively mitigate climate change impacts on health.
  • Integrate research findings into policy options, and encourage political decision-making for meaningful change.

Nut Graf: The nexus between climate change and health requires a comprehensive and proactive response to avert the impending challenges and ensure a healthier and more resilient future for all.

F. Prelims Facts