05 Sep 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

C. GS 3 Related

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Hubble constant

Syllabus: General awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, bio-technology

Mains: Key findings and developments in the field of astrophysics and cosmology.

Prelims: About Hubble constant

Context:

The article discusses the challenges in determining the Hubble constant, a key parameter in cosmology, and introduces a new method utilising lensed gravitational waves for more accurate measurements.

The Big Bang and Cosmic Expansion

• About 13.8 billion years ago, the universe began with the Big Bang, expanding and cooling over time.
• Initially, it expanded rapidly before slowing down, but around 5-6 billion years ago, dark energy caused it to accelerate again, a discovery confirmed in 1998.

Hubble’s Law and the Hubble Constant

• American astronomer Edwin Hubble formulated Hubble’s law, which describes the universe’s expansion.
• The precise rate of this expansion, known as the Hubble constant, remains a challenge in cosmology.

A New Approach to Determine the Hubble Constant

• Researchers from ICTS Bengaluru, IUCAA Pune, and UCSB propose a novel method to calculate the Hubble constant.
• This method offers independent measurements of cosmological parameters and has the potential to resolve existing discrepancies.

Traditional Hubble Constant Measurement Methods

• Scientists have used three conventional methods to calculate the Hubble constant: comparing supernova brightness, studying cosmic microwave background (CMB), and observing gravitational waves.

Discrepancies and Evolution of the Hubble Constant

• These methods yield different values for the Hubble constant, which may be due to methodological errors or the possibility that the Hubble constant evolves over time.

Lensed Gravitational Waves

• Gravitational waves, similar to light, can be lensed by massive objects, offering a new way to measure the Hubble constant.
• Upcoming gravitational-wave detectors are expected to detect thousands of lensed gravitational waves, making this method promising.

Independent Hubble Constant Estimation

• This method allows for independent estimation of the Hubble constant during different stages of the universe’s expansion.
• It could also be utilised to determine other cosmological parameters, such as matter density.

Expert Opinions

• Astrophysicists acknowledge the significance of using gravitational waves for cosmological measurements.
• Challenges include addressing the signal-to-noise ratio in identifying the source of gravitational waves and exploring other potential applications, including research on dark matter.

Nut Graf: Scientists are exploring a novel method involving lensed gravitational waves to calculate the elusive Hubble constant, aiming to address discrepancies and provide independent cosmological measurements, potentially reshaping our understanding of the universe’s expansion.

E. Editorials 

Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. Emerging countries need women-led climate action

Syllabus: GS-3, Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Mains: Significance of women-led climate action

Background 

• The effects of climate change have significant negative effects on people and have become one of the largest worldwide problems in recent years. Location, social class, and gender all affect how the climate is changing. 
• In a 2009 report, the United Nations noted that, regardless of gender, women are thought to be far more susceptible to the effects of climate change than males.

“Gender equality and environmental goals are mutually reinforcing and create a virtuous circle that will help accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Vulnerabilities of women in low-income countries

• Women are particularly susceptible to the effects of climate change in emerging and less developed nations.
• This is a result of their reliance on labour-intensive jobs and natural resources for their subsistence. 
• Due to their greater responsibility for providing food, water, and other household duties that are not compensated, women from low-income homes are more at risk.
• One of several social, economic, and cultural factors that renders women more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change is that they are more likely than males to live in poverty. 

Vulnerabilities of Rural Women

• Due to the environmental issue, obtaining basics takes more time and effort. Providing their family with access to clean water, sufficient cooking fuel, and wholesome food is frequently the responsibility of rural women. 
• Women may be more vulnerable to health and safety risks due to their daily long-distance travels for fuel and water collection. 
• Due to this, rural women are more severely impacted by climate change than urban women. 

Disasters and Gender-specific Issues

• A UN survey found that women and girls make up the majority (80%) of individuals who have been displaced by climate-related disasters. 
• Women, particularly those from at-risk populations, experience unique challenges both during and after natural catastrophes. 
• Women who have been uprooted are more vulnerable to discrimination and exploitation. 
• For instance, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) discovered women were more vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation following the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. 
• Some of the challenges women encounter because of their gender include being cut off from social networks, having a higher risk of gender-based violence, and having less access to important health services including sexual and reproductive health care and psychosocial support.

Concerns of women in the agricultural workforce

• In emerging nations, women make up a disproportionately big percentage of agricultural labour. 
• Agriculture productivity is negatively and dramatically impacted by climate change. 
• Women who work in agriculture often lack technical expertise and access to high-quality inputs. 
• As a result, female farmers and workers are at risk and negatively harmed. 
• Additionally, several studies show how flooding has worsened water scarcity, violence against, and exploitation of women.

Way Forward

• The impacts of climate change can significantly worsen socioeconomic vulnerability and poverty among women. 
• Inequality for women is related to climate change as well. Women have a lot to give when it comes to responding to a changing atmosphere. 
• If we want to be able to withstand the effects of climate change, we must invest in women’s access to resources, education, and training. 
• By educating people on sustainable agriculture, water management, and energy production, we can lessen the detrimental effects of climate change on people’s living conditions. For instance, the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) educates women farmers in India on how to adapt to changing climatic trends in order to better sustain themselves. 
• Supporting organizations that educate the public, teach people how to adapt to climate change, and invest in women’s education and environmental agricultural training is crucial.

Conclusion

Women’s participation in climate policy decision-making at all levels is essential for effective mitigation and adaptation strategies as well as for securing suitable employment. Since women are more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, gender equality in decision-making bodies is essential. One such effort in South Asia is the Gender and Climate Change Development effort, which aims to give women a greater voice and consequently strengthen their influence in policymaking. Similar worldwide actions are required for efficient climate change adaptation and mitigation. We may say that developing and emerging countries urgently require women-led climate action.

Nut Graf: Women in many regions of the world are especially vulnerable to climate change due to their reliance on natural resources and labour-intensive jobs.