Microplastics Kyoto Protocol and India Energy Transition Goals
Source:Indian Express ↗
Why It Matters
These topics are core components of the GS Paper 3 syllabus. Questions on marine pollution, international climate change conventions (like the Kyoto Protocol and UNFCCC COPs), and India's renewable energy targets frequently appear in both Prelims and Mains.
Summary
This UPSC Key brief explores three pivotal environmental and ecological topics: the growing menace of microplastics pollution, the historical significance of the Kyoto Protocol in global climate negotiations, and India's strategic energy transition goals to curb carbon emissions and expand its renewable energy footprint.
Key Points
- Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that cause extensive pollution in marine and terrestrial ecosystems, infiltrating food webs and posing significant health risks.
- The Kyoto Protocol is a landmark international treaty that operationalised the UNFCCC by committing industrialized countries to limit and reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions.
- India has set ambitious energy transition goals, including the 'Panchamrit' commitments, to expand renewable energy capacity and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
- Balancing rapid economic growth with climate commitments requires shifting subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables and securing adequate climate finance.
Linked PYQs · 4
Linked PYQs · 4
- 2019PrelimsGS1
Why is there a great concern about the 'microbeads' that are released into environment?
- 2024PrelimsGS1
Consider the following statements : Statement-I: Many chewing gums found in the market are considered a source of environmental pollution. Statement-II : Many chewing gums contain plastic as gum base. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- 2022MainsGS3
Discuss global warming and mention its effects on the global climate. Explain the control measures to bring down the level of greenhouse gases which cause global warming, in the light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997.
- 2022MainsGS3
Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030 ? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective ? Explain.
