MAINS PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS
Q.1) Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan andcoastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017)
Introduction | Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, wind patterns, and other elements of the Earth’s climate system. As a global phenomenon, it poses serious socio-economic and environmental threats. For a country like India—with its vast population, ecological diversity, and development challenges—the impacts are particularly severe. |
Body | How India Will Be Affected by Climate Change 1. Agriculture and Food Security o Shift in crop patterns and reduced yields of staples like wheat and rice. o Increased incidence of droughts and floods affecting rain-fed agriculture. 2. Water Resources o Erratic monsoons, drying of rivers, and glacier retreat in Himalayas affecting water availability. o Overexploitation of groundwater due to uneven rainfall. 3. Health o Rising temperatures increasing vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. o Increased heatwaves affecting vulnerable populations. 4. Biodiversity and Ecosystems o Threat to biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats and Sundarbans. o Coral bleaching in marine ecosystems. 5. Livelihoods o Adverse impact on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture, fisheries, and forestry. o Increased rural-urban migration due to environmental stress. 6. Extreme Weather Events o Increased frequency of cyclones, floods, and heatwaves across the country. o Infrastructure damage and loss of lives. Impact on Himalayan States 1. Glacial Retreat and Water Security o Melting glaciers like Gangotri and Siachen threaten long-term river flow. o Seasonal water scarcity in downstream regions. 2. Increased Landslides and Flash Floods o Unstable terrain due to erratic rainfall and rapid snowmelt. o Disasters like Kedarnath floods (2013) may become more frequent. 3. Biodiversity Loss o Alpine flora and fauna like snow leopards and red pandas under threat due to rising temperatures. 4. Impact on Tourism and Livelihoods o Disruption of pilgrimage and adventure tourism. o Reduced agricultural productivity due to climate variability. Impact on Coastal States 1. Sea Level Rise o Inundation of low-lying areas like parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. o Saltwater intrusion affecting agriculture and drinking water. 2. Increased Cyclonic Activity o Greater intensity and frequency of cyclones affecting states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. o Damage to infrastructure, homes, and lives. 3. Loss of Coastal Ecosystems o Threat to mangroves (e.g., Sundarbans), coral reefs, and fisheries. o Coastal erosion and degradation of marine biodiversity. 4. Impact on Urban Areas o Cities like Mumbai and Chennai face recurrent flooding and infrastructure overload. |
Conclusion | India’s vulnerability to climate change is heightened due to its geography, socio-economic conditions, and reliance on climate-sensitive sectors. The Himalayan and coastal states are at the frontline of this crisis. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged strategy involving climate-resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and a shift towards sustainable development pathways under national and international climate frameworks. |
Q.2) 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. (2022)
Introduction | Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to the rising levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), primarily resulting from human activities like fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial emissions. |
Body | Effects of Global Warming on the Global Climate
o The last decade (2011–2020) was the warmest on record. o Increased frequency of heatwaves across continents.
o Accelerated retreat of glaciers in the Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayas. o Threat to freshwater resources and sea level stability.
o Leads to submergence of low-lying coastal areas and island nations. o Increases salinity in coastal aquifers and loss of arable land.
o More frequent and intense storms, cyclones, droughts, and floods. o Example: Australia bushfires, increasing Atlantic hurricanes.
o Destruction of coral reefs and marine biodiversity. o Decline in fish productivity and disruption of oceanic food chains.
o Reduced crop yields and changing cropping patterns. o Food insecurity, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. Control Measures in Light of the Kyoto Protocol, 1997 The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997 and enforced in 2005, was the first legally binding international treaty to reduce GHG emissions. Key Provisions of the Kyoto Protocol
o Developed countries (Annex I parties) committed to reduce emissions by an average of 5.2% below 1990 levels during the first commitment period (2008–2012).
o Recognized the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)—developed nations were primarily responsible for historic emissions.
o Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Allowed developed countries to invest in emission-reducing projects in developing countries. o Joint Implementation (JI) and Emissions Trading (ET) to promote cost-effective reductions.
o Extended commitments to 2020, but many countries withdrew, and it had limited impact. Other Measures to Control GHG Emissions
o Succeeded Kyoto; aims to limit warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. o Focuses on Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by all countries.
o Promotion of solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
o Forests act as carbon sinks to absorb atmospheric CO₂.
o Use of efficient appliances, green buildings, and electric mobility.
o Green Climate Fund to help developing countries adapt and mitigate climate change. |
Conclusion | Global warming is a pressing global crisis with widespread implications on the climate, economy, and human well-being. While the Kyoto Protocol laid the foundation for international climate action, sustained global cooperation and robust domestic measures are essential to mitigate emissions and ensure a climate-resilient future. |