Going Green, Bottom Up

Mains Paper: 3 | Environment 
Prelims level: Paris climate agreement  
Mains level: Climate Change effects 

Introduction 

• Globally, climate change has started to take a heavy toll.
• The California fires, the heat wave in Europe and Asia, and the droughts in East Africa bear testimony to this.
• In India, severe floods and random variations in weather have caused significant loss of life and property.
• There is a lot more awareness and intent on show with regular discussions and nations pledging to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.

About the GCAS program 

• The Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS) 2018, in San Francisco, was a crucial exercise in mobilising key stakeholders and urging them to go “further and faster”.
• While the Paris Agreement laid down the marker, GCAS 2018 challenged us to “step up” a level higher.
• It provided a perfect opportunity to review the progress achieved thus far, recognise the roadblocks and gear up for increased commitments.
• Secondly, the summit was unique in that it secured participation of leaders from cities, states, environmentalists, corporates, investors and NGOs, that is “non-state actors”, on a mass scale, for the very first time.
• An equally refreshing change was the focus on how climate change has impacted women and the steps needed for their empowerment.
• Third, “Walk the talk” dominated the agenda with the summit showcasing real people and their achievements — people who have successfully implemented plans to reduce carbon footprint.
• President Donald Trump’s sudden decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement had created a lot of uncertainty, with the US being a major carbon emitter.
• Last but not the least, GCAS 2018 also helped cement India’s credentials as a climate action leader.

Conclusion 

• It showcased some great work happening in India, by both industries as well as local governments.
• Innovations such as Heat Action Plans, energy conservation building codes, electric vehicles and solar pumps for farmers also bear testimony to India’s efforts to cut down carbon dioxide levels.
• The movement against climate change is now clearly beyond individuals and countries.

Online Coaching for UPSC PRE Exam

General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions: 

Q.1) Consider the following statements regarding CITES convention:
1.    It aims at in-situ conservation of wild animals and plants.
2.     It is legally binding on the parties to the Convention.
3.    It was recently adopted at the Paris climate conference.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 2 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer:  B

Mains Questions:
Q.1) What is the Paris climate change agreement? What are the aftermath effects after withdrawing agreement by U.S. President?