Extreme weather, ahoy! (Mint)

• Mains Paper 3: Environment 
• Prelims level: World Meteorological Organization
• Mains level:  Report arises on climate change 

Context:

• Report published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has findings that a close analysis of climate dangers.
• It warns of the impact of “retreating ice, record sea levels, increasing ocean heat and acidification, and extreme weather", all of which are in evidence. 
• It also corroborates the latest studies of the European Union’s climate monitor, which revealed that 2019 was the second hottest year on record after 2016. 
• The WMO forecasts extreme weather conditions for 2020 and beyond, and cites the prolonged bushfires that are ravaging Australia as a case in point.

Conclusion:

• Rising global temperatures are no blip, but a clear and present threat to the planet. 
• We must speed up collective action towards limiting temperature increases to 1.5 degree Celsius, as agreed upon in the landmark Paris accord, or be prepared to watch the world burn.

Online Coaching for UPSC PRE Exam

General Studies Pre. Cum Mains Study Materials

Prelims Questions:

Q.1) With reference to the “Protecting Power” in International affairs, consider the following statements:
1. The instrument of Protecting Powers is provided for under the 1961 and 1963 Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations. 
2. Switzerland is the “Protecting Power” of the United States’ interests in Iran. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A.   1 only
B.   2 only
C.   All the above
D.   None 

Answer: C
Mains Questions:
Q.1) Describe the major highlights about the report published by the World Meteorological Organization on climate changes.