On Day 16, you will focus on two crucial topics from Environment & Ecology:
- Climate Change – Causes, effects, global impact, mitigation strategies.
- Pollution – Types, sources, effects, and control measures.
These topics are highly relevant for UPSC Prelims as they frequently appear in GS Paper 1. Moreover, questions from current affairs often link back to these concepts.
🌍 Topic 1: Climate Change
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns on Earth. It is primarily driven by natural processes and human activities (anthropogenic factors).
Causes of Climate Change
🔹 Natural Causes
- Volcanic Eruptions – Release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and aerosols.
- Solar Radiation Variability – Changes in solar output affect Earth’s temperature.
- Ocean Circulation Changes – El Niño, La Niña, and ocean currents impact weather patterns.
🔹 Human-Induced Causes
- Burning of Fossil Fuels – CO₂ emissions from coal, oil, and gas.
- Deforestation – Reduction in carbon sinks, increasing atmospheric CO₂.
- Industrialization & Agriculture – Methane (CH₄) from livestock, nitrous oxide (N₂O) from fertilizers.
Effects of Climate Change
✅ Global Warming – Rising temperatures lead to melting glaciers and sea level rise.
✅ Extreme Weather Events – Increased frequency of floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones.
✅ Biodiversity Loss – Habitat destruction and species extinction.
✅ Food & Water Scarcity – Reduced agricultural productivity and water shortages.
✅ Impact on Human Health – Spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue.
Mitigation Strategies
🛠️ International Initiatives
- Paris Agreement (2015) – Limit global warming to below 2°C.
- Kyoto Protocol (1997) – Legally binding reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – Provides scientific assessment reports.
🌱 Sustainable Practices
- Afforestation & Reforestation – Increasing forest cover.
- Renewable Energy – Promoting solar, wind, hydro, and bio-energy.
- Energy Efficiency – Using energy-saving appliances, smart grids.
India’s Initiatives on Climate Change
✅ National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) – 8 missions (Solar, Water, Sustainable Habitat, etc.).
✅ State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) – State-wise policies.
✅ Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME-II) – Promotes e-mobility.
🔗 Best Reference Links
- IPCC Reports on Climate Change: https://www.ipcc.ch/
- Paris Agreement Overview (UNFCCC): https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-paris-agreement
- India’s Climate Change Initiatives (PIB): https://pib.gov.in/
☠️ Topic 2: Pollution
What is Pollution?
Pollution refers to introducing harmful substances into the environment, causing adverse effects on human health, ecosystems, and biodiversity.
Types of Pollution & Their Impact
| Type | Causes | Effects | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Pollution | Vehicular emissions, industries, deforestation | Respiratory diseases, acid rain, smog | BS-VI vehicles, Air Quality Index (AQI), odd-even rule |
| Water Pollution | Industrial effluents, sewage, plastic waste | Marine ecosystem damage, waterborne diseases | Namami Gange, Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) |
| Soil Pollution | Pesticides, landfills, chemical waste | Loss of soil fertility, food contamination | Organic farming, solid waste management |
| Noise Pollution | Traffic, loudspeakers, construction | Hearing impairment, mental stress | Noise regulations, green buffers |
| Plastic Pollution | Single-use plastics, improper disposal | Marine biodiversity loss, microplastic contamination | Ban on plastic bags, recycling policies |
India’s Efforts to Curb Pollution
🌏 Air Pollution Control – National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) aims to reduce PM2.5 and PM10 levels by 20-30% by 2024.
🌊 Water Pollution Control – Namami Gange Mission for Ganga river cleaning.
🛢 Plastic Waste Management – Ban on single-use plastics since 2022.
🔗 Best Reference Links
- Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): https://cpcb.nic.in/
- India’s National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): https://moef.gov.in/
📌 Your Study Tasks for Day 16
✅ Read Shankar IAS Book – Environment & Ecology (Chapters on Climate Change & Pollution).
✅ Go through NCERT Geography Class 11 (Physical Environment).
✅ Solve 10-15 MCQs from previous UPSC papers on climate change & pollution.
✅ Write a short note (100 words) on India’s initiatives for climate change mitigation.
💪 Moral Strength for Your UPSC Journey
🌟 “Every expert was once a beginner.”
UPSC preparation is not about intelligence, but about discipline and consistency. You have already taken the first step towards success by committing to this journey.
🚀 Believe in Yourself!
- You are stronger than you think.
- You are capable of achieving great things.
- Your hard work will pay off.
📢 Keep pushing forward – One day, you will look back at today and be proud of how far you’ve come! 💙🔥
Stay focused, stay determined, and success will be yours! 💪✨