Climate Change and Global Warming — Revision Notes
⚡ 30-Second Revision
- Definition: — Climate change = long-term shifts in temp/weather; Global warming = specific temp rise.
- Cause: — Enhanced Greenhouse Effect (GHGs: CO2, CH4, N2O) from human activities (fossil fuels, deforestation).
- Key GHGs: — CO2 (fossil fuels), CH4 (agriculture, waste), N2O (agriculture).
- Global Temp Rise: — ~1.1°C above pre-industrial levels.
- International Agreements: — UNFCCC (1992), Kyoto Protocol (1997), Paris Agreement (2015).
- Paris Agreement Goal: — Limit warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C.
- India's NDCs (2022): — 45% GDP emission intensity reduction by 2030 (from 2005); 50% non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030; 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent carbon sink by 2030.
- India's Net-Zero Target: — 2070.
- NAPCC (2008): — 8 National Missions (e.g., Solar, Water, Green India).
- Key Concepts: — Mitigation (reduce emissions), Adaptation (adjust to impacts), CBDR-RC (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities).
- Recent: — COP28 (Global Stocktake, Loss & Damage Fund operationalized), G20 climate commitments, Green Hydrogen Mission.
2-Minute Revision
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns, primarily driven by human-induced 'enhanced greenhouse effect' from increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions like CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide.
Global warming is the specific rise in Earth's average temperature. The world has warmed by about 1.1°C since pre-industrial times, leading to erratic monsoons, extreme weather, and sea-level rise, severely impacting vulnerable nations like India.
International efforts began with the UNFCCC, leading to the Kyoto Protocol and then the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement introduced Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), where countries set their own targets.
India's updated NDCs (2022) aim for a 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 and 50% non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030, with a Net-Zero target by 2070. Domestically, India implements the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) with eight missions, focusing on renewable energy, water, and sustainable agriculture.
Recent developments include the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund at COP28 and India's Green Hydrogen Mission. Addressing climate change requires both mitigation (reducing emissions) and adaptation (adjusting to impacts), guided by the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR-RC).
5-Minute Revision
Climate change, a long-term alteration of global weather patterns and temperatures, is predominantly caused by the 'enhanced greenhouse effect.' This occurs due to increased concentrations of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) – primarily carbon dioxide from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, methane from agriculture and waste, and nitrous oxide from agricultural practices.
This leads to global warming, an average temperature rise of approximately 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, causing significant impacts like erratic monsoon patterns, increased frequency of extreme weather events (floods, droughts, heatwaves), sea-level rise, and ocean acidification.
India, with its diverse geography and large population, is highly vulnerable, particularly its agriculture, water resources, and coastal areas.
Globally, the response has evolved from the UNFCCC (1992) to the Kyoto Protocol (1997), which set binding targets for developed nations, and then to the Paris Agreement (2015). The Paris Agreement adopted a 'bottom-up' approach with Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) from all countries, aiming to limit warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.
5°C. India's updated NDCs (2022) commit to a 45% reduction in emissions intensity of GDP by 2030 (from 2005 levels) and 50% non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030, alongside creating a substantial carbon sink.
India has also declared a Net-Zero target by 2070.
Domestically, India's climate action is guided by the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC, 2008), comprising eight missions focused on solar energy, water, sustainable agriculture, and more.
Key initiatives include the National Solar Mission, Green Hydrogen Mission, and the Perform, Achieve and Trade (PAT) scheme for energy efficiency. India consistently advocates for 'Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities' (CBDR-RC), emphasizing climate justice, adequate climate finance, and technology transfer from developed nations.
Recent developments like the COP28 outcomes, including the Global Stocktake and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, highlight the urgency and complexity of global climate governance. India's G20 presidency also underscored climate action and sustainable development. A comprehensive strategy involves both mitigation (reducing GHG emissions) and adaptation (adjusting to unavoidable impacts) to build resilience and ensure sustainable development.
Prelims Revision Notes
- Core Concepts: — Climate Change (long-term shifts), Global Warming (temp rise), Greenhouse Effect (natural vs. enhanced). Key GHGs: CO2 (fossil fuels, deforestation), CH4 (agriculture, waste), N2O (agriculture), Fluorinated gases. Water vapour is most abundant GHG.
- Global Trends: — ~1.1°C warming since pre-industrial. IPCC reports are authoritative sources. Climate feedback loops: Positive (ice-albedo, permafrost thaw, water vapour) amplify warming; Negative (carbon fertilization) reduce warming.
- International Frameworks:
* UNFCCC (1992): Framework convention, CBDR principle. * Kyoto Protocol (1997): Binding targets for developed (Annex I) countries. CDM (Clean Development Mechanism). * Paris Agreement (2015): Universal, NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions), 1.5°C/2°C goal, Global Stocktake, Loss and Damage. * COP Summits: Annual meetings (e.g., COP28 Dubai: Global Stocktake, Loss & Damage Fund operationalized, 'transition away from fossil fuels').
- India's Commitments & Policies:
* NDCs (Updated 2022): 45% emissions intensity reduction (GDP) by 2030 (from 2005); 50% non-fossil fuel electricity capacity by 2030; 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2 equivalent carbon sink by 2030. * Net-Zero Target: 2070.
* NAPCC (2008): 8 National Missions (Solar, Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Water, Himalayan Ecosystem, Green India, Sustainable Habitat, Strategic Knowledge, Sustainable Agriculture). * Key Initiatives: National Solar Mission, Green Hydrogen Mission, PAT scheme (carbon trading), LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment).
- Vulnerability & Impacts (India): — Erratic monsoons, extreme weather (floods, droughts, heatwaves), sea-level rise, impacts on agriculture, water resources, coastal areas, health, biodiversity.
- Climate Finance: — Developed countries' $100 billion commitment, Loss and Damage Fund, Green Climate Fund (GCF).
- Differentiation: — Mitigation (reduce emissions) vs. Adaptation (adjust to impacts). CBDR-RC (Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities).
Mains Revision Notes
- Conceptual Clarity & Interlinkages: — Differentiate climate change, global warming, greenhouse effect. Connect to sustainable development (SDGs), disaster management, energy security, food security, and international relations. Vyyuha Analysis: Climate action is integral to India's development, not separate.
- India's Vulnerability & Impacts: — Analyze specific impacts on Indian sectors: agriculture (monsoon variability, crop yields), water resources (glacier melt, floods, droughts), coastal zones (sea-level rise, cyclones), health (heatwaves, vector-borne diseases). Use data and examples.
- Policy Framework & Implementation:
* Constitutional Basis: Articles 48A, 51A(g). Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. * NAPCC: Evaluate effectiveness, challenges (funding, coordination), and achievements. Discuss how missions contribute to mitigation and adaptation.
* NDCs & Net-Zero: Analyze India's ambition, implementation strategies, and challenges in achieving targets (e.g., renewable energy transition, carbon sink creation). * New Initiatives: Green Hydrogen Mission (potential, challenges), domestic carbon market, LiFE.
- International Climate Governance:
* Evolution: From Kyoto's top-down to Paris's bottom-up approach. Role of CBDR-RC. * Climate Justice: India's stance on historical responsibility, per capita emissions, equitable carbon space, demand for climate finance ($100 billion, Loss and Damage Fund). * COP Outcomes: Analyze key decisions (Global Stocktake, fossil fuel transition) and their implications for India. * Role of G20: India's leadership in pushing climate agenda.
- Strategies:
* Mitigation: Renewable energy transition (solar, wind, green hydrogen), energy efficiency, afforestation, carbon capture. * Adaptation: Climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, resilient infrastructure, early warning systems, ecosystem-based adaptation. * Climate Finance & Technology Transfer: Importance, challenges, mechanisms.
- Critical Analysis: — Examine the tension between economic growth and environmental sustainability. Discuss 'greenwashing,' equity issues, and the need for a 'just transition.' Vyyuha Exam Radar: Focus on policy implementation, finance, and adaptation challenges.
Vyyuha Quick Recall
To remember the key facets of Climate Change and Global Warming for UPSC, use the Vyyuha Quick Recall mnemonic CLIMATE:
- C — Carbon Cycle & Causes: Understand the natural carbon cycle and how human activities (fossil fuels, deforestation) disrupt it, leading to increased GHGs (CO2, CH4, N2O) and the enhanced greenhouse effect.
- L — Legal Frameworks & Landmark Judgments: Recall India's constitutional provisions (Art 48A, 51A(g)), Environment Protection Act, and key Supreme Court judgments (e.g., M.C. Mehta, Vellore Citizens) that underpin environmental governance.
- I — India's Missions & Initiatives: Remember NAPCC (8 missions), updated NDCs (targets for 2030, Net-Zero 2070), Green Hydrogen Mission, LiFE, and PAT scheme.
- M — Mitigation Strategies: Focus on reducing emissions: renewable energy transition, energy efficiency, afforestation, carbon capture, sustainable transport.
- A — Adaptation Measures: Focus on adjusting to impacts: climate-resilient agriculture, water harvesting, early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, coastal protection.
- T — Temperature Trends & Tipping Points: Recall global warming data (~1.1°C), IPCC reports, and the concept of climate feedback loops and potential tipping points.
- E — Economic & Equity Impacts: Understand climate finance, Loss & Damage, CBDR-RC, climate justice, and the socio-economic implications for vulnerable populations and India's development trajectory.