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What the hell is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity = biological diversity.
It means number and variety of plants and animals.

Isolated islands have limited number of variety in plants and animals compared to tropical rainforest or coral reefs.
Because number of competitors and predators are limited.

In the subtropical and polar regions of Northern Hemisphere, the climate is very cold, the region had gone through iceages = less population =less competition =less predators =less evolution= less biodiversity of plants and animals
(compared to African or Brazilian jungle)

In general, you will find less variety in plant and animal species in some European country (Ukraine) compared to a
tropical country like Vietnam.

So, As you move from equator towards the poles, biodiversity decreases. (latitudes)

Keystone species

These species determine the ability of a large number of other species to survive.

When the keystone species becomes extinct. It has snowballing (=cascading) effect on extinction of other species (just like
increase in petrol price on inflation)

Examples of keystone species

o

Bees : pollination of fruits and flowers. Albert Einstein once said, if the honeybee goes extinct, we have
four more years on earth.

Plankton : food of many fishes

Sentinel species: frogs

They are sensitive indicators of environmental problem.

For example, frogs, toads, salamander. They are amphibians (can live in both land and water).

Frogs breath through their moist skin, which is very sensitive to pollutants in environment.

In amphibians, fertilization is typically external, meaning that the sperm and egg join outside of the females body.

They lay unprotected eggs (without shell like chicken egg) in water or moist damp places, so their eggs are also very
vulnerable to pollution, temperature, humidity change etc.

Thus, a rapid decline in the population of frogs thus would indicate a looming environmental problem.

(Homework) difference between coldblooded and warm blooded animals.

Blue whales

Largest mammals on Earth. Elephents are the largest mammals on land only.

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International whaling commission (IWC) was set up in 1946 to fix anyone hunting quotas for the countries. Since 1980s
IWC called for a halt on whale poaching

But Japan, Norway and Ireland are major countries that still continue to indulge in whale hunting, they are unhappy with
IWC and cites restrictions.
Bird : Another Sentinel Species

Birds are very important for seed dispersal, insect and rodent control, scavenging (vultures), and pollination.

Many birds are also sentinel species e.g.Vultures

Colombia has more than 1800 species of birds = most bird-diverse country

Indias got about 1250 =we rank in top-10 in terms of bird diversity.
Vultures and Diclofenac

Diclofenac is a painkiller medicine used mostly for arthritis in humans

Veternary Diclofenac is used on cattle, as painkiller, stopping inflammation and fever.

When Animals are treated with Diclofenac, this drug keeps accumulating in their body. When these animals die, Vultures
eat them = kidney failure =death of vulture.

Hence Government of India banned Veternary Diclofenac. Now farmers have to use other expensive drugs instead of
Diclofenac.

Bigger Why should we care? Let the vultures die! What difference does it make to us or to the environment ?

Well, Less vultures= more dead animals for dogs to eat = dog population increases = more problem of rabies.

Secondly, vultures digestive system can destroy many parasites, but dogs digestive system cannot. Hence dogs who eat
dead animals are more disease carriers than vultures.
What is biodiversity hotspot?

It is an area unusually rich in biodiversity of birds and animals, but they are under constant threat of overexploitation.
Such an area is called a biodiversity hotspot

Example of biodiversity hotspots in India : eastern Himalayas, western Ghats. (more in separate articles)
Plant biodiversity and Green Revolution

But under the green revolution program, the government introduced HYV (high yielding variety) seeds. So, instead of
30,000 indigenous varieties of rice, now Indian farmers plant only 12 HYV rice varieties.= reduced biodiversity of rice.
Cites: convention on international trade in endangered animals and plant species.

The illegal smuggling of rare species, exotic pets (orangutan), ornamental plants (orchid, cactus) is estimated to be $8
billion per year, which is second only to the illegal weapons smuggling.

Cites convention restricts the trade of endangered plants and animals and also the trade of clothing, food, medicine, and
souvenirs, produced out of these species.

Cites is a step by worlds oldest global environmental organization IUCN = international union for conservation of nature
and natural resources (iucn), hq: Switzerland.

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The same ICUN maintains the red list of threatened species.

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National Seabuckthorn Initiative
Seabuckthorn (Leh berry) is a shrub
It grows in the dry temperate and cold desert of the Himalayas.
Found extensively in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttatrakhand,
Uses :
Has multi-purpose medicinal and nutritional properties, besides being useful for soil conservation and nitrogen fixation.
Since this is the only plant that can grow in high altituderegions it can be easily used for water and soil
conservation.
Ideal plant for desertification control.
Every part of the plant viz. Fruit, leaf, twig, root and thorn has been traditionally used as medicine, nutritional
supplement, fuel and fence, and therefore, seabuckthorn is popularly known as

What is National Seabuckthorn Initiative?

Eco Task Force Battalions and Womens Self-help groups will be mobilised for plantation of seabuckthorn in remote areas.

Research and Development (R&D) for cultivation and commercial processing in collaboration with China, Russia,
Pakistan, Germany etc nations where this plant is found.

1. In-Situ (natural home)

2.Ex-Situ (artificial home)

Difference between a national park, wildlife Sanctuary, and a biosphere reserve

National Park

No human activity or settlement allowed.

Villagers cannot graze their animals, Extremely strict rules about jungle produce collection (Tendu leaves,
Honey etc.)

Wildlife
Sanctuary

People are not allowed to live (some exceptions though) but some human activities are allowed, such as
grazing, firewood collection.
Tourism is permitted.
A Sanctuary can be upgraded as a National Park. However a National Park cannot be downgraded as a
Sanctuary.

Biosphere
reserve

People are allowed to live, own private land and carry on their traditional activities. (In the outer-zone)

National Aquatic Animal

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In 2009, The Ganga River Dolphin was declared the National Aquatic Animal of India by the National Ganga River
Basin Authority which is chaired by the Prime Minister found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems.
Problems faced by River Dolphins

hunted for their oil

They get stuck in the nets of the fishermen and die.

What is Rio Summit/ Earth Summit?

It was a United nations summit, held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1992.

It led to creation of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

What is the UNFCCC?

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Created because of the Rio Summit/ Earth Summit of 1992.

It is an international treaty for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Nearly every country on Earth is a party to the UNFCCC.

What is Conference of the Parties (COP)?

The nations, whove signed UNFCCC convention, meet every year to discuss climate change strategy.

These meetings are called Conference of the Parties (COP)

The first COP (COP 1) was held in Berlin.

Third COP (COP 3) held in Kyoto, Japan. It was here the famous Kyoto Protocol came in to existence.

2011: COP held in Durban, S.Africa.

2012: COP will be held in Doha, Qatar in November 2012 (so it becomes important topic for next prelims!)
What is Kyoto Protocol?

1997: third meeting of UNFCC nation (also known as Conference of Parties/COP3),

In this meeting Kyoto Protocol was created.

Kyoto protocol wants the Industrialised nations to reduce their green house gas emission by around 5.2% by 2012.
(measured against 1990 levels)

Before dwelling much into Kyoto, some important terms.

What is common but differentiated responsibilities?

The developed countries such as US,UK have already polluted the atmosphere with greenhouse gases (GHGs) through
industrialization. So theyre the one who created/started global warming and all the mess.

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While Developing countries (India and Brazil) have started polluting the world only recently.

Therefore, the developing countries such as India, Brazil should share less of the burden of lowering overall emissions.

And Developed countries (US,UK) should bear more responsibility in fixing this global warming mess etc. because theyre
the one more responsible for it.

So, while it is the Common responsibility of every nation of this world, to reduce Green house gas emission, but there
should be some difference between the responsibility given to developed countries and developing countries.

Kyoto Protocol follows that principle and assigns separate responsibilities to the countries.

In Earth Summit, Rio De Janero, Brazil, they formed a treaty called UNFCCC
The UNFCCC gangsters meets every year,

on how to fix the global warming problem and these meetings are called Conference of Parties COP.

In third such COP meeting @Kyoto, Japan, they come up with an idea under which
o

Developed nations like US, will compulsorily reduce their green house gas (GHG) emission by 2012.

Developing nations like India, should reduce GHG emission but not compulsory.

Although various countries signed Kyoto Protocol in 1997, it did not came into force immediately.

Kyoto protocol came into force only after required number of Annex 1 Countries ratified it.

So this was achieved only in 2005.

Thus, Kyoto although signed in 1997, came into force in 2005

#1 Emissions Trading / Carbon Trading

Japan was given quota of 100 units

And Australia was given quota of 200 units.

But Austrialian Government is unable to maintain this limit and Australia emits 210 units of green house gas, in given
year.

On the other side, Japanese Government takes very strong steps to control emission and hence they only emit 90 units of
Green House gas. So it has spare 10 Kyoto Units.

Now, under Emission trading system, Australia can buy this 10 spare kyoto units from Japan and thus remain within its
limit.

#2 Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

Suppose Annex B country Australia is given emission quota of 200 units, but it emits 210 units of green house gas.

But Australia can finance a solar power project in some village of India (Non-Annex or developing Country) and get
certificate that the solar plant led to reduction of 10 units of green house gas. In this way, Australia will remain in its
quota/limit.

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In Joint Implementation, Australia can do the good project in another Annex B country e.g. Japan to
meet the quota.
Why USA did not ratify Kyoto Protocol?

Because it does not require developing countries (especially India and China) to commit to emissions reductions.
The powerful US industrialist lobby may stop election funds to a candidate, if he is in favor of Kyoto protocol, so USA is
unlikely to ratify Kyoto or any such future protocols that are legally binding
Canada Quits Kyoto protocol

In 2011, Canada, become the first country to quit the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, saying the 1997 accord was
handicapped because top green house emitters like the United States and China not covered by it.
What is the Copenhagen Accord?

Conference of Parties (COP).

15th such meeting was held @Copenhagen, Denmark = COP15

It says all countries should pledge to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emission but all of the pledges made under the
Copenhagen Accord are voluntary; there are no binding obligations placed on these pledges by the UNFCCC or any
other international body.
UNFCCC acknowledged the Copenhagen Accord and has assisted in collecting the GHG reduction pledges of various
countries.
Copenhagen Accord also lays the groundwork for financial commitments from developed countries (US,UK) to developing
countries (India, Brazil etc.) for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

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Landslides in Himalayas: Reasons, Solutions

Landslides: Reasons
1.

indiscriminate chopping down of trees.

2. slash and burn cultivation technique called JHUM,

3. Road construction and mining.
4. Every increasing population, grazing, urbanization etc. has destroyed the dense natural evergreen forest cover.
Such activities have disrupted the ecological balance, thereby resulting in loosening of the soil. During the heavy rain, this leads to
soil erosion and frequent landslides
Suggestions to fix problem
1.

Excess water should be stored in the catchments areas, which will reduce the fury of flash floods, recharge the ground
water and improve the environment.

2. Runoff collection ponds in the catchments, though they might get silted up in a few years, will be more useful than the
measures in the lower reaches.
3. To prevent rapid siltation of tanks, the contributing catchments (even if they are not cultivated but used for grazing or
forestry purposes) need to be well managed so that soil erosion is prevented.
4. All common lands should be put under fuel/fodder trees.

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5.

Planting of barren areas, especially on slopes, with grass cover is an important component of integrated watershed
management programme.

6. Grazing should be completely restricted. After the area is completely protected from grazing, better grasses can be planted.
7.

The grasses of industrial importance should also be planted so that there is some economic return to the farmers as well.

8. The surface vegetative cover will not only protect the land from the beating action of rain drops and bind the soil particles
but would also decrease the velocity of flowing water and cause less of soil erosion .
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What is IPCC?

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

H.Q in Geneva

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the leading international body for the assessment of climate
change.

It was established by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) in 1988.

To have a clear view on the present scenario of Climate change and its future impact on Enviornment, Livelihood,
Economics.

It does not conduct any research nor does it monitor climate related data or parameters.
It merely assesses the most recent scientific, technical and socio-economic information produced worldwide relevant to
the understanding of climate change.

Thousand of scientists contribute to provide info voluntarily.

It is open to all member countries of the United Nations (UN) and WMO. Currently 195 countries are members of the
IPCC.
The Structure of IPCC

Each group assess the report in their respective proficiency and then a succinct conclusion can be configured out.
IPCC reports: how are they prepared?

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Check this flow-chart

timeline of reports
Why important?
The fourth Assessment Report (AR4) of the intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) said that most of the warming that
has taken place since the middle of the last century is very likely the result of increase in the concentration of human-induced
greenhouse gases. A hot topic.
Fodder material can be mug up through the Yojana Disaster Management in India, comprising

Harnessing technology to employ systems which can efficiently predict monsoon, Early Warning System and bla.. bla.

Formulating a National Action Plan.

Implementation and regular assessment

Ascertaining the post disaster effects which are generally not counted in monetary terms as well as social terms.

Encourage the people to emit less and to plant more and all that.

Formulating the new policies like Carbon Trading, whose target is to ultimately bring down the concentration of GHG
irrespective of the nations.

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SC Ban on Tiger Tourism, Core and Buffer Areas, Project Tiger, NTCA Guidelines explained

Core zone (critical tiger habitats): This is where tigers usually rest, reside, feed and breed. Therefore, Government should
prevent any disturbance in such areas, including tourism.

Buffer zone = areas that lie in the periphery of the core zone.

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Buffer zones constitute the fringe areas (=The outside boundary or surface of something) of tiger reserves up to 10 kms.
Following map should clear the concept:
What is Project Tiger?

A 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme, by Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF)

It is a program for in-situ conservation of Tigers.

It provides for staff, equipment, and infrastructure in tiger reserves.

Provides for money, in case a man or cattle is killed by wild animals, crop is lost, rehabilitation of villages etc.
What is NTCA?

National Tiger Conservation Authority

It is a provided in the Wildlife Protection Act (Ameneded in 2006).

Therefore NTCA is a statutory body. The Minister of Environment and Forest, is the chairman of this NTCA. (Jayanthi
Natarajan right now).

It coordinates, implements and monitors Project Tiger.

It prepares annual reports, which are laid down in the parliament.

Why is Tiger population threatened?

Deforestation because of
o

Human pressure: farming, mining, illegal felling of trees.

Grazing of domestic animals

Because of Deforestation, the size of tiger-prey (Deer, sambar etc.) has declined.

Hence tigers have to come outside the protected areas to hunt for animals, including domestic cattle. This leads to mananimal conflict, tiger deaths in road accidents, and provides ample opportunities to poachers.

Tiger breeding/ reproduction is reduced/disturbed due to highways, noise pollution, tourism etc.

Tiger is a territorial animal, which advertises its presence in an area through urine marking and maintains a territory.
Therefore, to support a population of 80-100 tigers, youd need a protected area of atleast 1000 sqkm- totally undisturbed.
Otherwise the male tigers would fight, maim and kill eachother and the weaker ones would be forced to hunt in
surrounding villages- leading to man-animal conflicts.

But because of the highways, villages, farming activities, the Habitats are getting fragmented. Habitat Fragmentation =
bad for tigers. They cannot move, hunt or breed freely in small and fragmented habitats.

Insurgency in North East and naxals in Central India= Forest dept. cannot efficiently work and protect tigers.
Concept of Umbrella Species: Why do we need to protect Tiger?

1.

Tiger is an umbrella species. It resides at the top of the jungle food chain.

2. A healthy tiger population indicates that the other ecological components in its habitat are equally robust, since tigers
need large amount of prey and good habitat.

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3. If the Umbrella species is protected, it will also ensure viable populations of other wild animals (co predators like
Leopords and prey like dears) and the habitat (trees, shrubs, water).
4. Thus, when youre protecting the tiger, youre indirectly protecting the whole jungle and all the species that live in it.
International Cooperation
1.

India has a bilateral understanding with Nepal on controlling trans -boundary illegal trade in wildlife and conservation,

2. India has signed a protocol on tiger conservation with China

3. India has signed a protocol has with Bangladesh for conservation of tigers in Sunderban region.
4. India has Constituted a group on tiger and leopard conservation with Russia.
5.

India is a party to Convention on Inter national Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)

6. Unlike China, India doesnt support captive breeding of tigers (breeding tigers on a commercial scale, to sell their hides
and bones later, just like a poultry farm).
7.

India made an appealing to China to phase out tiger farming and eliminate stockpiles of Atiger body parts and derivatives.

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Amphibian means "living double lives", meaning that they live two lives: one in water with gills and the other on land by
growing lungs as they age. They arevertebrates and cold blooded (ectothermic). Early amphibians, a crucial link from fish to
terrestrial reptiles, were the first animals to leave the sea and venture onto the land.
Reptiles (meaning "to creep stealthily under cover of darkness") are a group of animals that have scales (or modified scales),
breathe air, and usually lay eggs. Most reptiles live on land and reproduce by laying eggs. Crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and
turtles are all examples of reptiles.
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Eutrophication
Eutrophication (Greek: eutrophiahealthy, adequate nutrition, development; German: Eutrophie) or more
precisely hypertrophication, is the ecosystem response to the addition of artificial or natural substances, such
as nitrates and phosphates, through fertilizers or sewage, to an aquatic system.[1] One example is the "bloom" or great increase
of phytoplankton in a water body as a response to increased levels of nutrients. Negative environmental effects include hypoxia,
the depletion of oxygen in the water, which induces reductions in specific fish and other animal populations. Other species (such
as Nomura's jellyfish in Japanese waters) may experience an increase in population that negatively affects other species.

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Krill and food chain

The whale is not a fish but a mammal

Krill= Shrimp-like planktonic creatures = theyre favorite food of whale.

Krill eat phytoplankton, which are microscopic plants that live near the surface of oceans and lakes.

Phytoplankton are mainly one-celled organisms and are autotrophic.

Planktons

autotrophic= they depend on the sun for the energy they need to produce their food.

Thus microscopic phytoplankton are very important to all living organisms in the sea.

The blue whale feeds throughout the summer on krill that are abundant in the cold, polar water of both the northern and
southern hemisphere.

In the late fall, the blue whale migrates on the warmer waters of the tropics where the water is warmer.

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There are no krill in tropical areas of the ocean so the blue whale must live off its blubber for the entire time it spends
there. (Blubber = fat stored in Whale body)

When there is oil-spill, it reduces the planktonic creature and thus affects the whole food chain.
Hydrocarbon-eating bugs

In early 2012, there was an oil spill in Gulf of Mexico- from British Petroleums Deepwater Horizon rig.

Scientists found growing population of carbon-eating bacteria about six miles from the leak. (oceanospirillale)

Each time the scientists got back to the laboratory to test the sea-water samples, the bugs had already eaten all the oil in
them.
Adipic acid: Nylon

Adipic acid is produced from fossil fuel, and the pollution released from the refinement process contributes significantly to
global warming

Adipic acid is required for nylon production.

Now scientists have came up with process to produce eco-friendly adipic acid.

Theyll convert cheap sugars into adipic acid, instead of using fossile fuel.
Rhino horn powder

Rich and affluent people in Vietnam, are using Rhino horn power to spice up their alcoholic drink in parties. (miracle cure
for cancer, AIDS..you get the idea, just like tiger bones)

Because of this demand, more and more rhinos are hunted in Africa.

Vietnamese government, is accused of not taking the crisis seriously, despite pressure from the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

Vietnam is the only country in the world where rhino horn grinding bowls are mass produced. It shows that Vietnamese
Government is not serious in cracking this illegal business.
Non-native/Invasive species: Asian Ladybug

Aphids= plant sucking insect.

Asian ladybug= these were introduced into Europe and USA to combat aphids problem.

But these Asian ladybugs are displacing the native European ladybugs. (Because Asian Ladybugs eats aphids as well as
European ladybygs.) and thus, its population exploded, now infesting the buildings.

Thus Asian ladybug = a threat to native species and biodiversity in Europe and America.

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Asian Ladybug
New Sperm Freezing method

Previously, elephant breeders could only use a limited number of elephant bulls living in zoos, as semen could not be
frozen and had to be used within twelve hours. But scientists have now solved this problem using the new sperm freezing
method.

This new freezing method could also be used with other endangered species like rhinoceros and gorilla
Nisargruna biogas technology

developed by the Mumbai-based Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC).

This technology can produce more methan and organic manure from biowaste (compared to the conventional gobar gas
plant)

This methane enriched biogas can be used directly for heating (instead of LPG) or for generating electricity.
Biodegradable electronic devices

electronic devices such as integrated circuits, chips and tools etc. when discarded, they are called e-waste.

It is estimated that e-waste alone accounts for over 70 per cent of toxic wastes currently found in landfills

we use electronic devices such as pacemakers and other sensors that are implanted in our bodies. The trouble with them is
that once they are past their use, we need to surgically remove them (and perhaps implant a fresh one). How nice it would
be if only they dissolve away and get removed from the body; much the way we discard our body liquids and solids every
day!

Scientists are now working on such biodegradable electronic devices.

Agro related
Senescence in fruits

The non-greening of leaves is called senescence.

ripening in fruits also involves chlorophyll loss and an increase in production of yellow, orange, red or purple pigments.
Why Water=Transparent?

Light is a form of an electromagnetic energy with a wide range of wavelengths.

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If a material absorbs all the visible range of light, then it looks black to us because there is hardly any visible light left
from the object to reach our eyes.

If a material does not absorb any part of the visible range of light, then the object either appears colourlessly transparent

Water has molecules that do not have the kind of electrons which absorb any portion of the visible range (but have
electrons that absorb only in the invisible ultraviolet range) of light

That is why water appears transparent. Several other liquids, such as benzene, alcohol, chloroform, coconut oil, etc also
look transparent for this reason.
Sapota

Tropical fruit plant. (chikoo)

Grown widely in India for its fruit and milky latex which is the source of chicle used to make chewing gum.
Rice blast

is a fungal infestation known to occur in all the rice growing areas of the county. The disease attacks all the parts of the crop
growing above the soil.
Chawki

refers to young silk worms reared from hatching to second moult stage. The quality of these worms forms the crux of
successful silkworm rearing.

If the chawki worms are not reared properly, the later stages will result in crop losses.

Chawki Rearing
PSTOL1

It is a gene that helps the rice plants to grow in phosphorus-deficient soil.

The absence of PSTOL1 from modern rice varieties underlines the importance of conserving and exploring traditional rice
varieties.
Disasters
Mt Tongariro

Volcano erupted here, in New Zealand

LAquila quake

Occurred in Italy, in 2009.

The scientists of Italys top disaster body had failed to predict it accurately.

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Now Italian court sentenced them to jail.

This has outraged the international science community

Climate change and Rainfall

With every 1 degree Celsius rise in temperature, tropical regions will see 10 per cent heavier rainfall extremes, with
possible impacts for flooding in populous regions

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Amur Falcon

A Migratory bird from Russia.

Every year, in October, they arrive in northeast India from Siberia en route to their final destination Africa.

During their flight, they stop the jungles of Nagaland for a while, for food and rest.

Why in News? Because some environment activists found that 120,000 to 140,000 birds are being slaughtered in
Nagaland every year during their passage through the state, and sold for their meat @local markets.

Theyve requested Environment Ministry to take action.

India, is a signatory to the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), therefore it is Governments responsibility to
provide safe passage to all migratory birds, turtles etc.

Amur falcon

Nicobar Scrubfowl/Megapod

Narcondam hornbill

Nicobar scrubfowl/Megapod

A bird, only found in Nicobar island.

Why in news? Because Navy wanted to setup a missile testing site at Tillanchong Sanctuary in the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. Environment Ministry rejected it, missile testing project would destroy the habitat of this bird.

This Bird is also called Nicobar megapode because of its large legs.

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This bird is considered sacred by the Nicobarese people, was hit badly by the Indian Ocean tsunami that destroyed vast
swathes of its habitat and nesting grounds.

Navy Chief said, We know that Environment ministry has its reservations. But the fact is we cannot do without our
firing range
Narcondam Hornbill

Narcondam is an extremely remote, tiny island in the Andaman and Nicobar Island group, and is home to about 300
Narcondam hornbills, a species that is found nowhere else in the world.

Why in news? Because The Coast Guard wanted to set up a surveillance radar here, but environment ministry rejected
the proposal.

Why in news? Because The Coast Guard wanted to set up a surveillance radar here, but environment ministry rejected

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What is IUCN?

HQ=Gland, Switz.

International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) also known as the World Conservation
Union.

The IUCN is the worlds oldest global environmental organization. (WWF in 60s, UNEP in 70s, IPCC in 80s, Kyoto etc. in
90s) Observe this Timeline

Click to Enlarge

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IUCN includes both Nations and NGOs.

The IUCN enjoys observer status at the United Nations General Assembly.
What is IUCN Red List?

1.

It is a system of classifying plants, animals etc on basis of their likelihood of extinction.

2. This classification contains total 9 groups. Observe following chart.

Taken From Encyclopedia Britannica

1

Each year thousands of scientists around the world assess or reassess species. The IUCN Red List is subsequently updated.
Latest updated list was released @RIO +20 summit.

This list helps Governments and NGOs prioritize their efforts to save the particular plant, animal etc. For example more
money and manpower should be spent on red species compared to orange or green species in the list. And the sale of red
species products must be banned under CITES.
What is CITES?

HQ=Geneva, Switzerland. (Secretariat administered by UNEP.)

CITES= Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

CITES is an international agreement, brainchild of IUCN, Made in 70s.Aims to stop illicit trade of wildlife.
Why illegal trade of wildlife?

In traditional Chinese and Asian medicine systems the bones, tissues, blood of tigers, bears, elephants, rhinos etc. = used
to treat arthritis, impotence, Cancer and AIDS(!)

Rapid Growth of human population with increased demand for (stupid) medicines.
How does CITES work?

CITES has no enforcement authority (i.e. doesnt have its own police force or militia).

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CITES classifies species into three categories Appendix I, II and III and regulates their trade via cooperation of various
nations.
Appendix

There are almost 1000 plant and animal species in this list.

Their trade =totally banned, unless exeptional situation.

Species that are not necessarily threatened, but will get threatened if their trade is not controlled.

Businessmen will need to get licence from relevant authorities to export such plants/ animals/their
products.

The Government can give licence if it certain that that trade will not be harmful to the survival of the
species in the wild

list of species included at the request of any one nation but needs the cooperation of other countries to
prevent unsustainable or illegal exploitation.

Appendix I

Appendix
II

Appendix
III

What is Conference of Parties?

Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties, it does not take the place of national laws. Rather it provides a
framework respected by each Party. So These parties have to do two things

1.

Make laws to regulate import and export of wildlife species.

2. Establish licensing authority for trade of wildlife species and their products.
These Parties meet @regular interval. Such meetings are called Conference of Parties (COP).
In COP, they contemplate about progress, achievement; need to update the species appendix etc.
Criticism, limitation of CITES
#1: No police of its own

CITES has no enforcement authority, but rather depends on the voluntary development of laws and enforcement
procedures within each nation.

However, laws among nations vary greatly, and even when strong laws exist, many national authorities lack the resources,
political will, or both to enforce them.

Many believe that CITES has become a battleground between developed nations, which typically promote bans on
endangered species trade, and developing nations, which often seek such trade as a viable economic strategy.
#2: Non-Native Species

Confiscated endangered species in some countries have been released into nature preserves without adequate
consideration of potential ecological impacts.

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For example, Malayan pangolins, does not naturally occur in China, but have been released into China, where they can
compete with native animals. (Non-Native Species)
#3: Appendix are Counterproductive

The inclusion of a species in Appendix I can drive up black-market prices for that species, encouraging more poaching and
stockpiling of commodities, including rhinoceros horn, elephant ivory, and tiger bone.

Sometimes it is hard to distinguish parts of an endangered species from parts of a non endangered species. For example,
all bear gallbladders look to that of non endangered animals as domestic pigs= problem in legit trading of domestic pigs
body parts.
#4: Not Comprehensive

Major threats to endangered species come from deforestation, Habitat destruction, and other environmentally destructive
policies which are outside the scope of CITES.
Mock questions on Environment and Biodiversity

Q. What is the correct Chronological order (older to younger)?

a.

IUCN, IPCC, UNEP, UNFCC

b. IUCN, UNFCC, UNEP, IPCC

c.

UNEP, IPCC, UNFCC, IUCN

d. None of Above.
Q. Which of the following is correct about Red List of Endangered species?
1.

It is jointly prepared by IUCN and UNEP under UNFCCC.

2. It classifies species in 3 categories only.

a.

Only 1

b. Only 2
c.

Both

d. None
Q. Which of the following is correct about CITES?
1.

It contains provisions to protect wildlife species from illegal trade, habitat destruction and climate change.

2. It releases Red List of Endangered species with the help of IUCN.

a.

Only 1

b. Only 2
c.

Both

d. None

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GS Mains
1.

Steps taken by India, to stop illegal trade of wildlife. 10m

2. What do you understand by the term CITES? What steps, apart from those mentioned in CITES, should be taken to
protect the wildlife? 15m
3. Name any three critically endangered species in India, according to the IUCN Red list. Enumerate the measures taken to
protect them. 25m

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Convention on Biodiversity (CBD): Prologue to Cartagena, Nagoya, Aichi, COP-11

What is UNEP?

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

An organization under United Nations. (1972)

The United Nations General Assembly elects the UNEP governing council members.

HQ= Nairobi, Kenya

Two important terms associated with UNEP

Earthwatch

UNEP keeps constant surveillance on environment, through this program.

Global Environment Outlook (GEO)

UNEP publishes this report.5th such report (GEO-5) released in 2012.

Earth Summit?

Conference held in Rio-De-Janerio, Brazil in 1992

Formal name: United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED)

What is the connection between UNEP and Earth Summit?

In the late 80s, the UNEP members decided we should have some sort of international agreement to protect biodiversity.

They worked on a draft Agreement. (Nairobi Conference)

In 1992, when Earth Summit was held in Rio, Brazil, these UNEP people put that draft-agreement on the table, and
requested various countries to sign it.

This signed international agreement is known as Convention on Biodiversity. (Official name =Convention on Biological
Diversity)
Kids of Earth Summit

Earth summit, 1992 gave birth to many things. But three important kids were

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Mission

Earth Summits result

Protect Biodiversity

1.

CBD

Reverse Climate Change

UNFCCC

Promote Sustainable Development

Agenda 21

As the year progressed, these three kids (CBD, UNFCC, Agenda 21) grew up, had their own kids.

Mission

Earth Summits result

Their kids

1.
1.

Protect Biodiversity

CBD

Aichi Targets

2. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

3. Nagoya Protocol on Genetic Resources

Reverse Climate Change

UNFCCC

1.

Kyoto Protocol

2. Copenhagen Accord

Promote Sustainable Development

Agenda 21

1.

RIO+20

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We can summarize this in an equation and a Chart
Earth Summit=> CBD (Cartagena+ Aichi+Nagoya) +UNFCCC (Kyoto+Copanheggan) +Agenda 21 (RIO+20)

Once ^this is clear, observe the following timeline to see the bigger picture of how every piece fits into the puzzle.

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Click to Enlarge
What is CBD? HQ= Montreal, Canada

Convention =International Agreement.

Convention on Biodiversity is the brainchild of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP)

What does CBD want?

Convention on Biodiversity wants three things and it leads to three more things.

Wants to

Leads to

1.

Protect biodiversity

COP meetings, Aichi Targets.

Safe use of bio-technology

Cartagena Biosafety Protocol

Stop unfair use of Genetic resources

Nagoya Genetic Resources Protocol

Objective#1: Protect Biodiversity

You already know what is biodiversity, why is it important, what is in-situ, ex-situ. If you dont know those basic things,
visit www.Mrunal.org/enb, read the earlier articles, download the NOS studyresources and then come back.

Welcome back. Convention on Biodiversity, as the name suggests = has something to do with biodiversity.
CBD accepts/wants following things

1.

Biological diversity is a common concern of humankind.

2. States have sovereign rights over their own biological resources.

3. But at the same time, States are responsible for conserving their biological diversity.
4. Therefore, States are required to create National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAP).
5.

Sustainable use of biological diversity =important for food security, health and other needs of public.

6. Biological diversity is being significantly reduced by certain human activities.

7.

But Well protect biodiversity via in-situ and ex-situ methods.

8. We recognize vital role of women and NGOs in protecting biodiversity.

9. Our rich members (developed countries) will give money and (secret James Bond) technology to the middle class and
poor members (developing nations and Least developed countries)
10. Well give special attention to the least developed countries (L.D.C.) and small island States, because theyre more
vulnerable.

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11. Well also give special attention to developing countries, especially those with arid and semi- arid zones, coastal and
mountainous areas.
12. + add public awareness, sensitization, knowledge -sharing and other diplomatic-legal fodder.
Where is the money?

To fund various projects, activities under CBD, you need truckload of cash.

This cash comes through an organization named as Global Environment Facility (GEF).

GEF gets money from world bank, UN, various (rich) nations and trust organization, companies etc.

GEF gives that money to finance many environment related activies including

1.

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

2. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

How does CBD work?

CBD doesnt have members it has parties: rich parties on one side, middle class and poor parties on the other.

These parties meet at regular interval. These meetings are called Conference of Parties (COP).

In these Meetings, the leaders, delegates consume desi-liquor (to provide sustainable livelihood to local communities) and
evaluate their past achievements; lay down future course of action, money and technology transfer to third world.

Each party has one vote. Decision taken by majority vote. These meetings led to Cartagena Biosafety Protocol (2000).

10th Such meeting was held at Nagoya, Japan (2010). It led to Nagoya Protocol on Genetic Resources + Aichi Targets.

11th such meeting (COP-11) was held in Hyderabad, India in 2012

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Aichi Targets for Biodiversity Protection under CBD
Earth Summit led to=>
1.

Biodiversity protection: CBD (Cartagena+ Aichi+Nagoya)

2. Reverse Climate Change: UNFCCC (Kyoto+ Copenhagen)

3. Sustainable Development: Agenda 21, RIO+20
COP-10 under CBD

The Parties (Countries) under Convention of Biodiversity (CBD), meet at regular interval.

These meetings are called Conference of Parties (COP)

10th such meeting was held at Aichi precinct (district) of Nagoya, Japan.

This COP-10 gave birth to two things

25
Env & Bio - Mrunal
1.

Nagoya Protocol on Genetic Resources

2. Aichi Targets for biodiversity

What is Aichi Target?
In the COP-10 meeting, the parties agreed that previous biodiversity protection targets are not achieved, So we need to do comeup
with new plans and targets.

Plan

Timeframe

Mid/Long term

By 2050

Short term

By 2020

This short term plan is officially known as Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-2020.

It is a a ten-year framework for action by all countries to save biodiversity.

This short term plan provide a set of 20 ambitious yet achievable targets, collectively known as the Aichi Targets.

Aichi Targets= 20 targets, divided into 5 sections (A to E).

Strategic goal A
Address the causes of biodiversity loss
1.

Make people aware about the values of biodiversity

2. Integrated biodiversity values in development + poverty reduction plan

3. Subsidies which are harmful to biodiversity= and eliminate them, phase them out or reform them
4. Sustainable production and consumption.
Strategic Goal B:
Reduce the direct pressure on biodiversity and promote sustainable use
1

Reduce the rate of natural habitat loss + forest loss by at least 50%

Reduce overfishing

Agriculture, aquaculture and forestry in sustainable manner

Reduce pollution and excessive use of fertiliser

Prevent invasive alien species (non-native)

Minimise the choral reflow destruction, ocean acidification

Strategic Goal C

Safeguard ecosystems, species and genetic diversity

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1

Conserve terrestrial and inland water, coastal marine areas

Prevent extinction of threatened species

Maintain genetic diversity of agro-plants, domesticated animals and minimising genetic erosion
Strategic Goal D

Biodiversity benefits to all

1

Safeguard ecosystems for women, tribals, and poor.

Combat desertification and restore the degraded ecosystem

Operationalise the nagoya protocol on genetic resources, via national legislations

Strategic Goal E

Participatory planning, capacity building

1

National biodiversity strategy and action plans update for participation

Integrate the knowledge of tribal communities

Scientific and technological knowledge sharing application

Financial resources mobilisation

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Bergmanns Rule, Migrantwatch, Seasonwatch, Ross Sea Marine Protected Zone, Lake Vida, Chromatophores
Cold Climate=Big Body size

For most species of animals, body mass increases the closer you get to the poles.

The bigger you are, the more fat you can store to help you get through the winter.

bigger animals have a smaller surface area-to-volume ratio, which helps reduce heat loss- a pattern known
asBergmanns Rule.
Migrantwatch and Seasonwatch.

Two projects started by National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bangalore, (NCBS)
These projects are aimed at involving common citizen in scientific research.

Migrantwatch

Seasonwatch

participants in this activity identify migrant birds and note

down the first sighting and feed it into the online
database:www.migrantwatch.in

builds up baseline data about the flowering and fruiting of

trees, to work on climate-season change from ecological
angle. www.seasonwatch.in

Bactrian camels and heavy-chain antibodies

27
Env & Bio - Mrunal

Two-humped camel

Found in cold deserts of central Asia. (China, Mongolia)

They consume eight times more salt than cattle and have twice the blood glucose levels of other ruminants, yet do not
develop diabetes or hypertension.

They also produce unique disease-fighting proteins called heavy-chain antibodies, which interest pharmaceutical
engineers.
Ross Sea: Marine Protected Zone

The Ross Sea, located in arm of the southern Pacific Ocean in Antarctica.

Ross sea is populated by seals, whales, fish, penguins and other birds.

Environment activists want to create Marine protected zones (MPAs) in Ross sea= where fishing would be totally banned.
Lake Vida

in East Antarctica

hosts some newly discovered microbes, 60 feet below ice.

Thus proving that where there is water, there is life.

Chromatophores

Right now, the lipstick colores are made using artificial chemicals.

These chemicals can cause allergy and even cancer.

Scientists have now found reddish-brown spores in squid skin that can be used for lipstick colors.

They are screening it for consumer acceptance applying hedonic scale method.
Hedonic Scale Method

Hedonic Scale is used in food science, marketing research where the respondents indicate the extent to which they either
like or dislike for a particular product sample.
Brevetoxin-2

compound produced naturally by marine algae, currently under research.

can be used for Treatment of stroke.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Western Ghats: Physical Geography, Biodiversity Overview (Part 1 of 4)

Introduction

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Env & Bio - Mrunal
[EnB]=environment and biodiversity. Western Ghats has been in news because of Gadgil controversy.The whole topic is made up
of four sub-articles.

1.

Western Ghats: Basic geography

Discussed here in this article itself.

Threats to biodiversity of Western Ghats

Click me

Gadgil report and recommendations

Click me

Controversies related to Gadgil report on Western Ghats.

Click me

What is Western Ghats?

Entire tract of hills from the Tapi to Kanyakumari.

Length =approx. 1500km

Area= approx. 1.6 lakh sq.kms

About 30% of the area of the Western Ghats Region is under forests.

SIX States

1.

Gujarat (portions of Dang Forests).

2. Maharashtra

Three (important) Passes

1.

Thalghat

2. Bhorghat

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3. Karnataka
4. Goa
3. Palghat
5.

Kerala

6. Tamilnadu

Administrative Regions
(no need to mugup table, but if youre from any of these districts, be more prepared for profile based interview questions on
Western Ghats).

Gujarat

Maharashtra

Karnataka

Kerala

TN

The Dangs

Ahmednagar

Belgaum

Idukki

Coimbatore

Navsari

Kolhapur

Chamrajnagar

Kannur

Dindugal

Valsad

Nandurbar

Chikmagalur

Kasaragod

Erode

Nashik

Dakshin Kannad

Kollam

Kanyakumari

Pune

Davanagere

Kottayam

Nilgiris

Raigarh

Hassan

Kozhikode

Tirunelveli

Ratnagiri

Kodagu

Malappuram

Tiruppur

Satara

Mysore

Palakkad

Theni

Sindhudurg

Shimoga

Pattanamtitta

Virudunagar

Thane

Udupi

Thiruvananthapuram

Uttar Kannada

Thrissur
Wayanad

+ UT- Diu Daman (Silvassa region)

Western vs Eastern Ghats

Western

Eastern

Almost Continuous hills

Discontinuous hills (thanks to River deltas)

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avg. height : 1500 to

2000 m

lower: 500-700 m

Highest peak: Anai Mudi

(Kerala)

Dewodi Munda (Odisha) (as per Majid Hussein). Update: Highest peak in Eastern ghat is
Jindhagada peak Andhra- it is few meters taller than Dewodi Munda.

Fast flowing rivers, donot

form delta

Long broad rivers, form delta.

Narmada-Tapi

Krishna, Kaveri, Godawai (these origin from Western Ghats though)

and Mahanadi

Flow into Arabian sea.

Into Bay of Bengal.

Land between Western and Eastern Ghats=Deccan plateau.

Nilgiri hills connect Western and Eastern Ghats.

Western Ghat: Forest

Western Slope

Eastern Slope

Rainfall: 200cm

70-200cm

Tropical Evergreen+ Semi Evergreen.

Moist Deciduous (also known as Monsoon forest)

There is no definite time for trees to shade leaves.

Hence the jungle appears green throughout the year.

Trees shed leaves during dry season.

1.

Rosewood,
1.

Teak

2. Mahogony
2. Sal
3. Ebony
3. Shisham
4. Aini
4. Mahua
5.

Cedar
5.

Sandalwood

6. Hollywood ock
6. Mahua
7.

Kail

Western Ghats: Rivers

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Three main rivers of South India= Krishna, Godavari and Kaveri. They originate from Western Ghats.

Traditionally these water resources were used to irrigate the valleys for paddy and arecanut cultivation.

But later, construction of major river valley projects =irrigation + power generation.

The steep slopes to the western Ghats = ideal for constructing dams and hydel power generation.

In recent years construction of resorts and hill stations started around lakes and rivers. E.g. Amba Valley, Lavasa.

Rivers flowing from the Western Ghats drain almost 40% of land in India.

Roughly 250 million people depend on these rivers .

From Western Ghats, rivers originate and flow in both directions: West and East.
West Flowing Rivers

Narmada

Tapi

Origin (both MP)

Amarkantak hills

Satpura Ranges.

Length

Longer

Shorter

States covered

Guj, MP

Guj, MP, Mah.

Other names

Reva

Handmaid of Narmada.

Coastal plains between Western Ghats and the Arabian sea are very narrow. Hence, these coastal rivers are short
(compared to East flowing rivers)
East Flowing rivers

They drain into Bay of Bengal.

Godavari

Krishna

Kaveri

Origin

Nasik, Mah.

Mahabaleshwar

Brahmagiri Range

Length (km)

1500

1400

750

Water Basin covers

Mah, MP, Odi, AP*

Mah, Karn, AP

Karn, Ker, TN

Other names

Dakshin Ganga/Vridha Ganga

Misc.notes

Ganga of South
Sivasamudram water falls.

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1.

Tungabhadra
1.

1.

Manjra

Amravati,

2. Koyana
2. Bhavani,

Tributaries

2. Wainganga

3. Ghatprabha

3. Penganga

4. Musi

3. Hemavati
4. Kabini.
5.
Type of Delta?

Lobate

Bhima

Arcuate

Quadrilateral

*NCERT Class 9 Geography: Chapter 3 page 21.

Every once in a while, UPSC has a nasty habit of asking MCQ question from delta-type (Lobate, Arculate etc.) so do mug
it up hahaha.

Mahanadi also drains in Bay of Bengal but it comes from Chattisgarh=not part of Western Ghats.
Western Ghats- Other names

1.

Maharashtra

Sahyadri

Karnataka

Nilgiri hills

Tamil Nadu

Same as above

Kerala

Anaimalai + Cardamom hills.

Geologically, the Western Ghats is subdivided into three parts

1.

Surat to Goa

2. Goa to Nilgiris
3. South of Palghat Gap
Agro
Agriculture in Western Ghats
Region

Cultivation of

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Valleys

Hill slops

Coastal areas

Paddy

Earlier slash and burn type agriculture. Nowadays Terrace farming.

Millets and legumes.

arecanut

coconut, mango, jackfruit

Plantation crops
Introduced by Europeans in Western Ghats

1.

Native to Western Ghats

Tea

2. Coffee
1.

Pepper

3. Rubber
2. Cardamom
4. Tapioca
5.

Potato

Forest produce

Pepper, Cardamom,Honey,Wax, Myrobalan (Small Fruit),

Bamboos + Reeds = For Basket Weaving

1980 onwards = explosion of forest-based industries such as paper, plywood, polyfibres, matchwood, tanning etc.
Western Ghats: Biodiversity

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The Western Ghats is one of the Biodiversity hotspots of the country.

The wild relatives pepper, cardamom, mango, jackfruit and plantain=found here.

Thousands of endemic* species of flowering plants, insects, trees, fishes, butterflies, dragonflies, mollusks (land snails)
present.
*What is Endemic Species?

Any species which is exclusively confined to a particular geographical area and it is found nowhere else in the world.
Nasikabactrachus sahyadrensis

Recently discovered frog species in Western Ghats.

It proves that Western Ghat was once part of ancient Gondwana region.

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Western Ghat: Notable wildlife

1.

Tiger

2. Elephant
3. The Indian Bison
4. Lion-Tailed Macaque
5.

Wynad Laughing Thrush (Songbirds)

6. Travancore Tortoise
7.

Uropeltid Snakes

8. Several Species Of Legless Amphibians.

Western Ghats: Threats to Biodiversity, Monoculture Plantation, Exotic Species, Sacred Groves (Part 2 of 4)
Now we see the threats to this biodiversity of Western Ghats.
British Raj Exploitation
After 1857s mutiny, the Crown took over Indian administration. Now Britishers took three major initiatives in Western Ghats

36
Env & Bio - Mrunal
1.

Construct Railways

2. Construct Dams
3. Construct Roads.
(usually in this order: Railways > Dams > Roads). Why was it done in this order? Think about it :)

Anyways, the British used these three channels for resource extraction and exploitation in Western Ghats.

Later they started giving away land in the Sahyadri region (Maharashtra) at throwaway prices, to expand urban and
industrial settlements of Mumbai-Thane, Nashik, Pune region. (And this trend has continued in the present times as well.)

Nowadays, Whether virgin lands in the Sahyadris, is opened up for development of urban areas, hill stations, farm house
plots or holiday resorts= bad for biodiversity.
Railways: Impact on biodiversity

The first railway across the Western Ghats was built from Mumbai to Pune, and was completed in 1863.

railway line was instrumental in transporting forest, agricultural produce, timber etc. from jungles to the untapped market
in Peninsular India as well as Europe.

Thanks to railways, timber from the Western Ghats could be transported to most corners of the country, through the
medium of railways.
Dams

Britishers build the first dam First dam in the Northern Western Ghats in British India was built in Mumbai at Vihar in
1860.

After that, they constructed of over 20 dams till 1947.

Era and Approach

1.

Shifting cultivation banned

State takeover forest lands.

Sacred groves and sacred

large-scale teak

Species destroyed

plantations

Many sacred groves felled

to meet industrial requirements;

Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks

established

Biosphere Reserves + Ecologically Sensitive

British Raj

1947 to 80s

80s onwards

large-scale river valley projects and

mining

Land acquisition and

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industrialization

1.

Areas established.

between 19201990, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have lost about 40% of their original forest cover.

2. Rise in Population and industrialization.

3. tourism, holiday resorts.
4. River valley projects= forest area is being submerged.
5.

Mining mafias encroaching in forest lands

6. soil erosion, land slides

7.

Railways, roads and other infra.projects = natural habitats getting fragmented + road / rail accidents killing wildlife
animals.
What is Sacred Groves?

Part of a forest, that Tribals consider sacred.

This part is left untouched. Hunting and foraging is not done here.

Sacred Groves often have natural water storage facilities, help villagers during drought.

With increase in mining activities, roads-railways, infrastructure projects, plantation etc. the Sacred groves have been
declining in number.
Fisheries

Fish consumption =traditional source of protein poor people in Western Ghats.

Problem areas in fisheries
1.

Unscientific methods of collection (use of poisons, electro-fishing, dynamiting etc.)

2. Pollution due to pesticides, industrial effluents/other sources

3. Waste dumping in rivers
4. Introduction of exotic fishes
5.

Destruction/loss of breeding grounds

6. Unauthorised ornamental fish trade

7.

Introduction of Exotic species

Exotic Species=BAD4Biodiversity?

Exotic species

Belong to some other area/ place / region

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Endemic species

Found in the particular place only.

Consider this case: Periyar Lake is one of the biodiversity hotspots of Kerala.

Exotic fish species such as Cyprinus carpio have been introduced here for breeding.

But their food preference is similar to endemic species= competition for food=endemic fish population affected.

Similar case with exotic high-yielding African catfish.

Alien species such as catla, rohu and mrigal have been cultured in most of the reservoirs and ponds of Kerala.

And because of them endemic fish populations=declined.

Mining in Western Ghats

Iron, manganese and bauxite.

After 2002, the price of iron ore has increased in international market = this led to rise in illegal mining in the Western
Ghats.

The major ports on Western Coast of India = ideal for exporting these ores.

Hence (illegal) mining activities have grown rapidly especially in Goa and Karnataka.

100% of Goas ore is exported of which about 89% is exported to China and about 8% to Japan
Why Mining =BAD 4Biodiversity?

Opencast mining has induced significant changes in water quality and quantity besides causing topographical,
morphological, and land use changes.

Suspended particulate matter in the mine =air pollution

Tailings (residual material) is discharged in water. This water is used for paddy cultivation= soil fertility declined.

During rain, direct surface runoff from the adjoining mine dumps into the agricultural lands= soil pollution.

Mining activities require considerable pumping out of water.

Hence water tables drop due to the drainage of water into mining pits =local wells go dry = shortage of water for drinking
and farming.

This severely affects the poor women, because theyve to travel long in search of water.
Air quality

The ores are transported from Karnataka to Goa on a massive scale. But Why?

1.

for blending with local ore for its upgrading the quality before export.

2. exporting through Mormugao Port Trust (MPT) in Goa.

ok then whats the problem?

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Env & Bio - Mrunal
1.

enormous traffic problems because trucks movement

2. Trucks are often overloaded, and uncovered= spillover, accidents.

3. It has increased air pollution =health problems for local folks.
Sand Mafias

During dry season, sand-mafias dig away sand from the river beds.

Indiscriminate sand mining= water tables lowered.

River beds in some stretches are lower than the sea level = saline ingress =drinking water is also salty and unfit for
agriculture= crop losses
Incorrect land use patterns

In Goa alone, the government itself has acknowledged that over half of the 300 odd mining leases are located close to
water bodies= water pollution.

Selaulim dam= drinking water to 50% public of Goa.

About 180 mining permissions are given within one kilometer of this project.=again water pollution.
Thermal power plants=bad 4Biodiversity?

The states in Western Ghats have large-scale iron and steel, cement, petroleum refineries, sugar, distilleries, fertilizers
and petrochemical industries.

All of which are large energy consumers.

Therefore, many thermal power projects are commissioned in these states.

Thermal power plants increase the temperature of nearby regions.

Higher temperatures of water= better dissolution of toxic chemicals from air=bad for environment, bad for fishes.

Thermal power plants emit Fly ash.

Particles of fly ash also contain toxic elements such as lead and mercury

When fly ash is deposited in the marginal areas of the river= Reproduction of fish is affected.

Thick deposits of fly ash at the bottom of lake/rivers make the nutrients unavailable to aquatic life.
Transport and Communication

Western Ghats=hilly terrain, thick forests, heavy rains, roads get washed off.

So in In the ancient and medieval times, the Transport and communication = very difficult.

In fact, the strength of the Maratha empire rested on the strategic advantages of this inaccessible terrain.

But after independence, = major river valley and mining projects =lead to development of extensive transport and
communication facilities.

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Problem?= Growth of roads +railway lines across the Ghats = connectivity between natural habitats disrupted. = bad for
biodiversity+accidents.

Emergence of a large wealthy middle class = holiday resorts etc.

availability of powerful earth-moving machinery,

The Western Ghats are beginning to be urbanized.

But it leads => biodiversity destroyed + local tribes displaced.

Farm Houses + Resorts= Bad 4Biodiversity?

In past decade a new wealthy upper middle class has emerged.

They like to buy second homes in the hill areas for vacation and holidays.

At the same time, when city people are attracted to the hills, the village people want city life. So they have started selling
land, and migrating to cities

But City folks want good wide roads, water, electricityeverything in their holiday homes and farmhouses. This has led to
unprecedented level of construction activities in the Western Ghats region.

Non-renewable materials like cement, steel, bricks and quarried stone are used to constructing these resorts and farm
houses.

These houses replete with with ACs, TVs, marble, and similar luxuries.

Consequently, the weekend homes have become more energy-consuming than a city home!
Gardens

People also want to have city-like in these resorts/farm houses.

but these city-like gardens use excessive daily watering, fertilizers and pesticides= bad for local species.

Many times invasive plant varieties are used that are dangerous to local ecosystems.

These gardens are overlaid with pathways, paving, steps, etc., consuming a lot of cement.

To sumup Developmental activities associated with these projects are roads, terracing, vegetation cutting, construction
and landscaping, all proving dangerous to biodiversity.
Construction (Allied) =Bad 4Biodiversity?

For example setting up temporary colony/slum of laborers for constructing resorts and farm houses in Western Ghat.

This leads to new problems such as

1.

waste disposal, both solid and liquid

2. Increase in vegetation cutting for fuel wood

3. Increase in wildlife hunting
4. Quarries and stone crushers

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5.

Stone dust causes air, soil & water pollution

6. ill effect of accumulation of stone dust on vegetation

Monoculture Plantation=Bad?
By Government

Monoculture plantation means forest department just grows only one type of tree in a particular area.

Government usually starts monoculture plantation to reverse the deforestation (caused by mining, forest-fire, illegal
felling of tress etc.)

It was attempted in India, in the 80s. Large plantations of Eucalyptus tree were setup in Western Ghats.

But Monoculture plantation is bad from biodiversity point of view. Why?

Because in a jungle, the insects, birds, monkeys etc. require multiple species of trees for their food and survival.

When Monoculture plantation is introduced, these animals/birds/insects start migrating to other areas in search of more
suitable living conditions.

Hence Monoculture plantations are sometimes called Green deserts (because like deserts, very few species live here.)
By farmers

The term Monoculture plantation is also used when big farmer establishes a permanent tea/coffee/rubber etc. plantation.

These plantations lead to soil erosion, degradation of river ecosystems and toxic contamination of the environment.

The use of pesticides like DDT was started in the tea plantations during the British period itself.

The quantity of toxic pesticides being pumped into the plantations is so huge it has severely affected the biodiversity of
Western Ghats.

Therefore, Instead of monoculture, we should use polyculture/mixed cropping systems.

It will help to reduce soil erosion, improve water holding capacity of the soil and improve economic returns from unit area.
Tribals

Western Ghats has a large tribal population only in a few pockets such as the
1.

Dangs

2. Thane
3. Wynaad
4. Nilgiris
Cholanaikas

Theyre the only truly stone age hunting gathering tribe of Peninsual India.

They live in Nilgiris.

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Problem of the tribals?
1.

Loss of biodiversity =less Forest produce (wax, honey etc.).

2. Extermination of wildlife species= cant do hunting anymore.

3. PESA and Forest rights acts are not implemented thanks to vested interests of Mining mafias.
4. Displacement of tribals due to mining, holiday resorts, plantation farmers, hydro projects etc.
+ve sides of Development

Better transport and communication facilities= malaria is no longer life-threatening.

Tourism generates (some) employment.

Gadgil Panel report on Western Ghats: recommendations, Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ), WGEA (Part 3 of 4)
What is Gadgil Panel?

This is Madhav Gadgil

2010: Environment ministry created this panel

Full name: Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel

Chairman=Prof. Madhav Gadgil (he was Ex-Chairman, Centre for Ecological Sciences, in Indian Institute of Science)

To study the ecological and environmental problems of Western Ghats and give recommendations.

Gadgil submitted his report in 2011. Here are his observations and recommendations.
Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

Environment Protection Act 1986 (EPA)=Union Government can designate an area as ecologically sensitive zone and
then Government can prohibit/regulate Development in this region.

Using this power, many ecologically sensitive zone have been setup.

E.g. Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani region in Mahrashtra.

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But all of them face common problems:

1.

Over bureaucratization =corruption. For example a farmer would need to pay bribe get clearance to dig well/bore in his
own farm.

2. little or no meaningful participation by the local community.

The Western Ghats has thousands of endemic species of flowering plants, fish, frogs, birds and mammals.

Therefore, entire Western Ghats should be designated as Ecologically sensitive zones.

Gadgil recommends that entire Western Ghat should be divided into 3 zones (actually 4)

Highest protection must be given to them

1.

Zone 1

Zone 2

Zone 3

Moderate control and protection.

PA

Protected Areas= existing Wild Life Sanctuaries and National Parks.

Intermediate

final demarcation of the Zones should be done by Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA).

And that too, after taking extensive inputs from local communities and local bodies, namely, Gram Panchayats, Taluka
Panchayats, Zilla Parishads, and Nagarpalikas
Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA)?

Madhav Gadgil Panel recommended for this.

WGEA will have jurisdiction over the Western Ghat districts in six states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala
and Tamil Nadu).

WGEA will be a statutory authority appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
Hierarchy

Western Ghats Ecology Authority

Union

State Western Ghats Ecology Authorities

In 6 states

District Ecology Committee

In districts under Western Ghat

Structure

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1.

Chairman A retired judge of the Supreme Court, preferably from the Western Ghats region.

2. Experts from biology, law, science, sociology etc.

3. Representative from tribal group.
4. Civil society representatives.
Functions
1.

conservation, sustainable development and Eco restoration of the Western Ghats

2. Environmental Impact Analysis and Clearance process in Western Ghats.

3. Its recommendations will be ordinarily binding. (just like National Board of Wildlife whose decisions are rarely tampered
with and by and large have been approved even by the Supreme Court of India.)
4. WEGA will decide location of industry, land use planning in Western Ghats.
5.

Prevent activity having negative environmental, social and ecological impact on Western Ghats.

6. Can issue directions to the state government or agencies to prevent any negative impacts on the Western Ghats.
7.

Authority shall also be the final authority for demarcating the areas under the Ecologically Sensitive Zones #1, 2 and 3.

8. Power to levy fines and other punitive measures

9. Right to call for files, records, evidences etc. under Civil Procedure Code.
Zonal recommendations
As we saw earlier: Gadgil recommended Western Ghats to be divided into three ecologically sensitive zones. Here theyre:

Ecologically Sensitive Zone (ESZ)

Zone #1

Zone #2

Donot give new licenses for mining.

Mining

Where mining exists, it

should be phased out in
5 years.

Existing mines should be

under strict regulation and
social audit.

Polluting Industry
(Red/Orange)

Donot allow new industries.Exisiting industries must

switch to zero pollution by 2016 else close them down.

Non polluting
industry (green/blue)

Allow but with strict regulation + social audit

River projects/dams

No river projects higher

than 3 meters.

Not higher than 15m

Zone #3

Allow New mining license only IF

scarce minerals not available on the
plains.

Existing mines should be under

strict regulation and social audit.

Allow new industries but with strict

regulation + social audit.

Any height allowed but with detailed

environmental impact assessment.

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Power plants

Donot allow new power plants.

No new railway lines and major roads, except

where it is highly essential (e.g Goa),

Avoid new highways, Expressways

Transport

Tourism

Existing= with strict regulation + social

audit.New plants=only if theyve zero
pollution.

Allowed but only with strict regulation +

social audit.

waste management, traffic, water and energy use=strictly regulate. (recall Tiger tourism article).

General recommendations

1.

Promote organic agricultural practices

2. Give money for sequestration of carbon in soils.

3. Donot allow any Genetically Modified crops in Western Ghats.
4. Phase out use of chemical pesticides/ weedicides in the coming years.
Agro

5.

Instead of giving subsidies for chemical fertilizers, give the farmers subsidies for biogas, organic
agriculture etc.

6. Donot allow monoculture plantation of exotic species like eucalyptus.

7.

Encourage planting of endemic species;

8. Extraction of medicinal plants with strict regulations

Animal
husbandary

Fisheries

Awareness

Promote cattle breed that can withstand adverse agro climatic conditions of Western Ghats.

Donot allow weedicides in cash crop areas alongside the roads. Because almost all plants coming
under the weed category are rich cattle fodder.

Donot allow introduction of any invasive alien species.

Donot allow dynamite and other explosives to kill fish;

provide fish ladders at all reservoirs

monitor and control trade in aquarium fishes.

Make river clubs in every school.

Teach agri-stuff in schools.

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Sci-Tech and IT

Construction

Use them for impact assessment for all new projects such as dams, mines, tourism, and housing.

Prepare hydrological data base of rivers

eco-friendly building material and construction methods,

Minimise the use of steel, cement and sand

Green Building certifications of

Eco Housing, GRIHA codes.

Donot allow filling of marshes/ wetlands.

plastic bags in shops, tourist spots should be phased out.

Generate awareness about reasonable and adequate vs luxury and wasteful energy consumption (for
example excessive lights and Air conditioners in malls, hotels etc.)

Misc

Ok everything sounds well and good with Gadgils report, then why is there a controversy? Well see that in fourth and last
Gadgil report on Western Ghats: Why Controversies, Athirappilly, Gundia Projects: Explained (Part 4 of 4)
Controversies: Gadgil report
There are 6 main controversies surround Gadgils report on Western Ghats.
1.

Gadgil saying NO to some Dams in Kerala and Karnataka.

2. RTI stone wallingTM* (trademark belongs to UPSC)

3. Committee pe Committee
4. Angry Kerala Government
5.

Mining mafias spreading baseless rumors (about removal of optional subjects lolz)

6. Creation of separate authority

Lets check them one by one:
Contro#1: NO to Dams in Kerala and Karnataka

Madhav Gadgil had proposed that Environmental Clearance should not be given to any large scale dams in zone #1 and
#2.

And on the same logic, he also recommended dont give environmental clearance to the two proposed dams in Kerala
and Karnataka.

lets see why?

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Project

Athirappilly Project

Gundia

State

Kerala

Karnataka

River

Chalakudy

Gundia

Capacity (MW) approx.

150+

200

Athirappilly Project: Why problem?

Plants

- Some new species of plants reported in this region- critically endangered species of riparian trees found here.
Kerala has four species of Hornbills
1.

the Malabar grey hornbill,

2. grey hornbill,
Birds

3. Malabar pied hornbill

4. great Indian hornbill
and all of them are found in this Athirappally region.

rare species of fishes and amphibians like the torrent frog found here.

National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources has recommended the Chalakudy river to be declared as a Fish
Sanctuary

Some of the species of fish migrate upstream while some do so downstream to complete their annual life
cycle .

Hence, construction of the dam will directly affect the survival of these species

Elephan
t

Entire project area falls under the migratory route of elephants, project Elephant.

Monkey
s

Lion-tailed Macaque, an endemic, endangered species of the Western Ghats, lives here.

Turtles

cane turtle, an endemic and endangered species, first reported here, is currently the only place where they
could be seen in reasonable numbers

Fishes

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Adar Tribal displacement

Adar tribe is considered to be the most primitive of the South Indian forest tribes

They are a primitive hunter and food gatherer tribe originally restricted to the forests and hill tracts of Chalakudy river
basin.

Their population is fewer than 1500.

Theyll be affected by the dam.

Given these factors, Madav Gadgil panel has recommended not to construct the Athirappilly dam.
Gundia Project: why problem?

cuckoo bee : a unique species found in Gundia basin

Lion-tailed macaque

Travancore flying squirrel

Nilgiri marten (cat)

presence of tiger and elephants sighted.

Therefore Madav Gadgil panel has recommended not to construct dam on Gundia river.
Contro#2: R.T.I. stonewallingTM

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As you already know, Gadgil recommended that

whole Western Ghat be divided into 3 zones

no new mining licences should be given in zone 1 and 2.

Government must stop all existing mines in Zone 1 by 2016.

Government must stop illegal mining activities immediately.

^This is a bitter pill. And no Government wants to swallow (thanks to powerful mining lobby of South West India with
deep pockets and political connections.)

Anyways, Gadgil submitted his report in 2011.

But Environment ministry did not release this report for media/public discussion. (because Ministrys plan was to let the
report gather dust, and take no action on it.)

But Someone from Kerala filled R.T.I in 2012 seeking a copy of this report.

And Public Information Officer in Environment Ministry said we cannot disclose Gadgil report because it is still being
analysed and considered. And more importantly: Section 8 (1) (a) of the RTI Act exempts information, disclosure of
which would affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic,scientific or economic interests of
the state.

The R.T.I applicant went all the way to CIC.

CIC ordered following

The Supreme Court of India has recognized that the right to information is a fundamental right of the citizens of India
under Article 19 (1) of the Constitution of India.

The RTI Act has codified this fundamental right 19(1) by stating that every citizen shall have the right to information.

The RTI Act recognises that a democracy requires an informed citizenry and transparency of information,

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Therefore, all agents of Government must be responsible for their conduct.

The people of this country have a right to know every public act, everything that is done in a public way by their public
functionaries.

If Gadgil report is disclosed, itll enable citizens to debate in an informed manner and they can provide useful feedback to
the government.

R.T.I Act requires suo moto disclosure by the public authority while formulating important policies and not after
formulating them.

Therefore I direct the Ministry of Environment and Forests to publish the report of Gadgil panel.

And thus, environment ministry had to upload the PDF file on its website, (somewhere in mid-2012)
Contro#3: Committee pe Committee.

Judiciary=taarikh pe taarikh.

Similarly Government=Committee pe Committee.

Since Government did not like Gadgils recommendations, they formed a new committee headed by Kasturi Rangan to
study the report of Gadgil Panel!

Gadgil himself got angry and stated:

Ive merely pointed out many inconvenient truths but Government is trying to suppress my report and evade a democratic
debate on its recommendations.

And this Kasturi Rangan fellow is keeping me completely out of the loop while assessing my report!
Contro#4: Angry Kerala Government

Kerala Governments official stand is

We cannot accept the recommendations given by Madhav Gadgil.

Because most of his suggestions are impractical to implement!

Gadgil says NO to Athirappally hydroproject but it is essential for our states energy security.

Keralas total hydel potential was estimated to be 6,000 MW, only 35 per cent of it had been harnessed so far.

But Gadgil has instead suggested decommissioning of dams which were 35 to 40 years old.

This would pose a question mark on the existing and proposed power projects and would plunge our state into darkness.

Gadgil did not make concrete proposals on Revenue loss suffered by the state Government while implementing the
recommendations (e.g. no mining in zone#1=no royalties payment from miners.)
Land Mafias of Kerala

1.

Land mafias (with political support) have grabbed lot of area in the forests and surrounding regions of Western Ghats.

2. Now Madhav Gadgil says no to Development activities in such sensitive zones. = problem for politicians and mafias.

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3. Kerala Government fears that if we try to evict those mafias and other farmers, itll led to huge protests and violence (as it
happened in Munnar Grasslands earlier).
4. Kerala government fears that Gadgils recommendations will impact on growth.
5.

Gadgil says set up new Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA). But we are capable of preserving the Western Ghats
within provisions of the existing laws.
Contro#5: Mining mafias spreading baseless rumors

Gadgil said
1.

donot give permission for new mines in Zone #1 and #2.

2. And whatever mines are operational in zone #1,=close them down by 2016.
3. Shut down illegal mining immediately.

This has greatly upset the mining lobby. Now their agents are provoking the farmers and tribals in Western ghat region
with baseless rumor that Gadgil has recommend to throw you out of your villages and make wildlife sanctuaries
everywhere!

So now some farmers and tribals are protesting against Gagdils report.

Gadgil clarifies

My report contains no proposal for relocation of any farmer or tribals from jungle areas!

Infact, Ive suggested financial assistance be given to farmers organic farming.

It is the mining lobby particularly of Goa is behind this mischief.

Contro#6: Creation of separate authority (WGEA)

Gadgil recommended setting up an autonomous statutory authority Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA) to oversee
the conservation of Western Ghats in the 6 states.

But state Governments fear that such authority will take away their Decision Making power (and the bribe opportunity
that comes with it for granting project approvals!)

Therefore, state Governments are against creating WGEA. They say, existing regulatory framework is sufficient to protect
the Western Ghats.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Trophic Levels, Biotic Potential, Bio Magnification & IGNOU Material on Environment and biodiversity (free Download)
What is Trophic Level?

Each step in the food chain is called a Trophic level.

In this food chain: Plant > Insect > Frog > Fish > human= five steps.

The trophic level to which an organism belongs, indicates how far it is away from plants in the food chain.

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1.

green plants (producers)= trophic level I

2. herbivores (primary consumers)= trophic level II

3. carnivores (secondary consumers)=trophic level III
4. top carnivores (tertiary consumers)= trophic level IV

Herbivores (deer, cow etc.) are always @second trophic level.

Higher trophic levels are made up of carnivores.

An organism cannot always be assigned to one specific trophic level.

E.g. man (omnivore), so he is both a herbivore (@2nd trophic level) and as a carnivore he can be (@>2nd trophic level)
Type of Food Chains

Food Chain

Description

1.

Grazing

Starts with green plants.e.g. Grass> grasshoppers> birds> hawks.

Parasitic

Also starts with green plants but here smaller organisms depending on larger organism. e.g.
Grass> cow> lice.

Detritus* /saprophytic

Starts with dead plant/animal/ waste material> decomposers.

*Detrius = dry leaves, dead plant, animal remains, dead skin cells, other organic waste (urine, excreta).
Ecological Pyramids

You already know about the food chain: grass > Grasshoppers >birds >hawk.

Each step or level is known as Trophic level.

If we draw these trophic levels in a verticle fashion, a pyramid is created. This pyramid is known as Ecological pyramid.

The Autotrophs (green plants) = base of the pyramid

The top carnivores (lion tigers) = tip (apex) of this pyramid.

Types of Pyramids

1.

Pyramid of numbers,

2. Pyramid of biomass
3. Pyramid of energy or productivity

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Food Web

Food Chain:> Grass> grasshopper >frog > fish > man

Food chain assume the isolated linear line. But in real life, frog could be eating other insects apart from grasshopper. Fish
could be eating smaller fishes apart from frog. So there exists an interconnected Network of (Food Chain + Food Chain +
Food chain).

This interconnected network of food chains = food web.

Why is Food web important?

Suppose in a jungle, the deer species is wiped out due to some human poaching/ diseases / natural disaster.

Then its predators (lion,tiger) can feed on other animals such as fox, wolf, crane, peacock etc. until deer population grows
again.

Thus, food web= help living organism survive in case of minor or major setbacks in their food chain.

food web=provides stability to the ecosystem.

Energy Flow in the Ecosystem

So far you know what is food chain and what is food web.

You also know what is Trophic level. (each step in a food chain).

When energy is passed from one tropic level to next trophic level, some part of energy is wasted. So energy declines as we
move up in the chain/ web / pyramid.
Why?

1.

Because some energy is wasted as body heat.

2. No herbivore (deer, cow) can entirely digest and absorb the plant nutrients.
3. Some energy is wasted while capturing the prey. (e.g. Tiger chasing a deer.)
4. Some energy remains trapped e.g. Tiger only eats the flash of a deer. He doesnt eat the skin, hair, bone and teeth of a deer.

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So the energy stored in the skin, hair, bone and teeth of a deer =not moved up in the food chain.

However this energy is later utilized when scavenger (hyena) comes into picture. Because Hyenas stomach acid is so
powerful, it can digest the skin, hair, bone, teeth and other remnants of a deer corpse.
2nd law of themodynamics

When energy changes from one form to another, some of the energy is Lost. Suppose a jungle receives 1000 calories worth
Sunlight everyday.

Most of the sunlight is not absorbed; some is reflected back to space.

Out of the sunlight that is absorbed, only a small portion is utilized by green plants

Out of which the plant uses up some for respiration, therefore only 100 calories are stored as energy rich materials.

Now a deer, eats the green plant containing 100 cal of food energy.

The deer uses some of it for its own metabolism and stores only 10 cal as food energy.

A tiger eats the deer gets an even smaller amount of energy.

Thus usable energy decreases from sunlight to producer(green plant) to herbivore(deer) to carnivore(tiger).

Therefore, the energy pyramid will always be upright.

Connection: Trophic level vs Energy flow

The loss of energy (explained in previous para) limits the number of trophic levels in the ecosystem.

Hence trophic levels are seldom more than five.

This also explains why the steps in a food chain are limited to four or five.
Energy=Unidirectional

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Movement of Energy is Unidirectional (one-way).

Because initial Solar energy trapped by an autotroph (plant) does not go back to Sun.

Similarly, energy that passes from herbivore (deer) to carnivore (lion) does not pass back to herbivore (deer).

This unidirectional (one-way) and continuous energy flow=prevents the collapse of Ecosystem.

(otherwise, if lion ate deer and another rabbit ate lion then what will happen hahaha!)
Nutrients/Material=Cyclic

The Movement of nutrients/materials is cyclic.

e.g. grasshopper eats grass and dies.

Its body is decomposed and again absorbed by some other plant/grass.

In other words: The Decomposers break down the fecal matter, excretory products and dead bodies of all plants and
animals into inorganic materials.

And this inorganic material is again reused by autotrophs (green plants).

Ok here is a question? If you want to make the movement of nutrients unidirectional then what should be done? Ans.
Eliminate the decomposers.

Entry of DDT and other pesticides, damages this smooth cycle of nutrient movement. Lets check how:
DDT and Biomagnification

DDT=dichloro-diphenyl trichloroethane.

It is a broad spectrum pesticide (meaning it can kill variety of insects, not just one or two.)

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It lasts for a relatively long time (nearly 20 years) after one application.

DDT is cheap to produce, been extensively used across world.

Problem: DDT cannot be metabolized (digested) by any living organism.

Suppose DDT was sprayed on water.

There are millions of planktons in the water. Each of them absorbed 5ppm of DDT. Since they cannot digest DDT, it
remains unprocessed in their body.

A fish eats 8 such planktons, so it gets 8 x 5 =40 ppm of DDT in its body.

A bird eats 50 such fishes, so bird gets 40 x 50 =2000 ppm of DDT in its body.

So the amount of DDT keeps increasing as we move up in the food chain. This phenomenon is known as bio magnification.

Bio magnification is bad because it produces variety of diseases in the species + its offsprings (babies) via teratogenesis.

Teratogenesis = formation of defective embryo.

To sumup

Biomagnification is a man-induced process.

Biomagnification occurs with non-degradable chemicals/substances/pollutants only.

For example Pesticides, anti-knocking agents used in internal combustion engines, paints, artificial perfumes etc.

Biomagnification doesnt occur with degradable chemicals/substances for example sugar, tea, cheese, milk etc. because
they can be digested by (some) living organisms.

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Biotic Potential.

Unlimited food + ideal environmental conditions =a species can produce offspring @ maximum rate. This is known as
Biotic potential.

It can be high or low, depending on how many offspring (children) can a species produce in ideal conditions.

Biotic
potential

Example

Why?

High

Bacteria, insects, mice,

rabbits

produce a large number of offspring in a short time.

low

larger species like elephants,

tigers and humans

Gestation period is long. So they produce only a few offspring species during
their lifetime, even if ideal food and environment conditions are given.

Carrying Capacity

It means the maximum population that an environment can support and sustain.

When the carrying capacity is reached, birth rates equal death rates and the population should maintain a steady state
equilibrium.
Interspecies relations

Interaction

Species A

Species B

Example

1.

Mutualism

Enjoys

Enjoys

Bees and flowers (pollination)

Commensalism

Enjoys

Neutral

Orchid plant growing on a mango tree.

Predation

Enjoys

Harmed

Tiger eating deer.

Parasitism

Enjoys

Harmed

Tapeworm in human digestive tract.

Competition

Harmed

Harmed

Jungle Deers vs domestic goats grazing in same area.

Amensalism

Neutral

Harmed

bread mold Penicillium secretes penicillin and it destroys other bacteria.

Btw, whats the difference between

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Predation vs Parasitism

Predation

Parasitism

Tiger killing deer.

Tapeworm in human digestive tract.

done only for food.

Done for food + shelter.

Prey (deer) killed immediately

Host not killed immediately

Predator is (usually) big in size.

Smaller.

Predators biotic potential is usually very low. (tiger, lion etc.)

Parasites biotic potential is usually higher.

COP 11 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Hyderabad 2012 Outcomes, Bushmeat, Empty Jungle syndrome
Intro

When it comes to environment protection, climate change, wildlife protection, there are multiple conventions and each
convention has parties.

Those parties hold conferences at regular interval.

such conferences are called conference of Parties COP.

In a single calendar year there can be more than on COP (because these are different conventions).

For example

What?

When?

Where?

Issue/topic/convention?

COP-11

Oct 2012

Hyderabad, India

Biodiversity (CBD)

COP-18

Nov-Dec 2012

Doha, Qatar

Climate change (UNFCC)

COP-16

March 2013

Bangkok, Thailand

illegal trade of endangered species (CITES)

lets focus on COP related to CBD (Convention on biological diversity)

To get a better grasp of CBD/COP11, make sure youve already read earlier two [EnB] articles
1.

CBD: basics and evolution, click me

2. Aichi targets under CBD, click me

COP Conferences under CBD

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Env & Bio - Mrunal
Year

COP#

Where

2010

10

Nagoya, Japan

2012

11

Hyd, India

2014

12

PyeongChang, S.Korea (theme = Biodiversity forSustainable Development)

India and CBD

The Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) has near universal membership with 193 countries. The USA is the only major
country that is not a Party.

India has ratified the CBD.

India also enacted the Biological Diversity Act in 2002 and notified the Rules in 2004 to give effect to the provisions of the
CBD.

Now India has got presidency of CBD for two years. (2012-14). previously it was with Japan.
COP11(HYDCBD)

Total 170 countries participated in the conference.

Current decade (2011-2020) has been declared as the United Nations Decade on Biodiversity and United Nations Decade
for Deserts and the Fight against Desertification.

COP11-HYDCBD is the first conference during above special decades.

Just few days before the official COP11, Hyderabad also hosted the 6 th meeting of parties to Cartagena protocol on
biosafety (under CBD). This is known as COP-MOP-6.

October 1-5

COP-MOP-6

October 8-19

COP11

Logo

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Was developed by National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad for the Government of India. This logo symbolises the cycle of
life with a tiger, a dolphin, a bird and a women with grains depicting linkage of biodiversity with livelihoods.

On top is the slogan in Sanskrit with English translation Nature Protects if She is Protected
COP11(HYDCBD): Outcomes/ Agreements

HYDCBD is not the official name. Just visualize Eleven cops (policemen) hiding kabaad (trash)= 11th COP was held in
Hyderabad for Convention on Biodiversity.

The Previous COP (#10) was held @ Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan in 2010.

Anyways, lets check the outcome of COP-11(HYDCBD)

#1: CASH

Who?

Developed countries
(EU/US)

What did they say?

Well double (2x) the funding to help developing states to meet Aichi Biodiversity Targets, by
2015.

roughly it means, developing countries will get about 30 billion USD=~Rs. 1,50,000 crore over
the next 8 years.

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Developing
Countries

All

For the first time, developing countries at COP 11, including India and several African states,
pledged additional cash above and beyond their core funding towards CBD

India committed over US$ 50 million.

By 2015, Well prepare national financial plans for biodiversity and increase domestic
Expenditure for it.

#2: Ocean

COP-11(HYDCBD) gave much focus to Ocean, marine biodiversity.

Countries agreed to pay more attention to Sargasso Sea, the Tonga archipelago and key corals sites off the coast of Brazil.

Sargasso Sea

Tonga Archipelago

middle of the North Atlantic Ocean.

South Pacific Ocean.

Tonga is a sovereign state.

Well factor biodiversity into environmental impact assessments (EIA) for infra/development projects in costal areas.

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We call upon the fisheries management bodies to play a stronger role in protecting biodiversity.
#2a: Ocean: Protected Planet 2012

Protected planet 2012=it is name of the report released by UNEP.

This report says

Half of the worlds richest biodiversity zones remain entirely unprotected.

If you want to meet the Aichi Biodiversity targets, then youve declare an additional 8 million square kilometers of
marine and coastal areas as protected.

We, the COP11(HYDCBD) players, will show these results to UN General assembly and ask them amend United Nations
Convention on Law of the Sea accordingly + international agreement for biodiversity conservation in marine areas beyond
national jurisdiction.
#2b: Ocean: Research

Well do more research into adverse effect of

1.

underwater noise from ships on marine biodiversity, and

2. Marine litter*
3. Climate change impacts on coral reefs,
What is Marine Litter?
These are items / materials that

People deliberately discard/throw into the sea or rivers or on beaches.

indirectly brought to sea via rivers, sewage, storm water or winds;

Lost at sea in accident/bad weather.

#3 Online forum

National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans Forum (NBSAP Forum) was launched at COP11 (HYDCBD)

This online forum will provide easy-to-access, targeted information such as best practices, guidelines and learning tools
for countries.

This online forum is joint initiative by

1.

UNEP

2. UNDP
3. GEF Global Environment Facility
4. CBD
#4: Bushmeat

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In Africa, forest is often called bush, so meat from jungle= bushmeat.

Large scale hunting of monkeys, elephants, wild-buffalos etc. for bushmeat = led to Empty forest syndrome.
Empty forest syndrome?

You already know that protection of jungle and wildlife=both important.

Empty forest syndrome = jungles are still visible but animals gone.

In other words, Empty forest syndrome is a situation in which animals disappear at a much faster rate than their habitats. WHY?
Because
1.

Bushmeat (as explained above)

2. Trading of Skin, Hides, tusks etc. for making jewelry, trophies etc.
3. Making Traditional medicine from animal-bones etc. (and it can even cure AIDS and Cancer!)
4. Trading of exotic pets endangered birds, orangutan etc.)
5.

Climate change

Anyways back to the main topic (outcome of COP11)

In Central Africa, gorillas, chimpanzees and many more wild animals are hunted as bush meat is the only cheap source of
protein and food security for the poor communities.

The players @COP11 (HYDCBD) adoped Hyderabad bushmeat recommendations for sustainable use and Management
of bushmeat species to prevent the empty forest syndrome.
#5: Champions and their pledges

COP-11 invited parties and partner organizations to make pledges to support one or more Aichi Biodiversity Targets.

Under this

India

Pledged to give 50 million USD

Maldives

pledged to make their entire country a Biosphere Reserve.

Maldives: Biosphere reserve nation

In support of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets (of CBD), the Republic of Maldives has pledged to become the first nation
where the entire country and its Exclusive Economic Zone will be a Biosphere Reserve.

First theyll implement biodiversity protection plans in their different atolls in a stepwise fashion, till the end 2017,

Then theyll apply to UNSECO to declare Maldives as a Biosphere Reserve. (under UNESCOs Man and the Biosphere
(MAB) program.)
#6: Nagoya Ratification

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Nagoya Protocol=under CBD,

For sharing benefits from genetic resources.

Official name= Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising
from their Utilization (ABS).

India has already ratified Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit sharing.

Now that weve got 2 years presidency for CBD, India will work tirelessly to get the Protocol ratified by 50 countries so
that it comes into force during the Presidency of India.
#7:Misc

Well ask main economic sectors, such as business and development organizations, to integrate biodiversity objectives in
their plans and programmes.

Well enhance collaboration between the CBD and UN climate change initiatives including Reducing Emissions from
Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).

CBD Secretariat to monitor and control trade, movement of invasive alien species.

encourage parties to expand the use of biofuel, although with precautions

Encourage parties to adopt Addis ababa principles (on sustainable use of biodiversity), in their national planning.
Science Express Biodiversity Special

A train to generate awareness about biodiversity conservation. (actually this started way before the actual COP11
(HYDCBD) took place. But the train was stationed @Hyderabad during the conference.)

Collaborative initiative of Ministry of Environment & Forests + Department of Science and Technology.

will cover over 100 stations in two years.

Has total Of the 16 coaches

8 of them are solely dedicated to showcasing the biodiversity spread across all the bio-geographical zones of India.
Museum in Hyd

Government already established a a commemorative Pylon and a Biodiversity Garden in Hyderabad for CBD.

Now theyre also planning to establish a Biodiversity Museum on that site.

Rajiv Gandhi award

Indian Government has proposed to institute Rajiv Gandhi International Award for Harnessing Biodiversity for Livelihood.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
[EnB] Doha COP18/UNFCC: Extension of Kyoto, Green Climate Fund, AAU issue, challenges exaplained
Prologue

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In case you wonder why have I suddenly shifted from Economic surveys to EnB? Reason: 12 th chapter talks about sustainable
Development and climate change and under that three international summits of 2012 will have to be covered anyways viz.
1.

RIO+20 = done last year

2. HYDCBD= done yesterday

3. DohaCOP=doing It right now.
Then well go back to 12th chapter of economic survey and concentrate only on the India related stuff (+12 th FYP) for sustainable
Development and climate change.
By the way, UPSC has uploaded marksheet of recommended candidates of CSE2012, although it doesnt show score in Individual
subjects: only written total and interview total is given. click me to see the PDF
3 COPS under UNFCC
First, understand the basic of UNFCC and Kyoto protocol from earlier article click me
COP= conference of parties.

Year

COP#

CMP*#

Where?

2011

17

Durban, S.Africa

2012

18

Doha, Qatar

2013

19

Warsaw, Poland

*CMP= Meeting of the Parties to the Kyoto Protocol (and Kyoto is under UNFCC).
Before looking @18th COP (Doha, Qatar), lets get an overview of what happened during
17th COP, Durban (2011)?
Following were the key outcomes of 17th Conference held in Durban, S.Africa (2011)

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It established a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol, which will begin on January 1,
2013 and end either on December 2017 or December 2020.

Japan, Russia and Canada refused to join the second commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol.

2020

post 2020 arrangements would be finalized by 2015 and implemented from 2020.

QELRO

quantified emission limitation and reduction objectives (QELROs) for developed country Kyoto
Protocol Parties will be determined during 2012.

To discuss the post 2020 arrangements for global climate change regime.

web-based registry was also agreed upon to be set up under the management of the UNFCCC
Secretariat.

This registry will serve as a platform for the developing countries to upload their Nationally
Appropriate Mitigation Actions (NAMAs).

to support projects, programmes, policies and other activities in developing nations.

The Fund will start operating from 2013

developed nations will provide money in this fund

Kyoto
Extended

Durban
Platform

Web registry

Green Climate
Fund

18th COP Doha (2012)?

18th session of the COP to the UNFCCC, was held @Doha, Qatar.

It has resulted in a set of decisions (clubbed together as Doha Climate Gateway)

Kyoto extended

The first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol was ending on 31 December 2012.

In 17th COP (Durban, S.Africa, 2011) we had agreed that Kyotos extension will be either upto on December 2017 or
December 2020.

But here @18th COP (Doha, Qatar, 2012), we agree that second period of Kyoto protocol
o

Will start from 1 January 2013 and

End @31st Dec 2020.

=Kyoto extended for total 8 years.

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Players

1.

What is their stand?

China

2. India

1.

Lolz, as developing countries, we are not legally required to cut down our emissions, so weve nothing to
lose here. (Actually more cash to gain via Green climate fund!)

Russia

2. New Zealand
3. Japan

WAIT! This stupid protocol doesnt bind China or India cut their emissions! The whole concept of
CBDR (Common But Differentiated Responsibility) is a big joke. Why should we be the sacrificial
lambs?We dont want to be in this second commitment period of Kyoto.

4. Canada
hahaha, be it first commitment or second commitment, I had never ratified the Kyoto protocol. So,
adios suckers.

USA

Kyoto Mechanism Continue

Well will also extend Protocols Market Mechanisms the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), Joint Implementation
(JI) and International Emissions Trading (IET).

(although there is a problem / challenge with trading of surplus AAUs. Explained @bottom of this article).
Agreement for 2020

Well speedily work toward a climate change agreement applicable to all countries from 2020, to be adopted by 2015.

Well scale up our efforts before 2020 to meet the gap in global ambition for emissions reduction.
Review

Well launch a robust process to review the long-term temperature goal.

This will start in 2013 and conclude by 2015. This review will be is a reality check on how big the climate change threat is
and what further action is needed to prevent it.
CA$H

Theyve reiterated commitment to mobilize US$100 billion to developing

countries by 2020.

But they didnot give any specific targets for mid-term financing (between
2013-2017).

they made Finance pledges worth total $6 billion for period upto 2015

Developed countries

Germany, UK, France, Denmark,

Sweden and EU

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(Its office) will be hosted in the Songdo district in Incheon city of South
Korea.

Most likely to start operation in 2014.

Green Climate Fund

By the way,
What is Green Climate Fund?

financial mechanism of the UNFCCC

to transfer money from the developed to the developing world, so they can counter climate change

2010

16th Cancun COP launched Green climate fund

2012

18th COP decided that Green climate fund will be hosted in S.Korea

Misc outcomes in DOHACOP11

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1.Gender
balance

2.Vulnerable
junta

Well strive for gender balance in our countries negotiating teams.

for vulnerable population (e.g. those living in costal areas thatll get submerged in future).

Well create concrete institutional arrangements to help them

parties agreed for ways to implement National Adaptation Plans for least developed countries
(LDCs)

also funding and other support for LDCs

Recall that in 17th COP (Durban,Africa, 2011) this web registry was launched.

Now the parties have completed a registry to record for developing country that seek recognition or
financial support for their mitigation programs.

climate change education and training

create public awareness

enable the public to participate in climate change decision-making

enhance the efforts to fight deforestation.

under the Kyoto Protocols Clean Development Mechanism

well work on projects to capture and store carbon emissions

developed countries will help transfer (secret james bond) technology to the developing countries so
they can curb their GHG emissions.

In some cases, if one country tries to reduce emissions, it could result in negative economic or social
consequences for other countries.

In Doha, governments discussed measures to address such consequences in a special forum.

3.LDCs

4.Web registry

5.PR

6.Forestry

7.Capture n
Store

8.Tech transfer

9.-ve fallout

Problem/Challenges @DohaCOP18

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No CA$H

No Compensation

Just like RIO+20. Here too, the developed nations didnt give firm time table for money transfer. With
more and more players exiting the game, the promose of raising 100 billion USD at the end of 2020,
seems like a mission impossible.
Vulnerable countries vociferously demanded compensation mechanism for loss and damage resulting
from climate change. But no agreement was reached.

Agro kept out

Others first

too late

Civil society

more nations to
leave the game

Agriculture is responsible for 14% of the global emissions.

But there was no agreement among parties to cut down emission from this sector. (because
developing countries like India dont want any haste in this matter.)

EU says will raise its target of cutting emissions by 20 percent by 2020 to 30 percent only if
other countries showed sufficient commitment.

There is a provision in the agreement for countries to tighten their emissions targets in 2014

but many developing countries think that by the time any review is instigated it may already be
too late to keep temperature rises below 2C.

although COP18 itself was held @Doha Qatar but lot of meetings between parties were done in
various countries.

It is easier for big MNCs to lobby at so many places.

But for an NGO/Civil society it is not easy to participate / travel in so many places and voice
their concerns due to lack of money/funding. Thus UNFCC itself restricts participation of
people.

Belarus has hinted that it may withdraw from Kyoto.

Kazakhstan and Ukraine also in same mood.

Problem: AAU surplus selling

What is AAU?

AAU=Assigned amount units

AAUs are tradable emission permits under the Kyoto Protocol.

Observe the words:

Tradable= can be sold from one country to another. Countries whose emissions are above their emissions reduction
target, can purchase AAUs from other countries that have surpluses.

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Emission permits= One AAU (permit) allows a country to emit 1 metric tonne of CO2.

By the way Hot air= term used to describe surplus AAUs held by Russia, Ukraine and other former soviet bloc countries.
AAU carryover

@DOHACOP18, Parties agreed that if any country had accumulated surplus AAU (permits) during 1st period of Kyoto
then those permits will be valid for second period also.

1st Problem= Russia has left the game, so those permits are useless for them.

Russia wants to sell away those AAU surplus to other players whore still in the game for second period of Kyoto protocol
(2013-2020).

This leads us to second problem

AAU Selling:

@DOHACOP, parties agreed that

Surplus AAUs (from 1st period) can be sold and purchased during 2nd period of Kyoto.

BUT condition: the selling party must be in the game for 2nd period (2013-2020)

2nd problem: Russia has lot of surplus AAUs. But Russia has withdrawn itself from second commitment period of Kyoto.
Therefore, Russia cannot sell its surplus AAU permits to other players who are still in the game e.g. Germany or France.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

COP-19/UNFCC] Warsaw Climate Change Conference, Indias Stand, Outcomes, Limitation

Prologue
Before going to Warsaw, Poland, make sure youve read earlier articles on:
1.

UNFCC and Kyoto protocolclick me

2. Doha COP18/UNFCCclick me
During Nov 2013, Warsaw, Poland hosted:

COP1
9

19th Conference of the Parties (COP19) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC)

CMP9

9th Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to Kyoto Protocol (CMP9)

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click me to enlarge image

Following timeline should help you see the bigger picture:
Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDG)

Oil rich:Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Bolivia and Malaysia

Coal rich: China and India

Chillar party.:Cuba, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Thailand.

Ok, What does this gang want?

They want strict separation between developed and developing countries responsibility in climate change

@Developed countries: You were the first nations to industrialize. Youre the one that cause this global warming. So,
youre obliged to cut emission. Our emissions are different from yours, for ours are produced in the process of
industrialization while you are already in the post-industrialization era. In short youre the main villain.

@Developing countries: weve responsibility to combat climate change. but we want no legally binding obligation to
cut our emission. The developed nations (you) must not prescribe/preach us about climate change. Well set our
commitment voluntarily.

LMDG wants new climate change agreement to be on above theme.

Obviously developed (rich) countries are against this LMDG group. Rich nations argue China and India are growing so
fast that by 2020 your LMDG gangs greenhouse gas emission will be lot higher than us! You cant keep holding us
responsible forever!
Loss and damage

One of the contentious issues in the COP19/Warsaw talks.

Extreme events because of climate change= typhoons, floods, drought etc.

Loss

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Permanent. e.g. loss include loss of life, culture, livelihood, ecosystems, or territory.

Can be economic or non-economic (e.g loss of entire culture/tribal religion in a low lying island)

Damage
o

Repairable. e.g. deforestation and temperature rise.

In short- the Poor countries want ca$h from rich countries because rich countries caused climate change and poor
countries suffering extreme weather/disasters because of them.

Demand grew because thousands died in Philippines by Typhoon Haiyan just as the COP-19 started.

But Developed countries donot want to admit any legal liability after all, China and India are also rich (GDP wise), and emitting
more greenhouse gas than many of the developed countries.
REDD+

REDD+: Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation PLUS.

Under REDD+: Ca$h comes from developed countries =>green climate fund=>developing countries=>national agencies.

It is a result based understanding/framework. Meaning, Developing country will have to prove the result they have
fought deforestation without harming local communities or biological diversity. Only then, theyll get the ca$h.

REDD+ negotiations have been ongoing since 2005, finally @Warsaw talks 2013, the participating nations agreed for
REDD+ mechanism.

UK, Norway and USA have already allocated $US280 million to a World Bank-led fund operating REDD projects.
REDD vs REDD+

REDD

REDD+
UNs REDD PLUS following

Only UN

1.

Forest Carbon Partnership Facility: which is is a global partnership of governments, businesses,

civil society, and Indigenous Peoples.

2. World banks Forest Investment Program (FIP)

Deforestation PLUS following

Just
deforestation

sustainable management of forests

Increasing forest carbon stocks

Forest conservation

CA$H

In all climate change talks- everything boils down to one thing: ca$H.

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Earlier developed countries had promised to give $100 billion dollar fund for developing countries by the end of 2020.

But developed countries did not elaborate how theyll come up with so much cash.

Poor countries wanted some cash in the meantime (2013-19): but this demand was rejected in Warsaw talk.

anyways, enough of the issues, lets check Indias stand:

Indias stand @COP-19 Warsaw
We want CBDR

As usual, India called for CBDR: Common but Differentiated Responsibility.

We accept that UNFCCC Convention and the Kyoto Protocol are also applicable to all.

but this Universality does not mean uniformity. Were against any legally binding commitments.

Developing countries should be provided the flexibility to choose their actions.

Rich nations should not to treat global warming issues with a business perspective of providing markets to their MNCs.
Were not irresponsible

India reiterated @Warsaw that were not as irresponsible / evasive as rich nations portray us.
Consider some of the steps weve taken to combat climate change:

NAPCC

SOLAR

ENERGY
EFFICIENCY

Weve already made National Action Plan on Climate Change.

Under this NAPCC, we have launched eight missions in areas of energy efficiency, solar energy,
sustainable habitat, water, forestry, sustaining the Himalayan ecosystem, agriculture and
strategic knowledge for climate change.

Our states have also formed their plans and missions.

We have set a target of generating 20,000 MW of solar power by2020Already achieved about 1200 mw
presently.

We have also introduced an innovative trading mechanism(Namely PAT Perform, Achieve and
Trade)for energy efficiency.

(more given in one of my economic survey articles)

COAL CESS

A National Clean energy Fund (NCEF)

ca$h comes from cess on coal of (Rs. 50 per tonne)

this ca$h is used for financing renewable energy and environment friendly projects.

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1.

Weve made voluntary commitment that well reduce emissions intensity of our GDP by 20 to 25% by 2020 (compared
with 2005 level.)

2. We have also committed that our per capita emissions will not exceed those of the developed countries in future also.
3. Were large country with a very small carbon footprint. our per capita emission is only 1.7 tonnes per annum, despite our
heavy dependence oil import, were committed to follow the path of sustainable development.
Indias stand on Agriculture vs climate change

India is against any mitigation mechanism to reduce emission from agriculture.

for example, if UNFCC gangmember comes up with some idea that all nations should stop paying urea subsidies or cheap
electricity to their farmers or stop paying grants to slaughter houses etc=>

then India will oppose such mitigation mechanism for agriculture

Because Majority of Indian junta depends on agriculture- poverty, food security angles (and ofcourse vote bank)

So, Instead of mitigation, India advocates adaptation mechanisms to reduce emission from agriculture e.g. organic
farming, watershed, sustainable development etc. but that too without any legally binding commitments or targets.

Same stand by China and some African countries.

Indias stand on Ca$h 4 climate change

India maintained that:

1.

Simply creating the institutional arrangements like Green Climate Fund does not help because they dont have much ca$h.

2. COP-19 conference needs to comeup with a clear roadmap on provision of finance for 2013-15, 2015-2017 and then up to
2020.
3. Public finance should be the primary source of fund for climate finance. (US wants majority of ca$h should come from
private companies, MNCs etc.)
Indias stand on HFC

Montreal Protocol (1987)= to phase out ozone depleting substances chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) ,
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) etc.

They were used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, solvents, AC in building and vehicles, and fire retardants.

everyone including India banned those ozone depleting substances.

but then refrigeration/AC industries shifted to using Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) because

o

HFCs are cheap

HFCs are technically not an ozone depleting substance. Hence not covered under Montreal protocol

However theyre still potent greenhouse gases, with a warming effect much higher than carbon dioxide.

USA

India

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wants HFC matter to be covered

under Montreal protocol

that way everyone, including IndiaChina will have to ban HFCs.

wants HFC matter be kept under UNFCCC+Kyoto- then itll be

mandatory only for the developed (rich) countries to phase out HFC
gases.

And India/China wont have legally binding responsibility=>their local

industry will be saved.

India reiterated this HFC stand during COP-19 Warsaw talks.

Indias stand on Technology transfer

UNFCC wants developed countries to give (secret james bond) technology to developing countries so they can combat
climate change. But America is now reluctant. Instead of giving technology- USA wants to just promote investment in
third world.

In that respect, Indian wanted that Green Climate fund (GCF) should give special funding to transfer IPR protected
technology from rich to developing countries.

Because without ca$h and technology transfer, developing countries cannot carry out Nationally Appropriate Mitigation
Actions NAMAs.
Indias stand on Misc. issues

we support the demand of poor countries for Loss and damage

Were dismayed to see some rich countries (Japan, Canada and Australia) have rolled back from their earlier
commitments about reducing Greenhouse gas emission.
Warsaw outcomes:

List not exhaustive

2015 Deal

Loss And
Damage

In December 2015, well hold a summit in Paris to outline what to do after 2020 (i.e. when Kyoto
mechanism expires)

but before this Paris summit,

all countries must announce their plans before end of 1st quarter of 2015

about how theyll curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emission beyond 2020

such national plans will be called intended nationally determined contributions. (Observe it doesnt
contain the word commitment- because India-China opposed that term)

agreement called the Warsaw international mechanism for loss and damage (IMLD).

As per this agreement, disaster victims in developing country will receive aid from the developed
countries. BUT it will not be linked with any liability /commitment.

will also provide expertise and aid, to help developing nations cope with extreme events related to

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climate change.

2016: well review the exact form of this mechanism.

Cash

Merely urged developed nations to set increasing levels of aid to poor countries. but didnt set any targets for
2013-19.

CDM

@countries that donot have legally binding emission targets.well encourage them to use carbon credits under
CLEAN DEVELOPMENT MECHANISM (CDM)In 2014, well hold a special technical meeting to iron out the
details.

deforestation

adopted REDD+ to combat deforestation.

Limitations/Criticism of Warsaw Talks/COP-19

1.

They contemplated over the post-2020 scenario but did not outline any near term actions (2013-19) to combat climate
change.

2. No mechanism on how $100 billion will come in 2020

3. No special funding to poor countries for 2013-19 period.
4. Its all a useless exercise as long as the worlds prominent emitters India and China receive special treatment. Both act as a
firewall between rich and poor countries, refuse any legally binding commitments.
5.

More than 800 NGOs staged a walkout from the Warsaw talks because developed countries are making no firm
commitments to combat climate change, and the corporate interests/lobbying are taking over the environmental interest.

6. Japans Gaddari to UNFCC:

7.

Earlier Japan had promised well cut our emission by 25% (from 1990 levels)

But during this summit, Japan announced, not possible!, well infact increase our emission by ~3% compared to
1990 level

Similarly, Canada and Australia also scaled down their targets.

S.Africas Gaddari to BASIC:

o

Earlier S.Africa followed BASIC stand = We dont want legally binding commitments to reduce Greenhouse gas
emission

But recently S.Africa wrote an official letter to UNFCC that new climate change treaty should impose legally
binding commitments.

8. Russias anger
o

that UNFCCs conferences are failing to be impartial- Not taking decisions based on consensus.

Instead a few vocal members tend to overshadow the proceedings.

9. Indias dissatisfaction that

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o

Rich nations are treating global warming issues with a business perspective of providing markets to domestic
companies.

How rich nations including Japan, Canada and Australia to scale down ambition and lowering of targets of
emissions.

How Green Climate fund is useless without any coffers.

10. Mere Lip service to issues related to black carbon, agricultural methane, energy efficient buildings-equipment etc.