Environment & Ecology
Climate Change
Welcome to the dedicated UPSC study hub for Climate Change, a critical and ever-evolving subject under the Environment & Ecology segment. Climate Change refers to long-
87 articles in this topic
Articles on Climate Change
Decarbonizing India’s Development Journey 25 Feb 2026
Editorial analysis topic
Decarbonizing India’s Development Journey 25 Feb 2026
Editorial analysis topic
Energy Imbalance and the Changing Dynamics of El Niño
Context A recent study highlights that the 2022 increase in Earths energy imbalance was largely driven by a shift from a triple-dip La Niña to a warm El Niño, combined with long-term climate change. Earths Energy Imbalance Study Earth’s Energy Imbalance (EEI) refers to the difference between incoming solar radiation and outgoing heat energy. When more heat is trapped than emitted, global temperatures rise.
District Cooling: A Climate-Smart Solution for India’s Urban Future
Context In the backdrop of rising temperatures and rapid urbanisation, district cooling is emerging as a climate-responsive and urban planning solution aligned with India’s sustainability goals. What is District Cooling? District cooling is a centralised system that supplies air-conditioning to multiple buildings through a network of insulated underground pipes.
India’s Net-Zero Pathway: Ambition, Investment, and Reform
Context According to the NITI Aayog’s Scenarios Towards Viksit Bharat and Net Zero, India can achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 while becoming a developed economy by 2047, but this transition will require massive financial and structural shifts. What is Net Zero? Net Zero refers to the state where the amount of GHGs released into the atmosphere is balanced by the amount removed over a given period.
The State of Climate Governance: India & World
Published on: 07 February, 2026 Global climate governance has gained renewed attention due to repeated shortfalls in international climate negotiations, particularly at recent Conferences of the Parties (COPs).
The State of Climate Governance: India & World
Published on: 07 February, 2026 Global climate governance has gained renewed attention due to repeated shortfalls in international climate negotiations, particularly at recent Conferences of the Parties (COPs).
Union Budget 2026-27 Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Technologies
Published on: 05 February, 2026 Recently, the Union Budget 2026-27 proposed an outlay of Rs 20,000 crore over the next five years in Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies.
Green Steel & India’s Climate Goals Trajectory
Context India pledged and committed to submitting a revised and more ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) at COP30 in Belém with a clear plan for economy-wide decarbonisation, especially in the steel sector. Why Steel Matters? Steel is a critical component of Indias eight core infrastructure industries, holding a significant weight of 17.92% in the Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI).
Facts In News 23-01-2026
Context Recently, the Government of India has notified Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) targets for additional carbon-intensive sectors under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS). About India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) It forms the operational backbone of the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) that was notified in 2023 under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022. It seeks to enable India’s transition toward a low-carbon economy, aligning with its net-zero commitment by 2070
Delhi to Earn Revenue from Carbon Credits'
Context Delhi government has announced that it has approved a framework for carbon credit monetisation. About Delhi government activities such as operating electric buses, plantation drives, promoting solar energy and waste management, will be used to generate carbon credits under the new policy. The reduction in emissions through these initiatives will be scientifically measured, registered as carbon credits, and sold in national and international carbon markets to generate revenue.
Warming of Earth’s Oceans
Context According to a study titled ‘Ocean Heat Content Sets Another Record in 2025’, found that the oceans absorbed more heat in 2025 than in any year since modern measurements began in the 1960s. Key Findings of Study Record-Breaking Ocean Heat Content (OHC): The Earth’s oceans absorbed 23 Zettajoules (ZJ) of additional heat in 2025, surpassing all previous records since the 1960s. It marks a 44% increase compared to 2024, when oceans absorbed 16 ZJ.
Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and India
In Context At COP29, carbon markets under Article 6 (A6) of the Paris Agreement were made fully operational to improve the delivery and efficiency of climate finance. What is Article 6 of the Paris Agreement? Article 6 creates a framework that allows countries to cooperate voluntarily to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) through two main routes: Article 6.4: Establishes a centralized Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), evolved from the earlier Clean Development Mec
India Need Climate-resilient Agriculture (CRA)
Context India is fast-tracking the expansion of Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA) to counter growing climate-change risks to food security, rainfed agriculture, and farmers’ incomes. What is Climate-resilient Agriculture (CRA)? Climate-resilient agriculture uses a range of biotechnology and complementary technologies to guide farming practices and reduce dependence on chemical inputs, while maintaining or improving productivity.
Chile’s Lesson for India’s Coal Conundrum
Context India dropped 13 places to 23rd in the Climate Change Performance Index released during COP30 in Brazil in November 2025. About The main reason is the lack of progress in Indias phase out of coal. Challenges with Phaseout: Coal creates a difficult policy paradox—its gradual elimination could deprive many States of employment and affordable electricity, yet persisting with current coal dependence endangers people’s health and livelihoods due to escalating global warming and pollution.
Antarctic Ozone Hole Closes Early in 2025
In News The Antarctic ozone hole that formed in August 2025 closed earlier than usual, offering hope for recovery amid record global warming. What is the Ozone Hole? It is a seasonal thinning of the stratospheric ozone layer particularly in the southern polar region — was first discovered in 1985.
R&D Roadmap for CCUS to Achieve India’s Net-Zero Targets Launched
Context The first of its kind RD Roadmap to Enable India’s Net Zero Targets through Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) was launched. About It is prepared by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The roadmap highlights the need for supportive frameworks—including skilled human capital, regulatory and safety standards, and early-shared infrastructure.
Global Methane Status Report 2025
In News The Global Methane Status Report released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) at COP30 in Belem. Key Points of the Report Methane Emissions Rising: Despite stronger waste regulations and improved monitoring, global trends remain far short of the target to cut methane by 30% by 2030. Potency and Impact: Methane is around 80 times more powerful than CO₂ over a 20-year timescale, accounting for approximately one-third of current warming.
India Unveiled Plans to Establish Platform for Climate and Nature Finance
In News At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, India joined 13 countries and African Islands States Climate Commission (AISCC) to announce the national “Climate Nature Finance Platforms.” What is the Green Climate Fund (GCF)? The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world’s largest dedicated multilateral climate fund, established in 2010 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was established to help developing countries respond to climate change by supporting both adaptation
India’s Net Zero Imperative: Electrifying the Economy
India needs to undergo a transformative shift — one that hinges on the widespread electrification of its economy, to meet its ambitious Net Zero target by 2070.