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
Global Carbon Emissions Are Projected to Rise: Global Carbon Project
In News New research by the Global Carbon Project was released during COP30 in Belem, Brazil. Global Carbon Project It was founded in 2001 through a collaboration of International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP), the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP), the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and Diversitas. It is a Global Research Project of Future Earth and partner of the World Climate Research Programme.
COP30 in Belem: Climate Ambition and Reality
As the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the UNFCCC begins in Belém, Brazil, absence of the United States and China, along with lower-level delegation sent by India casts a long shadow over proceedings.
Carbon Capture for Net-Zero India
Context Ocean-based carbon capture can help India reach net-zero by 2070, turning its seas into engines of carbon removal and blue growth. What is Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS)? The International Energy Agency (IEA) defines CCUS as a group of technologies for capturing of CO2 from large and stationary CO2 emitting sources, such as fossil fuel based power plants and other industries.
Global Emission Cuts Fall Short of Paris Goals
Context The United Nations Synthesis Report has found that global emission reduction efforts are falling short of the targets set under the Paris Agreement (2015). Concerns raised by the Report The report is based on countries updated nationally determined contributions (NDC), which are promises to cut fossil fuel emissions or plant forests (to capture carbon dioxide) until 2035. The report is based on submissions from 64 out of 190 countries.
A Start for North-South Carbon Market Cooperation
Recently, India and the European Union (EU) announced a New Strategic EU-India Agenda, which includes a proposal to explore the integration of India’s Carbon Market with the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), marking a step toward aligning carbon market mechanisms between the Global North and South.
Safeguarding for India’s Carbon Market For Sustainable Future
The growth-driven model of development, rooted in the Industrial Revolution, has already pushed planetary boundaries beyond safe limits.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity Target Rules
In News The Centre has notified the first legally binding Greenhouse Gas Emission Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025, for four high-emission sectors—aluminium, cement, chlor-alkali, and pulp and paper. About These rules fix sector-specific targets for cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per unit of product, operationalising India’s domestic carbon market under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), 2023. This move supports India’s Paris Agreement commitment to reduce emissions intensity of
Solar Dimming in India
Context A recent joint study published in Nature’s Scientific Reports shows India’s sunlight hours are shrinking due to pollution and cloud buildup threatening the country’s solar energy ambitions. Key Findings of the Study on India Decline in Sunshine Hours: The North Indian plains experienced the steepest reduction, losing about 13.1 hours of sunshine per year on average over the last three decades. Twomey Effect: The study highlighted the Twomey effect, where increased anthropogenic aerosol e
India’s Clean Energy Rise Needs Climate Finance Expansion
India is positioning itself as a global leader in climate action with ambitious targets for renewable energy, green hydrogen, and decentralized power systems.
Polar Geoengineering
Context A new study led by University of Exeter’s Martin Siegert critically assesses five major geoengineering methods aimed at protecting Earth’s polar regions and finds them ineffective, costly, and environmentally risky. Key Findings of recent study Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) : Limited effectiveness due to polar darkness, risks of sudden temperature spikes if stopped, high ongoing costs, and potential global climate disruptions. Sea curtains: Huge technical and logistical challenge
Climate Change Spurs Growth in Amazon Rainforest Trees
Context A recent study published in Nature Plants reveals that trees in the Amazon rainforest are steadily increasing in size due to rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂). Key Findings of the study Tree Growth: Amazon trees are getting bigger, with average diameter increasing by ~3.3% per decade. Rise in CO₂ levels (nearly 20% in 30 years) led to the carbon fertilisation effect, where higher CO₂ enhances photosynthesis and accelerates growth.
India to Submit Updated Carbon-reduction Targets by the Beginning of COP30
Context India will submit its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) around the commencement of U.N. Climate Change Conference COP 30 in Brazil in November. About NDCs The NDCs are renewable-energy adoption goals set by a country as part of being a signatory to the Paris Agreement.
National Policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Context India is formulating a national policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) alongside a long-term roadmap through 2050, as part of its efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. About the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) It is a bio-based alternative to fossil-derived jet fuel that can be produced from non-edible oils, used cooking oil, algae, and agricultural waste.
India Need to Build Climate-Resilient Cities
In News India’s urban transformation is accelerating, with cities poised to generate new jobs and host billions of people. The Need for Climate-Resilient Urban Futures India is undergoing an unprecedented urban transformation. By 2030, cities are expected to generate over 70% of new jobs, and by 2050, nearly a billion people will reside in urban areas.
Decarbonisation of India’s Emission-heavy Sectors
Context A new study by the Centre for Social and Economic Progress estimates that India will need an additional $467 billion by 2030 to decarbonise four major emission-heavy sectors: steel, cement, power, and road transport. What Does Decarbonisation Mean? Decarbonisation is the process under which carbon dioxide emissions (or its equivalents) are reduced to achieve a lower output of greenhouse gasses.
Deforestation and Heat-Related Mortality in Tropical Regions
Context A recent study published in Nature Climate Change revealed that deforestation-induced warming caused nearly 28,000 additional heat-related deaths annually in tropical regions between 2001 and 2020. Challenges in Addressing Deforestation Economic Dependence: Agricultural exports and timber trade remain major sources of income for tropical countries. Weak Governance: Poor enforcement of forest conservation laws.
Centre Finalises National Designated Authority to Kick-start Carbon Markets
Context The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has announced a ‘National Designated Authority (NDA)’ to enable a carbon emissions trading regime. Carbon Markets Carbon markets are trading systems in which carbon credits are sold and bought. Companies or individuals can use carbon markets to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing carbon credits from entities that remove or reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Draft Framework of India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy
Context The Ministry of Finance released the Draft Framework of India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy which is aimed to create a unified classification system for climate-aligned investments, ensuring transparency, credibility, and alignment with national and global climate goals. Classification Approach (Three Categories) Mitigation: Projects that reduce or avoid greenhouse gas emissions; Adaptation: Initiatives that enhance resilience to climate impacts; Transition: Measures that enable high-emissi
Health Impacts of Land Degradation & Drought: UNCCD
Context Recently, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) released a policy brief detailing the severe health impacts of land degradation and drought. Health Risks of Land Degradation and Drought Rise in Communicable and Non-Communicable Diseases: The policy brief highlights the wide-ranging health consequences associated with environmental stress: Mental Health Consequences: Droughts often result in displacement, resource scarcity, and financial hardship, leading to incr
Parliamentary Committee Charts Roadmap for Climate-Resilient and Organic Agriculture
Context The Committee on Estimates (2024–25) presented its Sixth Report to Parliament, highlighting Indias urgent need for systemic transformation in agriculture amid rising vulnerabilities due to climate change. Agricultural Vulnerabilities in India Climate Change Impacts: According to the report, crop yields are projected to decline by 4.5% to 9% in the medium term. 310 districts are vulnerable, with 109 categorized as very high risk and 201 as highly vulnerable by the Intergovernmental Panel