Forest ServicesEnvironment & 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-
97 articles in this topic
Articles on Climate Change
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.
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