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-
112 articles in this topic
Articles on Climate Change
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
ICJ Ruling on Climate Change
Context The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a landmark advisory opinion affirming that countries have a legal obligation under international law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. About International Court of Justice (ICJ) It is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April 1946.
UNEP Frontiers Report 2025
In News The seventh edition, Frontiers 2025: The Weight of Time – Facing a New Age of Challenges for People and Ecosystems, highlights emerging environmental threats and potential solutions. Recommendations Transform Cities for Age-Friendly Resilience: Develop pollution-free, resilient, and accessible urban spaces with abundant vegetation. Improve urban planning to address the needs of an ageing population, especially during extreme weather events.
Reforming the UNFCCC Process
Context As the world grapples with intensifying climate crises, the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process have come under scrutiny. About the UNFCCC It is the foundational international treaty that guides global efforts to combat climate change. It was adopted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, it has since become the bedrock of climate diplomacy, shaping agreements like the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.
Rising Seas, Shifting Lives, and a Test of Democratic Values
As climate change accelerates sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and coastal erosion in India’s coastline affecting its environment, socially and politically.
EU Unveils Overdue Target to Curb Green House Gas by 2040
Context The European Commission has proposed a legally binding goal to reduce net Green House Gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. EU’s Recent Plans to Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions The 2040 milestone is built to ensure trajectory to the 2050 climate-neutral goal, offering policy clarity to citizens, industrial investment, and global diplomacy. Carbon Offsets from Outside Europe: From 2036 onwards, countries can meet up to 3% of their reduction target through carbon credits gen
Climate Finance
Context India has emerged as a vocal leader among developing nations, reigniting the debate over climate finance obligations, at the ongoing climate talks in Bonn, Germany. About Climate Finance It refers to local, national, or transnational funding — sourced from public, private, and alternative channels — that supports mitigation and adaptation actions to address climate change. It is grounded in the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), recognizing that developed cou
Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC)
Context Recently, a climate study found that if the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) collapses, Europe could face a dramatic and prolonged winter freeze, even in a world warmed by greenhouse gas emissions. About Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) It is one of the most powerful and complex systems driving Earth’s climate. It is often likened to a giant conveyor belt that transports warm surface waters from the tropics northward and returns cold, dense water south
Global Drought Outlook
Context The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has released its Global Drought Outlook, highlighting the increasing frequency, and geographical spread of droughts globally. Impacts of Drought Environmental Consequences: Droughts severely degrade ecosystems such as forests, wetlands, and grasslands, leading to loss of biodiversity and reduction in plant biomass. Economic Consequences: Droughts also impact hydropower production, industrial operations, and fluvial trade,
World Day to Combat Desertification & Drought
Context Recently, India joined the global community in observing the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable land management and climate resilience. About World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought It was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1994, observed annually on June 17. It highlights the urgent need for sustainable land management and global action against desertification.
Ocean Acidification
Context A recent study has revealed that ocean acidification has breached its planetary boundary, posing grave threats to marine ecosystems and global climate stability. What is Ocean Acidification? Ocean acidification refers to the ongoing decrease in the pH of Earth’s oceans, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere.
Blue NDC Challenge
In News France and Brazil launched a landmark international initiative Blue Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Challenge. About Blue Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Challenge It urges countries to embed ocean-centric actions into their climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The challenge aims to dramatically scale up ocean-focused climate action ahead of the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Chan
World Environment Day 2025
Context World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5, is a global initiative to raise awareness and drive action for environmental protection. Plastic Pollution and Its Impact on SDGs SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Plastic waste contaminates freshwater sources, harming biodiversity and human health. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encourages reducing plastic use, promoting recycling, and adopting sustainable alternatives.
Only 24% Present-Day Glaciers Will Remain if World Gets Warmer by 2.7°C
Context According to a new study published in the journal Science, If the world gets warmer by 2.7°C due to the current trajectory of climate policies, only 24% of the world’s present-day glaciers will remain. What are glaciers? They are essentially large and thick masses of ice that are formed on land due to the accumulation of snow over centuries.
Global Temperature Likely to Breach 1.5°C in Next Five Years: WMO
Context The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has released the ‘Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2025-2029)’. Key Temperature Projections: 2024: The year 2024 was not only the hottest year on record but also the first year to breach 1.5°C above the 1850–1900 baseline. 2025–2029: There is a 70% chance that the average global temperature for the 2025-2029 period will exceed pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5°C.
Integrating Mission LiFE with National Action Plan on Climate Change
Context The government is considering adding Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Mission LiFE At the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP26), India announced Mission LiFE, to bring individual behaviors at the forefront of the global climate action narrative. The mission envisions replacing the prevalent ‘use-and-dispose’ economy with a circular economy, which would be defined by mindful and deliberate utilization.