Climate change has been one of the most pressing issues of the 21st century. It has gained significant attention from global leaders, policymakers, scientists, and the general public in recent years. Here are some important notes on climate change for UPSC exams.
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- What is Climate Change?
Climate change is the long-term and significant change in the Earth’s temperature, precipitation patterns, and weather events caused by a variety of factors such as human activities, changes in the atmosphere, and natural climate variability.
- Causes of Climate Change
The primary causes of climate change are human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities that emit harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Natural factors such as volcanic eruptions, changes in solar radiation, and variations in the Earth’s orbit, also contribute to the climate change phenomenon.
- Effects of Climate Change
Climate change has far-reaching effects on the environment, economy, and society. Rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, heatwaves, and storms, and the loss of biodiversity are some of the negative impacts attributed to climate change.
- International Initiatives to Address Climate Change
The Paris Agreement is a landmark international treaty on climate change that was signed by 195 countries to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Various international organizations such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and the Green Climate Fund play key roles in addressing climate change.
- India’s Efforts to Address Climate Change
India has taken several measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the negative impacts of climate change. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change prioritizes renewable energy development, sustainable agriculture practices, and enhancing forests and biodiversity conservation.
- Challenges in Addressing Climate Change
Despite global efforts to address climate change, several challenges remain. The lack of political will, the high costs of transitioning to clean energy, and the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable communities are some of the obstacles that need to be addressed.
In conclusion, climate change is a crucial issue that requires immediate action at individual, organizational, and governmental levels to prevent further damage to our planet. UPSC aspirants must keep themselves updated on the latest developments in climate change and its impacts, as this topic often features in the exams.
- Climate change refers to the long-term changes in the Earth’s climate system, including temperature, precipitation, and winds, as a result of human activities and natural causes.
- Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, are the main contributors to climate change by releasing large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere.
- GHGs trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and causing negative impacts such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and loss of biodiversity.
- The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was established in 1992 to address climate change through international cooperation and the promotion of sustainable development.
For full paper, click on https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:EU:37582d95-75f0-4bea-83cd-2172debef805
