Special Topic – UPSC Geography Synopsis
UPSC Geography Current Affairs Integration | Page 18
Climate Change, SDGs and Current Affairs Integration
Climate change, sustainable development and environmental governance are highly important for UPSC Prelims, Mains and interview preparation. Current affairs integration improves conceptual understanding.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to long-term changes in global temperature, rainfall and weather patterns. Human activities are the major cause of climate change.
Major Causes
- Burning of fossil fuels
- Deforestation
- Industrial emissions
- Urbanisation
Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is the trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases.
Major Greenhouse Gases
- Carbon Dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous Oxide
- Water Vapour
Increasing greenhouse gas concentration leads to global warming.
Global Warming
Global warming refers to the increase in Earth’s average temperature.
Effects of Global Warming
- Melting glaciers
- Sea level rise
- Extreme weather events
- Loss of biodiversity
- Food insecurity
Paris Climate Agreement
The Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015 to limit global temperature rise.
Objectives
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- Promote renewable energy
- Strengthen climate adaptation
Countries submit climate action plans called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The United Nations introduced 17 SDGs to achieve sustainable global development by 2030.
Important SDGs
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
- Quality Education
- Clean Water and Sanitation
- Climate Action
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is essential for reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
Types of Renewable Energy
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
- Hydroelectric Power
- Biomass Energy
India is rapidly expanding solar and wind energy projects.
International Solar Alliance (ISA)
The International Solar Alliance was launched by India and France to promote solar energy usage globally.
Objectives
- Increase solar energy adoption
- Promote clean energy
- Reduce carbon emissions
Biodiversity Conservation
Conservation of biodiversity is essential for ecological balance and sustainability.
Threats to Biodiversity
- Habitat destruction
- Pollution
- Climate change
- Overexploitation
Current Environmental Issues
- Air pollution in major cities
- Water scarcity
- Plastic pollution
- Forest fires
- Glacier melting
Environmental challenges require global cooperation and policy action.
India’s Climate Initiatives
- National Action Plan on Climate Change
- Renewable Energy Expansion
- Electric Vehicle Promotion
- Afforestation Programmes
India focuses on balancing development with environmental sustainability.
Disaster Management and Climate Change
Climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, cyclones and droughts.
Adaptation Measures
- Early warning systems
- Disaster preparedness
- Water conservation
- Climate-resilient agriculture
Environmental Governance
Environmental governance includes laws, policies and institutions that protect the environment.
Important Institutions
- UNEP
- IPCC
- MoEFCC
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
Current Affairs Preparation Tips
- Follow climate summits and COP meetings
- Revise environmental reports
- Integrate geography with current affairs
- Practice map-based current affairs
Important UPSC Facts
- Paris Agreement was adopted in 2015
- SDGs target sustainable development by 2030
- ISA promotes solar energy globally
- Climate change increases extreme weather events
- NGT handles environmental cases in India
Quick Revision Box
- Climate Change → Long-term weather change
- Greenhouse Effect → Heat trapping
- Paris Agreement → Climate action treaty
- SDGs → Sustainable development goals
- ISA → Solar energy alliance
- NGT → Environmental tribunal
Mind Map – Climate & Current Affairs
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Environment & Current Affairs
- Climate Change
- Global Warming
- SDGs
- Renewable Energy
- Environmental Governance
- Disaster Management
Shaktimatha Learning
UPSC Geography Current Affairs Integration – English Version
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