Daily Prelims Notes 14 November 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

14 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. New SEBI Rules for Angel Funds: Accredited Investors, Investment Limits, and Operational Changes
2. Sustainability Concerns in India’s Tea and Sugar Exports
3. Sea Ranching Initiatives Launched off Vizhinjam Coast as Part of Kerala’s Artificial Reef Project
4. The Need for Increased Climate Finance from Developed Nations
5. What Supreme Court said about ‘bulldozer justice’
6. Researchers document huge drop in African elephants in a half century
7. Addressing N2O emissions key to meeting 1.5°C target, protecting human health, biodiversity: Report

1. New SEBI Rules for Angel Funds: Accredited Investors, Investment Limits, and Operational Changes

Sub : Eco

Sec: Capital market

• SEBI’s new proposal recommends that only accredited investors be allowed to invest in angel funds.
• Accredited investors must meet specific net-worth criteria verified by a third-party accreditation agency.
• This change is intended to prevent investors without sufficient risk appetite from investing in high-risk start-ups through angel funds.
• First Close Requirement:
  • Angel funds must conduct their first close by onboarding a minimum of five accredited investors within 12 months from the date SEBI acknowledges their private placement memorandum.
  • Existing angel funds will have a year to comply with the new accredited investor requirement.
• Investment Limits:
  • The minimum investment by an angel fund in a start-up is proposed to be lowered to ₹10 lakh from the current ₹25 lakh.
  • The maximum investment limit is proposed to be increased to ₹25 crore from the previous ₹10 crore.
• Diversification and Lock-in Requirements:
  • SEBI proposes to remove the 25% diversification limit for angel funds, providing them with greater flexibility in investments.
  • The lock-in period for angel fund investments in start-ups may be reduced to six months from the current one year, if the fund sells the investment to a third party.
• Investor Cap:
  • The maximum number of investors contributing to a specific investee company of an angel fund will be capped at 200 in a financial year, excluding qualified institutional buyers (QIBs).
• Employee and Director Investment:
  • Employees and directors of an angel fund and its manager will be allowed to invest a minimum of ₹5 lakh in the fund, increasing their “skin in the game”.

Accredited Investors

• Definition: Investors meeting certain financial thresholds, allowing them to invest in high-risk, high-return assets like private equity and hedge funds.
• Criteria in India: Defined by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) based on net worth or annual income. SEBI describes an institution or business entity trading securities through private placement as an accredited investor if their net worth is Rs 25 crore. Individuals who wish to qualify as accredited investors must have a liquid worth of Rs 5 crore and a total annual income of Rs 50 lakh.
• Purpose: Protects smaller investors by allowing only financially sophisticated individuals or entities to access complex investment products.

Angel Funds

• Definition: A type of venture capital fund that provides early-stage capital to startups and high-growth businesses.
• Investor Type: Usually high-net-worth individuals, known as “angel investors.”
• Regulation: Governed by SEBI under the Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) Regulations, 2012.
• Purpose: Supports startups in early stages with smaller, more flexible investments than traditional venture capital.

Qualified Institutional Buyers (QIBs)

• Definition: Large, financially capable institutional investors able to invest in large-scale or complex securities.
• Examples in India: Includes mutual funds, banks, insurance companies, and foreign institutional investors (FIIs).
• Privileges: Granted access to special securities offerings like Qualified Institutional Placements (QIPs), with fewer regulatory requirements.
• Purpose: Enhances market liquidity and stability by involving institutions capable of assessing and managing investment risks.

2. Sustainability Concerns in India’s Tea and Sugar Exports

Sub : Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Why in News

• India, one of the leading agricultural exporters, has witnessed rapid growth in the export of tea, sugar, and other commodities. However, this surge in exports raises significant concerns over sustainability, encompassing environmental, economic, and social factors. This issue has gained prominence due to the potential negative impact on India’s natural resources and social fabric, necessitating a careful examination of sustainable practices in agricultural exports.

Agricultural Exports in India

• India is a major player in the global agricultural export market. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s agricultural exports reached $53.1 billion, compared to $8.7 billion in 2004-05—demonstrating a six-fold increase in under two decades.
• As per WTO’s Trade Statistical Review 2023, India accounted for 2.4% of global agricultural exports and 1.9% of global agricultural imports in 2022.
• In 2022, India was ranked 9th among global agricultural exporters.
• Major agricultural exports include rice, wheat, sugar, spices, and cotton.
• Key markets for India’s agricultural products are the United States, Bangladesh, United Arab Emirates, Nepal, and Malaysia.

Sustainability in Agriculture:

What Makes an Agricultural Commodity Sustainable?

• Sustainability is not limited to economic productivity; it also requires considering ecological and social factors. A truly sustainable agricultural system rests on three pillars:
• Ecological Factors: Impact on biodiversity, soil health, water resources, and the environment.
• Economic Aspects: Productivity, profitability, and market stability.
• Social Aspects: Fair labour conditions, rural development, and equitable benefits.
• These aspects must be supported by effective governance and policies.

Tea Industry in India:

• India is the second-largest tea producer globally and the fourth-largest exporter.
• In 2022, Indian tea exports amounted to 188.76 million kilograms, valued at $641.34 million—a 21.47% increase in volume and a 12.43% rise in value compared to the previous year.

Despite this success, the industry faces several sustainability challenges:

• Approximately 70% of tea plantations are located near forest areas, intersecting with migratory routes of wildlife such as elephants. This proximity leads to frequent human-wildlife interactions, resulting in crop damage and safety concerns.
• The tea industry relies heavily on synthetic pesticides, accounting for up to 85% of total pesticide usage in tea cultivation. Residues of chemicals like DDT, Endosulfan, and Cypermethrin have been detected in tea, posing health risks such as cancer and neurotoxicity.
• More than 50% of tea plantation workers are women, often facing low wages and hazardous working conditions. Despite protective measures under the Plantations Labour Act, compliance remains poor. Better enforcement of labor standards is urgently needed.

About Tea:

• Tea is a tropical and sub-tropical plant and grows well in moderatelyhot and humid climates.
• The ideal temperature for its growth is 20°-30°C and temperatures above 35°C and below 10°C are harmful for the bush.
• It requires 150-300 cm annual rainfall which should be well distributed throughout the year.
• The most suitable soil for tea cultivation is slightly acidic soil (without calcium) with porous sub-soil which permits a free percolation of water.
• The major tea-producing states in India are: Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Sikkim, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Bihar, Orissa.

Sugar Industry in India:

• India ranks as the world’s second-largest sugar producer, contributing significantly to rural employment and economic growth. In 2021-22, sugar exports increased by 64.9%, with the industry generating ₹1 lakh crore annually.

However, the sector has its own sustainability challenges:

• Sugarcane, a water-intensive crop, requires 1,500 to 2,000 liters of water per kilogram of sugar produced. Sugarcane and paddy cultivation together occupy 25% of India’s gross cropped area but consume 60% of irrigation water, straining groundwater resources.
• The expansion of sugarcane cultivation, particularly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, has led to the conversion of natural ecosystems, affecting biodiversity and water availability. Implementing drip irrigation could reduce water usage by 40-50%.
• Reports highlight exploitative working conditions in sugar factories, including long hours and poor safety standards. Rising temperatures further aggravate workers’ physical and mental health issues. Addressing these concerns requires stricter labor regulations and sustainable practices.

About Sugarcane:

• Sugarcane is grown as a Kharif Crop. It needs hot and humid climate with an average temperature of 21°C to 27°C.
• 75-150 cm rainfall is favorable for sugar cane cultivation.
• Irrigation needed for areas with lesser rainfall.
• Sugarcane can grow in any soil which can retain moisture. Ideal soil for sugarcane is deep rich loamy soil. The soil needs to be rich in nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus but neither it should be neither too acidic nor too alkaline.
• Sugar industry is broadly distributed over two major areas of production– Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab in the north and Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in the south.
• South India has tropical climate which is suitable for higher sucrose content giving higher yield per unit area as compared to north India.

Millets: A Sustainable Alternative

• Millets offer a promising model for sustainable agriculture in India. These grains are drought-resistant, require fewer resources, and support soil health.
• They also provide nutritional security and boost rural economies. In 2021-22, India exported $62.95 million worth of millets, a 2.5-fold increase from 2020-21. In 2022-23, exports grew further to $75.45 million, demonstrating their potential for sustainable development.

What are Millets:

• Millets are a highly varied group of small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food.
• The key varieties of millets include Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Ragi, Small Millet, Foxtail Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet and others.
• Major producers include Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Haryana.
• Millets are a powerhouse of nutrients, which score over rice and wheat in terms of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber content, as well as amino acid profile.
• In India, millets are primarily a kharif crop, requiring less water and agricultural inputs than other similar staples.

Way Forward:

• India’s agricultural export boom is a double-edged sword—offering economic gains while raising concerns over ecological and social sustainability. Addressing these challenges requires:
• Enhanced Environmental Protection: Implement better practices in water use, biodiversity conservation, and chemical management.
• Improving Labor Conditions: Strengthen labor rights enforcement and improve safety standards for workers.
• Promoting Sustainable Crops: Encourage the cultivation of resilient crops like millets that require fewer resources and offer ecological benefits.
• Inclusive Economic Policies: Develop strategies that ensure benefits reach farmers and rural workers while protecting India’s natural resources.

3. Sea Ranching Initiatives Launched off Vizhinjam Coast as Part of Kerala’s Artificial Reef Project

Sub : Geo

Sec: Oceanography

Why in News

• The Kerala Fisheries Department has initiated a sea ranching project along the Vizhinjam coast, releasing 20,000 pompano fingerlings as part of efforts to restore marine fisheries. This project is a follow-up to the recently established artificial reef initiative aimed at boosting sustainable fishing practices in the region.

About Sea Ranching:

• Recently, 20,000 pompano (Trachinotus blochii) fingerlings were deposited in the sea, 1.5 nautical miles off the Vizhinjam coast.
• The current phase involves releasing 1 million fingerlings, including pompano and cobia (Motha), across 10 designated locations off Thiruvananthapuram.
• Sea Ranching is a method of marine aquaculture that involves the release of juvenile fish or other marine organisms, raised in controlled environments, into the ocean or other natural water bodies.
• Sea ranching aims to replenish depleted marine fish populations, helping to restore the ecological balance and increase the availability of commercially valuable species.
• By releasing young fish into the wild, sea ranching supports sustainable fishing practices, as it reduces pressure on wild fish stocks and allows time for natural populations to recover.
• Often, sea ranching is combined with habitat restoration efforts, such as the creation of artificial reefs, to provide shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding areas for the released fish.
• Species suitable for sea ranching include commercially important fish like pompano, cobia, salmon, and shellfish like clams or scallops.
• Unlike traditional aquaculture, where fish are grown to market size in controlled environments (e.g., fish farms), sea ranching involves releasing juveniles into the wild.

About Artificial reefs:

• Artificial reefs are engineering technology interventions used to rehabilitate and/or improve natural habitats, increase productivity and manage aquatic resources including habitat enhancement (FAO, 2015).
• Similar to natural reefs, ARs are used for aggregating fish and provide a home for fish to live and grow, reduce wave damage on coasts, help regeneration of marine ecosystems and act as a carbon sink. As per CMFRI, two to three-fold increase in catch rates and efficiency can be realized. Thus, saving fuel and energy costs leading to increased income.
• Provides firm substrate for marine life such as corals, algae and plankton to attach to and grow. They provide favourable conditions for sea ranching and serve as spawning and nursery grounds for fish.
• Enhance recreational fisheries,snorkelling,eco-tourism, creating suitable areas for diving and reducing conflicts.
• Artificial reef structures restrict bottom trawling in the near shore areas thus helping the marine environment to regenerate and small-scale fishers get higher catch.

About Pompano (Trachinotus carolinus):

• Found in warm, shallow waters, typically along sandy beaches and estuarine areas.
• Range extends from the Atlantic coast of the U.S. (Massachusetts to Brazil) and throughout the Gulf of Mexico, with high abundance in Florida waters​.
• Prefers environments with high salinity and warmer temperatures, migrating north in summer and south in winter​
• Pompano are bottom feeders, consuming zoobenthos, small clams, and crustaceans, playing a role in the food web by controlling benthic invertebrate populations​.As a schooling species, they contribute to nutrient cycling in coastal ecosystems through their feeding habits.
• Highly valued for recreational fishing and considered a delicacy in high-end restaurants.
• Gaining attention in aquaculture due to fast growth rates, high market value, and tolerance to low-salinity waters, making them a favourable choice for sustainable marine farming​.

About Cobia (Rachycentron canadum):

• Found in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide, especially in the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
• Typically inhabits coastal areas, bays, and estuaries but also ventures offshore, often near reefs, shipwrecks, and buoys.
• Cobia are predatory fish, feeding on crabs, squid, and smaller fish, which helps maintain the balance in marine ecosystems by controlling prey populations.
• Known to follow larger marine animals, like sharks and rays, to scavenge for food, contributing to nutrient redistribution.
• Popular in recreational and commercial fisheries due to their size, taste, and fight when caught.
• Widely farmed in aquaculture for their fast growth and ability to adapt to captivity, making them a reliable source of protein.

About Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

• The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India is implementing PMMSY.
• It aims to bring about the Blue Revolution through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector in India at an estimated investment of Rs. 20050 crores for holistic development of the fisheries sector including welfare of fishers.
• Implemented in all the States and Union Territories for a period of 5 years from FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25.
• PMMSY is designed to address critical gaps in the fisheries value chain from fish production, productivity and quality to technology, post-harvest infrastructure and marketing.
• It aims to modernize and strengthen the value chain, enhance traceability and establish a robust fisheries management framework while simultaneously ensuring the socio-economic welfare of fishers and fish farmers.

4. The Need for Increased Climate Finance from Developed Nations

Sub :Env

Sec: Int Conventions

Why in News

• At COP29 in Baku, Avinash Persaud, a leading climate economist, has urged developed nations to significantly increase their climate finance commitments. He emphasizes that without a substantial rise in funding, the credibility of global climate finance efforts will be undermined. This call comes as the current $100 billion-a-year climate finance mechanism is set to end, and a new target for climate finance is being established.

Need for Increased Climate Finance:

• Developed nations are currently expected to contribute $100 billion annually for climate finance.
• The $100 billion goal has not been consistently met, leading to concerns about credibility.
• The existing $100 billion annual mechanism will end next year, with nations required to replace it with the New Collective Quantifiable Goal (NCQG).
• Climate experts emphasize the need to increase contributions to $300 billion or more to ensure credibility and encourage global participation.

Funding Needs of Developing Nations:

• Developing nations estimate a requirement of over $1 trillion annually for a just transition to a lower-emission economy.
• Climate finance from multilateral development banks (MDBs) is seen as a crucial component, leveraging every dollar up to 7-8 times.
• Despite MDBs’ efforts, there is a shortfall, and funding often does not reach the most vulnerable regions. In 2023:
• • 44% of MDB climate finance was allocated to Europe.
  • Sub-Saharan Africa received only 14%, and Asia-Pacific 21%.

Challenges in Climate Finance Allocation:

• A significant portion of climate finance has been directed to projects with questionable environmental impacts, such as:
• • Waste-to-energy plants emitting greenhouse gases.
  • Projects involving captive coal, leading to increased debt for already burdened countries.
• There is a call for improved allocation to ensure that funds support genuinely sustainable and low-emission projects.

Article 6.4 and Global Carbon Markets:

• Article 6.4, a key component of global carbon markets, has faced criticism for favouring untested technologies like carbon capture.
• Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement establishes a mechanism for carbon crediting aimed at helping countries achieve their climate goals through international cooperation.
• This provision is part of a broader set of tools under Article 6, which allows countries to engage in carbon markets or other cooperative measures to enhance climate ambitionand reach emission reduction targets.
• Article 6.4 enables the generation of carbon credits through projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These projects must adhere to specific standards of verification and transparency to ensure integrity.
• Verified emission reductions can then be used by countries to meet their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
• Supervisory Body:A dedicated Supervisory Body oversees the mechanism, ensuring that all activities meet the set requirements. It is responsible for validating and verifying emission reduction projects, making sure they follow established standards.
• The international market for carbon credits remains underdeveloped due to:
• • Lack of enforcement mechanisms for cross-border carbon transactions.
  • Low carbon prices in voluntary markets, reducing incentives for investment in integrity and evaluation.
  • Existing voluntary carbon markets are shrinking due to low demand and minimal impact.

Proposed Solutions for Effective Climate Finance:

• Increase thecredibility of climate finance by ensuring developed nations meet or exceed the target of $300 billion annually.
• Utilize multilateral development banks MDBs to multiply financial contributions.
• Establish enforceable mechanisms for cross-border carbon trading to ensure higher prices and effective market functioning.
• Focus on transparent and equitable carbon border adjustment systems to avoid disproportionately impacting developing economies.

5. What Supreme Court said about ‘bulldozer justice’

Sub : Polity

Sec : Constitution

Context:

• The Supreme Court of India recently issued guidelines regarding the demolition of properties by state authorities, particularly when properties are demolished as a form of punishment for the alleged criminal activities of the property owner.
• The court has termed this practice as bulldozer justice.
• The SC clarified that the guidelines do not apply to unauthorized structures in public places (e.g., roads, streets, footpaths, near railways, or water bodies) or where a court has ordered demolition.

About the case:

• The case arose from a series of demolitions in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan.
• The case challenged the practice of demolishing houses without due process and as a form of extrajudicial punishment.

Guidelines by the Supreme Court:

Notice before Demolition:

• Property owners must receive a minimum of 15 days’ prior notice, starting from the date that the owner or the occupier receives the notice, before any demolition is carried out. The notice should include:
  • Details of the structure to be demolished.
  • Reasons for the demolition.
  • A date for a personal hearing, where the owner can contest the demolition.
• The notice must be delivered to the owner or occupier, and an email acknowledgment should be sent to the local Collector or District Magistrate to prevent backdating of the notice.

Hearing and Final Order:

• A personal hearing must be conducted, and minutes of the hearing must be properly recorded. The final order of demolition must include:
  • Arguments made by the property owner or occupier.
  • Reasons why the demolition is necessary, and whether it applies to the entire structure or only a part of it.
  • Justification for why demolition is the only available option.

Post-Order Procedures:

• Once the final demolition order is received, there will be a 15-day waiting period before the demolition can take place. This allows the property owner time to either:
  • Remove the structure voluntarily.
  • Challenge the order in court and seek a stay.
• If no stay is granted and the structure is not removed within 15 days, demolition can proceed.
• Video documentation of the demolition must be recorded, and prepare an inspection report before and a demolition report after, including a list of personnel involved.

Reasoning behind the guidelines:

• Separation of Powers: The SC emphasized that only the judiciary has the authority to adjudicate guilt and impose punishment. State authorities cannot bypass the judicial process and impose demolitions as a form of punishment.
• Public Trust & Accountability: The court stressed the need for transparency in government actions and said that officials should be held accountable for improper demolitions.
• Right to Shelter: Demolishing a property of an accused individual violates the constitutional right to life with dignity (Article 21), especially when other innocent individuals live in the property.

Ensuring fairness in demolitions:

• The Court laid down a test to identify whether a demolition is genuinely related to an illegal construction or if it is intended as punishment for the accused.
• If a particular property is demolished while other similar properties in the area remain untouched, it may indicate that the real motive was to punish the accused rather than to remove an illegal structure.

6. Researchers document huge drop in African elephants in a half century

Sub :Env

Sec : Species in news

Context:

• African elephants, Earth’s largest land mammals, are known for their remarkable intelligence and complex social behavior. However, they are under severe threat, as highlighted in a comprehensive new study that tracks the status of both species — the savanna elephant and the forest elephant — across the African continent.

Key Findings of the Study:

1. Population Decline:
   • The study, conducted at 475 sites across 37 countries between 1964 and 2016, showed drastic declines in elephant populations.
   • Savanna elephants experienced an average population decrease of about 70% at surveyed sites.
   • Forest elephants faced an even steeper decline, with populations dropping by 90% on average at surveyed sites.
   • Overall, there was a 77% population decline across all sites for both species combined.
2. Main Threats:
   • Poaching: Illegal killing of elephants for their tusks, driven largely by ivory demand in China and other parts of Asia, is a major factor behind the decline.
   • Habitat Loss: Agricultural expansion and human encroachment have significantly reduced elephants’ natural habitats, particularly affecting the forest elephant.
3. Regional Differences:
   • Northern and eastern Africa, including countries like Mali, Chad, and Nigeria, have seen severe population losses, with some areas experiencing complete local extinctions (extirpation).
   • In contrast, southern Africa showed positive trends, with elephant populations increasing at 42% of the surveyed sites, particularly in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Effective conservation measures, including active management by governments and conservation groups, have been key to this success.

Conservation Efforts and Challenges:

• Despite the grim statistics, there are success stories. In parts of southern Africa, strong conservation policies have led to population growth, demonstrating that targeted management can make a significant difference.
• However, many low-density populations continue to face intense pressures, and recovery is unlikely for many lost populations due to ongoing threats.
• The lack of a consistent methodology across various population surveys made it impossible to provide a precise, continent-wide population count. The most recent estimate from conservationists places the combined population of both African elephant species between 415,000 and 540,000 as of 2016.

Ecological Importance of Elephants

• Elephants are not only highly intelligent and sentient but also play a crucial role in African ecosystems:
  • They help maintain the balance between forests and grasslands, influencing the landscape.
  • Elephants are key seed dispersers, aiding in plant reproduction and biodiversity.
  • Many other species depend on elephants for their survival, making them a keystone species in their habitats.

Comparison with Asian Elephants:

7. Addressing N2O emissions key to meeting 1.5°C target, protecting human health, biodiversity: Report

Sub : Env

Sec : Climate change

Context:

• Experts at COP29 emphasized the urgency of addressing nitrous oxide (N₂O), a powerful but often overlooked greenhouse gas.
• As the third most impactful greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane (CH₄), and the leading ozone-depleting substance, reducing nitrous oxide emissions is crucial for limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

About Nitrous Oxide (N₂O):

• Warming Potential: N₂O is 270 times more potent than CO₂ in its warming effect per tonne of emissions.
• Longevity: The gas remains in the atmosphere for about 120 years, causing long-term impacts.
• Contribution to Global Warming: N₂O has already contributed to 0.1°C of net global warming since the industrial era. If left unchecked, it could add 0.2°C of warming by 2100.

Main Sources of Emissions

1. Agriculture (75%):
   • Overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizers.
   • Poor manure management in livestock farming.
2. Industrial Sources (5%):
   • Emissions from chemical manufacturing, including nitric acid production.
3. Other Sources (20%):
   • Fossil fuel combustion.
   • Wastewater treatment.
   • Biomass burning and aquaculture.

Challenges and Solutions:

1. Policy Gaps:
   • Unlike other ozone-depleting substances, N₂O is not covered under the Montreal Protocol, a key international agreement aimed at protecting the ozone layer.
2. Available Abatement Measures:
   • Controlled-release fertilizers: These can minimize nitrogen loss, reducing N₂O emissions from soil.
   • Improved manure management: Better handling and storage can cut emissions from livestock waste.
   • Industrial reductions: Adopting existing technologies could eliminate industrial N₂O emissions at costs ranging from $1,600 to $6,000 per tonne.
3. Systemic Changes:
   • Transforming food systems: Reducing reliance on nitrogen-heavy fertilizers and decreasing animal protein consumption could lead to deeper reductions in N₂O emissions.
   • Behavioural shifts: Promoting plant-based diets can reduce agricultural demand for livestock, lowering associated emissions.

Addressing nitrous oxide emissions is essential for:

• Limiting global warming to below 1.5°C.
• Protecting the ozone layer and reducing the risk of UV-related health issues.
• Improving air quality and public health outcomes.

Co-Benefits of N₂O Abatement:

1. Climate and Health:
   • Reducing N₂O emissions could cut global warming by 1°C by late this century, aligning with climate goals.
   • Since N₂O depletes the ozone layer, reducing emissions can prevent 2–0.8% increases in cataract cases and 2–10% increases in skin cancers by 2080-2090, depending on latitude.
2. Air Quality:
   • Abating N₂O would also yield benefits for air quality, reducing the health impacts of air pollution.

Potential Risks and Trade-offs

• Emerging technologies like ammonia fuel for shipping and biofuels from fertilized crops could unintentionally increase N₂O emissions, potentially offsetting their intended climate benefits. More studies are needed to assess these trade-offs across CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O emissions in various sectors.