Why Arctic tundra is emitting more carbon than it absorbs, for first time in many millennia Sub : Env Sec : Climate Change Context: The Arctic tundra, once a massive carbon storage system, is now emitting greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), according to the National Oceanic and […]
New Insights into Aerosol Chemistry and Air Quality in Extreme Winters Sub: Env Sec : Pollution Why in News A recent study by researchers from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Georgia Institute of Technology has uncovered a new chemical pathway responsible for worsening air quality during harsh winters. Contrasting Air Quality: […]
Three promising outcomes from the world’s first official summit to conserve and restore mangroves Sub: Env Sec: Int conventions Mangrove Conservation Conference: Key insights- Proven Strategies for Restoration: Mass planting often fails; a seascape and landscape approach is more effective. Linking mangroves with seagrasses, corals, and rivers enhances ecological and socioeconomic benefits. Community-led […]
Varkala Cliff: A Geo-Heritage Site at Risk Sub: Env Sec: Climate Change Why in News The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently called for a status report from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other authorities on the deteriorating condition of Varkala Cliff, a geo-heritage site in Kerala. Concerns have arisen due to […]
US EPA announces final bans on manufacture, processing, & use of trichloroethylene & perchloroethylene Sub : Env Sec :Pollution Context: On December 9, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced new risk management rules for trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) under the 2016 Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). These rules are considered […]
World Liquid Gas Association launches roadmap to expand access to clean cooking solutions across Africa Sub : Env Sec :Int Conventions Context: The World Liquid Gas Association (WLGA) has launched a roadmap to improve access to clean cooking solutions in Africa by increasing the availability of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). WLGA promotes LPG […]
Runaway Tigress ‘Zeenat’ Sparks Inter-State Coordination Across Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal Sub :Env Sec: Species in news Why in News A three-year-old tigress named Zeenat, translocated from Maharashtra to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR), has wandered across state boundaries, triggering alerts in Odisha, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. About Similipal National Park: Simlipal […]
UN Talks in Riyadh: Addressing Global Land Degradation and Aridity Sub :Env Sec: Int conventions Why in News The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) summit held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has highlighted the alarming trend of global land degradation due to climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity. A recent UN report […]
Scientists find how soil, a sink for GHGs, also contributes to climate change Sub : Env Sec : Climate change Context: A new groundbreaking study has revealed the critical role soil plays in contributing to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for about 15% of global climate warming. The findings highlight the dual […]