On protecting the biodiversity of the northeast Subject :Environment Section: Biodiversity Context: In the recent case of Re: Cleanliness of Umiam Lake versus State of Meghalaya (2023), the division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh, in its order, stated that “In the absence of any other employment opportunities and […]

    Digging ice-capped Arctic depths to understand climate change Subject :Environment Section: Climate change Context: The heat content of the Arctic Ocean is crucial globally, affecting climate, weather, sea levels, and ecosystems. Details: It serves as an indicator of broader climate change effects worldwide, connecting ecosystems, economies, and societies globally. Arctic study model by […]

    Warming-induced glacier retreat could create novel ecosystems Subject: Environment Section: Climate change Context: Climate change caused by human activity under a high-emissions scenario may halve the area covered by glaciers outside the Antarctic and Greenland ice sheets by the end of the century, as per a study published in Nature. Details: Less than […]

    Coastal raptors make power towers their home Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Context: White-bellied sea eagles in India are beginning to emulate their counterparts in Australia and Thailand by making their homes on power towers holding high-tension wires. Details: The nests of the white-bellied sea eagles were found on powerline towers about […]

    Gabon announces $500 million debt-for-nature swap deal for marine conservation Subject :Environment Section: International convention Context: Gabon on August 15, 2023 announced a $500 million debt-for-nature swap. In Africa, it is the largest such deal signed by any country to refinance its debt and conserve marine resources. What is the Debt-for-nature swaps deal? […]

    Rising methane could be a sign that Earth’s climate is part-way through a ‘termination-level transition’ Subject: Environment Section: International conventions Context: Since 2006, the amount of heat-trapping methane in Earth’s atmosphere has been rising fast. Methane emission: Methane is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO₂ but it lasts slightly less than […]

    Baghjan blowout: NGT directs Assam government to pay aid to affected families Subject: Environment Section: Places in news Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT)’s principal bench ordered the Assam government to disburse interim compensation to the victims of Baghjan oil and gas leak that displaced close to 9,000 people in 2020 in Tinsukia […]

    HC bats for animals’ right to live without fear, orders relocation of 495 families near T.N. Tiger reserve Subject: Environment Section: Protected Area in news Context: Highlighting the right of animals to live free from fear and distress, the Madras High Court has ordered relocation of 495 families of Thengumarahada village, situated within […]