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3.2 Aquatic Ecosystems............................................................................................................................................... 37
Aquatic Organisms............................................................................................................................................................. 37
Factors Limiting the Productivity of Aquatic Habitats ....................................................................................................... 38
Wetland Ecosystem ........................................................................................................................................................... 38
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands ...................................................................................................................................... 42
Estuarine Ecosystem .......................................................................................................................................................... 47
Mangroves ......................................................................................................................................................................... 49
2
Desertification ................................................................................................................................................................... 93
Waterlogging ..................................................................................................................................................................... 94
Characteristics of Indian Soils ............................................................................................................................................ 94
Soil Erosion ........................................................................................................................................................................ 94
Soil Conservation ............................................................................................................................................................... 96
4.13 Human Modified Ecosystems and Environmental Degradation ........................................................................... 98
Agroecosystems ................................................................................................................................................................ 98
Plantation Forest ............................................................................................................................................................... 99
Aquaculture ....................................................................................................................................................................... 99
Dams, Reservoirs and Diversions ...................................................................................................................................... 99
Environmental Issues in the Himalayas ........................................................................................................................... 100
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‘Vulnerable’ Reptiles ....................................................................................................................................................... 136
‘Near Threatened’ Reptiles.............................................................................................................................................. 137
‘Critically Endangered’ Fish ............................................................................................................................................. 137
‘Endangered’ Fishes ......................................................................................................................................................... 138
‘Critically Endangered’ Spiders ........................................................................................................................................ 138
‘Critically Endangered’ Corals .......................................................................................................................................... 139
Others .............................................................................................................................................................................. 139
Steps Taken by the Government for Wildlife Protection ................................................................................................ 140
6.6 Misc. Topics ......................................................................................................................................................... 140
Indian Vulture Crisis ........................................................................................................................................................ 143
4
BioCarbon Fund Initiative ................................................................................................................................................ 181
Global Climate Change Alliance + (GCCA+) ..................................................................................................................... 182
Arctic Council ................................................................................................................................................................... 182
5
Bringing Green Revolution in Eastern India (BGREI) ....................................................................................................... 214
Making Second Green Revolution a Success ................................................................................................................... 215
10.3 Concept of Sustainable Agriculture .................................................................................................................... 215
Methods of Sustainable Agriculture ................................................................................................................................ 216
Bio-Fertilizers and Their Use In Agriculture ..................................................................................................................... 218
Organic Farming .............................................................................................................................................................. 221
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) ................................................................................................................................ 222
Biotechnology – Genetically Modified (GM) ................................................................................................................... 223
Newer Agricultural Practices ........................................................................................................................................... 225
Biosphere (Source)
1. Environment and Ecology
• Biosphere is absent at extremes of the North
and South poles, the highest mountains and the
1.1 Environment deepest oceans, since existing hostile conditions
there do not support life (life is the characteris-
• Environment is the natural component in which tic feature of biosphere).
biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors in- • Occasionally spores of fungi and bacteria do oc-
teract among themselves and with each other. cur at great height beyond 8,000 metres, but
• These interactions shape the habitat and eco- they are metabolically inactive, and hence repre-
system of an organism. sent only dormant life.
• In biological sense, environment constitutes the
physical (nutrients, water, air) and biological fac- Habitat
tors (biomolecules, organisms) along with their
chemical interactions (chemical cycles – carbon • Habitat is the physical environment in which
cycle, nitrogen cycle etc.) that affect an organism an organism lives (address of an organism).
or a group of organisms. • Many habitats make up the environment.
• All organisms are dependent on the environ- • A single habitat may be common for more than
ment to carry out their natural life processes and one organism which have similar requirements.
to meet their physical requirements (food, en- • For example, a single aquatic habitat may sup-
ergy, water, oxygen, shelter etc.). port a fish, frog, crab, phytoplankton and many
others.
Biosphere • The various species sharing a habitat thus have
the same ‘address’. E.g. Forest, river etc.
• The biosphere is the biological compo-
nent (supporting life) of earth which includes
the lithosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere.
• The biosphere includes all living organisms on
earth, together with the dead organic matter
produced by them.
6
Select the correct answer using the code given be- • NWCP was implemented in the year 1985-86.
low. • Under the programme, 115 wetlands have been
identified by the MoEF which require urgent con-
a) 1 only
servation and management interventions.
b) 2 only
• Criteria for identification of wetlands of national
c) Both 1 and 2
importance under NWCP are the same as those
d) Neither 1 nor 2
prescribed under the Ramsar Convention on
Answer: b) 2 only. Wetlands International is an NGO Wetlands.
• The Central Government is responsible for the
National Wetlands Conservation Pro- overall coordination of wetland conservation
gramme (NWCP) programmes.
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• It also provides guidelines, financial & technical • The Convention uses a broad definition of wet-
assistance to state govt. lands. It includes all lakes and rivers, under-
• Since the land resources belong to them, the ground aquifers, swamps and marshes, wet
State Governments/UT Administration are re- grasslands, peatland, oases, estuaries, deltas and
sponsible for the management of wetlands. tidal flats, mangroves and other coastal areas,
• Aim: Conservation of wetlands to prevent their coral reefs, and all human-made sites such as fish
further degradation and to ensure their wise use ponds, rice paddies, reservoirs and salt pans.
for the benefit of local communities and overall
conservation of biodiversity. COP
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Transboundary Ramsar Sites • The Ramsar Convention works closely with six
organisations known as International Organiza-
• Contracting Parties are designating their new tion Partners (IOPs). These are:
and existing Ramsar Sites as Transboundary 1. Birdlife International
Ramsar Sites. 2. International Union for Conservation of
• These are ecologically coherent, shared wetlands Nature (IUCN)
extending across national borders, which are 3. International Water Management Insti-
managed collaboratively. tute (IWMI)
4. Wetlands International
5. WWF
6. International Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
(WWT)
Other Partners
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• is an important source of food for fishes, spawn- • As of February 2019, there are 27 Ramsar Sites
ing ground, nursery and/or migration path. in India.
• is an important source of food and water re- • Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Ker-
source, increased possibilities for recreation and ala and Punjab have three wetlands each.
eco-tourism, etc. • West Bengal, Orissa and Rajasthan have two
wetlands each.
Ramsar Sites in India • Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh,
Tamil Nadu, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur
Jammu & Kashmir have one wetland each.
(Source: Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govern- Notable Ramsar Sites in India
ment of India)
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Bhoj Wetlands • Consists of two lakes located in the city of Bhopal.
• The two lakes are the Bhojtal and the Lower Lake.
• It is a humanmade reservoir.
• The largest bird of India, the sarus crane (Grus antigone) is found here.
Chilka Lake • Chilka Lake is a brackish water lagoon at the mouth of the Daya River.
• It is the largest coastal lagoon in India.
• Birds from as far as the Caspian Sea, Lake Baikal, the Aral Sea and other remote parts
of Russia, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, Central and Southeast Asia, Ladakh and Him-
alayas come here.
• In 1981, Chilika Lake was designated the first Indian wetland of international im-
portance under the Ramsar Convention.
• Nalbana Island (bird sanctuary) is the core area of the Ramsar designated wet-
lands of Chilika Lake.
• The Irrawaddy dolphin (Vulnerable) is the flagship species of Chilika lake.
• Chilka is home to the only known population of Irrawaddy dolphins in India.
• It is classified as critically endangered in five of the six other places it is known to live.
Deepor Beel • It is a permanent freshwater lake, in a former channel of the Brahmaputra River.
East Calcutta Wetlands • The wetland forms an urban facility for treating the city's wastewater.
Keoladeo Ghana NP • A complex of ten artificial, seasonal lagoons, varying in size, situated in a densely
populated region.
• Placed on the Montreux Record in 1990 due to "water shortage and an unbalanced
grazing regime".
• Additionally, the invasive growth of the grass Paspalum distichum has changed the
ecological character of large areas of the site, reducing its suitability for certain
waterbird species, notably the Siberian crane.
Kolleru Lake • Bird sanctuary and wildlife sanctuary. I was previously a lagoon, but now it is several
kilometres inland due to the coastline of emergence and delta formation.
Loktak Lake • Loktak Lake is the largest freshwater lake in the north-eastern region.
• Keibul Lamjao the only floating national park in the world floats over it.
Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary • A natural freshwater lake (a relict sea) that is the largest natural wetland in the Thar
Desert Biogeographic Province.
• Besides a few mammalian species including the wild ass and the black buck, its mi-
gratory bird population includes rosy pelicans, flamingoes, white storks, brahminy
ducks and herons.
• Thousands of migratory waterfowl flock to this sanctuary just after the Indian mon-
soon season.
Point Calimere • One of the last remnants of Dry Evergreen Forests.
• Habitat: Dry Evergreen Forests, Mangrove & Wetlands.
• Winter Migrants: Spoon Billed Sandpiper, Greater Flamingos.
Sambhar Lake • The Sambhar Salt Lake, India's largest inland salt Lake.
• A key wintering area for tens of thousands of flamingos and other birds that
migrate from northern Asia.
Tsomoriri Lake • A freshwater to brackish lake lying at 4,595m above sea level.
• The site is said to represent the only breeding ground outside of China for one of the
most endangered cranes, the Black-necked crane, and the only breeding ground for
Bar-headed geese in India.
• The Great Tibetan Sheep or Argali and Tibetan Wild Ass (Equus kiang) are en-
demic to the Tibetan plateau, of which the Changthang is the westernmost part.
Upper Ganga River • The river provides habitat for IUCN Red-listed Ganges River Dolphin and Gharials.
(Brijghat to Narora Stretch)
Vembanad Kol Wetland • Longest lake of India.
• Largest lake of Kerala.
• Second largest Ramsar Site in India after Sundarbans.
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• It is below sea level and is famous for exotic fish varieties and Paddy fields that are
below sea level.
Wular Lake • The largest freshwater lake in India.
46
2. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary Gujarat 2012
Oldest Ramsar Sites in India (Year)
1. Chilka Lake Orissa 1981
2. Keoladeo Ghana NP Rajasthan 1981
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oxides from vehicles using internal combustion measured by number standard instead of mass
engines. standard.
• The norms are meant to be adopted by using ap-
propriate fuel and technology. Impact
• As the stage goes up, the control of emissions
become stricter. • Compliance requires a higher investment in
• BS IV and BS VI norms are based on similar technology to make new vehicles.
norms in Europe called Euro 4 and Euro 6. • Upgrading vehicles in stock is an additional bur-
• As decided initially, BS V would have been rolled den for the manufacturers.
out by 2021 and BS VI in 2024, but leapfrog to • BS Vl-compliant vehicles will be expensive.
BS VI norms by 2020 (skipping BS V) had to be • BS Vl-compliant fuel too will be more expensive.
done because of the carbon footprint obliga-
tions. National Air Quality Monitoring Programme
India’s UNFCCC commitments (Intended Na- • Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has been
tionally Determined Contributions) executing a nationwide programme of ambient
Improve the emissions intensity of its air quality monitoring known as National Air
GDP by 33 to 35 per cent by 2030 be- Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP).
low 2005 levels.
Increase the share of non-fossil fuels- The National Air Quality Monitoring Programme
based electricity to 40 per cent by (NAMP) is undertaken
2030.
Enhance forest cover which will absorb • to determine the status and trends of ambient air
2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon diox- quality;
ide by 2030. • to ascertain the compliance of NAAQS;
• to identify non-attainment cities;
Differences between BS IV and BS VI • to understand the natural process of cleaning in
the atmosphere; and
• The extent of sulphur is the major difference • to undertake preventive and corrective
between Bharat Stage IV and Bharat Stage VI measures.
norms.
• BS-IV fuels contain 50 parts per million (ppm) National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
sulphur; the BS-VI grade fuel only has 10 ppm
sulphur. The NAAQS have been revisited and revised in No-
• BS VI can bring vember 2009 for 12 pollutants, which include
✓ PM in diesel cars down by 80 per cent. • sulphur dioxide (SO2),
✓ nitrogen oxides from diesel cars by 70 per • nitrogen dioxide (NO2),
cent and in petrol cars by 25 per cent. • particulate matter having micron (PM10),
• BS VI also makes onboard diagnostics (OBD) • particulate matter having a size less than 2.5
mandatory for all vehicles. microns (PM2.5),
• OBD device informs the vehicle owner or the re- • ozone,
pair technician how efficient the systems in the • lead,
vehicle are. • carbon monoxide (CO),
• RDE (Real Driving Emission) will be introduced • arsenic,
for the first time that will measure the emission • nickel,
in real-world conditions and not just under test • benzene,
conditions. • ammonia, and
• Bharat Stage VI norms will also change the way • benzopyrene.
particulate matter is measured. It will now be
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• They include cosmic rays from space and terres- In a microwave oven, the radiation causes water mol-
trial radiations from radio-nuclides present in ecules in the cooking medium to vibrate faster and
earth's crust such as radium-224, uranium-238, thus raising its temperature.
thorium-232, potassium-40, carbon-14, etc.
Ionising radiations
Ionizing and Non-Ionizing Radiation
• Ionising radiations cause ionisation (one or
more electrons are pealed out from the outer
shells of an atom) of atoms and molecules of the
medium through which they pass.
79
Karnataka province in southern India to launch a • According to CI, to qualify as a hotspot a region
similar movement to save their forests. must meet two strict criteria:
• In September 1983, men, women and children of 1) It must contain at least 1,500 species of
Salkani ‘hugged the trees’ in Kalase forest. (The vascular plants (> 0.5% of the world’s to-
local term for ‘hugging’ in Kannada is appiko.) tal) as endemics – which is to say, it must
• Appiko movement gave birth to a new aware- have a high percentage of plant life found
ness all over southern India. nowhere else on the planet. A hotspot, in
other words, is irreplaceable.
5.6 Biodiversity Hot Spots 2) It has to have lost at least 70% of its orig-
inal habitat. (It must have 30% or less of
its original natural vegetation). In other
• Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high
words, it must be threatened.
species richness and a high degree of ende-
• In 1999, CI identified 25 biodiversity hotspots in
mism.
the book “Hotspots: Earth’s Biologically Richest
• The British biologist Norman Myers coined the
and Most Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions”.
term "biodiversity hotspot" in 1988 as a biogeo-
• In 2005 CI published an updated titled “Hotspots
graphic region characterized both by excep-
Revisited: Earth's Biologically Richest and Most
tional levels of plant endemism and by serious
Endangered Terrestrial Ecoregions”.
levels of habitat loss.
• The 35 biodiversity hotspots cover 2.3% of the
• Conservation International (CI) adopted My-
Earth's land surface, yet more than 50% of the
ers’ hotspots and in 1996, the organization made
world’s plant species and 42% of all terrestrial
the decision to undertake a reassessment of the
vertebrate species are endemic to these areas.
hotspots concept.
• In 2011, the Forests of East Australia region was
identified as the 35th biodiversity hotspot.
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1) Himalaya: Includes the entire Indian Himala- c) Both 1 and 2
yan region (and that falling in Pakistan, Tibet, d) Neither I nor 2
Nepal, Bhutan, China and Myanmar).
2) Indo-Burma: Includes entire North-eastern In- Answer: d) neither
dia, except Assam and Andaman group of Is- • The Himalaya Hotspot is home to important
lands (and Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, populations of numerous large birds and mam-
Cambodia and southern China). mals, including vultures, tigers, elephants, rhinos
3) Sundalands: Includes Nicobar group of Is- and wild water buffalo.
lands (and Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Bru- • Indo-Burma holds remarkable endemism in
nei, Philippines). freshwater turtle species, most of which are
threatened with extinction, due to over-harvest-
ing and extensive habitat loss.
• The spectacular flora and fauna of the Sundaland
Hotspot are succumbing to the explosive growth
of industrial forestry in these islands and to the
international animal trade that claims tigers,
monkeys, etc.
• Faced with tremendous population pressure, the
forests of the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka have
been dramatically impacted by the demands for
timber and agricultural land.
• The region also houses important populations of
4) Western Ghats and Sri Lanka: Includes entire Asian Elephants, Indian Tigers, the Lion-tailed
Western Ghats (and Sri Lanka). Macaque, Niligiri tahr, Indian Giant squirrel,
• Eastern Himalayas, which was originally part of etc.
the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and in-
cluded Bhutan, north-eastern India and south- 5.7 World Heritage Sites
ern, central and eastern Nepal.
• In 2004, a hotspot reappraisal classified the re- • World Heritage Sites means “Sites any of various
gion as part of two hotspots: Indo-Burma and areas or objects inscribed on the United Nations
the newly distinguished Himalaya. Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO) World Heritage List”.
List of Biodiversity hotspots in India given in Ge- • The sites are designated as having outstanding
ography notes must be ignored. The info given universal value under the Convention concern-
here is the most accurate. ing the Protection of the World Cultural and
Source Natural Heritage.
Q. Consider the following statements: [2010] • This Convention, which was adopted by the
UNESCO in 1972 (and enforced in 1975) provides
1) Biodiversity hotspots are located only in
a framework for international cooperation in pre-
tropical regions.
serving and protecting cultural treasures and
2) India has four biodiversity hotspots, i.e., East-
natural areas throughout the world. The first list
ern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western
of World Heritage state was published in 1978.
Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• The convention defines the kind of sites which
Which of the statements given above is/are cor- can be considered for inscription of the World
rect? heritage list (ancient monuments, museums, bi-
odiversity and geological heritage,), and sets out
a) 1 only the duties of the State Parties in identifying po-
b) 2 only tential sites and their role in protecting them.
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"Natural heritage sites are restricted to those • Provide long term in situ conservation of genetic
natural areas that diversity.
• Provide opportunities for education and training.
1) furnish outstanding examples of the Earth's • Provide appropriate sustainable managements
record of life or its geologic processes. of the living resources.
2) provide excellent examples of ongoing eco- • Promote infer national co-operation.
logical and biological evolutionary processes.
3) contain natural phenomena that are rare,
unique, superlative, or of outstanding beauty 6. International Union for Con-
or servation of Nature
1) furnish habitats or rare endangered animals • (IUCN) is an international organization (NGO)
or plants or are sites of exceptional biodiver- working in the field of nature conservation and
sity”. sustainable use of natural resources.
2) There are ten criteria for cultural heritage and • It is involved in data gathering and analysis, re-
natural heritage. search, field projects, advocacy, lobbying and
3) Nominated sites must be of "outstanding education.
universal value" and meet at least one of the • The organization is best known for compiling
criteria below. and publishing the IUCN Red List, which as-
sesses the conservation status of species world-
International Year of Biodiversity
wide.
• Its headquarters are in Gland, Switzerland.
• The United Nations declared 2010 to be the In-
ternational Year of Biodiversity.
• It is a celebration of life on earth and of the value 6.1 BirdLife International
of biodiversity for our lives.
• BirdLife International is the world’s largest na-
Slogan ture conservation partnership.
"Biodiversity is variety of life on earth • Together they are 120 BirdLife Partners world-
Biodiversity is life. wide.
Biodiversity is our life". • BirdLife International strives to conserve birds,
their habitats and global biodiversity, working
Man and Biosphere Programme (MAB with people towards sustainability in the use of
programme) natural resources.
• BirdLife International is the official Red List au-
• It was first started by UNESCO in 1971. thority for birds, for the International Union for
• Later introduced in India in 1986. Conservation of Nature.
• It identifies the sites known/referred to as ‘Im-
Aim portant Bird and Biodiversity Areas’.
• Studying the effects of human interference and With reference to an organization known as
pollution on the biotic and abiotic components ‘Birdlife International’ which of the following
of ecosystems. statements is/are correct?
• Conservation the ecosystems for the present as
1) It is a Global Partnership of Conservation Or-
well as future.
ganizations.
2) The concept of ‘biodiversity hotspots’ origi-
The main objects of MAB programme are to:
nated from this organization.
• Conserve representative samples of ecosystem.
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3) It identifies the sites known/referred to as 1) IUCN is an organ of the United Nations and
‘Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas’. CITES is an international agreement between
governments
Select the correct answer using the code given be- 2) IUCN runs thousands of field projects around
low. the world to better manage natural environ-
a) 1 only ments.
b) 2 and 3 only 3) CITES is legally binding on the States that
c) 1 and 3 only have joined it, but this Convention does not
d) 1, 2 and 3 take the place of national laws.
• BirdLife International has nothing to do with the Select the correct using the code given below.
concept “biodiversity hotspots”.
a) 1 only
Answer: c) 1 and 3 only b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
6.2 CITES d) 1, 2 and 3
• IUCN is an NGO. CITES is an international agree-
• CITES (the Convention on International Trade in ment between governments (multilateral treaty).
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is • Answer: b) 2 and 3 only
also known as the Washington Convention)
• It is a multilateral treaty drafted as a result of a Similar treaty: Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Ele-
resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of phants – MIKE
members of the International Union for Con-
servation of Nature (IUCN). 6.3 TRAFFIC
• CITES entered into force in 1975.
• Convention has 183 parties • TRAFFIC: The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network
• Its aim is to ensure that international trade in (TRAFFIC).
specimens of wild animals and plants does • TRAFFIC is a NGO working globally on trade in
not threaten the survival of the species in the wild animals and plants in the context of both bi-
wild, and it accords varying degrees of protec- odiversity conservation and sustainable develop-
tion to more than 35,000 species of animals and ment.
plants. • TRAFFIC is a joint programme of World Wide
• Although CITES is legally binding on the Par- Fund for Nature (WWF) and IUCN.
ties – in other words the member states have to • Traffic is complimentary to CITES.
implement the Convention – it does not take the • The programme was founded in 1976, with
place of national laws. headquarters now located in Cambridge, United
• Rather it provides a framework to be respected Kingdom.
by each Party, which has to adopt its own do- • TRAFFIC’s mission is to ensure that trade in wild
mestic legislation to ensure that CITES is imple- plants and animals is not a threat to the conser-
mented at the national level. vation of nature.
• It investigates and analyses wildlife trade
Q. With reference to the International Union for trends, patterns, impacts and drivers to provide
Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources the leading knowledge base on trade in wild
(IUCN) and the Convention on International animals and plants.
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and
Flora (CITES), which of the following statements Q. Consider the following statements in respect
is/are correct? of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in
Commerce (TRAFFIC): (2017)
120
1) TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations future in which humans live in harmony with
Environment Programme (UNEP). nature.”
2) The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that • The Living Planet Report is published every
trade in wild plants and animals is not a two years by WWF since 1998.
threat to the conservation of nature. • WWF has launched several notable worldwide
campaigns including Earth Hour and Debt-
Which of the above statements is/are correct? for-Nature Swap.
a) 1 only
b) 2 only 6.4 IUCN Red List or Red Data List
c) Both 1 and 2 or Red Book
d) Neither 1 nor 2
• The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species,
founded in 1964, is the world's most comprehen-
World Wide Fund for Nature (World
sive inventory of the global conservation status
Wildlife Fund) of biological species.
• When discussing the IUCN Red List, the official
• It is an international non-governmental or- term “threatened” is a grouping of three cate-
ganization founded in 1961. gories: Critically Endangered, Endangered,
• It works in the field of the wilderness preser- and Vulnerable.
vation, and the reduction of human impact on
the environment.
• WWF aims to "stop the degradation of the
planet's natural environment and to build a
Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine Nine Groups in IUCN Red List (Source)
groups
• Extinct (EX) ➔ No known individuals remaining.
121
• Extinct in the wild (EW) ➔ Known only to sur- 6.5 IUCN Red List India (As of
vive in captivity, or as a naturalized population
outside its historic range. March 2019)
• Critically endangered (CR) ➔ Extremely high
risk of extinction in the wild. • The list contains critically endangered, endan-
✓ reduction in population (greater than 90% over gered and vulnerable species.
the last 10 years), • The list is updated by Zoological Survey of India
✓ population size (number less than 50 mature in- (ZSI) from time to time as per the International
dividuals), Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 1996.
✓ quantitative analysis showing the probability of
extinction in wild in at least 50% in their 10 years, ‘Critically Endangered’ Mammals
and
✓ it is therefore considered to be facing an ex- Himalayan Brown/Red Bear (Ursus arctos is-
tremely high risk of extinction in the wild. abellinus)
• Endangered (EN) ➔ High risk of extinction in
the wild.
• Vulnerable (VU) ➔ High risk of endangerment
in the wild.
• Near threatened (NT) ➔ Likely to become en-
dangered in the near future.
• Least concern (LC) ➔ Lowest risk. Does not
qualify for a more at-risk category. Widespread
and abundant taxa are included in this category.
• Data deficient (DD) ➔ Not enough data to as-
sess its risk of extinction.
• Distribution: Nepal, Tibet, north India, and north
• Not evaluated (NE) ➔ Has not yet been evalu-
Pakistan.
ated against the criteria.
• Threats: loss of suitable habitat and persecution
by humans.
Q. The ‘Red Data Books’ published by the Inter-
national Union for Conservation of Nature and
Natural Resources (IUCN) contain lists of Pygmy Hog (Porcula salvania)
a) 1 & 3
b) 2 only
c) 2 & 3 • Is the world's smallest wild pig. This species con-
d) 3 only structs a nest throughout the year.
• IUCN is an NGO. It publishes Red data book • It is one of the most useful indicators of the man-
which contains a list of ‘Threatened species’ (vul- agement status of grassland habitats.
nerable, endangered and critically endangered). • The grasslands where the pygmy hog resides are
crucial for the survival of other threatened spe-
Answer: b) 2 only cies such as Indian Rhinoceros, Swamp Deer,
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• A place where vultures can feed free from human radiation, so the infrared cannot escape via ra-
disturbances. diative transfer.
• Extra food close to breeding colonies, this helps • As the structure is not open to the atmosphere,
to increase their breeding success by improving heat also cannot escape via convection, so the
the survival chances of the young vultures. temperature inside the greenhouse rises. This is
known as the ‘greenhouse effect’.
Vulture Restaurants
Importance of Natural Greenhouse Effect
• At this restaurant, tables are reserved only for the
unique and rare vultures by Maharashtra and • The green-house effect is a natural phenomenon
Punjab forest departments. and has been occurring for millions of years on
the earth.
7. Climate Change • Life on the earth has been possible because of
this natural greenhouse effect which is due
to water vapour and small particles of water pre-
• Climate change means a change of climate which
sent in the atmosphere.
is attributed directly or indirectly to human activ-
• Together, these produce more than 95 percent
ity that alters the composition of the global at-
of total greenhouse warming.
mosphere and which is in addition to natural cli-
• Average global temperatures are maintained at
mate variability observed over comparable time
about 15°C due to natural greenhouse effect.
periods (100 years).
• Without this phenomenon, average global tem-
• Climate change is usually measured in major
peratures might have been around –17°C and at
shifts in temperature, rainfall, snow, and wind
such low temperature life would not be able to
patterns lasting decades or more.
exist.
• Humans are creating climate change by burning
large amounts of fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural
Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)
gas), deforestation (when forests are cut
down or burned, they can no longer store car-
• Atmospheric gases like carbon dioxide, me-
bon, and the carbon is released to the atmos-
thane, nitrous oxide (N2O), water vapour, and
phere).
chlorofluorocarbons are capable of trapping
the out-going infrared radiation from the
7.1 Greenhouse effect and Global earth’s surface thereby causing greenhouse ef-
Warming fect.
• Hence these gases are known as greenhouse
• A greenhouse is a structure whose roof and walls gases and the heating effect is known as green-
are made chiefly of transparent material, such as house effect.
glass, in which plants requiring regulated climatic
conditions are grown. Oxides of Nitrogen with general formula NOx –
• In a greenhouse, the incident solar radiation NO, NO2 – Nitrogen oxide, Nitrogen dioxide etc.
(the visible and adjacent portions of the infra- are global cooling gasses while Nitrous oxide
red and ultraviolet ranges of the spectrum) (N2O) is a greenhouse gas.
passes through the glass roof and walls and is • If greenhouse gases are not checked, by the turn
absorbed by the floor, earth, and contents, which of the century the temperature may rise by 5°C.
become warmer and re-emit the energy • Scientists believe that this rise in temperature will
as longer-wavelength infrared radia- lead to deleterious changes in the environment
tion (heat radiation). and resulting in odd climatic changes (e.g. in-
• Glass and other materials used for green- creased incidence of El Nino), thus leading to
house walls do not transmit infrared
146
increased melting of polar ice caps as well as of
other places like the Himalayan snow caps.
147
• aerosol spray propellants • Phase out of these substances is required by spe-
• fumigants. cific deadlines.
• The Vienna Convention and its Montreal Pro-
Chlorofluorocarbons tocol are the first and only global environ-
mental treaties to achieve universal ratifica-
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were widely used as tion, with 197 parties.
refrigerants until the 1980s. • As a result of the international agreement, the
• They are also considered greenhouse gases that ozone hole in Antarctica is slowly recovering.
cause climate change. • Climate projections indicate that the ozone layer
• There are still CFCs left in older industrial air con- will return to 1980 levels between 2050 and
ditioning and refrigeration systems. 2070.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
• The Montreal Protocol under the Vienna Con- • Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used since as
vention (the protocol) was agreed in 1987. an alternative to CFCs and HCFCs.
• It facilitates global cooperation in reversing • HFCs do not contribute to ozone depletion.
the rapid decline in atmospheric concentra- • However, they are potent greenhouse gases with
tions of ozone. high global warming potential.
• Under the protocol countries agreed to phase
HFO Alternatives to HFCs
out the production and consumption of cer-
tain chemicals that deplete ozone.
156
• HFO stands for hydrofluoro olefin. • HFO refrigerants are composed of hydrogen, flu-
orine and carbon atoms, but contain at least one
double bond between the carbon atoms.
Advantages of HFCs
The Ozone Depleting Substances Rules except in metered dose inhaler and for other
medical purposes.
• The rules are framed under the jurisdiction of En- • Similarly, use of halons is prohibited after 1st
vironment (Protection) Act. January 2001 except for essential use.
• These Rules set the deadlines for phasing out of • Other ODSs such as carbon tetrachloride and
various ODSs, besides regulating production, methylchoroform and CFC for metered dose in-
trade import and export of ODSs and the prod- halers can be used upto 1st January 2010.
uct containing ODS. • Further, the use of methyl bromide has been al-
• These Rules prohibit the use of CFCs in manufac- lowed upto 1st January 2015.
turing various products beyond 1st January 2003
157
• Since HCFCs are used as interim substitute to (CBD) on “Access to Genetic Resources and the
replace CFC, these are allowed up to 1st Jan- Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising
uary 2040. from their Utilization”.
Answer: b)
Q. Consider the following statements: Chloro-
fluorocarbons, known as ozone-depleting sub-
stances, are used 8. International Conventions,
NGOs, Laws
1. in the production of plastic foams
2. in the production of tubeless tyres
3. in cleaning certain electronic components
Nature conservation
4. as pressurizing agents in aerosol cans
• United Nations Conference on Environment
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? and Development (UNCED)
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
a. 1, 2 and 3 only
• Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (explained in
b. 4 only
“Wetland Ecosystem”)
c. 1, 3 and 4 only
• Convention on International Trade in Endan-
d. 1, 2, 3 and 4
gered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES) (ex-
plained in "IUCN Red List")
Answer: c) CFCs were used as refrigerants, pressuriz-
• The Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAF-
ing agents (foam and aerosol cans) and for cleaning
FIC) (explained in in "IUCN Red List")
electronic equipment.
• Convention on the Conservation of Migratory
Species (CMS)
Q. Which one of the following is associated with
• Global Tiger Forum (GTF)
the issue of control and phasing out of the use of
• Hazardous material (explained in in “Solid
ozone-depleting substances?
Waste”)
• Stockholm Convention (mentioned under
a. Bretton Woods Conference
“Hazardous Waste”)
b. Montreal Protocol
• Basel Convention (mentioned under “Hazard-
c. Kyoto Protocol
ous Waste”)
d. Nagoya Protocol
• Rotterdam Convention (mentioned under
“Hazardous Waste”)
• Bretton Woods Conference established the In-
ternational Bank for Reconstruction and Devel-
Land
opment (IBRD) and the International Monetary
Fund (IMF). • United Nations Convention to Combat Deser-
• Montreal Protocol is an international treaty to tification (UNCCD)
protect the ozone layer by phasing out the pro-
duction of ozone depleting substances. It is le- Marine environment
gally binding.
• Kyoto Protocol implemented the objective of the • International Whaling Commission (IWC)
UNFCCC to fight global warming by reducing
greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmos- Atmosphere
phere to “a level that would prevent dangerous
• Vienna convention and Montreal Protocol (ex-
anthropogenic interference with the climate sys-
plained in “Ozone Depleting Substances”)
tem”. It is binding on the parties.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Cli-
• Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement
mate Change (UNFCCC)
to the 1992 Convention on Biological Diversity
• Kyoto Protocol
158
8.2 United Nations Conference on • UNEP has registered several successes, such as
the 1987 Montreal Protocol, and the 2012 Mi-
the Human Environment (1972) namata Convention, a treaty to limit toxic
mercury.
• The United Nations Conference on the Human • UNEP has sponsored the development of solar
Environment was first held in Stockholm, Swe- loan programmes.
den, in 1972. • The solar loan programme sponsored by UN En-
• It marked the emergence of international envi- vironment helped finance solar power systems in
ronmental law. India.
Stockholm Declaration
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
• It is also known as The Declaration on the Hu- (IPCC)
man Environment.
• It set out the principles for various international • IPCC is a scientific intergovernmental body
environmental issues, natural resource manage- under the auspices of the United Nations.
ment, pollution prevention and the relationship • It was first established in 1988 by two United Na-
between the environment and development. tions organizations, the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) and the United Nations
United Nations Environment Programme Environment Programme (UNEP).
(UNEP) or UN Environment • Membership of the IPCC is open to all members
of the WMO and UNEP.
• UNEP is an agency of the United Nations. • The IPCC produces reports that support the UN-
• It coordinates the UN’s environmental activi- FCCC.
ties. • IPCC reports cover all relevant information to un-
• It assists developing countries in implementing derstand the risk of human-induced climate
environmentally sound policies and practices. change, its potential impacts and options for ad-
• It was founded as a result of the United Nations aptation and mitigation.
Conference on the Human Environment 1972. • The IPCC does not carry out its own original
• It has overall responsibility for environmental research.
problems among United Nations agencies. • Thousands of scientists and other experts con-
• Addressing climate change or combating deser- tribute on a voluntary basis.
tification, are overseen by other UN organiza- • The 2007 Nobel Peace Prize was shared, in two
tions, like the UNFCCC and the United Nations equal parts, between the IPCC and an American
Convention to Combat Desertification. Environmentalist.
• UNEP's activities cover a wide range of issues re-
garding the atmosphere, marine and terrestrial The aims of the IPCC are to assess scientific infor-
ecosystems, environmental governance and mation relevant to:
green economy.
• Human-induced climate change,
• The World Meteorological Organization and
• The impacts of human-induced climate change,
UN Environment established the Intergovern-
• Options for adaptation and mitigation.
mental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in
1988.
IPCC Assessment Reports (AR)
• UN Environment is also one of several Imple-
menting Agencies for the Global Environment • In accordance with its mandate, the IPCC pre-
Facility (GEF) and the Multilateral Fund for the pares at regular intervals comprehensive Assess-
Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. ment Reports of scientific, technical and socio-
• It is also a member of the United Nations De- economic information relevant for the under-
velopment Group. standing of human induced climate change,
159
potential impacts of climate change and options • UN Convention to Combat Desertification
for mitigation and adaptation. (UNCCD)
• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Special Reports Pollutants (POPs)
• Minamata Convention on Mercury
• Special Reports have been prepared on topics • The GEF, although not linked formally to the
such as aviation, regional impacts of climate Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete
change, technology transfer, emissions scenar- the Ozone Layer (MP), supports implementation
ios, land use, land use change and forestry, car- of the Protocol in countries with economies in
bon dioxide capture and storage and on the re- transition.
lationship between safeguarding the ozone layer
and the global climate system. The GEF works with18 agencies. Notable ones
among them are:
Conservation of Migratory Species
1) United Nations Development Programme
• Full name: The Convention on the Conservation 2) United Nations Environment
of Migratory Species of Wild Animals. 3) World Bank
• Convention on Migratory Species or the Bonn 4) Food and Agriculture Organization
Convention or Global Wildlife conference. 5) Asian Development Bank
• It is an international treaty, concluded under the 6) International Fund for Agricultural Devel-
aegis of the United Nations Environment Pro- opment
gramme. 7) World Wildlife Fund - US
• The Convention was signed in 1979 in Bonn, Ger- 8) Conservation International
many and entered into force in 1983. 9) International Union for Conservation of
• The CMS is the only global and UN-based inter- Nature (IUCN)
governmental organization established exclu-
sively for the conservation and management of Areas of work
terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory species
throughout their range. • Biodiversity, Climate change, International
waters, Land degradation, Sustainable forest
Global Environment Facility management / REDD+ and Ozone depletion
• The Global Environment Facility (GEF) unites 183 Q. With reference to ‘Global Environment Facil-
countries in partnership with international insti- ity’, which of the following statements is/are cor-
tutions, civil society organizations (CSOs), and rect?
the private sector to address global environmen-
tal issues while supporting national sustainable a) It serves as financial mechanism for ‘Conven-
development initiatives. tion on Biological Diversity’ and ‘United Na-
• An independently operating financial organi- tions Framework Convention on Climate
zation, the GEF provides grants for projects re- Change’.
lated to biodiversity, climate change, interna- b) It undertakes scientific research on environ-
tional waters, land degradation, the ozone layer, mental issues at global level
and persistent organic pollutants. c) It is an agency under OECD to facilitate the
transfer of technology and funds to underde-
The GEF also serves as financial mechanism for veloped countries with specific aim to pro-
the following conventions: tect their environment.
d) Both (a) and (b)
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
• United Nations Framework Convention on Explanation:
Climate Change (UNFCCC)
160
• GEF is an independent financial organization. c) It is a Conference of the Inter-governmental
• It may fund scientific research, but it is not di- Panel on Climate Change
rectly involved in scientific research. d) It is a Conference of the Member Countries
• IPCC takes care of most of the research work. of the Convention on Biological Diversity
161
2) It originated in the World Summit on Sus- facilitates the allocation of major portion of
tainable Development held in Johannesburg financial resources to these regions.
in 2002. 3) It is committed to bottom-up approach, en-
couraging the participation of local people in
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? combating the desertification.
a) 1 only Select the correct answer using the code given be-
b) 2 only low.
c) Both 1 and 2
d) Neither 1 nor 2 a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
Answer: a) 1 only c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
United Nations Convention to Combat Des-
ertification (UNCCD) Answer: c) 1 and 3 only
162
• It was the third international conference on sus- 2030 Agenda – Sustainable Development
tainable development. Goals (SDGs)
Earth Summit 1992 (Rio de Janeiro) = UN
Conference on Environment and Develop- • The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Develop-
ment (UNCED) ment was launched in 2015.
Earth Summit 2002 (Johannesburg) = • The UN 2030 Agenda’s Sustainable Develop-
World Summit on Sustainable Develop- ment Goals (SDG) aim at eradicating poverty in
ment (WSSD) all forms and “seek to realize the human
Earth Summit 2012 (Rio de Janeiro) = UN rights of all and achieve gender equality”.
Conference on Sustainable Development • The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a
(UNCSD) collection of 17 global goals, and their 169 tar-
gets, set by the United Nations General Assem-
Partnership for Action on Green Economy bly in 2015 for the year 2030 (UNGA resolution
(PAGE) “2030 Agenda”).
163
✓ ensuring sustainable food production sys- "Take urgent action to combat climate change
tems, and by and its impacts by regulating emissions and pro-
✓ progressively improving land and soil qual- moting developments in renewable energy."
ity.
• Other targets deal with maintaining genetic di- Goal 14: Life below water
versity of seeds, increasing access to land, pre-
venting trade restriction and distortions in world "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas
agricultural markets, eliminating wastage and and marine resources for sustainable develop-
ending malnutrition. ment."
• The targets include
Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation ✓ preventing and reducing marine pollution
and acidification,
"Ensure availability and sustainable management
✓ protecting marine and coastal ecosystems
of water and sanitation for all."
and regulating fishing.
• Safe drinking water and hygienic toilets. • Microplastics come from a variety of sources,
• Toilets in schools and work places. including from larger plastic debris.
• Equitable sanitation for addressing the specific • Microbeads, a type of microplastic (tiny
needs of women and girls, disabled, aged per- pieces of polyethylene), are very tiny pieces
sons. of plastic that are added to health and beauty
products, such as some cleansers and
Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy toothpastes.
164
2. To achieve universal primary education 8.5 Convention on Biological Di-
3. To promote gender equality and empower
women
versity
4. To reduce child mortality
5. To improve maternal health • Biodiversity conservation is a collective responsi-
6. To combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other bility of all nations.
diseases • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a step
7. To ensure environmental sustainability towards conserving biological diversity or biodi-
8. To develop a global partnership for devel- versity with the involvement of the entire
opment world.
• The Convention on Biological Diversity (a multi-
lateral treaty) was opened for signature at
the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992
and entered into effect in 1993.
• The convention called upon all nations to take
appropriate measures for conservation of biodi-
versity and sustainable utilisation of its bene-
fits.
• The Convention has three main goals:
Transition to green economy 1) conservation of biological diversity (or bi-
odiversity);
• Three priorities in transition of economy to 2) sustainable use of its components; and
green economy are 3) fair and equitable sharing of benefits aris-
a) Decarbonizing the economy; ing from genetic resources.
b) Commit the environmental community to • It is often seen as the key document regarding
justice and equity; and sustainable development.
c) Conserve the biosphere. • The Convention is legally binding; countries
that join it ('Parties') are obliged to implement its
Measures to adapt green economy provisions.
• 195 UN states and the European Union are par-
• Energy audit can reduce your building's cli- ties to the convention.
mate footprint. • All UN member states, with the exception of
• Sustainable fishing practices. the United States, have ratified the treaty.
• Sustainably managed forests.
• Usage electronic files to reduce your demand
for paper products.
• Support certified sustainable forest products.
• Car-pooling or taking public transport.
• Walking or riding a bike for short trips.
• Wise water use.
• Development of clean, renewable energy by
using solar, wind, tidal, etc will contribute to
green economy.
• Recycling appropriate materials and compost-
ing food waste.
• At the 2010 10th Conference of Parties (COP) to
Moving towards a green economy has the poten-
the Convention on Biological Diversity in Octo-
tial to achieve sustainable development.
ber in Nagoya, Japan, the Nagoya Protocol was
adopted.
165
Cartagena Protocol
International Treaty on Plant Genetic
• CBD covers the rapidly expanding field of bio- Resources for Food and Agriculture
technology through its Cartagena Protocol (PGRFA)
on Biosafety.
• It addresses technology development and trans- • Popularly known as the International Seed
fer, benefit-sharing and biosafety issues. Treaty.
• The Biosafety Protocol seeks to protect bio- • International agreement in harmony with the
logical diversity from the potential risks posed Convention on Biological Diversity.
by living modified organisms resulting from • Aims at guaranteeing food security through
modern biotechnology. the conservation, exchange and sustainable
use of the world's plant genetic resources
Nagoya Protocol for food and agriculture (PGRFA), as well as
the fair and equitable benefit sharing aris-
• It is the second Protocol to the CBD; the first is ing from its use.
the 2000 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
• It is a 2010 supplementary agreement to the Q. Consider the following international agree-
1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). ments:
• The Nagoya Protocol is about “Access to Ge-
netic Resources and the Fair and Equitable 1) The International Treaty on Plant Genetic
Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utiliza- Resources for Food and Agriculture
tion”, one of the three objectives of the CBD. 2) The United Nations Convention to Combat
Desertification
Q. Consider the following pairs (2016): 3) The World Heritage Convention
Terms sometimes seen Their origin Which of the above has/have a bearing on the bi-
in the news odiversity?
1) Annex-I Countries Cartagena Protocol a) 1 and 2 only
2) Certified Emissions Nagoya Protocol b) 3 only,
Reductions c) 1 and 3 only
3) Clean Development Kyoto Protocol d) 1, 2. and 3
Mechanism • World Heritage Convention explained in “Bio-
diversity”, rest two in this section.
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly
matched? Answer: d) all
166
Bombay Natural History Society • There are Eight National Missions which form the
core of the National Action Plan.
• The Bombay Natural History Society, founded in
1883, is one of the largest non-governmental or-
ganizations in India engaged in conservation
and biodiversity research.
• It supports many research efforts through grants
and publishes the Journal of the Bombay Nat-
ural History Society.
• It organizes and conducts nature trails and
camps for the general public.
• Many prominent naturalists, including the orni-
thologists Sálim Ali and S. Dillon Ripley, have
been associated with it.
206
2030, 40% of installed power generation capacity
Net Metering
shall be based on clean sources.
• Net Metering is billing mechanism for grid • It was determined that 175 GW of renewable en-
connected Home Rooftop Solar Installation ergy capacity will be installed by 2022.
where • This includes 100 GW from solar, 60 GW from
✓ The electricity generated by the solar pan- wind, 10 GW from bio-power and 5 GW from
els is fed into the utility grid small hydro power.
✓ Household draws electricity from the util-
ity grid Objectives
• The household pays only for the difference be-
tween the energy units it consumes from the • To establish India as a global leader in solar en-
grid and the energy units fed into the grid. This ergy, by creating the policy conditions for its dif-
is measured by a bi-directional meter called fusion across the country as quickly as possible.
Net Meter. • To create an enabling policy framework for the
deployment of 100,000 MW of solar power by
Q. ‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the 2022.
news in the context of promoting the (2016) • To create favourable conditions for solar manu-
a) production and use of solar energy by the facturing capability, particularly solar thermal for
households/consumers indigenous production and market leadership.
b) use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of
households October 2018
c) installation of CNG kits in motor-cars
d) installation of water meters in urban • India attains global 4th and 5th positions in wind
households and solar power installed capacities.
Answer: a) • India is at 5th global position for overall installed
renewable energy capacity
• Committed to Nationally Determined Contribu-
tions (Paris Accord), India made a pledge that by
Source Installed Capacity (GW) as of October, 2018 Percentage
Thermal 221.76 GW (63.84%)
Nuclear 6.78 GW (1.95%)
Hydro 45.48 GW (13.09%)
Renewable 73.35 GW (21.12%)
Total 347.37 GW (100%)
Sector Target (GW) Installed capacity (GW) as on 31.10.2018
Solar Power 100 24.33
Wind power 60 34.98
Bio Energy 10 9.54
Small Hydro 5 4.5
Total 175 73.35
National Mission for Enhanced Energy • The mission document, which was approved in
Efficiency (NMEEE) 2010, established the immense energy efficiency
potential of India, which was about Rs. 74,000
• Objective: Promote the market for energy effi- crores.
ciency by fostering innovative policies and effec- • A recent World Bank study has estimated the
tive market instruments. country's energy efficiency market to be at 1.6
lakh crores.
207
NMEEE includes four specific energy efficiency initi- Programs that were developed under this scheme in-
atives under its umbrella: clude:
1) Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT) • Domestic Efficient Lighting Program: Unnat
Jeevan by Affordable LEDs for All (UJALA) pro-
Assigning energy reduction targets to large en- gram to promote the use of more efficient LED
ergy intensive industries and distributing Energy lighting for households.
Saving Certificates (ESCerts) on achievement of • Super-Efficient Equipment Program (SEEP):
the targets. These ESCerts can then be traded. Under this program, the manufacturers are in-
centivized by the government to elevate the ef-
• Consumers who are not able to meet their en- ficiency standards of the equipment. Bureau of
ergy savings targets will buy the ESCerts. Energy Efficiency (BEE) launched the program in
the XII five-year plan with a focus on ceiling fans,
2) Market Transformation for Energy Effi- considering its wide use and impact on domestic
ciency (MTEE) energy consumption.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is a statuary agency under the Ministry of Power.
• It was created in March 2002 under the provisions of the nation's 2001 Energy Conservation Act.
• BEE’s function is to develop programs which will increase the conservation and efficient use of energy.
• It mandatory for certain appliances in India to have BEE ratings.
Standards & Labelling Program (BEE star label)
• The Objectives of Standards & Labeling Program is to provide the consumer an informed choice about the
energy saving.
Mandatory Appliances as of March 2019 Voluntary Appliances as of March 2019
1. Room Air Conditioners 1. Induction Motors
2. Frost Free Refrigerators 2. Agricultural Pump Sets
3. Tubular Florescent Lamp 3. Ceiling Fans
4. Distribution Transformer 4. Domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas(LPG) Stoves
5. Room Air Conditioner (Casettes, Floor 5. Washing Machine
Standing Tower, Ceiling, Corner AC) 6. Computer (Notebook /Laptops)
6. Direct Cool Refrigerator 7. Ballast (Electronic/Magnetic)
7. Color TV 8. Office equipment's (Printer, Copier, Scanner,
8. Electric Geysers MFD’s).
9. Inverter Air conditioners 9. Diesel Engine Driven Monoset Pumps for Agricul-
10. LED Lamps tural Purposes
Source 10. Soli State Inverter
11. Diesel Generator
12. Chillers
13. Microwave Ovens
Q. On which of the following can you find the Bureau of Energy Efficiency Star Label? (2016)
a) Ceiling fans
b) Electric geysers
208