La Ex Environment Ready Recokner 2020

Environment Ready Reckoner 2020
www.laexias.com 1 https://elearn.laex.in
INDEX
Sl.no Topics Page no. V Climate change 28-36
I Environment and Ecology Basic 01-13 Mitigation Strategies

Climate Change Organisations
Concepts
Programs/Initiatives to
Holism in Ecology mitigate climate change
Ecosystem effects in India
Food Chain And Food Web India and Climate change
Biotic Interactions
Ecological Pyramids VI Environmental Impact 36-36
Ecological Succession Assessment
Nutrient Cycles VII Environmental Organisations 37-38
Aquatic Ecosystem VIII Treaties/ 38-42
Coral Reefs Agreements/Conventions
Mangroves IX Environmental Legislation 42-44
Wetland Ecosystems
X Institutes and Measures 44-46
Terrestrial Ecosystem
XI Indian Environmental 46-47
II 13-18 Organisations
Biodiversity
XII Wildlife Conservation Efforts in 47-59
Levels of Biodiversity
India
Measurement of Biodiversity
Biodiversity Conservation Appendix
Strategies Appendix I - Ramsar Sites
1. In Situ Methods Appendix II - National Parks
Appendix III – Wildlife Sanctuaries
2. Ex- Situ Methods
Appendix IV – Biosphere Reserve
Animal Diversity of India Appendix V – Biological Hotspot
Plant Diversity of India Appendix VI – Megadiverse Countries
III 18-23 Appendix VII – Tiger Reserves
Environmental Pollution
Air Pollution
Water Pollution
Soil Pollution
Radio Active Pollution
E- Waste
Plastic Pollution
IV 23-28
Environmental Issues
Ozone Hole
Polar Vortex
Ocean Acidification
Acid Rain
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1.Environment and Ecology Basic Concepts Environment:
 The term ‘environment’ means surroundings in which

▪ It is defined as structural and functional unit of
the organisms live.
biosphere consisting of living beings and physical
 It is the sum total of all biotic (living-plants, animals,
environment, both interacting and exchanging
decomposers etc) and abiotic (non-living-energy,
materials between them.
radiation, temperature etc) factors that surround and
▪ Biological community + physical environment ——>
potentially influence an organism.
(exchange of energy and recycling of nutrients) —
Ecology: >ecosystem.
 Ecology is defined “as a scientific study of the ▪ Eco system with higher biodiversity tends to be more
relationship of the living organisms with each other stable, they can self-regulate themselves known as
and with their environment.” homeostasis.
HOLISM in Ecology:
The various ecological levels of organisation are described
below.
Components of Ecosystem
Individual
An individual organism is a distinct unit of life in
nature. It is the basic unit of ecological hierarchy. Ex:
plant, animal, bacteria.
Population
It is a group of individuals of a plant or animal species Abiotic components are- They include the climatic and
inhabiting a given area at a particular time. Ex: all the edaphic (influenced by soil) factor. Energy, Rainfall,
frogs living in a pond constitute a population. Temperature, Atmosphere etc
Community Biotic components are-

It is an assemblage of populations of plants, animals, a. Primary producers- Autotrophs/ self- nourishing: they
bacteria, and fungi that live in an area that show are green plants (certain Bacteria and Algae).
interaction and interdependence. b. Consumers- heterotrophs- depend on others for food.
Such organisms may consume by predation,
parasitization, and biodegradation. (Bacteria and ▪ Reproductive niche - how and when it reproduces.
Fungi which feeds on dead organic matter). ▪ Physical and Chemical niche - temperature, land shape,
land slope, humidity and other requirement.
Ecotone:
Food chain:
▪ Is a zone of junction/transition between two or more
 A sequence of organisms that feed on one another.it
diverse ecosystems.
can be grazing food chain (plant> caterpillar > lizard >
Ex: Mangrove ecosystem is Ecotone between Forest
snake) or detritus food chain (litter > Earthworms >
and River ecosystem, Estuaries are ecotone between
chicken > hawk).
salt and freshwater ecosystem, and grassland is an
Food Web:
ecotone between forest and desert ecosystem.
 Several interrelated food chains forms food web
Characteristics of Ecotone: where all possible transfers of energy and nutrients
▪ Zone of transition: It has the condition intermediate happens among the organisms.
to the adjacent ecosystem. Food chain Food Web
▪ May contain organisms which are entirely different Single pathway through Interconnection of number
from that of adjoining communities. which food and energy of food chains.
▪ Edge effect: Sometimes the number of species and travels in a ecosystem
the population density of some of the species is much Members of higher trophic Members of higher trophic
greater in size than the adjoining community. level feed upon single type level have number of
 Fig: Ecotone as a transition between two ecosystems. of organisms of lower alternate organisms in
trophic level lower trophic level to feed.
Isolated food chain adds Food web increases the
instability to the food chain stability of the ecosystem
Does not add to Increases the adaptability
adaptability and and competitiveness of the
competitiveness of the organism.
organism
Ecological Niche:
▪ A population of each species within a community has Biome:
a separate ecological niche. No two species within a ▪ A large regional unit characterised by a major
given community can have exactly the same niche and vegetation type and associated fauna found in a
live permanently together. If two species happen to specific climatic zone. Ex: tropical rain forest, deserts,
have the same niche in a community either of the two savannah, grasslands etc.
may happen,
A direct competition Or they may adapt
between the two will differently in a way that
eliminate one of them. there is further niche
It is called competitive specialisation of habitat or
exclusion. food etc.
Types of Niche:
▪ Habitat niche - where it lives.
▪ Food niche - what it eats or decomposers and what
species it competes with.
Biosphere: A large tree shades a

small plant and retards
▪ Biosphere can be conceived as a thin life supporting
the growth of the small
belt on and around the earth. 5 Amensalism (-) (0)
plant while large tree is
unaffected by the small
plant.
6 Neutralism (0) (0)
Ecological Pyramids:
An ecological pyramid is a graphical representation of the
relationship between different organisms in an ecosystem.
Types of Pyramids:
1. Pyramid of Numbers
 A graphic representation of number of individuals
Habitat: per unit area of various trophic levels stepwise with
 In other words, habitat can be defined as ‘the sum producers forming the base and top carnivores the tip,
total of environmental factors, which determine the is called pyramid of numbers.
existence of an individual organism, population or
community in a particular locality.’  It can upright (Grassland) or inverted (Parasitic
foodchain). As it is difficult to count all organisms,
Biotic Interactions: pyramid of numbers does not completely represent
▪ Biological interactions are the effects of an organism’s tropic structure.
interactions with its environment and is fundamental
to the survival of the organism and the functioning of
the ecosystem as a whole.
▪ Where, (+) = Benefited, (—) = Harmed, (0) = Neither
benefited nor harmed.
Spe Spe
Sl. Type of Biotic
cies cies Example
No. Interaction
1 2
In pollination, pollinator
gets food, and plants 2. Pyramid of Biomass:
1 Mutualism (+) (+) has its pollen  The amount of living or organic matter present in a
transferred to other particular environment is called biomass.
flowers.
Cow dung provides  A graphic representation of total dry weight of all
food and shelter to organisms at each trophic level at a particular time.
2 Commensalism (+) (0) dung beetles. The
 It can be upright (eco-system on land) or inverted
beetles have no effect
on the cows. (Aquatic ecosystems).
If two species eat the
same food, and there
3 Competition (—) (—) isn’t enough for both,
both may suffer a
shortage of food.
predation - one fish kills
and eats another
organism
Predation and
4 (+) (—) parasitism: parasitic tick
Parasitism
gains benefit by sucking
blood; host is harmed
by losing blood.
3. Pyramid of Energy:
 A graphic representation of the amount of energy Bio-Magnification:
trapped per unit time and area in different trophic  Bio-magnification is the tendency of pollutants to
levels of a food chain. concentrate as they move from one trophic level to
 It is always upright as there will be loss of energy the next.
from one trophic to next trophic level.  4 conditions for Bio-magnification: Pollutants must
be Long lived, Stable and mobile, Soluble in fats,
Biologically active.
 Ex: DDT, Hexa-chloro benzene, Polychlorinated
biphenyl, Toxaphene, Methyl mercury, Agricultural
pesticides.
Law Of 10% Energy Transfer

According to this law, only 10% of energy entering into
trophic level of energy will be available to be transferred
to the next trophic level.
Ecological Succession:
Succession is a universal process of Directional change in
vegetation, on an ecological time scale which leads to the
establishment of a relatively stable climax community.
Stages of Ecological Succession:
Pioneer community —> Seres (or) Seral Stage —>
Climax Community
Pioneer Community:
 The first group of organism which establish their
Bioaccumulation and Bio-magnification:
community in the area is called ‘Pioneer’ Community.
▪ Bioaccumulation
Ex: Lichen, Moss and Microbes
Entry of pollutants into food chain,occurs within a Seral Stage:
trophic level, and is the increase in concentration of a  The various developmental stage of a community is
substance in certain tissues of organisms’ bodies due called ‘seres’.
to absorption from food and the environment.  Herbs and Shrubs usually grow after further
Bioconcentration weathering, increase in moisture and soil.
It occurs within a trophic level through absorption from Climax Community:
water (when intake from water > excretion rate).  The final stage of succession which leads to stable
Rate of absorption is greater than that at which the community
substance is lost.
It is synonymous to bio accumulation except the source.
Types of Succession: Nutrient Cycles

 The cyclic flow of nutrients between the biotic and
abiotic components is known as nutrient cycle (or)
biogeochemical cycles.
 The nutrients enter into producers and move through
the food chain and ultimately reach the consumer.
The bound nutrients of the consumers, after death,
are decomposed and converted into inorganic
substances, which are readily used up by the plants
▪ Primary Succession: (producers) and again the cycle starts.
It involves the gradual establishment of biotic  The major nutrients like C, H, O, and N are cycled
communities on a lifeless ground. again and again between biotic and abiotic
components of the ecosystem.
Gaseous Cycles:
Hydrological Cycle
▪ Movement of water in a cyclical manner is known as
hydrological cycle.
▪ The hydrologic cycle begins with the evaporation of
water from the surface of the ocean. As moist air is
▪ Secondary Succession: lifted, it cools and water vapour condenses to form
It involves the establishment of biotic communities in clouds. Moisture is transported around the globe until
an area, where some type of biotic community is it returns to the surface as precipitation.
already present.
Carbon Cycle:
Taking Carbon out of the Atmosphere:
 Nature is constantly taking carbon out of the
atmosphere. These processes are sometimes called
 Autogenic Succession – Succession brought about by carbon sinks.
living inhabitants of that community itself.  Photosynthesis - Plants use photosynthesis to make
 Allogenic Succession – Succession brought about by
energy and grow. They take carbon dioxide (CO2),
outside forces
 Autotrophic Succession – Succession in which initially sunlight, and water and turn it into oxygen and sugar.
green plants are much greater in quantity Large areas of plants like the rainforest help to
 Heterotrophic Succession – Succession in which remove lots of carbon from the atmosphere.
heterotrophs are much greater in number.  The ocean - Ocean water does a lot to remove excess
carbon from the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide in the
air reacts with the sea water to make carbonic acid in When nitrogen is absorbed by the soil, different bacteria
the ocean. If there is too much carbonic acid, it may help it to change states so it can be absorbed by plants.
lead to acid rain. However, some carbonic acid is Animals then get their nitrogen from the plants.
good as it is used by sea organisms to make their
shells. These shells will eventually become
sedimentary rock like limestone.
Moving Carbon into the Atmosphere:
 At the same time that some processes of nature are
removing carbon from the air, other processes are
adding more carbon to the air. These processes are
called sources.
 Decay - When plants and animals die they decay.
When this happens, the carbon in their body will
Processes in the Nitrogen Cycle:
either be released into the atmosphere or stored in
 Fixation - Fixation is the first step in the process of
ground as fossil fuels.
making nitrogen usable by plants. Here bacteria
 Respiration (breathing) - Every time you breathe you
change nitrogen into ammonium.
turn oxygen into carbon dioxide. This is true of every
 Nitrification - This is the process by which ammonium
animal on Earth.
gets changed into nitrates by bacteria. Nitrates are
 Combustion (burning) - When plants, trees, or fossil
what the plants can then absorb.
fuels are burned, carbon is released into the
 Assimilation - This is how plants get nitrogen. They
atmosphere.
absorb nitrates from the soil into their roots. Then the
nitrogen gets used in amino acids, nucleic acids, and
chlorophyll.
 Ammonification - This is part of the decaying process.
When a plant or animal dies, decomposers like fungi
and bacteria turn the nitrogen back into ammonium
so it can re-enter the nitrogen cycle.
 De-nitrification - Extra nitrogen in the soil gets put
back out into the air. There are special bacteria that
perform this task as well.
Nitrogen Cycle: Sedimentary Cycles:
▪ Why is nitrogen important to life?
Sulphur Cycle
Plants and animals could not live without nitrogen. It is an
▪ Sulphur (S) is an element important to ecosystems
important part of many cells and processes such as amino
and the climate. The majority of sulphur is stored
acids, proteins, and even our DNA. It is also needed to
underground, for example under the ocean or in
make chlorophyll in plants, which plants use in
rocks. It also occurs naturally in places like swamps
photosynthesis to make their food and energy.
(where organisms have decomposed) and volcanoes.
Process of Nitrogen Cycle: Humans add excess sulphur into this cycle, usually
This picture shows the flow of the nitrogen cycle. The through atmospheric pollution caused by fossil fuel
most important part of the cycle is bacteria. Bacteria help combustion.
the nitrogen change between states so it can be used.
Steps of the Sulphur Cycle: plant or animal, the phosphate is incorporated

into organic molecules such as DNA. When the plant
 As rocks are worn down by erosion they release
or animal dies, it decays, and the organic phosphate is
sulphur that was once stored, becoming Sulphate
returned to the soil.
once it touches the air.
 Within the soil, organic forms of phosphate can be
 Plants absorb this sulphur through photosynthesis
made available to plants by bacteria that break
and make this sulphur organic.
down organic matter to inorganic forms of
 Animals, specifically herbivores and omnivores
phosphorus. This process is known as mineralisation.
consume the sulphur when they eat the plants.
 Phosphorus in soil can end up in waterways and
 Sulphur moves through the food chain as secondary
eventually oceans. Once there, it can be incorporated
consumers and tertiary consumers eat the primary
into sediments over time.
consumers.
Fig: The Phosphorus Cycle
 When animals and plants die, the sulphur dissipates
into the atmosphere as sulphate and also through the
body of the decomposers.
 The sulphur in the atmosphere is returned to the soil
and water cycle when it rains. Fig: The Sulphur Cycle
Aquatic Ecosystem
Ecosystem consisting of water as the main habitat are
known as aquatic ecosystem
Classification Based on Salt Concentration:
1. Freshwater Ecosystem: 5 ppt (Lakes, ponds, springs,
streams, rivers).
2. Marine Ecosystem: Equals to sea level; approx 35 ppt
Phosphorus Cycle: (Ocean).
▪ Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for animals and 3. Brackish Water Ecosystem: 5-35 ppt; (Estuaries, Salt
plants. It plays a critical role in cell development and marshes, mangrove swamps).
is a key component of molecules that store energy,
such as ATP (adenosine tri-phosphate), DNA and Zones of Aquatic ecosystem
lipids (fats and oils). Insufficient phosphorus in the
soil can result in a decreased crop yield.
▪ Here are the key steps of the phosphorus cycle,
 Over time, rain and weathering cause rocks to release
phosphate ions and other minerals.
 This inorganic phosphate is then distributed in soils
and water.
 Plants take up inorganic phosphate from the soil. The
plants may then be consumed by animals. Once in the
Water has higher specific heat than air. So temperature

Aquatic Organisms:
change will be slower. Temperature fluctuation can be
Classification on Zone of occurrence and their ability to
fatal to aquatic organisms.
cross these zones,
1. Neuston: That rest or swim on the surface e.g. water
Ageing of lakes
striders.
2. Periphyton: That are attached or clinging to other
plants or any other surface. e.g. algae
3. Plankton: That float on the surface of the waters e.g.
phytoplankton like algae and zooplankton like rotifers.
4. Nekton: That swim on the surface e.g. fish
5. Benthos: That are attached to bottom sediments e.g.
sea grass
Fig: Different aquatic organisms and their zones of
occurrence.
Eutrophication (Causes, Effects, Mitigation):
 Eutrophication is the ecosystem’s response to
addition of artificial or natural substances, mainly
phosphates, through detergents, fertilisers, or
sewage to an ecosystem.
 Physical identification: Can see excess growth of
green algae on the surface due to enrichment of the
aquatic system by the addition of nutrients.
Factors limiting the productivity of Aquatic Life: Sunlight,  Reason: leaching of phosphates and nitrates
Oxygen, Transparency, Temperature. containing fertilisers from agricultural lands into lakes
Sunlight: and rivers.
1. Photic Zone: Fig: Eutrophication
Layer where sunlight penetrates and photosynthesis
can take place.
2. Aphotic Zone:
Layer where sunlight penetration is too low and no
photosynthesis but respiration takes place.
Dissolved Oxygen:
 Fresh water - 10 ppm. Oxygen enters through air
water interface, and photosynthesis.
 It is influenced by temperature - warm water - Less O2
and viceversa. Results in:
 If it falls to 5 ppm or below then organisms will die.  Algal bloom - unsustainable population explosion due
to nutrient enrichment.
Transparency:
 Light penetration: This restricts the penentration of
Turbidity because of suspended particulate matter like
sunlight.
clay or silt can limit productivity of life.
 Oxygen depletion: resulting in no/less photosynthesis
Temperature: since decomposition of the dead algae uses more
oxygen. This process results in suffocation and death

of aquatic animals. Parameter BOD COD
 New anaerobic conditions: Clostridium botulinum, DEFINITION A measurement of The
that produce toxins, come up in these conditions. consumed requirement
 Degradation of aquatic ecosystem. oxygen by aquatic of
microorganisms to Dissolved
decompose oxygen for
Eutrophication can be natural or manmade (waste water
or oxidize organic the
effluent, runoff from agriculture).
matter. oxidation of
Effects: organic and
 Change in ecosystem - formation of Detritus layer, inorganic
since algal blooms die and settle at the bottom constituents
resulting in marshy land. both.
 Decreased biodiversity: Algal blooms decrease BREAKDOWN Done by aerobic Done by
OF ORGANIC microorganisms chemical
oxygen availability and reduce penetration of sunlight.
MATTER reagents
 New species invasion: since aerobic conditions give
COMPLETE Does not happen Happens
way to anaerobic conditions. BREAKDOWN
 Toxicity - Neuro and hepatotoxins, O2, loss of coral OF
reefs, changes in colour of water, and increases POLLUTANTS
gelatinous zooplankton (toxic) BREAK Organic matter Both
DOWNING organic and
MATERIALS inorganic
Mitigation- buffering, reduce erosion, adoption of organic
constituents
farming, sewage treatment.
STRONG No yes
OXIDIZING
Measurement of Quality of water REAGENTS
Dissolved Oxygen: TIME Takes few days Takes only a
Dissolved oxygen refers to the level of free, non- approximately five few hours
compound oxygen present in water or other liquids. days. to
Oxygen enters the water by direct absorption from the complete.
VALUE Lower than COD Higher than
atmosphere, by rapid movement, or as a waste product
of plant photosynthesis. Coral Reef BOD
 Water temperature and the volume of moving water can  These are submarine morphological creatures with
affect dissolved oxygen levels. Oxygen dissolves easier in organic calcium’s structure.
cooler water than warmer water.  These are very beautiful, natural, wonder and among
Presence of organic and inorganic wastes in water world’s oldest, most diverse and most productive
decreases the dissolved oxygen content of the water. ecosystem.
Water having DO content below 8.0 mg/L may be  In terms of biodiversity, they are the marine
considered as contaminated. equivalents of tropical rainforest.
Water having DO content below. 4.0 mg/L is considered
Mutualistic Relationship:
to be highly polluted.
 They represent mutualistic relationship between
coral animals and blue green algae called
Biological Oxygen Demand and Chemical Oxygen
zooxanthellae.
Demand
 Corals obtain part of their livelihood from seawater 1. Fringing Reef: A reef grows out from the land and is
and the remainder comes from the algae that live on connected to it.
the corals tissue. 2. Barrier Reef: A reef which is separated from land by a
 The coral provides the algae with a protected lagoon (part of sea which is cut off from rest of sea)
environment and compounds they need for 3. Atoll Reef: Formed away from coast in deep waters.
photosynthesis. In return, the algae produce oxygen Generally elliptical or circular in shape as it uses top of
and help the coral to remove wastes. Most sea mountains to grow. Encloses a lagoon in the
importantly, zooxanthellae supply the coral with centre.
glucose, glycerol, and amino acids, which are the 4. Patch Reef: Patch Reefs are isolated outcroppings
products of photosynthesis. Corals live in huge (Patches) of coral that are in close proximity to each
colonies and their body is attached to one another. other but are physically separated by sand rings. They
 When corals die, the other corals grow on the dead are typically found in shallow lagoons within a larger
calcareous debris. collective reef, or atoll.
 The coral reefs form along coast, islands or sea
Coral Bleaching:
mountains, winds provide the foundation.
 Natural disturbances which cause damage to coral
 Corals growth depends upon the calcium carbonate
reefs include violent storms, flooding, high and low
obtained from the sea. temperature extremes, El Nino Southern Oscillation
Ideal Conditions for their Growth: (ENSO) events, sub aerial exposures, predatory
 Temperature: 25°C to 30°C limited to tropical belt, outbreaks and epizootics.
less than 18°C or 33°C - Corals tend to die  Coral reef bleaching is a common stress response of
 Salinity: Corals need saline water. Average salinity 27 - corals to disturbances mentioned above.
40 PPM (parts per million)  Bleaching occurs when,
 Need shallow water, less than 60-65 metres  The densities of zooxanthellae decline and/or the
 Need submarine platforms concentration of photosynthetic pigments within the
 Need Sediment free, clear water. zooxanthellae fall.
 Water which is disturbed by currents and waves is  If the stress-causing bleaching is not too severe and if
beneficial and it ensures supply of oxygen. it decreases in time, the affected corals usually regain
their symbiotic algae within several weeks or a few
Benefits of Corals to Mankind:
months.
 Coral reef provides sites for diverse variety of plants
 If zooxanthellae loss is prolonged, i.e. if the stress
and animals.
continues and depleted zooxanthellae populations do
 It is Storehouse of living resources like fish. Reef fish
not recover, the coral host eventually dies.
accounts for about 15% of the worldwide fish catch
 They are a source of tourism revenue
Causes of coral Bleaching:
 Coral reefs help moderate atmospheric temperature
 Increase in Ocean temperature due to climate change
by removing CO2 from atmosphere
is causing coral bleach.
 Coral reefs protect coastlines from wave erosion.  Runoff water and Polluted water can dilute ocean
Types of Reefs: water and bleach near shore corals.
 Overexposure to Sunlight and irradiance can bleach
shallow corals
 Extreme Low tides causes corals get exposed to air
and bleach.
Coral Reef Distribution in the world and India  Need abundant sunlight, has the ability to absorb
fresh water from saline water source.
 Pneumatophores (Blind Roots): They have special
roots like Prop root, pneuma-tophores, stilt roots
which help to impede water flow and stabilises the
coastal shores.
 They act as breeding ground for fish.
 Moderates monsoonal tidal floods and reduces
inundation of coastal lowlands. Prevent coastal soil
erosion.
 Protects coastal land from Tsunami, hurricane, floods
etc.
 Enhances natural recycling of nutrients.
 Supports numerous flora, fauna, and avifauna. Edge
effect can be seen here.
 Supplies raw materials - wood, medicinal plants,
edible plants
 Recreation and tourist attractions.
Threat from Human Interference:

 Approximately 35% of the mangrove area was lost
during the last several decades of the 20th century.
 The UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) &
Hamilton (2013), estimate that shrimp farming causes
approximately a quarter of the destruction of
mangrove forests.
Mangroves  Likewise, the 2010 update of the WMA (World
Mangrove Atlas) indicated a fifth of the world’s
● Mangroves are various large extensive types of trees
mangrove ecosystems have been lost since 1980.
up to medium height and shrubs that grow in saline
 They are also destroyed for conversion of area for
coastal sediment habitats in the tropics and
agricultural purposes, fuel fodder, mining, oil spills,
subtropics - mainly between latitudes 25 N and 25 S.
aquaculture (shrimp), use of fertiliser industrial
● Mangroves are salt tolerant trees (halophytes)
purposes.
adapted to live in harsh coastal conditions. They
 Fig: Mangrove growing areas in India and around the
contain a complex salt filtration system and complex
world
root system to cope with salt water immersion and
wave action. They are adapted to the low oxygen
(anoxic) conditions of waterlogged mud.
Characteristics of Mangroves:
 Evergreen land plants growing on sheltered shores
(deltas, estuaries, bays, creek, and barrier islands)
 Physiological adaptation to salinity stress and to
waterlogged anaerobic mud.
Wetland Ecosystem Functions of Wetlands:

Wetland ● Habitat - for a variety of flora and fauna
● Filters sediments and nutrients from
Is a land area that is saturated with water, either surface water
permanently or seasonally, such that it takes on the ● Nutrient recycling
characteristics of a distinct ecosystem. ● Water purification
Functions of ● Flood mitigation
wetlands ● Ground water recharging
Ramsar Convention Definition: ● Controlling rate of runoff in urban areas
▪ Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland, or water ● Buffer shoreline against erosion
whether natural or artificial, permanent, or temporary, ● Stabilisation of local climate
● Tourism, recreation and cultural
with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or heritage.
salt, including areas of marine water the depth of ● Conversion of lands for agriculture
which at low tide does not exceed six metres. ● Overgrazing
● Removal of sand from beds
▪ It’s an intermediate stage between deep water
● Aquaculture
habitats and terrestrial habitats. Reasons for ● Habitat destruction and deforestation
▪ Habitat experience periodic flooding from adjacent depletion ● Pollution
deep-water habitat and plants and animals are ● Domestic waste
● Agricultural runoff
adapted to shallow flooding. ● Industrial effluents
▪ For Ex: Lake littorals, floodplains, marshy, swampy ● Climate change
areas, bogs, fens, mangroves. ● Proper survey and demarcation
● Protection process of natural
regeneration
● Artificial regeneration
Mitigation ● Afforestation
measures ● Weed control
● Wildlife conservation
● Removal of encroachments
● Eutrophication abatements
● Environmental awareness
RAMSAR CONVENTION ON WETLANDS

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International
Importance especially as Waterfowl Habitat is an
Characteristics of Wetland: international treaty for the conservation and sustainable
 Covered by water or has waterlogged soil for at least use of wetlands.
7 days during the growing season. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the
 Adapted plant life (Hydrophytes). Convention was signed in 1971.
 Hydric soils (Not enough oxygen for some plant). Ramsar philosophy is the “wise use” of wetlands.
Wetland Classification: There are over 2,300 Ramsar Sites on the territories of
Inland Wetland Coastal Wetland 170 Ramsar Contracting Parties across the world.
Lakes/Ponds Estuaries At the time of joining the Convention, each Contracting
Oxbow Lakes Lagoons Party undertakes to designate at least one wetland site
Waterlogged areas Creeks for inclusion in the List of Wetlands of International
Seasonal wetlands Backwaters Importance.
Swamps/Marshes Bays
India is party to this convention. There are 37 Ramsar
sites in India.
RAMSAR SITES IN INDIA – Refer APPENDIX 1

2.Biodiversity
Terrestrial Ecosystem  The term ‘biodiversity’ refers to ‘the variety and
Sl Forest variability among living organisms and the ecological
Distribution Climate Species
No. Type complexes in which they occur.’
 It can be defined as ‘the totality of genes, species and
Tropical Western Slope
of Western ecosystems of a region’.
Rosewood,
Ghat hills of >200cm
1 Evergre Mahogani, Aini,
North East, s
en Andaman and
Ebony
Forest Nicobar Islands.
Western Slope Less

Semi of Western
Rainier
Ever Ghat hills of White-cedar,
2 parts of
green North East, Hollocks, Kail
Andaman and
the
Forest
Nicobar Islands. same
Foot hills of
Teak, Sal,
Moist Himalayas,
Shisham, Hurra,
Decidu Eastern slopes 100-
3 Mau, Amla, Seoul,
ous of Western 200cms
Kusum, Sandal
Forest Ghats and
Odisha wood
Teak in higher
rainfall regions,
Dry Rainier regions
and Tendu, Palas,
Decidu of Peninsula, 70-
4 Amaltas, Bel,
ous Plains of UP and 100cms
Forest Bihar
Khair, Axlewood Measurement of Biodiversity
in lower rainfall Species Richness Species Evenness
regions
It is the measure of relative
It represents the number of
abundance of different
Semi-arid
different species in a given
species in the area
regions of South habitat or region
Babool, Ber, Low evenness indicates that a
West Punjab, Low richness indicates
Wild date palms, few species dominate the site
Tropical Haryana,
Khair, Neem,
5 Thorn Rajasthan, <50cms
Khejri, Palas, Indices Used by Ecologists to Measure Diversity
Forest Gujarat,
Madhya Tussocky (Grass Refers to the diversity of organisms sharing the
Pradesh, >2m) Alpha same community or habitat. A combination of
Uttar Pradesh Diversity species richness and evenness is used to represent
diversity within a community or habitat
Reservoirs of Indicates diversity between communities. Species
Deccan Plateau, frequently change when habitat or community
lagoons of changes. There are differences in species
Beta
South West composition of communities along environmental
Littoral Diversity
Coast, Saline gradients like latitudinal gradients, moisture
& Mangroves,
6 expanses of gradients thereby increasing dissimilarity between
Swamp Variety of Birds communities.
Rajasthan,
Forest Gujarat, Kutch, Gamma Refers to the diversity of the habitats over the total
freshwater lakes Diversity landscape or geographical area.
and reservoirs
of Gujarat etc.
Gradients of Biodiversity: services are:

 Biodiversity is not uniform on earth. It varies with (i) Maintenance of gaseous composition of theatmosphere
(ii) Climate control by forests and oceanic systems
change in latitude or altitude. Biodiversity increases, (iii) Natural pest control
when we move from high to low altitude (i.e. from (iv) Formation and protection of soil
(vi) Nutrient cycling etc
poles to the equator).
 Biodiversity in tropics is higher compared to
Threats to Biodiversity
temperature region which has severe climate. 1. Destruction of Habitats: a primary threat to biodiversity.
Fig: Decrease in number of ant species along the In many parts of the world, natural habitats, which protect
natural flora and fauna are being converted to human
latitudinal gradient (from low to high altitude).
settlements, crop-lands, dams, and mining sites.
 Similarly, the species diversity decreases from lower 2. Habitat Fragmentation: the process where a large,
to higher altitude on a mountain. continuous area of habitat is divided into two or more
fragments. It limits the dispersal and colonisation potential
of species and also reduces the foraging abilities of
animals.
3. Disturbance and Pollution: Natural as well as man-made
disturbances such as fire, tree fall, defoliation, release of
radiation, oil spill in water bodies, eutrophication/nutrient
enrichments etc affect communities adversely.
Environment pollution also moves up the food chain and
further affects the rest of the species in the food web.
4. Introduction of exotic species: Introduction of exotic/alien
species may cause significant loss to the biological
communities. These species, if successful in the new area,
Benefits and Threats to Biodiversity: may kill or eat native species to the point of extinction, or
may alter the habitat that many natives are no longer able
Benefits of Biodiversity to persist.
1. Source of food and Improved Varieties:
Human food is entirely obtained from living world. We have
several thousand species of edible plants, but only less than 20
Biodiversity Conservation Strategies:
plant species are cultivated to produce about 85% of the
world’s food. The rest 15% of world's food is produced by
animals.
Improved varieties of crop plants and domestic animals are
the backbone of modern agriculture, and wild relatives of crop
plants and useful animals are essential for regular production
of high yielding and disease resistant varieties.
1. Drugs and Medicines:
Biodiversity has many medicinal uses. A number of substances
with therapeutic properties are obtained from plants. For
example, Morphine, used as an analgesic is obtained from In-situ
Chinchonaledgeriana tree.
It refers to the conservation of biological diversity in their
3. Aesthetic and cultural benefits:
Biodiversity provides a good deal of fun and recreation. natural habitats through protection of total ecosystem.
Ecotourism, bird watching, wildlife, gardening etc are
some examples of aesthetics rewards of biodiversity. Protected Areas:
Biodiversity is also related to our cultural and religious ● These areas of land and/or sea especially dedicated to
beliefs. Plants and animals are considered to be symbols the protection and maintenance of biological diversity,
of aesthetic rewards of our cultural heritage. For example, and of natural and associated cultural resources. The
Ocuimus sanctum (Tulsi) is considered sacred and
worshiped by many people in India. protected areas are managed through legal or other
4. Ecosystem Services effective means.
Biodiversity is essential to keep natural cycles going and
making the ecosystem a self sustaining unit. Some of the
National Parks: There are 18 biosphere reserves in India of which 11 are

 An area which is strictly reserved for the welfare of part of the UNESCO MAB program.
wildlife and where activities such as forestry, grazing Refer APPENDIX 4
or cultivation are not allowed.
Core or Natural Zone:
 Private ownership right and habitat manipulation are
not permitted in a national park. It comprises an undisturbed and legally protected
Refer APPENDIX 2 ecosystem.
Wild Life Sanctuaries: Buffer Zone:
 An area which is reserved for the conservation of It surrounds the core area, and is managed to
animals only. accommodate a greater varieties of resource use
 Operations such as harvesting of timber, collection of strategies, and research and educational activities.
minor forest products and private ownership rights
Transitional Zone:
are allowed provided they do none affect the animals
It is the outermost part of the Biosphere reserve. It serves
adversely.
as an area of active cooperation between reserve
 There are around 500 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India
management and the local people, wherein activities like
Refer APPENDIX 3
settlements, cropping, forests and recreation and other
economic uses continue in harmony with conservation
goals.
Fig: The zonation in a terrestrial Biosphere Reserve
Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves: Sacred Forests or Lakes:

Conservation Reserves: There has been traditional practice in India to maintain
Protected areas of India which typically act as buffer sacred forests and lakes to protect biodiversity. The
zones to or connector and migration corridors between sacred forests/lakes are protected by tribal communities
established national parks, wild life sanctuaries, and and local peoples due to religious sanctity accorded to
reserved and protected forests of India these forests.
First introduced in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Ex: Khecheopalrilake in Sikkim has been declared sacred
Act of 2002. by the people to save aquatic life from degradation.
There are 65 conservation reserves with J&K highest with Ex-situ:
34 conservation reserves. It refers to conservation of biodiversity at places away
Community Reserves: from their natural habitat. These include botanical
gardens, zoos, genetic resource centres, pollen grains,
Similar to Conservation reserves but area held by private
DNA banks etc.
individuals/groups
Seed Gene Banks/Germplasm Banks: Are the easiest way
Biosphere Reserves: to store germplasm of wild and cultivated plants in low
The Man and Biosphere (MAB) program of UNESCO temperature in cold rooms at ultra low temperature
formulated the concept of Biosphere Reserves in 1975, called cryopreservation.
which deals with the conservation of ecosystems and the Botanical garden
genetic resources contained therein.
Botanical garden refers to the scientifically planned IUCN Red List or Red Data List:
collection of living trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers and Criteria for Consideration as Endangered.
other plants from various parts of the globe. IUCN: Founded in 1964, is the world’s most
Zoo comprehensive inventory of the global conservation
Zoo is an establishment, whether stationary or mobile, status of biological species.
where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the Experts in the IUCN Species Survival Commission and
public and also aims to conserve endangered animals partner networks compile the species information in Red
through captive breeding programmes Data Book
Biodiversity hotspots: Colour Codes used by IUCN:

 A biodiversity hotspot is a bio-geographic region with Pink Pages: Critically endangered species
a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is under Green Pages: Formerly endangered, but recovered to a
threat from humans point where they are no longer threatened.
 Norman Myers wrote about the concept Criteria and categories
Criteria:
Critically
 Must contain at least 05% or 1500 species of vascular Criteria Endangered Vulnerable
Endangered
plants as endemics and 1. Population
90% in 10 70% in 10 50% in 10
reduction % in
 It has to have lost at least 70% of its primary years
years years years
vegetation. 2. Population size
Less than 50 Less than 250
Less than
(Numbers) 10,000
At world level: 3. Probability of
50% in 10 20% in 20 10% in 100
 There are 35 Biodiversity hotspots throughout the extinction in the
years years years
wild
world
4. Risk of
 These sites support nearly 60% of the world’s Extremely
extinction in the Very high High
high
plant, bird, mammal, reptiles and amphibian wild
species with a very high share of endemic species.

Refer APPENDIX 5
MEGADIVERSE COUNTRIES
 The term megadiverse country refers to any one
of a group of nations that harbor the majority of
Earth's species and high numbers of endemic
species.
 Conservation International identified 17
megadiverse countries in 1998.Many of them are
located in, or partially in, tropical or subtropical
regions.
 The main criterion for megadiverse countries is
endemism at the level of species, genera and
families.
 A megadiverse country must have at least 5,000
species of endemic plants and must border
marine ecosystems.
Refer APPENDIX 6
IUCN REDLIST INDEX Sl Birds - Critically

Distribution
No. Endangered
Nocturnal bird found only in the
 The Red List Index (RLI) was developed to show 1
The Jordan’s
northern part of state of Andhra
trends in overall extinction risk for species and Courser
Pradesh in peninsular India.
provide an indicator for governments to track South Madhya Pradesh, in northwest
The Forest
their progress in achieving targets that reduce 2 Maharashtra and north-central
Owlet
biodiversity loss. Maharashtra.
 Currently, the RLI is available for five taxonomic Bhutan and north-east India to the
The White-
3 hills of Bangladesh and north
groups only. Birds, mammals, amphibians, cycads bellied Heron
Myanmar.
and corals The Bengal Uttar Pradesh, Assam and Arunachal
 An RLI value of 1.0 equates to all species 4
Florican Pradesh
qualifying as Least Concern (i.e., not expected to The Himalayan
5 Western Himalayas
become Extinct in the near future). Quail
 An RLI value of 0 equates to all species having 6
Pink-headed
Mostly north-east India
gone Extinct. duck
Sociable Restricted to the north and north-
7
Lapwing west of the country.
Spoon Billed Been recorded in West Bengal,
8
Sandpiper Odisha, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
9 Siberian Crane Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan.
Plant Diversity of India

Insectivorous Plants of India
Insectivorous
Sl.
Plants of Miscellaneous information
No.
India
Drosera or Leaves secrete dew-like drops that trap
1
Sundew insects.
The two halves of the leaf bald close
2 Aldrovanda
trapping the insects.
Animal Diversity of India Leaves bear jar-like structures in which
3 Nepenthes
Sl. Mammals - Critically insects are trapped when they fall in.
Distribution Has bladders mouth with sensitive
No. Endangered
Is restricted to only a single bristles or hairs. When an insect
1 Pygmy Hog population in Manas Wildlife happens to contact these hairs the
Utricularia or
reserve. 4 door opens, carrying the insect into the
Bladderworts
Andaman White- bladder along with a little current of
Both of them found in the water and the door is shut when the
2 toothed Shrew, Jenkins
South Andaman Islands. water fills the bladder.
Andaman Spiny Shrew
Sinhagarh Plateau near Pune Sticky leaf. When insects land on the
3 Kondana Rat Pinguicula or
in Maharashtra. 5 leaf, the leaf margins roll up thus
Butterwort
trapping the insect.
The Large Rock Rat or Known only from Eastern
4
Elvira Rat Ghats of Tamil Nadu
Invasive Alien Species
The Namdapha Flying Namdapha National Park in
5 Sl.
Squirrel Arunachal Pradesh. Invasive Alien Species Nativity (needed?)
No.
6 Malabar Civet Western Ghats
1 Needle Bush Tropical South America
Extinct in India and only a
The Sumatran 2 Black Wattle South East Australia
7 small number survive in Java
Rhinoceros 3 Goat Weed Tropical America
and Vietnam.
AlternantheraParonychoi
In Kashmir valley and 4 Tropical America
des
8 Kashmir Stag/Hangul northern Chamber in
Himachal Pradesh. Tropical Central and South
5 Prickly Poppy
America
6 BlumeaEriantha Tropical America
7 Palmyra, Toddy Palm Tropical Africa biological characteristics of land, air or water that
Calotropis/Madar, harmfully affect human life or any desirable living
8 Tropical Africa
Swallow Wort
Datura, Mad Plant, Thorn thing.
9 Tropical America
Apple
10 Water Hyacinth Tropical America Types of Pollutants:
11 Impatiens, Balsam Tropical America According to how they persist in environment
12
Ipomoea/the pink
Tropical America
▪ Primary pollutants- persist in same form, Ex- DDT,
morning glory Plastic
Lantana Camara/
13 Tropical America ▪ Secondary Pollutants – by interaction among primary
Lantana, Wild Sage
14 Black Mimosa Tropical North America pollutants, Ex- Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) -> NO +
Touch-Me-Not/Sleeping Hydrocarbons
15 Brazil
Grass
16 4 ‘o’ clock plant Peru
Parthenium/Congress According to nature of Disposal
17 Tropical North America
grass ▪ Biodegradable- degraded by microbial action Ex-
ProsopisJuliflora/Mesqui Sewage
18 te Mexico
19 Townsend Grass Tropical West Asia ▪ Non biodegradable – not decomposed by microbial
action Ex- Plastic, Glass, DDT
Medicinal Plants:
Other types:
Sl
Medicinal Plants Uses
▪ Natural and Biodegradable
No.
▪ Quantitative and qualitative pollutants
Beddomes Cycad / Cure for rheumatoid rarities,
1
Perita / Kondaitha muscle pains.
Botanical orchids with
Blue Vanda / Autumn property of producing inter
2
Ladies Tresses Orchid specific and intergeneric
hybrids
Kuth / Kustha /
3 Pooshkarmoola / Anti-inflammatory drug
Uplet
Treat anxiety / insomnia,
4 Ladies Slipper Orchid
muscular pain
5 Red Vanda
Has demand among orchid Air Pollution:
fanciers
Treat various central nervous ● Air composition- N>O>Ar>CO2>other gases
6 Sarpagandha
system disorders ● Causes- emission from industries, thermal power
7 Ceropegia species As ornamental plants plants, domestic combustion etc
Modi / Indian
8
Podophyllum
As a source of medicinal resin ● Common Air pollutants
Food source especially starch
9 Tree Ferns
in pith Pollutant-
10 Cycads Lytico-Bodig disease Description/Source/Effects
Gases
11 Elephant’s Foot To produce steroid products ● Released by coal combustion
● High concentration of SO2 cause
3.Environmental Pollution Sulphur
internal and blood damage, necrosis of
leaves and cellular collapse
Oxides,
● Environmental pollution is defined as unfavourable ● Low concentration suppresses the
Hydrogen
alteration of our surroundings, wholly as a by vegetation as well as reproductive
Sulphide
growth and yield
product of man’s activities through direct or indirect ● Paralyzes or destroys bronchial cilia in
efforts of changes in the physical, chemical and air passages of man, lowers resistance
to pneumonia and influenza smoke ● Lung cancer, pulmonary and coronary

● Cause bronchitis, emphysema heart diseases
● H2S – mottling, defoliation and reduce ● Generated similar like gaseous fluorides
growth, but less phyto-toxic
● Released by active volcanoes Fluoride ● Tip burn in plants
● Emitted from aluminium, steel and ● Calcification of bones and teeth called
electrochemical reduction plants and fluorosis
Hydrogen superphospate fertilizer industries + ● Chief sources of Tetraethyl lead which is
Fluoride coal burning anti knock additive in fuel
Lead
● Fluoride burns tip of leaves, impairs ● Chronic exposure leads to stippled red
plant growth, excessive dropping of cells, circulatory and nervous disorders
bloom and young fruits, seedless fruits Cement kiln ● Higher pubescence of leaves, formation
● Anaerobic breakdown of nitrogenous and other of more stomata
compounds by bacteria, forest fire, dust ● Increase in number of infertile seeds
lightning and nitrogenous fertilizers Sodium ● From de icing
Nitrogen ● Causes bifacial necrosis- collapse of chloride ● Cause lead necrosis defoliation
oxides leaves and fruits, enhancement of Agriculture
green colour followed by chlorosis ● NOx and SOx cause acid rain
chemicals
● In humans it causes pulmonary edema
and haemorrhage Index for Measurement Air Pollution:
● From accidental spills from chemical ● Comprise 12 pollutants, out of which,
manufacturing plants three pollutants namely PM10, SO2 and
● Combustion of coal paper,plastic and NO2 are monitored at 612 locations in
Hydrogen
chlorinated hydrocarbons 254 cities /towns by Central Pollution
Chloride
● Causes abaxial glazing of leaves caused Control Board (CPCB) in association with
by collapse and plasmolysis of various State Pollution Control Boards
epidermal cells National (SPCBs) and Pollution Control
● From organic matter seepage from Ambient Air Committees (PCCs) for UTs.
natural gas and oil fields Quality ● 12 Pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2,
Hydrocarbon
● Ethylene causes yellowing and occasion Standards CO, O3, NH3, and Pb, C6H 6(Benzene),
s
necrosis, chlorosis of floral buds, (NAAQS) Benzo(a) Pyrene (BaP), Arsenic (As),
inhibition of terminal growth Nickel(Ni)
● From refrigerator, pre-cooler systems of ● It was used to decimate information
cold storages, ammonia fertilizers regarding air quality according to Air
● Cause bleaching of leaves, rusty spot on pollution Act
Ammonia
leaves, reduction of root and shoot ● In 2014 Environment ministry gave a
growth, reduce rate of seed new NAQI
germination ● One Number- One Colour-One
● From automobile engines and defective Description
furnaces ● Technical study was awarded to IIT
Carbon ● Causes headache, dizziness, inability to Kanpur. IIT Kanpur and the Expert Group
monoxide distinguish time intervals recommended an AQI scheme.
● Firms carboxyhemoglobin reducing ● six AQI categories, namely Good,
oxygen carrying capacity The Satisfactory, Moderately polluted, Poor,
● Secondary pollutants formed from National Air Very Poor, and Severe
primary pollutants Quality ● Eight pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, NO2, SO2,
● Major oxidants- ozone , peroxyacetyl Index’ (AQI) CO, O3, NH3, and Pb) for which short-
nitrate PAN term (up to 24-hourly averaging period)
Photochemic
● Causes premature senescence in plants, National Ambient Air Quality Standards
al oxidant
reduced growth, depression of are prescribed.
marketable yields ● Sub-index is calculated for each of these
● Coughing, headache, altered breathing, pollutants. The worst sub-index reflects
dry throat disorientation overall AQI.
Tobacco ● Smoking cigarettes and bidis
The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1981 next higher trophic level. This
• The main objectives of this Act are to improve the quality phenomenon is well known for mercury
of air and to prevent, control and abate air pollution in the and DDT.
country. ● Sewage water treatment (STP) before
• Under the Air Act, all industries operating within releasing into water bodies
designated air pollution control areas must obtain a ● Checking toxic wastes released by
“consent” (permit) from the State Boards. industries
Remedies
• The states are required to prescribe emission standards for ● Controlling plastic waste dumped into
industry and automobiles after consulting the central board marine water bodies
and noting its ambient air quality standards ● Decentralised water conservation and
purification
Water Pollution:
● Surface- oceans, lakes, and rivers List of Diseases associated with Water Pollution:
● Ground- Water stored underground in Disease Associated Pollutant and Description
aquifers Black Foot Due to Arsenic Leaching from soil and
● Point source - If pollution comes from a Disease rocks into drinking water
single location, such as a discharge pipe
Asbestosis(No Chronic lung disease due to
attached to a factory. Eg: Toxic water cure) AsbestosPollution
from a industry
Excess of nitrates reacts with haemoglobin
● Non point source - water pollution Blue Baby
Types and makes methaemoglobin which impairs
happens not from one single source but Syndrome
oxygen transport
from many different scattered sources.
Iodine 131, Iodine 131 from nuclear sites contaminate
Eg: sewage release from many villages
thyroid vegetation and passed on to human and
into river
damage damage thyroid glands
● Trans-boundary - pollution that enters
ItaiItai – Ouch Cadmium pollution causing lung and liver
the environment in one place has an
Ouch disease cancer associated with pain
effect hundreds or even thousands of
Lead contamination can cause anaemia,
miles away. Eg: great garbage patch, oil
spills Lead Anaemia loss of muscle power and bluish lines
around gums
How to 1. Chemical indicators – by checking for
Crippling effect due to contamination of
measure is toxic chemicals in the water Minamata
methyl mercury
water is 2. Biological indicators – by looking at the
polluted biological diversity in the water Pneumoconios
Occupational lung disease due to
is/ Black Lung
● Sewage, excess nutrients, Wastewater inhalation due to coal dust
Disease
from industries, Chemical waste,
Causes Lung disease due to inhalation of silica
Radioactive waste, Oil pollution, Plastics, Silicosis
Invasive species from sand blasting sites
● Eutrophication is the natural aging of a Fluoride contamination causing teeth
Skeletal
lake by nutrient enrichment of its water. deformity, hardening of bones and joint
Fluorosis
pains
In a young lake the water is cold and
clear, supporting little life. With time, Yokkaichi Due to sulphur oxide contamination from
streams draining into the lake introduce asthma crude Oil
nutrients such as nitrogen and
phosphorus, which encourage the growth The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974
Effects of of aquatic organisms. As the lake’s and Amendment, 1988
water fertility increases, plant and animal life • The main objective of this act is to provide prevention and
pollution burgeons, and organic remains begin to control of water pollution and maintaining or restoring of
be deposited on the lake bottom
wholesomeness and purity of water (in the streams or wells
● Bio-magnification refers to increase in
or on land).
concentration of the toxicant at
successive trophic levels. This happens • The Act vests regulatory authority in State Pollution Control
because a toxic substance accumulated Boards and empowers these Boards to establish and enforce
by an organism cannot be metabolised or effluent standards for factories discharging pollutants into
excreted, and is thus passed on to the water bodies.
• A Central Pollution Control Board performs the same ● Nuclear accidents from nuclear plants
functions for Union Territories and formulates policies and ● Nuclear Bombs (Weapons of Mass
coordinates activities of different State Boards. Causes Destruction)
● Use of radioisotopes in medicine and other
• The State Pollution Control Boards control sewage and
applications
industrial effluent discharges by approving, rejecting or ● Spillage of radioactive materials in ocean
impose conditions while granting consent to discharge. ● Radiation tests
● Cosmic rays
● Genetic Mutation- change of genetic
Soil Pollution:
material in the future generations
● Soil is a thin layer of organic and inorganic materials ● Diseases like Cancers, leukemia occur due
Effects
that covers the earth’s rocky surface to radiation
● Soil pollutant is any factor which deteriorates the ● Soil pollution – which may cause
biomagnifications
quality, texture and mineral content of the soil or
● Cell destruction
which disturbs the biological balance of the organisms ● Burns
in the soil ● Proper method of disposal of radioactive
waste as per international guidelines
● Indiscriminate use of fertilizers, pesticides, ● Labelling of hazardous radioactive materials
Remedies/ and proper usage instructions
insecticides and herbicides
Measures ● Banning Nuclear arms tests
causes ● Pollution due to urbanisation
● Dumping large quantities of solid waste ● Shifting to alternative to nuclear energy
● Deforestation and soil erosion ● Proper storage of nuclear waste using
containers which can absorb the radiation
● Agriculture
Reduced soil fertility, nitrogen fixation, crop ● Reusing the nuclear material and reduce
o
yield. the nuclear waste generated
Effects of
o Increased salinity and erosion.
Soil E Waste:
● Health
Pollution
o Bio-magnification ● The discarded and end of life electronic products
o Leaching and water pollution. ranging from computers, equipment used in ICT ,
● Environment- Ecological imbalance and
reduced vegetation home appliances, audio and video products and all of
● Reducing overuse of pesticide and their peripherals are popularly known as Electronic
fertilizers – instead use bio pesticide and waste(e waste).
Remedie
bio fertilizer and Organic farming ● Not hazardous if stored using scientific methods; it is
s
● Four R’s – Refuse, Reuse, Recycle, Reduce
● Solid waste treatment hazardous if recycled in primitive methods.
Pollutant Description
Radio Active Pollution: Source: used in glass panels and soldered
electronic circuits.
● Radioactivity is a phenomenon of spontaneous Lead
Causes damage to central and peripheral
emission of proton (alpha particles), electrons (beta nervous system and kidneys.
particles), and gamma rays (short wave EM waves) From SMD chip resistors, infrared detectors
and CRT.
due to disintegration of atomic nuclei of some Cadmium
Causes accumulation in body especially
elements. kidneys.
● Radioactive pollution occurs when there is presence From thermostats ,sensors, relays , switches,
or depositions of radioactive materials in the Mercury flat display panels
Damage organs including brain and kidneys
atmosphere or environment, especially where their
From corrosion protector in galvanised steel
presence is accidental and when it presents plates, Dioxin is released when PVC plastic is
an environmental threat due to radioactive decay. Chromium burnt.
Cause damage to DNA and dangerous to
environment.
Brominate From plastic housing of electronic equipment degraded. The goal is to stimulate
d Flame to prevent flames indigenous bio-degradative microorganisms
Retardants Cause neural disorders and facilitate their aerobic degradation of
Soft silvery white metal used to protect users contaminants.
Barium from radiation from display ● Bio-piles: it is a hybrid of land farming and
Causes brain swelling, muscle weakness. composting. Essentially, engineered cells are
Found in motherboards and finger clips, constructed as aerated composted piles.
copper-beryllium alloy to strengthen Typically used for treatment of surface
Beryllium
connectors. contamination with petroleum
Cause lung cancer, skin disease. hydrocarbons.
● Bioreactors: it involves the processing of
Bioremediation: contaminated solid material (soil, sediment,
● Bioremediation is the use of microorganisms sludge) or water through an engineered
(bacteria and fungi) to degrade the containment system.
environmental contaminants into less toxic ● Composting: Composting is nature’s process
forms. of recycling decomposed organic materials
into a rich soil known as compost.
● The process of bioremediation can be
monitored indirectly by measuring ● Useful for the complete destruction of a
About Advanta
the Oxidation Reduction Potential or wide variety of contaminants.
ges of
redox in soil and groundwater, together ● The complete destruction of target
bioreme
with pH, temperature, oxygen content, pollutants is possible.
diation
electron acceptor/donor concentrations, ● Less expensive.
and concentration of breakdown products ● Environment friendly.
(e.g. carbon dioxide) ● Bioremediation is limited to those
● In situ — It involves treatment of the compounds that are biodegradable. Not all
contaminated material at the site. Disadva compounds are susceptible to rapid and
● Bioventing: supply of air and nutrients ntages complete degradation.
through wells to contaminated soil to of ● Biological processes are often highly specific.
stimulate the growth of indigenous bacteria. bioreme ● It is difficult to extrapolate from bench and
It is used for simple hydrocarbons and can diation. pilot-scale studies to full-scale field
be used where the contamination is deep operations.
under the surface. ● Bioremediation often takes longer time than
● Biosparging: Injection of air under pressure other treatment process.
below the water table to increase
In situ groundwater oxygen concentrations and Plastic Pollution:
bioreme enhance the rate of biological degradation ● The plastics waste constitutes two major categories of
diation of contaminants by naturally occurring
plastics – Thermoplastics and Thermoset plastics.
bacteria
● Bioaugmentation: Microorganisms are ● Thermoplastics constitute 80% and Thermoset
imported to a contaminated site to enhance constitutes approximately 20% of total post-
degradation process. consumer plastics waste generated in India.
Using bioremediation techniques, TERI has
● The Thermoplastics are recyclable plastics which
developed a mixture of bacteria called
‘Oilzapper and Oilivorous-S’ which degrades include; Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Low-
the pollutants of oil-contaminated sites, Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Poly Vinyl Chloride (PVC),
leaving behind no harmful residues. This High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Polypropylene(PP),
technique is not only environment friendly,
but also highly cost-effective. Polystyrene (PS) etc.
● Ex situ — involves the removal of the ● The Thermoset plastics contains alkyd, epoxy, ester,
Ex. situ contaminated material to be treated melamine formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde,
bioreme elsewhere. silicon, urea formaldehyde, polyurethane, metalized
diation ● Land farming: contaminated soil is
excavated and spread over a prepared bed
and multilayer plastics etc.
and periodically tilled until pollutants are
Change in Plastic Waste Management Rules: • Ozone is a powerful oxidant (far more so than
● The Union ministry of environment, forest and climate dioxygen) and has many industrial and consumer
change amended the Plastic Waste Management applications related to oxidation.
Rules (2016) • However, this nature makes ozone a potent
● According to the amendment, manufacturers, respiratory hazard and pollutant near ground
suppliers, and sellers of plastic (and plastic products) level (i.e low concentrations)
across the nation will now be required to phase out, • It also leads to significant reduction in
over a period of two years, all such products which agricultural yields
have no alternative use or are non-recyclable and
non-energy recoverable
Ozone Layer in statosphere
● This move was preceded by a state-wide ban in
 Way up high in the Earth's atmosphere, called the
Maharashtra on the manufacture, usage, sale
stratosphere, there is a fairly high concentration of
(wholesale and retail), distribution, storage and
ozone molecules that are formed when the sun hits
import of plastic bags and all disposable products
oxygen molecules. This part of the atmosphere is
made out of plastic
called the ozone layer.
Fig: Ozone is formed in the atmosphere from oxygen
4.Environmental Issues
molecules.
Ozone Hole
 Ozone is a gas made up of molecules that are formed
by three oxygen atoms. Its molecule formula is O3.
Ozone is formed when the sunlight hits oxygen
molecules (O2) and breaks them up into individual
atoms. These individual atoms then join up with
O2 molecules and make O3, or ozone.
 It is present in stratosphere mainly, and in the

troposphere as well.
Ozone in troposphere Importance of Ozone Layer:

Ozone molecules in the atmosphere provide us with
• Tropospheric ozone is only about 10% of the total
important protection from the rays of the sun.
amount of ozone contained in a vertical column in
Specifically, these molecules are good at absorbing
the atmosphere.
certain ultraviolet rays that can cause sunburn and
• Ozone acts as a greenhouse gas, absorbing some
skin cancer.
of the infrared energy emitted by the earth.
• tropospheric ozone is a short-lived greenhouse
OZONE HOLE
gas,
• The ozone hole is not technically a “hole” where
• Low level ozone (or tropospheric ozone) is an
no ozone is present, but is actually a region of
atmospheric pollutant
exceptionally depleted ozone in the stratosphere
• formed by the reaction of sunlight on air
over the Antarctic region
containing hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides
• It happens at the beginning of Southern
Hemisphere spring (August–October).
• 220 Dobson Units is the boundary of the region  Polar Stratospheric Clouds present at around 12-22km
representing ozone loss. above the earth surface contain water, nitric acid
Ozone-depleting Substances (ODSs) and/or sulphuric acid.
• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC): The use of CFC’s is  They are formed mainly during the event of polar
one of the main reasons for the depletion of the vortex in winter, more intense at south-pole due to its
layer. They are usually used as a coolant in lower temperature compared to the arctic.
refrigerators and air conditioners used in cars etc.  The Cl-catalyzed ozone depletion is dramatically
It is also used as an industrial solvent, foam enhanced in the presence of polar stratospheric
products and as hospital sterilization equipment. clouds (PSC)
• Methyl chloroform: Finds its applications usually  Photo-dissociation of ozone-depleting substances
in industries for chemical processing etc. creates free chlorine atoms that destroys ozone by
• Carbon tetrachloride: Normally used as a solvent. dissociating ozone into chlorine oxide and oxygen
• Bromine-containing halons and methyl bromide molecule.
• HCFCs  Ozone is measured using SI unit called Dobson Unit.
Fig: A hole in the ozone over the Antarctic Fig: Ozone Layer depletion
Effects on Health:
 Increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer, due to UV
exposure.
 Strong ultraviolet rays can also damage your eyes.
Facts About the Ozone Layer:

 The word "ozone" means smelly in Greek because the
gas has a strong odour. EFFORTS FOR OZONE PROTECTION
 CFC molecules are highly stable and can last for up to VIENNA CONVENTION
100 years. Unfortunately, this gives them plenty of • In 1985 Vienna
time to find their way to the ozone layer. Convention for the
 One chlorine molecule from a CFC can destroy up to Protection of the
100,000 ozone molecules. Ozone Layer was
 Ultraviolet rays can also have bad effects on nature. convened
They can kill plankton, which is a major source of • It an international
food in the ocean's food chain. agreement in which
 The ozone layer over Antarctica is very thin. It is United Nations
sometimes called the "hole" in the ozone layer. members recognized
the fundamental
Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSC) and Ozone Depletion: importance of preventing damage to the
stratospheric ozone layer.
Montreal Protocol ▪ Generally polar vortex slips south when the jet stream
The Montreal Protocol is a most effective international weakens and the temperature difference between
environmental treaty to phase out the Ozone the warm and cold air fronts decrease.
Depleting Substances (ODSs) from the atmosphere. Fig: Polar Vortex
• The Protocol was signed by 197 parties in 1987 to
control the use of ozone-depleting substances,
mainly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
• came into force in 1989
• Montreal Protocol deals with the development of
replacement of substances, firstly
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and then
HFCs, in a number of industrial sectors.
• It has successfully curbed the 98% production
Ocean Acidification
of chlorofluorocarbons and other ODSs and
significantly contributed to the repair of the  It is the changes in the chemical makeup of all the
ozone hole. waters in the oceans, as well as its temperature,
Kigali agreement resulting from excess carbon dioxide in the
• Kigali agreement is an amendment to Montreal atmosphere. The changes involve the lowering of the
Protocol. pH of the water.
• As per the agreement, the countries are expected  Ph factor: Measures the acidity or basicity levels in
to reduce the manufacture and use liquids.
of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by roughly 80- ▪ pH of water is the measure of how acidic or basic
85% from their respective baselines, till 2045. water is. The scale is from 0 to 14, and 7 is the neutral
• This phase down is expected to arrest the global point (pure water). If the pH is closer to 0, that water
average temperature rise up to 0.5o C by 2100. is more acidic. If it is closer to 14, the more basic it is.
Polar Vortex ▪ “During the last 20 years, it has been established that
the pH of the world’s oceans is decreasing as a result
 Polar vortex is an area of low-pressure Arctic air
of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions to the
normally cantered around north-pole.
atmosphere.”
 It is held in place by a jet stream passing around 65
▪ Lower pH seas and oceans are known to cause major
degrees N, 25000-30000 feet above the ground that
problems for marine organisms and ecosystems.
divides the cold air from warm air, bending around
high- and low-pressure weather systems. Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide:
Then how did the polar vortex moved down recently The concentrations of atmospheric CO2 in the atmosphere
causing extended winters in USA? have increased a lot since the industrial revolution.
 A high pressure and low-pressure system from the
Humans are burning a lot more fossil fuels than ever
before. Fossil fuels are the main source of CO2. It is known
pushes the jet stream in a wavy manner leading to the
that the Amazon, together with other major forests
polar vortex much south than normal.
covers are large absorbers of CO2 from the atmosphere,
 This brought a portion of the vortex into North
but in fact, the Oceans, are the largest carbon sinks on
America and caused temperatures in Midwest and
the planet.
eastern United States to dive below zero. This event
was called Arctic Invasion. Reasons and effects for Ocean Acidification Increase in
Recent Times:
○ Ocean waters are constantly reacting with  Increasing acidity accentuates coral bleaching as
environmental gases. In particular, the oceans absorb corals are very sensitive to changes in water
up to half of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. composition.
They play a key role in the carbon cycle too, by acting How ocean Acidification Effects Calcifying Ability:
as a carbon sink (store).  Seawater absorbs CO2 to produce carbonic acid,
○ In this case, the upper level or layer of the ocean or bicarbonate and carbonate ions.
seawater (H2O) absorbs CO2, forming Carbonic acid.  The carbonate ions are essential to the calcification
○ Here is the chemical equation: process that allows certain marine organisms to build
H2O+CO2=H2CO3 their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons (e.g. hard
○ The result of this reaction increases Hydrogen ions in tropical corals)
the water, and reduces carbonate ions. The reaction  However, increase in atmospheric CO2 levels lead to
also leads to a reduction of the pH by about 0.1 units. decrease in pH level, increase in the concentration of
Remember that the lower the pH, the more acidic the carbonic acid and bicarbonate ions, causing a
water is. decrease in the concentration of carbonate ions.
Fig: Process of Ocean Acidification  Hence it is believed that acidification reduces
calcifying ability of organisms.
Forms of Calcium Carbonate:
 Calcite: less soluble and is the mineral form found in
the shells of planktonic algae, amoeboid protists and
some corals.
 Aragonite: more soluble form of Calcium carbonate
found on most corals and most molluscs and some
algae.
○ The IPCC forecasts that ocean pH will fall by "between
0.14 and 0.35 units over the 21st Century, adding to Saturation Horizons:
the present decrease of 0.1 units since pre-industrial  The saturation horizon is the level below which
times" calcium carbonate minerals undergo dissolution.
 Deep, cold ocean waters are naturally under
Water pH levels are not consistent across the globe.
saturated with carbonate ions causing the shells of
Some places such as the eastern Pacific have lower pH,
most calcifying organisms to dissolve.
whiles the Arctic Ocean area has a higher pH.
 Surface waters are oversaturated with carbonate ions
Effects of Ocean Acidification:
and do not readily dissolve shells of calcifying
 The uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide is occurring
organisms.
at a rate exceeding the natural buffering capacity of
 Those organisms that can survive below the
the oceans creating new problems in the form of
saturation horizon do so due to special mechanisms
ocean acidification.
to protect their calcium carbonate from dissolving.
 Increasing acidity depresses metabolic rates and
 As ocean acidification causes this horizon to rise
immune responses in some organisms.
vertically (upwelling) in the water column so more
 Other chemical reactions are triggered which result in
and more calcifying organisms will be exposed to
a net decrease in the amount of carbonate ions
under saturated water and thus vulnerable to
available. This makes it more difficult for marine
dissolution of their shells and skeletons.
calcifying organisms, such as coral (calcareous corals)
 lysocline is the depth in the ocean below which the
and some plankton (calcareous plankton), to form
rate of dissolution of calcite increases dramatically.
biogenic calcium carbonate.
Acid Rain Wet deposition of acids occurs when any form of

precipitation (rain, snow, etc) removes acids from the
 Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation atmosphere and delivers it to the Earth’s surface. This can
that is unusually acidic, meaning that it possesses result from the deposition of acids found in the raindrops.
elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH).
Dry Deposition:
 Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulphur dioxide
 Dry Weather: Acid chemicals incorporated into dust
and nitrogen oxide, which react with the water
or smoke and fall to ground through dry deposition -
molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids.
sticks to ground, buildings, vegetation etc.
 pH in general is less than 5.6
 Run Off: Later, through rainstorms, they run off into
Fig: Acid Rain
water bodies. These contribute half of the acid rain.
Characteristics of Acid rain:
 Concentrated in the developed countries, especially
industrialized countries of northern hemisphere.
 Mountain areas: heavy rain and snow areas with rich
forest and vegetation cover.
 Thin soils and glaciated bedrock.
 SOx, NOx, can be transported to faraway places, away
Sources: from their point of origin.
 Both human interferences and natural (nitrogen Difference Between naturally and anthropogenically
oxides can also be produced naturally by lightning acidified lakes
strikes and sulphur dioxide is produced by volcanic Naturally acidic lakes Anthropogenically acidified lakes
eruptions) Brown to yellow colour
Very clear water caused by
caused by humic
 Burning of coal, petroleum products, smelting of reduced primary productivity.
substances.
metal sulphide, fertilisers, sulphuric acid production Concentrations of
Dissolved organic carbon
etc. dissolved organic carbon
concentrations are low. Whereas
are high while
 Sulphur: volcanic eruptions, soil organic the transparency is high.
transparency is low.
decomposition Low pH but well buffered. Poorly buffered
 Nitrogen: lightning, biological activity, forest fires, oil, Some of the more sensitive taxa,
coal, vehicular exhaust. such as blue-green algae, some
bacteria, snails, mussels
 Formic acid: Burning of biomass, forest fires. Abound with aquatic life.
crustaceans, mayflies and fish
 Chlorine, Hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid,Carbon either decrease or / are
monoxide. eliminated.
Dry and Wet Deposition: 5.Climate Change

 Climate is the long-term average of a region’s
weather events.
 Climate change: Means a change of climate which is
attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that
alters the composition of the global atmosphere and
which is in addition to natural climate variability over
comparable periods.
Wet Deposition Global Warming:
 It is an average increase in the temperature of the ● Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) (used in

atmosphere near the Earth’s surface and in the magnesium processing).
These gases have very high (GWP)
troposphere, which can contribute to changes in global warming potentials. They are
global climate patterns. It caused both due to natural removed only when they are destroyed
and man-made reasons. by sunlight in the far upper atmosphere.
 In general, it is caused as a result of increased HFCs were developed as a replacement

emissions of greenhouse gases from human for CFCs and HCFCs because they do not
activities. deplete the stratospheric ozone layer.
But they do act as potent greenhouse
Fig: Greenhouse Effect gases.
Commonly known as soot, is a form of
particulate air pollutant, produced from
incomplete combustion. It consists of
Black Carbon
pure carbon in several linked forms.
- Generally
6 referred for
It is the strongest absorber of sunlight
greenhouse
and heats the air directly.
gases
It stays in the atmosphere for only
several days to weeks.
Brown
Carbon - is
generally
 It is a ubiquitous and unidentified
referred for
Greenhouse Gases: component of organic aerosol
particles
Sl Greenhouse 7
resulting
Source and Miscellaneous Information  Brown carbon is emitted mainly by
No. Gases from impure
biomass combustion.
Naturally present in combustion,
Water atmosphere. Overall biggest such as soot
1
Vapour contributor to greenhouse effect, but and dust.
doesn’t persist in the air for too long.
Naturally present in atmosphere as Climate Change Mitigation Strategies:
well. It is the primary greenhouse gas Carbon sequestration is the
Carbon emitted through human activities like process of capturing carbon
2
Dioxide combustion of fossil fuels to generate dioxide (CO2) gas in
electricity, transportation, industrial the atmosphere. It is also the
processes. process of capturing CO2 from
Naturally present in atmosphere as new and existing power
Carbon Sequestration plants and factories before
well. It is emitted by natural sources
It can be of two types. they are released into the
such as wetlands, as well as human
3 Methane Terrestrial atmosphere.
activities such as leakage from natural
Sequestration Once the CO2 gas has been
gas systems and the raising of
plants and tree store CO2 in contained it is placed into
livestock.
their bodies and in their roots. long-term storage. Carbon
Naturally present in atmosphere as Geologic Sequestration- bury
well. Human activities such as sequestration aims to
theCO2thousands of feet eliminate harmful human
Nitrous agriculture, fossil fuel combustion, underground.
4 introduced carbon from our
Oxide wastewater management, and
industrial processes are increasing atmosphere by disrupting the
contribute N2O in the atmosphere. carbon cycle. It is also to
prevent catastrophic climate c
Main categories of fluorinated gases
hanges in this and the
● Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
next century.
Fluorinated ● Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) (by-
5 A carbon sink is anything that
Gases product in industrial processes
associated with aluminium product Carbon Sink absorbs more carbon than it
and semiconductors) releases as carbon dioxide.
1. A carbon credit is a to help one another to
tradeable certificate reduce their collective
representing the right to emissions through
emit one tonne of CO2 something called
equivalent. the Clean Development
2. An organisation can earn Mechanism (CDM). The
carbon credit if it basic idea is that
produces one tonne less industrialized nations pay
of CO2 equivalent than developing nations (or
the standard level of help them in other ways)
carbon emission allowed to make an overall
for its activities. reduction in global
Carbon Credit 3. Green Carbon: It is the emissions on their behalf.
carbon removed by 1. Carbon tax is a form of
photosynthesis and pollution tax. It levies a
stored in the plants and fee on the production,
soil of natural distribution or use of
ecosystems. fossil fuels based on how
4. Blue Carbon: Refers to much carbon their
coastal, aquatic and combustion emits.
marine carbon sinks held 2. The government sets a
by the indicative price per ton on carbon,
vegetation, marine and then translates it
organism and into a tax on electricity,
Carbon Tax
sediments. natural gas or oil.
1. Carbon offsetting means Because the tax makes
compensating for the using dirty fuels more
carbon-dioxide pollution expensive, it encourages
one is causing by utilities, businesses and
preventing the same individuals to reduce
amount of pollution consumption and
from happening increase energy
somewhere else. efficiency.
2. More precisely, one ● Aims at modifying and
carbon offset means cooling Earth’s
compensating for environment through a
emitting one tonne of variety of engineering
carbon dioxide (CO2) into technologies.
the atmosphere by ● It’s a group of
preventing a tonne of hypothetical
CO2 from entering the technologies that could,
Carbon Offsetting atmosphere elsewhere in theory, counteract
on Earth (for example, by temperature rise by
investing in renewable reflecting more sunlight
energy) or by removing a Geo-engineering away from the Earth’s
tonne of CO2 that's surface.
already up there (by ● From sending a mirror
supporting something
into space to spraying
like tree planting—since
aerosols in the
trees pull CO2 from the
air when they grow).
stratosphere, the range
3. Under the Kyoto
of proposed techniques
Protocol (the main global
all come with
piece of legislation
unique technical, ethical
charged with tackling
and political challenges.
climate chang e),
governments are allo wed
5.Climate Change Organisation

Sl.
Organisation History Objectives/ Details
No.
● The convention is legally non-binding, but makes
● Came into force from 1994 provisions for meeting called ‘protocols’ where
● Secretariat is located in Bonn, Germany negotiating countries can set legally binding limits
UNFCCC- United
● Ratifies: 197 ● What it does?
Nation
● Kyoto Protocol was negotiated under o It aims to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the
Framework
1 this framework. atmosphere.
Convention on
● India is Non-Annex party (refers to ● Annex I countries: industrialized countries and
Climate Change
countries that have ratified or acceded economies in transition
to the UNFCCC, but are not included in ● Annex II countries: developed countries which pay for
Annex) to UNFCC costs of developing countries
● Non-Annex I countries: Developing countries.
● to fight global warming by reducing greenhouse gas
● Adopted in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan concentrations
● Came into force in 2005 ● The Protocol is based on the principle of common but
● Parties: 192 (Canada withdrew) differentiated responsibilities.
● It gave binding targets to Annex I ● Target under this protocol applies to following GHGs:
countries ● Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous Oxide
● India has ratified the second (NO2), Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6)
commitment period of Kyoto Protocol ● Two groups of gases: Hydro-fluorocarbons (HFCs),
known as the Doha Amendment to the Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
protocol. ● Kyoto Protocol includes "flexible mechanisms" which
2 Kyoto Protocol ● Paris agreement (2015) is not an allow Annex 1 economies to meet their GHG targets by:
amendment to Kyoto Protocol but a ● financial exchanges (International Emissions Trading
separate instrument altogether. Scheme)
● from projects which reduce emissions in non-Annex 1
Criticism of Kyoto Protocol countries under the Clean Development Mechanism
● Under Common but Differentiated (CDM),
Responsibility, many countries were ● in other Annex-1 countries under the Joint
allowed to increase pollution. Implementation (JI)
● It excluded most polluting countries like ● Only CDM Executive Board-accredited Certified
China and India. Emission Reductions (CER) can be bought and sold in
this manner.
● The Bali Action Plan (BAP)launched a comprehensive
process to enable the implementation of the
Convention through long-term cooperative action up to
and beyond 2012.
● COP 13, CMP 3.
3 Bali Meet 2007 ● All developed country Parties have agreed to
● Launch of the Adaptation Fund
“Quantified emission limitation taking into account
differences in their national circumstances.”
● Developed countries stressed developing also to
undertake some kind of emission cuts.
● COP 15, CMP 5. ● all countries should pledge voluntary limits (no binding
● Produced the Copenhagen Accord. obligations)
Copenhagen
4 ● Agreement between developing nations ● Agrees a “goal” for the world to raise $100 billion per
Summit 2009
block called BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, year by 2020. New multilateral funding for adaptation
India and China). will be delivered, with a governance structure.
● COP 16, CMP 6. ● As per the Cancun Agreements, all Parties to the
Cancun Summit ● An agreement adopted by the COP Convention (including the developed and developing
5
2010 called for a large “Green Climate Fund”, countries) have agreed to report their voluntary
and an “Adaptation Committee” at mitigation goals for implementation.
31
global level to support developing
countries in mitigation of GHGs.
● COP 17, CPM 7.
● Parties have agreed to “develop legal instrument or an
● In 2011, parties adopted the “Durban
Durban Summit agreed outcome with legal force”. This new treaty is
6 Platform for Enhanced Action”.
2011 due to be adopted at the 21st COP, and implemented in
● COP 17 approved the Governing
2020.
Instrument for the GCF.
● The Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF) was
● The Global Environment Facility (GEF), established under the Convention in 2001 to finance
Other
as an operating entity of the Financial projects relating to: adaptation; technology transfer and
7 mechanisms of
Mechanism, has been entrusted to capacity building; energy, transport, industry,
UNFCC
operate the SCCF. agriculture, forestry and waste management; and
economic diversification.
8 REDD REDD+
● REDD+ (Defined in Bali Action Plan, 2007, CoP13)
● REDD+ (or REDD-plus) = to "reducing emissions from
deforestation and forest degradation in developing
countries, and the role of conservation, sustainable
● REDD = "reducing emissions from deforestation in
management of forests, and enhancement of forest
developing countries"
carbon stocks in developing countries"
● It is under negotiation under UNFCC since 2005
● REDD+ is essentially a vehicle to financially reward
● India did not participate in UN-REDD
developing countries for their verified efforts to reduce
emissions and enhance removals of greenhouse gases
through a variety of forest management option
● India favours REDD+
9 Global Environment Facility-GEF (1992) Global Climate Fund- GCF

● It is a fund within the framework of UNFCCC
● It is founded to assist developing countries in
adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate
change.
● The GEF provides grants for projects related to biodiversity,
● Formed in 2010
climate change, international waters, land degradation,
● First mention of concept in Copenhagen Accord in CoP-
the ozone layer, and persistent organic pollutants.
15
● The GEF also serves as financial mechanism for the
● Formally in CoP-16 at Cancun.
following conventions:
● World Bank is chosen as a temporary trustee of the
● Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
fund.
● United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
● HQ: Incheon, South Korea
(UNFCCC)
● It is intended to be the centrepiece of efforts to raise
● UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
Climate Finance of $100 billion a year by 2020. This is
● Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
not an official figure for the size of the Fund itself,
(POPs)
however.
● Minamata Convention on Mercury
● No clarity about from where money will come in this
fund.
● Developed countries even after pledging has
contributed very less to it
● The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
● The IPCC was set up in 1988 by the is the international body for assessing the science
World Meteorological Organization related to climate change.
(WMO) and United Nations ● IPCC assessments provide a scientific basis for
10 IPCC
Environment Programme (UNEP) governments at all levels to develop climate related
● Assessment Report (AR) is published by policies, and they underlie negotiations at the UN
IPCC. Climate Conference – the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
11 Paris ● It deals with greenhouse gases ● Holding the increase in the global average temperature
32
Agreement emissions mitigation, adaptation and to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels and to
finance starting in the year 2020. pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5
● Opened for signature on 22 April 2016 °C above pre-industrial levels.
(Earth Day) ● India’s proposed targets:
● It has not entered into force yet. ● Reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 33 to 35% by
● India has signed it. India's contribution 2030 from 2005 level.
in global greenhouse gas is 4.10% in ● Achieve about 40% electric power installed capacity
2015. from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030
● The contribution that each individual with help of transfer of technology and low cost
country called "nationally determined international finance.
contributions" (NDCs) ● Create an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion
● Targets will not be binding as it is not tonnes of CO2 equivalent through additional forest and
possible to enforce them. tree cover by 2030.
● NDCs will be revised after 5 years in
2023
● It seeks to empower solar-rich countries located
● The ISA was launched at the 2015 Paris
between the tropic of Cancer and the tropic of
Climate Change Summit by Prime
Capricorn to make collaborative efforts to harness solar
International Minister Narendra Modi and French
energy to generate the electricity.
12 Solar Alliance President Francois Hollande.
● Its major objectives include global deployment of over
● Under this alliance, 121 countries that
1,000GW of solar generation capacity and mobilisation
fall within the tropics have been invited.
of investment of over US $1000 billion into solar
● Headquarters at Gurugram, India.
energy by 2030.
● Climate change and resultant increased ● Adapting to climate change and making farming more
frequency of extreme weather events resilient.
such as droughts, floods and storms has ● Reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG)
Climate Smart
13 put many developing countries at the ● Identifying and promoting sustainable agriculture
Agriculture
risk of growing food insecurity. practices and tools e.g. Organic farming; Agroforestry;
● Sustainably increasing agricultural ● Using inputs more efficiently and effectively
productivity and farmers’ incomes ● Increasing the productivity of milk and meat production
National
● To provide methods for estimating-national inventories
Greenhouse
14 ● The IPCC established the NGGIP, of greenhouse gas emissions to, and removals from, the
Gas Inventories
atmosphere.
Programme
● Purpose of the alliance is to consolidate the voices of
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to address global
● It is an intergovernmental organisation
warming
of low lying coastal and small island
● As the existence of many AOSIS states are put at risk by
Alliance of nations.
climate change AOSIS has threatened lawsuits
15 Small Island ● Established in 1990
● In Indian ocean 4 states are member:
States ● AOSIS has a membership of 44 states
1. Comoros
● India is not a member
2. Maldives
●
3. Mauritius
1. Seychelles
33
Programs/Initiatives to Mitigate Climate Change Effects in India

Climate change and Global Warming can have a wide range of effects from people to agriculture, livestock.
Many Initiatives are Taken in Order to Mitigate Climate Change.
Sl.
Initiatives History Objectives
No.
Indian
Network on ● It is a network-based programme, which consists of
● Govt launched INCCA in 2009
1. Climate over 120 institutions and over 250 scientists
● Initiative of MoEFCC
Change countrywide.
Assessment
● National Communication (NATCOM) to the
● National inventory of anthropogenic emissions by
UNFCCC has been initiated in 2002 funded
National sources and removal by sink of all GHGs not controlled
by the Global Environment Facility
2. Communicati by the Montreal protocol.
● Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)
on (NATCOM) ● To communicate the following information to the
is implementing and executing agency of the
Secretariat of the Conference of Parties.
project
● Promotion of energy efficiency in all sectors, Emphasis
India’s Policy
on mass transport, Emphasis on renewables
Structure
● The Integrated Energy Policy was adopted in including biofuels plantations
3. Relevant to
2006. ● The Rural Electrification policy 2006 promotes
GHG
renewable energy technology where grid connectivity
Mitigation
is not possible or cost-effective.
● Buildings are one of the major pollutants ● aim of a green building design is to, Minimize the
that affect urban air quality and contribute demand on non-renewable resources and maximize
Green to climate change the utilization efficiency of these resources when in
4.
Building ● It costs a little more to design and construct use, and Maximize reuse and recycling of available
a green building. However, it costs less to resources
operate a green building ● Utilization of renewable resources.
● To help design green buildings and, in turn, help
● GRIHA is a Sanskrit word meaning – ‘Abode’.
evaluate the ‘greenness’ of the buildings.
5. GRIHA ● Devised by TERI and the MNRE is a voluntary
● GRIHA is a rating tool that helps people assess the
scheme
performance of their building.
● The ICAR has launched National Initiative on
National Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)
● Strategic research on adaptation and mitigation.
Initiative on during 2010-11 with an outlay of Rs.350
● Technology demonstration on farmers’ fields to cope
6. Climate crores for the XI Plan.
with current climate variability.
Resilient ● It will primarily enhance the resilience of
● Vulnerability assessment of major production zones.
Agriculture Indian Agriculture covering crops, livestock
and fisheries.
● Cap Weighted Free-Float Market
● gTrade Carbon Ex Ratings Services Private Limited
Capitalization weighted Index comprising
(gTrade) is a company based in India, which has co-
7. BSE Greenex from the list of BSE-100 Index.
developed the BSE-GREENV Index in close association
● 1st October, 2008 (Base Date) with the base
with theBSE .
index value of 1000.
Faster ● Recently Government removed subsidy for
● Aims to support hybrid/electric vehicles market
Adoption and mild hybrid vehicles.
development and manufacturing ecosystem.
Manufacturing ● Started in 2015
● Focus areas: Technology development, Demand
of (Hybrid &) ● The Phase-II of the (FAME-India) Scheme
8. Creation, Pilot Projects and Charging Infrastructure.
Electric proposes to give a push to electric vehicles
● FAME India Scheme is aimed at incentivizing all vehicle
Vehicles (EVs) in public transport and seeks to
(FAME) -India segments i.e. 2 Wheeler, 3 Wheeler Auto, Passenger 4
encourage adoption of EVs by way of market
Programme Wheeler Vehicle, Light Commercial Vehicles and Buses.
creation and demand aggregation.
Long Term ● Long Term Ecological Observatories (LTEO) ● Aims to understand the biophysical and anthropogenic
9.
Ecological for Climate Change Studies are one of the drivers of ecosystem change in the selected biomes
34
Observatories components under the ‘Climate Change and their effects on social- ecological responses
(LTEO) Action Programme’ with an outlay of Rs. 40 through a network of scientific institutions.
crores in the 12th Plan Period. ● Assess the change of structure and function in the
natural ecosystems, identification of patterns and
drivers of change in the natural ecosystems.
● The fund is meant to assist national and state level
● NAFCC was operationalised in 2015-16.
National activities to meet the cost of adaptation measures in
● This scheme has been taken as Central
Adaptation areas that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse
Sector Scheme with the National Bank for
10. Fund for effects of climate change.
Agriculture and Rural Development
Climate ● The overall aim of the fund is to support concrete
(NABARD) as National Implementing Entity
Change adaptation activities which are not covered under
(NIE).
ongoing schemes of State and National Government.
● To boost power generation from biomass, a
National Bio- ● Biomass from agro and agro-industrial
renewable energy source abundantly available in India
11. Energy residue can potentially generate 25,000 MW
● Also propose a GIS-based National Biomass Resource
Mission of power in India.
Atlas to map potential biomass regions in the country.
India and Climate Change:

NAPCC
The Government of India formulated national plan on water, renewable energy, energy efficiency agriculture and
others – bundled with additional ones – into a set of eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change.
The plan document elaborates on a unique approach to reduce the stress of climate change and uses the poverty-
growth linkage to make its point. Emphasizing the overriding priority of maintaining high economic growth rates to raise
living standards, the plan “identifies measures that promote development objectives while also yielding co-benefits for
addressing climate change effectively.”
Sl.
Sub-Mission Objectives
No.
● To promote ecologically sustainable growth while addressing India’s energy security challenge.
● Mission has set the ambitious target of deploying 20,000 MW of grid connected solar power by
1 National Solar Mission 2022, which was revised to 1,00,000 MW by 2022 during June 2015.
● The target will principally comprise of 40 GW Rooftop and 60 GW through Large and Medium
Scale Grid Connected Solar Power Projects.
● To strengthen the market for energy efficiency by creating conducive regulatory and policy
regime.
National Mission For ● Four New Initiatives
2 Enhanced Energy a) Perform Achieve and Trade (PAT)
Efficiency (NMEEE) b) Market Transformation for Energy Efficiency
c) Energy Efficiency Financing Platform (EEP)
d) Framework for Energy Efficient Economic Development (FEEED)
● Promote sustainability of habitats through improvements in energy efficiency in buildings,
National Mission On urban planning, improved management of solid and liquid waste, modal shift towards public
3
Sustainable Habitat transport
● Ability of habitats to adapt to climate change by improving resilience
National Water Mission ● Ensuring integrated water resource management for conservation of water, minimization of
4
(NWM) wastage and equitable distribution developing a framework for optimum water use
● Primary objective of the mission is to develop a sustainable National capacity to continuously
National Mission For
assess the health status of the Himalayan Ecosystem.
5 Sustaining The Himalayan
● Enable policy bodies in their policy-formulation functions and assist States in the Indian
Ecosystem (NMSHE)
Himalayan Region with their implementation of actions selected for sustainable development.
6 National Mission For A ● Increased forest/tree cover on 5 million hectares (ha) of forest/non- forest –lands.
35
Green India ● Improved quality of forest cover on another 5 million ha of non-forest/forest lands.
● Improved ecosystem services including biodiversity, hydrological services, and carbon
sequestration.
● It has identified 10 key dimensions for adaptation and mitigation:
1. Improved Crop Seeds, Livestock and Fish Culture
2. Water Efficiency
3. Pest Management
National Mission For 4. Improved Farm Practices
7 Sustainable Agriculture 5. Nutrient Management
(NMSA) 6. Agricultural Insurance
7. Credit Support
8. Markets
9. Access to Information
10. Livelihood Diversification
To gain a better understanding of climate science, impacts and challenges, the plan envisions a new
National Mission on
Climate Science Research Fund, improved climate modeling, and increased international
8 Strategic Knowledge for
collaboration. It also encourages private sector initiatives to develop adaptation and mitigation
Climate Change
technologies through venture capital funds.
6.Environmental Impact Assessment

● Environmental Protection and Sustainable
Development has been the cornerstones of the
policies and procedures governing the industrial and
other developmental activities in India.
● What is EIA? One of the tools available to achieve the
goal of harmonising development activities with the
environmental concerns.
● Need for EIA: allows finding out potential harmful o Fig 2: Environment impact rectification after EIA
environmental consequences in any project. This
allows for course correction/alteration/cancellation of
project design in early phase of project cycle.
● Objective: to enable the planners to foresee the
potential environmental problems that would arise
out of a proposed development and address them in
the project’s planning and design stage.
o Fig 1: Anticipated environment impact of
development project
o Figures 1 and 2 show that EIA can help reduce the

adverse environmental impact of a particular project
by assessing the impact of the project and planning
changes and incorporating it in the project to reduce
such impacts. If the adverse impact is too high and
can’t be reduced, the planners may even drop the
project.
36
7.Environmental Organisations
● It is an UN agency
● UNEP has also been active in funding and implementing
● It was founded as a result of the UN
environment related development projects
Conference on the Human Environment
● UNEP has aided in the formulation of guidelines and
(Stockholm Conference) in 1972
United Nations treaties on issues such as the international trade in
● HQ : Nairobi, Kenya
Environment potentially harmful chemicals, trans-boundary air
1 ● UNEP is also one of several
Programme pollution, and contamination of international
Implementing Agencies for the Global
(UNEP) waterways
Environment Facility (GEF) and the
● The International Cyanide Management Code, a
Multilateral Fund for the
program of best practice for the chemical’s use at gold
Implementation of the Montreal
mining operations, was developed under UNEP’s aegis.
Protocol.
● The World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) is ● WMO provides a framework for international
WMO
2 an intergovernmental organization with cooperation in the development of meteorology and
a membership of 191 Member States operational hydrology and their practical application.
and Territories.
● Found in 2010 ● The organization is focused on promoting activities,
World Nature ● address the critical challenging of global technologies, economies, and renewable energies
3
Organization threat to soil, oceans, forests, water and which are regarded to be environment friendly; and
air reducing the impact of climate change.
World Wide ● It is an international non-governmental, working in the
4 Fund for Nature ● Organization founded in 1961 field of the wilderness preservation, and the reduction
of humanity’s footprint on the environment.
● main objective to promote “the management,
● The Economic and Social Council of the conservation and sustainable development of all types
United Nations (ECOSOC), established of forests and to strengthen long-term political
United Nations the UNFF In October 2000, a subsidiary commitment to this end” based on the Rio Declaration,
5 Forum on body the Forest Principles
Forests (UNFF) The Forum has universal membership, and is ● Reverse the loss of forest cover worldwide through
composed of all Member States of the sustainable forest management (SFM)
United Nations and specialized agencies 4. Enhance forest-based economic, social and
environmental benefits
● Founded in 1948 in Fontainebleau,
● It is involved in data gathering and analysis, research,
France.
field projects, advocacy, lobbying and education.
International ● HQ : Gland, Switzerland
● Over the past decades, IUCN has widened its focus
Union for ● It publishes IUCN Red List which
6 beyond conservation ecology and now incorporates
Conservation of assesses the conservation status of
issues related to gender equality, poverty alleviation
Nature (IUCN) species worldwide
and sustainable business in its projects.
● IUCN has observer and consultative
● Both Governments and NGOs are its members.
status at the United Nations
● Formed in 1994 with its secretariat at ● worldwide campaign, common approach, promotion of
New Delhi, GTF is the only inter- appropriate programmes and controls to save the
Global Tiger governmental & international body remaining five subspecies of tigers in the wild
7
Forum (GTF) campaigning to save the TIGER ● Global Tiger Initiative- An alliance of governments,
worldwide. international, agencies, civil society, and the private
● sector united to save wild tigers from extinction
● It is an international body set up by the ● Aims to provide for the proper conservation of whale
terms of the International Convention stocks and thus make possible the orderly development
for the Regulation of Whaling(Signed in of the whaling industry
International
Washington, 1946) ● The IWC allows non-zero whaling quotas for aboriginal
8 Whaling
● In 1982 the IWC adopted a moratorium subsistence and also member nations may issue
Commission
on commercial whaling. ● designate specific areas as whale sanctuaries;
● Japan, Russia etc. oppose this 2. prohibit the capture of suckling calves and female
moratorium. whales accompanied by calves.
37
● Aims to focus public and political attention and
Coalition
resources on ending the illegal trade in wildlife and
Against Wildlife ● Initiated in 2005, CAWT is a unique
9 wildlife products.
Trafficking voluntary public-private coalition
● Reduce consumer demand for illegally traded wildlife
(CAWT)
by raising awareness.
● International Tropical Timber
Organisation ● Promoting the conservation and sustainable
10 ITTO
● ITTO is an intergovernmental management, use and trade of tropical forestresources.
organization, under UN (1986)
● SCAR is charged with initiating, developing and
● The Scientific Committee on Antarctic
coordinating high quality international scientific
Research (SCAR) is an inter-disciplinary
11 SCAR research in the Antarctic region (including the Southern
committee of the International Council
Ocean), and on the role of the Antarctic region in the
for Science (ICSU).
Earth system.
8.Treaties/Agreements/conventions
Timeline:
 1971: Convention on Wetlands of International Importance ("Ramsar Convention")
 1972: Stockholm Declaration
 1973: Convention on International Trade in Endangered species of Wild flora and fauna(CITES)
 1982: Nairobi Declaration
 1985: Vienna convention for the protection of ozone layer.
 1987: Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
 1987: Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development ("Brundtland
Report")
 1992: Agenda 21
 1992: Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
 1992: Convention on Biological Diversity
 1997: Protocol to the UNFCCC ("Kyoto Protocol")
 1998: Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in
International Trade ("Rotterdam Convention")
 2000: The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety ("Cartagena Protocol")
 2001: Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants ("Stockholm Convention")
 2010: The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits arising
from their Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity (‘Nagoya Protocol’)
 2012: United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development – RIO +20
 2015: Paris Agreement (To replace Kyoto Protocol)
 2016: Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol.
Sl.
Agreement History Objectives and details
No.
● One of the seminal issues that emerged from the
● Conference: United Nations
conference is the recognition for poverty alleviation
Conference on the Human
for protecting the environment.
Environment
Stockholm ● Agreement, and has given a foundation of modern
1 ● It was first declaration of international
Conference 1972 environmentalism.
protection of the environment
● The United Nations Environment Programme has been
● Held in Stockholm, Sweden from June
established by the United Nations General Assembly in
5–16 in 1972.
pursuance of the Stockholm Conference.
38
● Declaration adopted in 1982 (10th
anniversary of Stockholm) ● The Declaration envisaged the creation of a special
Nairobi ● The Declaration was endorsed by the commission to frame long term environment
2
Declaration governing Council of United Nations strategies for achieving sustainable developments upto
Environment Programme (UNEP) in the year 2000 and beyond.
1987.
● Formally called: Our Common Future: The concept of sustainable development focused attention
Report of the World Commission on on finding strategies to promote economic and social
Environment and Development in development in ways that avoided environmental
3 Brundtland Report
1987 degradation, over-exploitation or pollution, and side lined
Gave concept of "sustainable less productive debates about whether to prioritize
development" development or the environment.
● Earth Summit 1992, Rio Summit,
the Rio Conference ● Important legally binding agreements (Rio Convention)
United Nations
● Earth Summit resulted in the following were opened for signature:
Conference on
documents: Convention on Biological Diversity
4 Environment and
o Rio Declaration on Environment and Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Development-
Development
UNCED
o Agenda 21 United Nations Convention to CombatDesertification
o Forest Principles
The Assembly recognized progress as “uneven” and
In 1997, the UN General Assembly held a
identified key trends, including increasing globalization,
5 Rio+5 (1997) special session to appraise the status of
widening inequalities in income, and continued
Agenda 21 (Rio +5).
deterioration of the global environment.
Rio+10 (2002) or Earth Summit 2002 or
Rio+10 affirmed UN commitment to Agenda 21, alongside
Rio+10 (2002) or World Summit on Sustainable
the Millennium Development Goals.
6 Earth Summit 2002 Development.
Johannesburg Declaration: committing the nations of the
Took place in Johannesburg, South Africa in
world to sustainable development.
2002.
Rio+20 (2012) or United Nations It reaffirmed the commitment to Agenda 21.
Conference on Sustainable Development. It was the third international conference on sustainable
Rio+20 was a 20-year follow-up to the development.
Earth Summit 1992 and 10-year follow-up PAGE, launched in 2013, is a direct response to the Rio+20
Rio+20 (2012)
7 to the Earth Summit 2002. Declaration. Partnership for Action on Green Economy
It is also known as Rio 2012 or Earth (PAGE)
Summit 2012.  to aid interested countries in developing, adopting
Hosted by Brazil in Rio de Janeiro in 2012. and implementing green economy policies and
strategies.
● It is a multilateral treaty ● Convention has 3 main goals :
● Entered into force in 1993 o Conservation of biological diversity
Convention on
8 ● Parties : 196 o Sustainable use of its components
Biological Diversity
● It is legally binding o Fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from
● India is a party to convention genetic resources
● The Biosafety Protocol seeks to protect biological
diversity from the potential risks posed by living
Cartagena Protocol
● Adopted in 2000; Came into force in modified organisms resulting from modern
9 on Biosafety:
2003 biotechnology.
● Genetically Modified Organisms can be regulated
under this protocol
● It deals with access to Genetic Resources and the Fair
and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their
Nagoya Protocol: ● Adopted in Conference of Parties 10 Utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity
10
(CoP10) (2010) ● It is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on
Biological Diversity.
● The Strategic Plan consists of 20 new biodiversity
39
targets for 2020, termed the 'Aichi Biodiversity
Targets'
● Formally called: Convention on ● Aims to protect endangered plants and animals.
International Trade in Endangered ● It classifies plants and animals according to three
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. categories, or appendices, based on how threatened :
● It is also known as Washington 1. Appendix I: It lists species that are in danger of
Convention extinction.Commercial trade prohibited.
11 CITES
● Participation is voluntary 2. Appendix II: They are those that are not threatened
● It is legally binding on the Parties, but with extinction but that might suffer a serious decline.
it does not take the place of national Their trade is regulated by permit.
laws. ● Appendix III: They are protected in at least one
● Parties : 182 country that is a CITES member states.
Convention on the ● CMS is an international treaty ● CMS aims to conserve terrestrial, marine and avian
Conservation of concluded under aegis of UNEP. migratory species throughout their range.
12 Migratory Species ● It's also called the Bonn Convention. ● Since its entry into force, its membership has grown
of Wild Animals ● signed in 1979 steadily to include over 120 Parties from Africa, Central
(CMS) ● Headquarters are in Bonn, Germany. and South America, Asia, Europe and Oceania.
● Became effective from 1995 (Canada
withdrew) ● It is a convention to Combat Desertification in Those
United Nation
● Parties : 196 Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or
Convention to
13 ● HQ : Bonn, Germany Desertification, particularly in Africa
Combat
● It is the only convention which stem ● It is the only internationally legally binding framework
Desertification
out from direct recommendations of set up to address the problem of desertification
Rio Agenda 21.
● Vienna Convention for the Protection ● It acts as a framework for the international efforts to
Vienna Convention of the Ozone Layer protect the ozone layer. However, it does not include
14 for the Protection ● It is multilateral environmental legally binding reduction goals for the use of CFCs, the
of the Ozone Layer agreement main chemical agents causing ozone depletion. These
● Ratified by: 197 (Universal). are laid out in the accompanying Montreal Protocol.
● It aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the
● Also called : Montreal Protocol on
production of numerous substances.
Substances that Deplete the Ozone
● The treaty is structured around several groups of
Layer
halogenated hydrocarbons that have been shown to
● It is a protocol to Vienna Convention
play a role in ozone depletion. All of these ozone
for the Protection of Ozone Layer
depleting substances contain either chlorine or
● It is an international treaty
bromine (substances containing only fluorine do not
● Came into force in 1989
harm the ozone layer).
● Ratifies : 197 (Universal treaty)
15 Montreal Protocol ● It aims at phasing out :
● It is legally binding
o Chlorofluorocarbons
● As a result of the international
o Hydrochloro fluorocarbons
agreement, the ozonehole in
Hydrofluoro carbons are included under it (HFCs do not
Antarctica is slowly recovering.
harm Ozone but are harmful as a Greenhouse gas.) by
Climate projections indicate that the
Kigali Agreement
ozone layer will return to 1980 levels
● India’s Stand: India wants HFCs to be under Montreal
between 2050 and 2070. so, it can be
Protocol as it will help India as a part CBDR, and puts
termed as a successful treaty.
less onus to eliminate HFCs immediately
● It amends the 1987 Montreal Protocol ● It aims to phase out Hydrofluoro carbons (HFCs), a
● Under Kigali Amendment, in all 197 family of potent greenhouse gases by the late 2040s
countries, including India have agreed ● Under it, developed countries will also provide
to a timeline to reduce the use of enhanced funding support
Kigali Amendment
HFCs by roughly 85% of their ● Different timelines:
16 to Montreal
baselines by 2045. 1. First group: It includes richest countries like US and
Protocol
● Binding on countries from 2019. those in European Union (EU). They will freeze
● It also has provisions for penalties for production and consumption of HFCs by 2018. They will
non-compliance. reduce them to about 15% of 2012 levels by 2036.
NOTE: HFCs (Hydrofluoro carbons) are not 2. Second group: It includes countries like China, Brazil
40
Ozone Depleting Substances but still and all of Africa etc. They will freeze HFC use by 2024
they are included in Montreal Protocol and cut it to 20% of 2021 levels by 2045.
via Kigali Agreement because they are ● Third group: It includes countries India, Pakistan,
potent global warming substances. Pakistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia etc. They will be freezing
HFC use by 2028 and reducing it to about 15% of 2025
levels by 2047.
● The convention provides the framework for national

action and international cooperation for the
● It is an international treaty
Ramsar conservation and wise use of wetlands and their
● It was signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971
17 Convention on resources.
● In India 26 sites are Ramsar site
Wetlands ● The Ramsar Convention is the only global
●
environmental treaty that deals with a particular
ecosystem
● Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of

● The Montreux Record was established
wetland sites
by Recommendation of the
● It is a list of Wetlands of International Importance
Conference of the Contracting Parties
where changes in ecological character have occurred,
(1990).
Montreux Record: are occurring, or are likely to occur as a result of
18 ● It is maintained as part of the Ramsar
technological developments, pollution or other human
List.
interference.
● In India – Keoladeo National Park and
● Sites may be added to and removed from the Record
Loktak Lake.Chilka lake was removed
only with the approval of the Contracting Parties in
from the list
which they lie.
● It aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use
● It is an International Environmental
of persistent organic pollutants
Treaty ,UN Treaty
● Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (IFCS)
● Became effective in 2004
and the International Programme for Chemical Safety
● Parties : 180
Stockholm (IPCS) prepared a list, known as the Dirty Dozen :
● India is a party to this treaty
Convention on 1. Eight organochlorine pesticides: aldrin, chlordane,
19 ● US is not a party to this treaty
Persistent Organic DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, mirex and
● There is provision that developed
Pollutants toxaphene;
countries provide new and additional
2. Two industrial chemicals: hexa chlorobenzene (HCB)
financial resources and measures to
and the polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) group; and
minimise/regulate POPs to developing
3. Two groups of industrial by-products: dioxins and
nations.
furans.
● Formally called: The Basel Convention
on the Control of Transboundary 1. minimize the amount and toxicity of wastes generated,
Movements of Hazardous Wastes and 2. to ensure their environmentally sound management as
Their Disposal closely as possible to the source of generation, and
Basel Convention
20 ● It is an international treaty, UN Treaty 3. to assist LDCs in environmentally sound management
● Effective from 1992 of the hazardous and other wastes they generate
● Parties : 183 ● Its objective was to stop dumping of hazardous waste
● It does not address the movement of from developed countries in developing nations.
radioactive waste.
● Aims to promote shared responsibilities in relation to
● Formally called : Rotterdam
importation of hazardous chemicals.
Convention on the Prior Informed
● The convention promotes open exchange of
Consent Procedure for Certain
Rotterdam information between importers-exporters of
Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides
21 Convention hazardous chemicals.
in International Trade
● Calls on exporters of hazardous chemicals to use
● It is a multilateral Treaty, UN Treaty
proper labelling, include directions on safe handling,
● Became effective in 2004
and inform purchasers of any known restrictions or
● Parties : 155
bans.
22 Minamata ● It is an UN Treaty ● Aims to protect human health and the environment
41
Convention on ● Signed in 2013 from anthropogenic emissions and releases of
Mercury ● It has not come into force yet mercury and mercury compounds
1. Phase out and phase down of mercury use in a
number of products and processes.
● Regulation of the informal sector of artisanal and small-
scale gold mining.
9.Environmental Legislation
Acts and Policies- India
Sl.
Law History/ Provisions Objective
No.
● Objective of effectively protecting the wildlife of this
● Has 6 schedules: Schedule I and part II of
country and to control poaching, smuggling and illegal
schedule II cover animals which are in the
trade in wildlife and its derivatives.
category of endangered species.
● Wild Life Act provides for
● Schedule V – Vermins wild mammals and
Wildlife 1. State wildlife advisory boards, National Board for
birds which are harmful to crops, farm
1 protection Wildlife
animals or which carry disease, can be
Act 1972 2. Regulations for hunting wild animals and birds,
hunted with permission of chief wildlife
3. Establishment of sanctuaries and national parks,
warden(recently Nilgai, Rhesus Monkey
4. Regulations for trade in wild animals, animal products
culled under it)
and trophies, and
● Schedule VI- exotic plant species.
5. Judicially imposed penalties for violating the Act.
● It empowers the central government to
● In the wake of the Bhopal tragedy, the government of
establish authorities under section 3(3)
India enacted the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
Environment charged with mandate of preventing
● To protect and improve environmental qualities.
al Protection environmental pollution in all its forms and
● To establish an authority to study, plan and implement
2 to tackle specific problems that are peculiar
Act 1986 long term requirements of environmental safety.
to different parts of the country.
● To cover all problems relating to environment
● Central Ground water Board is created
comprehensively.
under EPA.
National
● Increase tree cover through massive afforestation,
Forest Policy ● Aimsto have a minimum of one third of the
especially on all denuded, degraded and unproductive
3 total land area under forests.
1988 lands.
● Address issue related to access to genetic resources and
associated knowledge and fair and equitable sharing of
benefits arising from utilization of biological resources
● Envisages 3 tier structure to regulate access
to the country and its people.
Biological to the biological resources comprising of
Exceptions:
Diversity Act National Biodiversity Authority (NBA),
1. Local people and communities
4 State Biodiversity Authority (SBB) and
2002 2. For growers and cultivators of biodiversity of the area
Biodiversity Management Committees
and to Vaids and Hakims to use biological resources.
(BMC) at local level.
3. Exemption through notification of normally traded
commodities.
4. For collaborative research through.
● Nodal Agency for the implementation is ● National Parks and Sanctuaries have been included
Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA). along with Reserve Forest, Protected Forests for the
Scheduled ● Act is applicable for Tribal and Other recognition of Rights.
Tribes and Traditional Forest Dwelling Communities. ● Act recognizes the right of ownership access to collect,
other forest ● Recognition Criteria: Forest dwellers for use, and dispose of minor forest produce(MFP- all non
6 three generations prior to 13.12.2005 timber forest produce like honey, bamboo, tendu leaves)
dwellers act
primarily resided in and have depended on by tribals.
2006
the forests for bonafide livelihood needs. ● Gram Sabha has been designated as the competent
● Maximum limit of the recognizing rights on authority for initiating the process of determining the
forest land is 4 ha. nature and extent of individual or community forest
42
rights.
● For effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating
to environmental protection and giving relief and
● Statutory body established under the compensation for damages to persons and property and
National Green Tribunal Act 2010. for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
● Composition: One full time Chairperson, ● NGT DEALS IN THE FOLLOWING ACTS
National ● Not less than ten but subject to maximum of 1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
Green twenty full time Judicial Members as the 1974;
7
Tribunal Central Government may, from time to time, 2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess
notify. Act, 1977;
● It does not deal with Wildlife (Protection) 3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
Act. 4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981;
5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
6. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
7. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
● These Rules set the deadlines for phasing out of various
● The rules are framed under the jurisdiction ODSs, besides regulating production, trade import and
of Environment (Protection) Act. export of ODSs and the product containing ODS.
The Ozone
● These Rules prohibit the use of CFCs in ● Other ODSs such as carbon tetrachloride and methyl
Depleting
manufacturing various products beyond 1st chloroform and CFC for metered dose inhalers can be used
8 substances
January 2003 except in metered dose up to 1st January 2010.
Rules
inhaler and for other medical purposes. ● Further, the use of methyl bromide has been allowed upto
● Similarly, use of halons is prohibited after 1st January 2015.
1st January 2001 except for essential use. ● Since HCFCs are used as interim substitute to replace CFC,
these are allowed up to 1st January 2040.
● Manufacturer, dealer, refurbisher and Producer
● Applicability of the rules has been extended Responsibility Organization (PRO) have been introduced as
to components, consumables, spares and additional stakeholders in the rules.
parts of EEE in addition to equipment. ● new Rules will bring the producers under Extended
Producer Responsibility (EPR), along with targets.
E waste ● E-waste rules will now include Compact
● one system of authorization by CPCB for dismantling and
Management Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) and other mercury
9 processing.
Rules 2016 containing lamps, as well as other such
● Deposit Refund Scheme where an extra amount is charged
equipment. upfront and refunded on return.
● Penalty for violation of rules under ● Criticism: ignores the unorganized and small and medium
Environment protection Act 1986. sectors where 90 per cent of the e-waste is generated do
not recognize the magnitude of trans-boundary movement
of e-waste
● Bio-Medical waste consists of: Human ● Phase-out the use of chlorinated plastic bags, gloves and
anatomical waste like tissues, organs and blood bags within two years
Bio-Medical
body parts, hypodermic needles, syringes, ● Establish a Bar-Code System for bags or containers
Waste
scalpels and broken glass. containing bio-medical waste for disposal
10 Management
● Ambit of the rules has been expanded to ● Bio-medical waste has been classified in to 4 categories
Rules 2016
include vaccination camps, blood donation instead 10 to improve the segregation of waste at source
camps, surgical camps or any other ● Criticism: It requires technological infrastructure for bar
healthcare activity. coding waste bags.
Coastal ● The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest ● The new CRZ norms have been issued under Section 3 of
Regulation and Climate Change has notified the the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Zone 2019 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, ● The new CRZ norms aim to promote sustainable
replacing the existing CRZ norms of 2011. development based on scientific principles.
CRZ 2011 CRZ 2019
43
● Densely populated rural areas to be afforded greater

opportunity for development: For CRZ-III (Rural) areas, two
Classification:
separate categories
● CRZ III- Coastal areas that are not substantially built up, including
1. CRZ-III(A) with population density of more than 2161, the
rural coastal areas.- No Development Area upto 200 metres from
NDZ is reduced to 50 meters from 200 metres from HTL
High Tide Lane(HTL)
● CRZ-III(B) with less than 2161 the NDZ is 200 meters from
● CRZ IV- water area from Low Tide Line(LTL) to the limit of
High Tide Line(HTL)de-freeze the same and permit FSI for
territorial waters of India
construction projects, as prevailing on the date of the new
● As per CRZ, 2011 Notification, for CRZ-II (Urban) areas, Floor
Notification
Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been frozen
● Temporary tourism facilities have now been permitted in
as per 1991 Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels.
Beaches in the "No Development Zone" (NDZ) of the CRZ-III
● No Development Zone was free of any infrastructure
areas
development.
● A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been
stipulated for all Islands
Wetland Rules 2010 Wetland Rules 2017

● Management of wetlands has been decentralized
● MoEF has notified the rules in order to ensure that there is no powers have been given to the State governments so
further degradation of wetlands. that protection and conservation work can be done at
● The rules specify activities which are harmful to wetlands the local level.
such as industrialization, construction, dumping of untreated ● SWA identify and notify the wetlands for protection
waste and reclamation and prohibit these activities in the within stipulated time and develop comprehensive list
wetlands. of activities to be regulated and permitted
● Other activities such as harvesting and dredging may be ● Rules prohibit conversion of wetland for non wetland
carried out in the wetlands but only with prior permission uses.
from the concerned authorities. ● National Wetland Committee replaces Central
● Central Wetland Regulatory Authority has been set up to Wetlands Regulatory Authority (CWRA)
ensure proper implementation of the Rules. ● NWC will be headed by the MoEFCC Secretary
● NWC has merely advisory role
10.Institution and Measures

Many institutions and measures are taken to conserve the biodiversity which is undergoing rapid decline due to
development.
Sl.
Institution History/ Background Objectives
No.
● Mainly to conserve the biodiversity which was declining
because of increased commercial use of natural resources,
the continued growth of human and livestock
National ● Indian board for wildlife adopted it.
population.
1. Wildlife Action ● It had strategies and plan for
● For period – 2017-2031
Plan wildlife conservation.
● Focus – 17 key areas(from an integration of climate
change into wildlife planning, conservation of coastal and
marine ecosystems to wildlife health.
National ● Is responsible for promoting afforestation, tree planting,
Afforestation ecological restoration and eco-development activities in the
2. and Eco- ● set up in August 1992 country, with special attention to the degraded forest areas
Development and lands adjoining the forest areas, national parks,
Board sanctuaries
● Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980 ● However, the CAMPA could not be operationalized.
requires that non-forest land, ● To remove ad-hocism in actions and to give CAMPA a
3. CAMPA equal to the size of the forest being concrete shape, the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act,
diverted for developmental work, 2016 was passed.
is afforested. ● will make available more than Rs. 6,000 crores per annum to
44
● To roll out compensatory the States/UTs except Jammu and Kashmir
afforestation, the Central ● Compensatory fund: It establishes Compensatory
Government in exercise of powers Afforestation Fund (CAF): The National Compensatory
conferred under the Environment Afforestation Fund under the Public Account of India, and a
(Protection) Act, 1986 constituted State Compensatory Afforestation Fund under the Public
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Account of each state.
Management and Planning
Authority (CAMPA).
● It is aimed to institutionalize participatory governance of
● Formed to recognize the country’s forest resources.
Joint Forest
4. importance of involving local ● Under JFM, both the forest department and local
Management
communities communities come to an agreement to form committee to
manage and protect forest.
● It aims to raise plantation to meet the growing demand for
food, fuel, etc.
● Social forestry can be divided into:
● The national commission on
● Farm forestry – individual farmers were to plant trees on
agriculture first used the term
their own land to meet their domestic needs.
5. Social Forestry ‘social forestry ‘in 1976.
● Community forestry – Rising of trees on community land
● Plantations were carried along
with government support.
river, road side, and canal banks.
● Extension forestry-Planting of trees on the sides of road,
canals, railways, and wastelands. It essentially means
increasing the boundaries of forest.
● To promote the growth of the bamboo sector through as an
● National Bamboo Mission is area based regionally differentiated strategy.
National
renamed as National Agro- ● To increase the coverage of area under bamboo in potential
6. Bamboo
Forestry & Bamboo Mission areas, with improved varieties to enhance yields.
Mission
(NABM). ● To promote marketing of bamboo and bamboo based
handicrafts.
● Comprehensive Environmental Pollution Index – CEPI is a rational number to characterise the
7. CEPI
environmental quality at a given location.
Energy poor communities to transition from traditional and inefficient energy sources to modern, and
sustainable energy solutions. Operating through an entrepreneurial model of energy service delivery.
● Lighting a Billion Lives is a global
initiative by The Energy and
Lighting Billion Resources Institute (TERI) to facilitate ● The initiative enables delivery of clean energy to the
8.
Lives clean energy access and the delivery needy
of last mile energy services for basic
and productive use.
● Eco-mark is a voluntary labelling ● Eco-mark scheme defines as an environmentally friendly
scheme for easily identifying product, any product which is made, used or disposed of in a
way that significantly reduces the harm it would otherwise
environment friendly products.
cause the environment.
● Scheme is one of India’s earliest
9. Eco-Mark ● The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Environment
efforts in environmental standards,
and Forests, and is administered by the Bureau of Indian
launched in 1991, even before the Standards (BIS), which also administers the Indian
1992 Rio Summit in which India Standards Institute (ISI) mark quality label, a requirement
participated. for any product to gain the Eco-mark label.
● Conservation and Survey Division in the Ministry of
● Project was financed by the United Environment & Forest would be overseeing and
10. USERS Nations Development Fund(UNDF) coordinating the Project at the country level.
and MoEFCC ● USERS, is aimed at improving basic services like water
supply, sewerage and solid waste.
45
Biodiversity ● Project was negotiated with the World

Conservation
Bank on 2011. ● Conservation and Survey Division in the Ministry of
and Rural
11. ● Implemented by the Forest/Wildlife Environment & Forest would be overseeing and
Livelihood
Improvement
Department of the respective State coordinating the Project at the country level.
Project (BCRLIP) Government.
● Launched in Budget 2010-11

● It gets money from clean energy cess ● Used for funding research and innovative projects in clean
National Clean
12. on coal(carbon tax) produced in India energy technology – example programmes under NAPCC,
Energy Fund
and coal imported in India, currently reforestation programmes.
Rs 400 per tonne of coal
National Electric ● Ministry of Heavy Industries and ● Aim: Promote electric mobility in the country.
Mobility Mission Public Enterprises. ● Reduction of pollution and greenhouse gas emission of 2
13.
Plan (NEEMP) – ● Cumulative fuel saving of about 9500 million tonnes with targeted market penetration of 6-7
2020 million litres. million vehicles by 2020.
● "Science Express Climate Action ● Phase V to VII was based on the theme of biodiversity. As
Special" is an innovative mobile ‘Science Express Biodiversity Special (SEBS)’. Phase VIII as
‘Science Express Climate Action Special (SECAS)’ highlighted
science exhibition mounted on a 16-
the global challenge of climate change.
14. Science Express coach AC train, which has been
● The exhibition is exclusively devoted to information, case
custom-built for Department of
studies and material related to various aspects of climate
Science &Technology (DST) by Indian change, the underlying science, not just for school students,
Railway. but also for the masses.
● It is a collaboration between multiple
partners, including governments, ● The goal is to promote an integrated ocean-wide
NGO, research institutes etc. approach to coastal management and to building the
● It is co-chaired by the IUCN and resilience of ecosystem-dependent coastal communities.
Mangroves for
15. UNDP. ● Mangroves are the flagship of the initiative, but MFF is
Future
● Member countries: India, Bangladesh, inclusive of all types of coastal ecosystem, such as coral
Cambodia, Indonesia, Maldives, reefs, estuaries, lagoons, sandy beaches, seagrass and
Myanmar, Pakistan, Seychelles, Sri wetlands.
Lanka, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
11.Indian Environmental Organisations

Sl Organisatio
History Objectives
No. n
● It is a statutory body
● It is an advisory body
● Well-known humanitarian Smt. Rukmini Devi
● It provides grants to Animal Welfare Organisations.
Animal Arundale was its first chairperson.
● It frames a range of rules on how animals ought to
1 Welfare ● Established in 1962 under Section 4 of
be humanely treated everywhere. It has also
Board The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,1960.
frequently litigated to have stricter laws to ensure
● Ministry of Environment and Forests
animals were not unduly harassed or tortured.
● HQ Ballabhgarh in Faridabad District
● Autonomous statutory body
● Constituted under the Wild Life (Protection) ● Main objective: To complement the national effort
Central Zoo Act. in conservation of wildlife.
2.
Authority ● Affiliate member of the World Association of ● It also regulates the exchange of animals of
Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)- umbrella endangered category among zoos.
organisation found in 1935 in Gland
● Established in 2003 to implement ● It performs facilitative, regulatory and advisory
National India’s Biological Diversity Act (2002) function for the Government of India on issues of-
3 Biodiversity ● Statutory, Autonomous Body conservation, sustainable use of biological resources
Authority ● Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising out
● Structure: The Authority, Secretariat, SBBs, of the use of biological resources.
46
BMCs and Expert Committees ● Biodiversity Heritage Sites: State Government in
● India Biodiversity Award 2018 was conferred consultation with local bodies, can notify, areas of
by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA). biodiversity importance as biodiversity heritage
sites.
● Statutory multi-disciplinary body under the ● Mandated to collect and collate intelligence related
Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and to organized wildlife crime and disseminate it to
Climate Change (MoEFCC) to combat organized state and other enforcement agencies
Wildlife
wildlife crime in the country. ● Assist foreign authorities and international
Crime
4 ● Established in June 2007 by amending organization concerned to facilitate coordination
Control
the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WLPA), 1972 and universal action for wildlife crime control.
Bureau
● Headquartered in New Delhi and has five ● United Nation Environment has awarded Wildlife
regional offices at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) with Asia
Chennai and Jabalpur. Environment Enforcement Awards, 2018 .
● For conservation of lakes and wetlands, the ● The scheme aims at holistic conservation and
National
Ministry was earlier implementing two separate restoration of lakes and wetlands for achieving the
Plan For
Centrally sponsored schemes, namely the desired water quality enhancement, besides
5. Conservatio
'National Wetlands Conservation Programme' improvement in biodiversity and ecosystem through
n of Aquatic
(NWCP) and the 'National Lake Conservation an integrated and multidisciplinary approach and a
Ecosystems
Plan' (NLCP). common regulatory framework.
● Constituted under Section 3(3) of the
● It is a planning, financing, monitoring and
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
coordinating body of the centre and the states
● The Ministry of Water Resources, River
National ● Development of a river basin management plan
Development and Ganga Rejuvenation(MoWR,
Ganga river ● Regulation of activities aimed at prevention, control
5. RD & GR) is the nodal Ministry for the NGRBA
basin and abatement of pollution in Ganga to maintain its
● Chaired by the Prime Minister and has as its
Authority water quality
members the Union Ministers concerned, the
● Maintenance of minimum ecological flows in the
Chief Ministers of the States through which
river Ganga
Ganga flows
● Statutory Organization constituted under the ● It serves as apex body to review all wildlife-related
National WPA, 1972. matters and approve projects in and around
6. Board For ● It is chaired by the Prime Minister and its vice national parks and sanctuaries.
Wildlife chairman is Minister of Environment. ● Members include Parliament Members, NGOs,
eminent conservationists, ecologists.
12.Wildlife Conservation Efforts- India

Global wildlife populations have fallen by 58% since 1970 and if the trend continues then two-thirds of wild animals may
go extinct by 2020. Therefore many conservation efforts are taken to safeguard the wildlife and attain viable
Population.
Sl.
Program History/context Goal/ initiatives
No.
● For conservation of endangered species
Indian Tiger (Pantheratigris).
● Project aims at ensuring a viable population of Bengal
● Centrally sponsored scheme launched in
tigersin-situ conservation of wild tigers in designated
Project 1973
1 tiger reserves.
Tiger ● Tiger population reduced from 40000 in 1900
● Tiger Reserve consists of Core zone and Buffer zone
to 1800 in 1972- Karnataka> Uttarkhand>
● National Tiger Conservation Authority was created for
Madhya Pradesh
implementing conservation efforts
● Tiger census- pugmark technique, camera
trapping, DNA fingerprinting -4 years once
● Launched in 1992 a centrally sponsored ● 88 Elephant corridors were set up to enhance species
Project scheme. survival and birth rate
2
Elephant ● Mainly implemented in 13 states ie., Andhra ● Monitoring of Illegal Killing of Elephants(MIKE)
Pradesh, Arunachal, Assam, Jharkhand, programme under CITES
47
Kerala, Karnataka etc.,E-50:50 forum for ● Haathi Mere Saathi by MoEF in partnership with Wildlife
international conservation of elephants trust of India
● Decline of vultures first seen in Keoladeo
Ghana National Park. ● Ban on usage of Diclofenac and usage of alternative
● Red-headed Vulture, Slender billed Vulture drug Meloxicam
3 Vulture and Long billed vulture are Critically ● Vulture Safety Zones
endangered. ● Vulture Restaurants by Maharashtra and Punjab
● Diclofenac is the cause which are used for ● SAVE- Save Asia’s vultures from Extinction for White
ailing inflammation in livestock causing renal backed, slender billed and Long billed Vulture
failure in vultures.
One ● Indian Rhino Vision 2020 by Dept of Environment and
● Rhinos are poached for their Horns
4 horned forest, Assam. The Bodo autonomous council, WWF-
● Last Male White Northern Rhino Sudan died
Rhinocerous India, International Rhino Foundation (IRF) support it.
last year bring its species closer to extinction
● To increase rhino population from 2000 to 3000 by2020
● An Indian initiative started in Jan 2009 for ● Global endangered species found in Himalayan and
Project strengthening wildlife conservation in Central Asian mountains.
5 Snow Himalayan High altitudes. ● Most snow leopards are found in China followed by
Leopard ● Conservation above 3000 metres in western Mongolia and India.
and trans Himalayas, above 4000 metres in ● In India its found in all 5 Himalayan states above 3000
eastern Himalayas metres altitude.
● SECURE project aims at securing livelihoods,
● Started in 2017 is a six-year project
Secure conservation, sustainable use and restoration of high
6 ● 4 states- J&K, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Himachal
Himalaya range Himalayan ecosystems.
Pradesh
● focus areas of the project is protection of snow leopard
● By MoEFCC in association with UNDP
and other endangered species and their habitats
● Olive Ridley turtle visits India coasts during ● Vulnerable in IUCN Red List and is listed in Appendix I of
winter for hatching. CITES.
Sea Turtle ● MoEFCC with collaboration with UNDP ● Conservation of Olive Ridley turtles is done in
7
Project started the project in 1999. the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS),Andhra Pradesh.
● Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun is the ● Yanadi tribe are directly involved in the conservation
implementation agency. bid.
● Indian Crocodile Conservation Project has
pulled back the once threatened crocodilians
from the brink of extinction and place them ● To protect the remaining population of crocodilians in
Crocodile on a good path of recovery. their natural habitat by creating sanctuaries.
Conservation ● To build up a level of trained personnel for ● To rebuild natural population quickly through ‘grow and
8
Project better continuity of the project through release’ or ‘rear and release’ technique.
training imparted at project-sites and ● Gharial is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red
through the (erstwhile) Central Crocodile List.
Breeding and Management Training Institute,
Hyderabad.
● Kashmir stag also called Hangul is a
subspecies of Central Asian Red Deer native ● State of Jammu & Kashmir, along with the IUCN and the
Project to northern India. WWF prepared a project for the protection of these
9 ● State animal of Jammu & Kashmir animals.
Hangul
● Found in Dachigam National Park at ● Population increased to over 340 by 1980 from 150 in
elevations of 3,035 meters 1970.
● Started in 1970’s
● Ministry of Environment and Forests notified ● Among the four “obligate” freshwater dolphins found in
the Ganges River Dolphin as the National the world — the other three are the ‘baiji found in the
Aquatic Animal. Yangtze River (China), the ‘bhulan’ of the Indus
10 Dolphin ● River Dolphin inhabits the Ganges- (Pakistan) and the ‘boto’ of the Amazon River (Latin
Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu America).
river systems of Nepal, India, and ● Threatened by river water pollution and siltation,
Bangladesh. accidental entanglement in fishing nets and poaching for
● Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection their oil.
48
Act (1972). ● Chinese River Dolphin was declared functionally in 2006.
India
adopts ● SAWEN is regional intergovernmental wildlife
● India's motive: strengthen its ties with the member
SAWEN- law enforcement support body launched in
countries for controlling the trans-boundary wildlife
South Asia January, 2011 in Paro, Bhutan.
crimes through coordination, communication,
11 Wildlife ● Regional intergovernmental body to combat
collaboration, cooperation and capacity building in the
Enforceme wildlife crime
region.
nt ● Comprises of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan,
● SAWEN was established for mutual collaboration for
Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and
harmonising as well as enforcing the wildlife protection
Network Maldives
● Snake -Katraj Snake Park, Pune

● Captive breeding means that members of a
● Crocodile -Madras Crocodile Bank, Chennai
wild species are captured, then bred and
Captive ● Lion -Devaliya Safari Park, Gujarat
raised in a special facility under the care of
12 Breeding ● Gharial -National Chambal Sanctuary, Chambal
wildlife biologists and other expert.
Programs ● Vulture -Ramanagara Vulture Sanctuary, Karnataka.
● Bringing an animal into captivity may
● Dolphin –Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary,
represent the last chance to preserve a
Bhagalpur.
species in the wild.
● Macaque- Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai.
APPENDIX 1
Ramsar Wetlands Sites In India
Sl.
Ramsar Site Location
No.
1 Chandertal Land (Freshwater) Himachal Pradesh
2 Pong Dam Lake (Freshwater) (Reservoir) Himachal Pradesh
3 Renuka Wetland (Freshwater) (Natural) Himachal Pradesh
4 Chilika Lake (Bracking Water) (Natural Lagoon) Orissa
5 Bhitarkanika Wetlands (Mangrove Swamps) Orissa
6 Deepor Beel (Freshwater) (Natural) Assam
7 East Calcutta Wetlands West Bengal
8 Sundarban Wetland West Bengal
9 Harike Lake (Freshwater) (Man-Made) Punjab
10 Kanjli (Man-Made reservoir) (Freshwater) Punjab
11 Ropar (Freshwater Lake) (Manmade) Punjab
12 Keoladeo National Park (Freshwater Swamps) (Manmade) Rajasthan
13 Sambhar Lake (Saline) (Natural) Rajasthan
14 Kolleru Lake (Freshwater) (Natural) Andhra Pradesh
15 Loktak Lake (Freshwater) (Natural) Manipur
16 Nalsarovar (Freshwater) (Natural) Gujarat
17 Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary (Coastal Swamps and salt pans) Tamil Nadu
18 Sasthamkotta Lake (Freshwater lake) (Natural) Kerala
19 Vembanad-Kol Wetland (Natural) (Brackish) Kerala
20 Ashtamudi Wetland (Brackish) (Natural) Kerala
21 Surinsar-Mansar Lakes (freshwater) (Natural) Jammu & Kashmir
22 Wular Lake (Freshwater) (Natural) Jammu & Kashmir
23 Hokera Wetland (natural) (Freshwater) Jammu and Kashmir
24 Tsomoriri (Freshwater to brackish) Jammu & Kashmir
25 Bhoj Wetland (Freshwater) (Man-made) Madhya Pradesh
26 Upper Ganga River (Freshwater) (Riverstretch) (freshwater) Uttar Pradesh
27 Rudra Sagar Lake (Freshwater) (Natural) Tripura
49
50
APPENDIX 2
List of National Parks
Sl.
Name of State / Protected Area
No.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
1 Campbell Bay NP
2 Galathea Bay NP
3 Mahatama Gandhi Marine (Wandoor) NP
4 Middle Button Island NP
5 Mount Harriett NP
6 North Button Island NP
7 Rani Jhansi Marine NP
8 South Button Island NP
9 Saddle Peak NP
Andhra Pradesh
1 Papikonda NP
2 Rajiv Gandhi (Rameswaram) NP
3 Sri Venkateswara NP
Arunachal Pradesh
1 Mouling NP
2 Namdapha NP
Assam
1 Dibru-Saikhowa NP
2 Manas NP
3 Kaziranga NP
4 Nameri NP
5 Rajiv Gandhi Orang NP
Bihar
1 Valmiki NP
Chhattisgarh
1 Guru Ghasidas (Sanjay) NP
2 Indravati (Kutru) NP
3 Kanger Valley NP
Goa
1 Mollem NP
Gujarat
1 Vansda NP
2 Blackbuck (Velavadar) NP
3 Gir NP
4 Marine (Gulf of Kachchh) NP
Haryana
1 Kalesar NP
2 Sultanpur NP
Himachal Pradesh
1 Great Himalayan NP
2 Inderkilla NP
3 Khirganga NP
4 Pin Valley NP
5 Simbalbara NP
Jammu & Kashmir
1 City Forest (Salim Ali) NP
51
2 Dachigam NP
3 Hemis NP
4 Kishtwar NP
Jharkhand
1 Betla NP
Karnataka
1 Anshi NP
2 Bandipur NP
3 Bannerghatta NP
4 Kudremukh NP
5 Nagarahole (Rajiv Gandhi) NP
Kerala
1 Anamudi Shola NP
2 Eravikulam NP
3 Mathikettan Shola NP
4 Pambadum Shola NP
5 Periyar NP
6 Silent Valley NP
Madhya Pradesh
1 Bandhavgarh NP
2 Fossil NP
3 Indira Priyadarshini Pench NP
4 Kanha NP
5 Madhav NP
6 Panna NP
7 Sanjay NP
8 Satpura NP
9 Van Vihar NP
10 Dinosaur NP
Maharashtra
1 Chandoli NP
2 Gugamal NP
3 Nawegaon NP
4 Pench (Jawaharlal Nehru) NP
5 Sanjay Gandhi (Borivilli) NP
6 Tadoba NP
Manipur
1 Keibul-Lamjao NP
2 Nokrek Ridge NP
Mizoram
1 Murlen NP
2 Phawngpui Blue Mountain NP
Nagaland
1 Intanki NP
Odisha
1 Bhitarkanika NP
2 Simlipal NP
Rajasthan
1 Mukundra Hills NP
2 Desert NP
3 Keoladeo Ghana NP
4 Ranthambhore NP
52
5 Sariska NP
Sikkim
1 Khangchendzonga NP
Tamil Nadu
1 Guindy NP
2 Gulf of Mannar Marine NP
3 Indira Gandhi (Annamalai) NP
4 Mudumalai NP
5 Mukurthi NP
Telangana
1 Kasu Brahmananda Reddy NP
2 Mahaveer Harina Vanasthali NP
3 Mrugavani NP
Tripura
1 Clouded Leopard NP
2 Bison (Rajbari) NP
Uttar Pradesh
1 Dudhwa NP
2 Corbett NP
3 Govind NP
4 Nanda Devi NP
5 Rajaji NP
6 Valley of Flowers NP
West Bengal
1 Buxa NP
2 Jaldapara NP
3 Neora Valley NP
4 Singalila NP
5 Sunderban NP
6 Gorumara NP
53
54
APPENDIX 3
55
APPENDIX 4
List of Biosphere Reserves in INDIA
Biosphere Reserves Location Flora Fauna
Part of Wynad, Nagarhole, Bandipur and
Nilgiri(Included in Tropical forest; Mixed
Madumalai, Nilambur, Silent Valley and Tiger,Elephant,Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed
MAB list of mountain and highland
Siruvani hills in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and macaque
UNESCO) systems
Karnataka.
Herbaceous species and
scrub communities such snow leopard, Himalayan black bear,
Nanda Devi
Part of Chamoli, Pithoragarh and Almora as Rhododendron. Plant brown bear , musk deer and
(Included in MAB
districts in Uttarakhand. species including lichens, bharal/blue sheep ,Asiatic black bear,
list of UNESCO)
fungi, bryophytes and snow leopard
pteridophytes
Evergreen and semi Slow Loris, Giant flying squirrel, Pig-
Nokrek (Included in
Part of East, West and South Garo Hill evergreen deciduous tailed macaque, tigers, Red Panda,
MAB list of
districts in Meghalaya forests dominate the leopards, elephants and Hoolock
UNESCO)
landscape gibbons,etc.
Part of Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Barpeta,
Manas Nalbari, Kamprup and Darang districts in Golden Langur, Red Panda
Assam.
Sunderban
Part of delta of Ganges & Brahamaputra Tropical humid forest;
(Included in MAB
river system in West Bengal. Mangroves
list of UNESCO)
Islands including
India part of Gulf of Mannar extending
Gulf of Mannar coastal/marine
from Rameswaram island in the North to
(Included in MAB component; coral reefs Dugong or Sea Cow, Sea cucumber
Kanyakumari in the South of Tamil Nadu.
list of UNESCO) and mangrove, sea grass
There are 21 Islands.
beds, coral reefs
Southernmost island of Andaman and Part of Sundaland Saltwater Crocodile, Edible-nest

Great Nicobar
Nicobar Islands. It incorporates two Biodiversity Hotspot, swiftlet, Nicobar lion-tailed macaque,
(Included in MAB
national parks Campbell Bay National Park Tropical Wet Evergreen Giant Leatherback sea turtle, Nicobar
list of UNESCO)
and Galathea National Park. Forests. tree shrew, Nicorbar scrubfowl
The park derives its name
from the abundance of Asiatic Elephant, Gaur, Royal Bengal
Similipal (Included
semul (red silk cotton Tiger, Wild elephant. Mugger
in MAB list of Part of Mayurbhanj district in Orissa.
trees) that grow here. Crocodile management program was
UNESCO)
Orchids, medicinal plants, launched here.
etc.
Part of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts in
DibruSaikhova Golden Langur
Assam.
Part of Upper Siang, West Siang and

Mishmi takin, Red goral, musk deer,
DehangDibang Dibang Valley districts in Arunachal
red panda, Asiatic Black bear
Pradesh.
Pachmarhi Satpura Hills runs across it. Covers three Gaura, bears, tigers and leopards,
(Included in MAB protected areas – Satpura National Park, Sal Forests Giant Squirrel and Crested , Flying
list of UNESCO) Bori and Pachmarhi Wildlife Sanctuary. Squirrel.
Khangchendz onga
(Included in MAB Part of North and West districts in Sikkim. Snow Leopard, Red Panda
list of UNESCO)
56
Covers Peppara and Shendurney wildlife

Agasthyamala i sanctuaries and parts of the Neyyar
Tropical Wet Evergreen
(Included in MAB sanctuary in Kerala and the Kalakad NilgiriTahr, Elephants, Tiger
Forests
list of UNESCO) Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil
Nadu.
Maikala hills of Satpura range passes Four horned antelope, Indian wild
Achanakmar
through it. It separates the rivers that dog , Saras crane , Asian white backed
Amarkantak
drain into the Arabian Sea and Bay of vulture, Sacred grove bush
(Included in MAB
Bengal. The reserve is also source of three frog ,striped Hyaena, , Chital, Wild
list of UNESCO)
rivers: Narmada, Son and Johila. Bear, Leopard.
Indian Wild Ass, Site for Flamingo
Part of Kachchh, Rajkot, Surendranagar
Kachchh Banni Grasslands breeding (Flamingo City), Chinkara,
and Patan districts in Gujarat.
Caracal, Desert Cat and Desert Fox
Pin Valley National Park and surroundings;
Cold Desert Chandratal & Sarchu; and Kibber Wildlife Snow Leopard
sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh.
Tropical dry deciduous Slender Loris, Indian giant squirrel,
Seshachalam Seshachalam hill ranges in Eastern Ghats.
forests, Red Sanders Mouse
Part of Panna and Chhattarpur districts in Dry deciduous forests of Tiger, Chital, Chinkara, Sambharand
Panna
Madhya Pradesh Teak, Salai, Kardhai Sloth bear.
57
APPENDIX 5
APPENDIX 6
58
APPENDIX 7
59
60

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Environment Ready Reckoner 2020

I Environment and Ecology Basic 01-13 Mitigation Strategies

1.Environment and Ecology Basic Concepts Environment:

 The term ‘environment’ means surroundings in which

Community Biotic components are-

Biosphere: A large tree shades a

Law Of 10% Energy Transfer

Types of Succession: Nutrient Cycles

Steps of the Sulphur Cycle: plant or animal, the phosphate is incorporated

Water has higher specific heat than air. So temperature

oxygen. This process results in suffocation and death

Threat from Human Interference:

Wetland Ecosystem Functions of Wetlands:

RAMSAR CONVENTION ON WETLANDS

RAMSAR SITES IN INDIA – Refer APPENDIX 1

Western Slope Less

Gradients of Biodiversity: services are:

National Parks: There are 18 biosphere reserves in India of which 11 are

Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves: Sacred Forests or Lakes:

Biodiversity hotspots: Colour Codes used by IUCN:

species with a very high share of endemic species.

IUCN REDLIST INDEX Sl Birds - Critically

Plant Diversity of India

to pneumonia and influenza smoke ● Lung cancer, pulmonary and coronary

 It is present in stratosphere mainly, and in the

Ozone in troposphere Importance of Ozone Layer:

Facts About the Ozone Layer:

Acid Rain Wet deposition of acids occurs when any form of

Dry and Wet Deposition: 5.Climate Change

Wet Deposition Global Warming:

 It is an average increase in the temperature of the ● Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) (used in

 In general, it is caused as a result of increased HFCs were developed as a replacement

5.Climate Change Organisation

9 Global Environment Facility-GEF (1992) Global Climate Fund- GCF

Programs/Initiatives to Mitigate Climate Change Effects in India

India and Climate Change:

6.Environmental Impact Assessment

o Figures 1 and 2 show that EIA can help reduce the

● The convention provides the framework for national

● Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of

● Densely populated rural areas to be afforded greater

Wetland Rules 2010 Wetland Rules 2017

10.Institution and Measures

Biodiversity ● Project was negotiated with the World

● Launched in Budget 2010-11

11.Indian Environmental Organisations

12.Wildlife Conservation Efforts- India

● Snake -Katraj Snake Park, Pune

Southernmost island of Andaman and Part of Sundaland Saltwater Crocodile, Edible-nest

Part of Upper Siang, West Siang and

Covers Peppara and Shendurney wildlife

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