Insights from Joe Biden’s 2021 Leaders’ Summit on Climate

The Leaders’ Summit on Climate ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) is a welcome move by the US President Joe Biden. It is heartening to witness the historic largest carbon-polluter coming back to the climate rescue. President Biden seem to have a clear intention and interest to take climate action. On the very first day of joining the office the president announced the move to make United States return to the Paris Agreement. Subsequently, 40 world leaders were invited to the Leaders’ Summit on Climate to galvanize the efforts by the world’s major economies to tackle the climate crisis. The invitation to the summit urged global leaders to use the summit as an opportunity to showcase their commitments towards stronger climate ambition and action.

The key themes of the summit were to channelize the efforts of the world’s major economies to limit global warming to 1.5 degree Celsius and assist the vulnerable countries to mitigate and adapt the climate impacts. At the summit, the US submitted its updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the 2015 Paris Agreement which is to reduce 50-52 per cent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions below 2005 levels by 2030 and to reach to the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Similar ambitious commitments were made by Japan, Canada, European Union and United Kingdom among a host of other countries.

But despite of having such ambitious pledges and commitments, we are falling short of a 1.5˚C-compatible 2030 target as reported by the Climate Action Tracker (CAT). A two-day virtual meeting of world’s leaders was never going to channelize the kind of rapid response required for serious climate action. However, with the unionization of world’s top political figureheads, the climate change issue is certainly back on the agenda. The real need now is to transform the commitments to ground with real time monitoring and feedback mechanism.

The world’s topmost leaders should also be concerned about those impacted the hardest and with very little capacity to cope with the serious impacts of climate change. Several studies have identified South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa as two of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. Unfortunately these are the same regions with lower economic capacities, poor standards of living and higher dependence on natural resources. With just 3.5% of the global emissions share, south Asia faces the brunt of the climate impacts.

The poorer south nations are far less materially and economically developed than the North nations. The developed nations have attained economic levels by extensive use of fossil fuels and materialistic advancement. It is unfortunate that the historically low carbon emitters are hit hardest by the impacts of climate change. This also raises the question of Climate Justice and Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capacities (CBDR & RC) which was not given an adequate attention during the leaders’ summit. Though the south nations must play their active role in reducing the emissions, but the north nations must take responsibility to help and support the vulnerable countries.

The scientists have warned the urgency to limit the global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in order to limit the adverse impacts of climate change. We have already crossed the rise in global temperature by 1.2°C mark. At the current global GHG emission growth rate, the world will likely warm by 2°C in a matter of few decades, the aftereffects of which are most likely to be irreversible and unlivable. IPCC has also warned that we have just a short decade till 2030 to reduce the global emissions by 50% if we are to avert the disastrous effects of climate change.

There is a dire need to invest in nature and take some serious legally binding actions like phasing out coal, promoting renewables, afforestation targets, sustainable investments etc. The global financial institutions should be mandated to invest at least 50% in promoting climate action. A strict global tax system should be made in place to penalize the carbon, energy and water intensive projects with unsustainable products and practices. The projects like mining and overexploitation in ecologically sensitive areas should be totally banned. A proactive landscape scale planning is a must while decision making. The funds like Green Climate Fund and Climate Adaptation Fund should be made sizable to the extent of the problem. The developed countries should take ownership to help their developing counterparts in financing and technological transfer.

Advancing on climate with strong policy and commitments should not be looked upon as a liability or bourdon. There is a hidden long term incentive by aligning the policies and practices for creating a better, equitable and just world. The enhanced climate action will help create green jobs, advance innovative technologies, promote sustainable livelihoods and achieve inclusive development.

Climate Change is certainly real and almost visible. It is already staring hard at our doorsteps. The point in time is the most crucial and decisive moments in the lifetime of only inhabitable planet. It’s a make or break time for the world. At such a crucial juncture, let us hope that the Leaders’ Summit on Climate is a stepping stone to decisive climate action.

References: 

 https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/26/president-biden-invites-40-world-leaders-to-leaders-summit-on-climate/ 

 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/climate-change/biden-s-climate-summit-major-polluters-ramp-up-climate-ambition-76680 

 https://www.firstpost.com/tech/science/earth-day-2021-joe-biden-to-host-earth-day-climate-summit-how-to-watch-it-online-who-is-attending-9551811.html 

 https://yubanet.com/world/civil-society-reactions-to-leaders-climate-summit/ 

 https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/climate-change/biden-s-climate-leadership-summit-what-should-3-pms-from-south-asia-do-76619

Unseasonal Rains!

One must have heard about the Monsoon Rains, but Summer Rains is an evolving and abnormal category of a changing weather pattern. 

The cool breeze by rains in summers pleases us. The weather, though temporary looks and feels fantastic. It makes us feel relieved from the scorching heat of summers. It also make us upload pictures of a rainbow and drizzles on social media. It may also make some of us feel romantic as well. Not to mention, I also enjoy and feel such events. But are these events normal? Is it like any other rains? What are its root causes & consequences? Is it because of the bigger picture of climate change? 

Over the years, not only the frequency but also the intensity of such erratic weather events (like floods, droughts, heatwaves, erratic rainfalls) has increased manifolds. Now the question arises whom to blame for it? In my view, humanity and nature are the only two major contenders. But humans won't ever accept his deeds till the time situation becomes out of control. 

Imagine the situation of a farmer who is doing the business of farming 'under the sky'. The farmer who is already in trouble, is forced to face more troubles with such out of the box extreme weather events. The situation of not so fortunate people living on streets. Such extreme and erratic weather events does not give time to adjust and adapt. One just have to face the consequences.

These events may seem normal to the common public but it also has a direct economic impact on the balance sheet of government.  They need to pay heavy compensation amounts to thousands of such affected farmers. It also has an impact on public health cost due to the increasing number of patients reporting in the name of change of weather. Wildlife also gets severely affected. We have a permanent shelter to live, but wildlife have habitats. They stay in a particular habitat depending upon the seasons. But such mix and match of seasons ( like rains in summers) also puts them in trouble. 

Through such events, nature is alarming and giving us a testimony about the heinous crimes done by humanity to the nature. Anyways, let us not become too serious and critical about such abnormal weather events. Instead enjoy them, but at the same time be mindful of such events and put our right efforts to mitigate such erratic weather events in future. 

Summary and multi-language translation of the “Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region (2020)”

 In June, 2020 the Ministry of Earth Science published a detailed report named “Assessment of Climate Change over the Indian Region” on human induced climate change and its effect over India. The present work is collaboration between multidisciplinary people to summarize and translate the report in several Indian languages in order to disseminate the results among the common mass.

Access the full report at : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349773842_Summary_and_multi-language_translation_of_the_Assessment_of_Climate_Change_over_the_Indian_Region_2020

Bamboo Biomass

It is a well established fact that bamboo grows very fast in a span of just 3-4 years. But how much of a biomass is  acquired by each specie over the years is a grey area.

Following is an outcome of a short study by Maharashtra Bamboo Development Board for the estimation of bamboo biomass from various species in 5th year. 

It may be noted that the yield and weight has been calculated on Green Metric Ton. As per the agro-climatic zone for the particular species, the yield may vary if the standard operating procedure of drip irrigation, fertigation and other practices aren't followed. The dry weight would be 60% of the wet bamboo.  

Promotion and Development of Organized Bamboo Markets

Climate and Corona have disrupted the lives and livelihoods of many. This may just be the trailer.

In such turbulent times, there is a need for climate resilient and hardy species with a potential to benefit Ecology, Economy and Society. Bamboo could be one such species provided we develop an organized market for it. 

My views on the need for promotion and development of organized bamboo markets in Down To Earth magazine. 

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/agriculture/small-scale-markets-will-be-a-win-win-for-marginal-farmers-buyers-of-cultivated-bamboo-74166

Eco-existence: Bamboo and Tigers

Bamboo as we all know has thousands of application for societal purpose, but it has also got a deeper connection with the apex predator and keystone species of the Indian wildlife. You must be wondering, but how can there be a relation between bamboo and tiger? These two have an age old relation to co-exist. Though it is not documented enough, but very well-established it is!

Few days back, I came across an article in local newspaper about the stagnant population of tigers in Navegaon-Nagzira tiger reserve. Interestingly, one of the prime reasons for the stagnant tiger population was the lack of bamboo groves.

The celebrity of Indian wildlife, Royal Bengal Tiger, roams in a wide range of habitats including high altitudes, tropical and subtropical rainforests, mangroves, and grasslands. But one thing it prefers across such diverse landscapes is the presence of thick and dense bamboo groves.

PC: Somchai Rakin

The national tiger census was completed recently according to which the country has 2967 tigers. Out of which the Maharashtra state has 312, Tadoba has 83 while the Navegaon-Nagzira Tiger reserve has 6-7 tigers. A comparative study of the Nagzira and Tadoba tiger reserve reveals an interesting scenario. Back in 1980's, both Nagzira and Tadoba had about 6-8 tigers. But as of today, the tigers in Tadoba have crossed 100 plus mark, yet the tiger count in Nagzira is limited to only six.

Experts point to a fact that Tadoba has always been the hotspot for tigers owing to the presence of grasslands and thick bamboo groves. Tadoba has more area under bamboo which makes it conducive for the tigers to hide and attack. They are more active in dense bamboo clumps and thick bamboo groves, and prefer mating in such areas.

Despite of Navegaon-Nagzira being an important wildlife corridor connecting Kanha, Pench and Tadoba reserve, tigers do not prefer to stay here. Like other tourists, tigers come and visit Navegaon but do not stay there for long.  While there could be many other factors attributable to it, but depletion of bamboo resources is one of the prime concern. Comparatively, Navegao-Nagzira has much lesser area under bamboo and the presence of monoculture teak plantations in the area has also affected the tiger populations.

Forests are not just about the trees, herbs and shrubs, it’s also about the small and tall grasses like bamboo. The grasses on which the entire herbivores feed and the flagship carnivores like tigers survive. Everything in nature is interdependent and if the tiger has to thrive, bamboo has to survive. This wildlife week, let us pledge to protect and preserve the infinite potential in the inter-connectedness of nature!

(PS: I am not a wildlife expert, but as a learner and explorer, I have tried to connect the dots between the bamboo and tiger. Hope you enjoyed reading the post. Your comments are most welcome! )

India’s Ecological Wealth: The Protected Area Network (PAN) of India

India is one among the 17 mega-diverse countries of the world. With only 2.4% of the world’s geographical area, it supports 16.7% of world’s human population and about 8 % of the global biodiversity. India has a strong network of protected areas which supports the country’s rich flora and fauna. But what exactly are these protected areas? Protected areas are those in which the exploitation of the resources is limited and there is a limitation on biotic interference. There are several kinds of protected areas, each of which vary by the level of protection depending upon the enabling laws of the country or the laws governing by international organizations. In India, the Protected Area Network (PAN) comprises of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves, Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves. Together, it comprises 5.02 % of country’s geographical area. 

1.       National Parks

These are the areas of very high ecological significance and are completely reserved for the conservation of wild animals. No human activity in any form such as harvesting of timber, collection of minor forest produce, encroachment/destruction of habitat, construction of tourist lodges, livestock grazing and hunting of wild animals are banned in these areas. Currently, there are 104 national parks in India covering an area of 40,501.13 km2, which is 1.23% of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, May, 2019).

 

2.       Wildlife Sanctuaries

A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area reserved for both – conservation of animals and controlled human activities. The partial biotic interference is allowed as long as it does not interferes with the well-being of animals. The human activities such as harvesting of timber, collection of minor forest products and private ownership rights are allowed. Livestock grazing is also allowed in a regulated manner in sanctuaries. It may be noted that a wildlife sanctuary can be upgraded to a national park, but a national park cannot be downgraded to a wildlife sanctuary. It may also be noted that the boundaries of sanctuaries are not well defined, however the boundaries of national park are well defined. Currently, there are 551 existing wildlife sanctuaries in India covering an area of  1,19775.80 km2, which is 3.64 % of the geographical area of the country (National Wildlife Database, May, 2019).

 

3.       Tiger Reserves

The national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which encompasses a good tiger population have been nominated as tiger reserves and such areas have a special status with highest level of protection. Currently, there are 50 tiger reserves in India.

 

4.       Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves

Both Conservation Reserves and Community Reserves typically denote the areas which act as buffer zones or migration corridors between established reserved and protected forests.  These protected area categories were introduced in 2002 after the amendment to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. These categories were notified because of reduced protection in and around existing or proposed protected areas due to private ownership of land, and other land uses. Currently, there are 88 Conservation Reserves with an area of 4356.49 Sqkm and 127 Community Reserves with an area of 525.22 Sqkm.

 The conservation reserve is owned by the state government and it can be declared as the conservation reserve by the state government after consulting the local communities. It is meant for the conservation of the flora and the fauna along with its cultural values and traditional practices. The rights of the people living inside the conservation reserve are not affected.

 The community reserve includes any private or community land which is converted into community reserve by the state government. It is basically an area where an individual or a community has volunteered to conserve wildlife and its habitat. The rights of the people are not affected by the community reserve.

 

5.       Biosphere Reserves

Biosphere reserves were initiated under the UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere (MAB) programme in 1971. Biosphere reserves protect large areas of natural habitat along with the human communities who inhibit these areas. There are 18 biosphere reserves in India.

The term "protected area" also includes Marine Protected Areas, the boundaries of which will include some area of ocean conservation purposes.

6.       Marine Protected Areas

A marine protected area (MPA) is a designated area within the ocean where human activities are strictly regulated. Such areas are given special protections for natural or historic marine resources by local, state, territorial, native, regional, or national authorities.  

 

7.       Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs) are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The main purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas. They also act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.

 

8.       Coastal Regulation Zone

As per the notification issued in February 1991, under Environment Protection Act of 1986, the coastal activities were regulated. Accordingly, the coastal land up to 500m from the High Tide Line (HTL) and a stage of 100m along banks of creeks, estuaries, backwater and rivers subject to tidal fluctuations, is called the Coastal Regulation Zone(CRZ). CRZ along the country has been placed in four categories. The said notification imposed restriction on the setting up and expansion of industries in the said CRZ.

Thus, the Protected Area Network (PAN) serves as the lifeline for the country's rich flora and fauna, and plays a significant role in conserving India’s natural heritage.

  

References:

·         https://www.teriin.org/opinion/protected-area-network-india

·         http://cmscop13india.nic.in/index1.aspx?lsid=1087&lev=2&lid=79&langid=1

·         https://gradeup.co/protected-area-network-in-india-i