Discuss the implications of IPCC and the State of the Cryosphere 2023 report findings on Himalayan ecosystems and downstream communities. Suggest a multi-pronged strategy for India to address the emerging cryospheric challenges.

Answer: 

Approach to the answer: 

Overview: Describe the cryosphere and go over its components and Cite any current studies that draw attention to the problem.

• The areas of Earth where water turns into snow or ice are known as the cryosphere. According to IPCC observations, the cryosphere’s net ice loss has been ongoing. The State of the Cryosphere 2023 assessment estimates that even if global warming is kept to 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, almost all tropical glaciers, the majority of mid-latitude glaciers, and polar regions will vanish.

Body: The cryosphere’s threats and Crisis containment strategies. 

• Limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels should be the main objective. Encourage wind and solar power to lessen dependency on fossil fuels. [For instance, Ladakh’s solar farms]. Reduce the ecological impact of glacier tourism by putting eco-friendly measures into place. For instance, Himachal Pradesh’s ecotourism. Build robust infrastructure to resist GLOFs and permafrost thawing. [For instance, building a bridge in Arunachal Pradesh]

In summary:

Climate action-focused SDG 13  and actions taken by the Indian government

• Ambition on Melting Ice (AMI) COP27 and other initiatives should have sufficient financial support. Preserving the delicate balance of the Earth’s climate system and ensuring a stable temperature depend on protecting the cryosphere. In accordance with Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate change, immediate action is required to reduce cryospheric dangers in India.

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Practice Question

Question: Evaluate the role of local community participation and climate-resilient infrastructure in safeguarding cryospheric regions in India. How can such approaches align with SDG-13 (Climate Action)? (250 words)

Mains PYQs 

Question: Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC IAS 2021)

MCQs PYQs

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Question: With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2016)

1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN, and it will go into effect in 2017.
2. The Agreement aims to limit greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2ºC or even 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels.
3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $ 1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer : B

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