Module 5:

Global Warming

Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to
human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2),
methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. Here’s a breakdown of the
concept, indicators, factors, and effects of global warming:

Concept:

Global warming is part of climate change, which encompasses changes in temperature

patterns, precipitation, and other climate indicators over a long period. It specifically refers to
the observed and projected increase in Earth’s average surface temperature, predominantly
attributed to human activities since the Industrial Revolution.

Indicators:

1. Temperature Increase: Surface temperatures have risen globally since the late 19th century,
with the last few decades being the warmest on record.

2. Melting Ice and Glaciers: Significant reductions in ice mass in polar regions and mountain
glaciers.

3. Sea Level Rise: Melting ice sheets and thermal expansion of seawater contribute to rising
sea levels.

4. Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, storms, and
heavy rainfall events.

5. Ocean Acidification: Increased absorption of CO2 by oceans leads to acidification, harming

marine life.

Factors:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy,
transportation, and industry releases CO2.

2. Deforestation: Removal of forests reduces the capacity to absorb CO2, leading to higher
atmospheric concentrations.
3. Industrial Processes: Release of methane from agriculture, livestock, and waste
management activities.

4. Land Use Changes: Urbanization and agricultural practices can alter local climate patterns.

Effects:

1. Environmental: Loss of biodiversity, disruptions in ecosystems, and altered habitats due to

changing temperature and precipitation patterns.

2. Human Health: Increased risks from heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and
respiratory problems due to poor air quality.

3. Economic: Damage to infrastructure from extreme weather events, loss of agricultural

productivity, and increased costs for mitigation and adaptation.

4. Social: Displacement of communities due to sea-level rise, conflicts over dwindling

resources, and disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations.

Mitigation and Adaptation:

Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions through policies and technologies
aimed at transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and
protecting forests. Adaptation focuses on building resilience to the impacts of global warming
through infrastructure improvements, disaster preparedness, and sustainable land use
planning.

Global climate change-indicators,

Global climate change, encompassing various indicators, manifests through observable

changes across Earth's systems and atmospheric conditions. These indicators serve as
evidence of ongoing shifts in climate patterns and dynamics. Here are key indicators of global
climate change:

1. Temperature Changes:

- Global Surface Temperature: Increasing trend in global average surface temperatures over
the past century, with recent decades consistently warmer than previous ones.

- Ocean Temperature: Rising sea surface temperatures, impacting marine ecosystems and
weather patterns.
2. Precipitation Patterns:

- Changes in Rainfall: Altered precipitation patterns, including increased intensity of rainfall

in some regions and prolonged droughts in others.

- Snow and Ice: Reductions in snow cover extent and duration, and declining glacier mass
worldwide.

3. Sea Level Rise:

- Thermal Expansion: Expansion of seawater as it warms, contributing to higher sea levels.

- Melting Ice Sheets and Glaciers: Loss of ice from Greenland, Antarctica, and mountain
glaciers leading to additional sea level rise.

4. Ocean Acidification:

- Increased CO2 Absorption: Oceans absorbing excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere,
leading to higher acidity levels which can harm marine life, particularly shell-forming
organisms.

5. Extreme Weather Events:

- Heatwaves: More frequent and intense heatwaves, posing risks to human health,
agriculture, and ecosystems.

- Storms and Hurricanes: Changes in frequency, intensity, and tracks of tropical storms and
hurricanes due to warmer ocean temperatures.

6. Ecosystem Changes:

- Shifts in Species Distribution: Migration patterns and ranges of plants and animals shifting
in response to changing temperatures and habitats.

- Coral Bleaching: Widespread bleaching events due to warmer ocean temperatures,

threatening coral reef ecosystems.

7. Human and Societal Impacts:

- Health Risks: Increased incidence of heat-related illnesses, vector-borne diseases, and

respiratory problems due to changing climate patterns.
 - Food Security: Agricultural productivity affected by changes in temperature, rainfall
patterns, and extreme weather events.

- Water Resources: Changes in water availability and quality, impacting freshwater

ecosystems and human water supply.

Health impacts & effect on biodiversity

Global climate change has significant health impacts and effects on biodiversity, highlighting
the interconnectedness between environmental changes and human well-being. Here’s an
exploration of these impacts:

Health Impacts:

1. Heat-related Illnesses:

- Heatwaves: Increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves can lead to heat exhaustion,
heatstroke, and dehydration, especially affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly
and outdoor workers.

2. Vector-borne Diseases:

- Expanded Geographic Range: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can alter
the geographic range and seasonality of disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes, affecting
the transmission of diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.

3. Air Quality:

- Respiratory Issues: Higher temperatures and increased air pollution levels can exacerbate
respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies, leading to more frequent and severe
respiratory illnesses.

4. Food and Water Security:

- Impacts on Agriculture: Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect crop
yields and livestock productivity, potentially leading to food shortages and malnutrition.

- Waterborne Diseases: Changes in water availability and quality can increase the risk of
waterborne diseases, particularly in regions with inadequate sanitation and access to clean
water.

5. Mental Health:
 - Psychosocial Stress: Climate change-induced disasters, displacement, and uncertainty
about the future can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Effects on Biodiversity:

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:

- Species Extinctions: Loss of habitat due to climate change impacts such as deforestation,
sea level rise, and desertification can lead to the decline and extinction of species unable to
adapt or migrate.

2. Changes in Ecosystems:

- Altered Ecosystem Services: Climate change can disrupt ecosystem functions such as
pollination, nutrient cycling, and water purification, affecting the services they provide to
humans and wildlife.

3. Shifts in Species Distributions:

- Range Shifts: Species may migrate to higher latitudes or altitudes in response to changing
temperatures, disrupting local ecosystems and potentially leading to competition with native
species.

4. Coral Bleaching and Marine Ecosystems:

- Ocean Acidification: Increased absorption of CO2 by oceans leads to acidification,

harming coral reefs and marine organisms that rely on calcium carbonate structures.

- Bleaching Events: Warmer sea temperatures can trigger coral bleaching, where corals
expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leading to widespread coral mortality and loss
of biodiversity in reef ecosystems.

5. Ecosystem Resilience:

- Reduced Resilience: Climate change can reduce the resilience of ecosystems to other
stressors such as pollution, invasive species, and habitat destruction, making them more
vulnerable to further degradation.

Introduction to global efforts in conservation of biodiversity.

Global efforts in the conservation of biodiversity are crucial to addressing the ongoing loss of
species and habitats worldwide. Biodiversity, which encompasses the variety and variability
of life on Earth, is under significant threat due to human activities such as habitat destruction,
pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of resources.

Several key initiatives and frameworks have been established to tackle these challenges:

1. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Adopted in 1992 during the Earth Summit in
Rio de Janeiro, the CBD is an international treaty aimed at conserving biodiversity, promoting
sustainable use of its components, and ensuring fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising
from genetic resources. It sets targets and guidelines for biodiversity conservation efforts
globally.

2. Protected Areas and Conservation: Governments and organizations around the world have
established protected areas such as national parks, wildlife reserves, and marine sanctuaries
to safeguard ecosystems and species. These areas play a critical role in preserving biodiversity
and providing habitats for endangered species.

3. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 15 of the United Nations SDGs specifically
focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems,
managing forests sustainably, combating desertification, halting and reversing land
degradation, and halting biodiversity loss.

4. International Agreements and Treaties: Various international agreements complement the

CBD and focus on specific aspects of biodiversity conservation, such as the Ramsar
Convention on Wetlands and the CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) which regulates international trade in endangered species.

5. Research and Monitoring: Scientific research and monitoring programs are essential for
understanding biodiversity patterns, identifying threats, and assessing the effectiveness of
conservation actions. Initiatives like the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species provide a
comprehensive assessment of the conservation status of species worldwide.

6. Community and Indigenous Involvement: Recognizing the importance of local

communities and indigenous peoples in biodiversity conservation is critical. Their traditional
knowledge and practices often contribute significantly to sustainable management of
ecosystems and species.
7. Corporate and Private Sector Initiatives: Many businesses and private organizations are
increasingly incorporating biodiversity considerations into their operations and supply chains,
promoting sustainable practices and biodiversity-friendly products.

EIA: Regulations in India

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in India is governed primarily by the EIA

Notification issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This notification lays down
the procedures and guidelines for assessing the potential environmental impacts of
developmental projects before they are approved or implemented. Here are key aspects of EIA
regulations in India:

1. EIA Notification: The EIA Notification, first issued in 1994 and subsequently revised
multiple times (the latest being in 2020), categorizes projects into two categories based on
their potential environmental impact:

- Category A: Projects that require mandatory environmental clearance (EC) from the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) at the central level.

- Category B: Projects that require EC from the State Environment Impact Assessment
Authority (SEIAA) at the state level.

2. Applicability: The notification applies to a wide range of projects including industrial

installations, mining activities, infrastructure development (roads, highways, railways,
airports), thermal power plants, dams, and more recently, even certain types of building
construction.

3. Process: The EIA process involves several stages:

- Screening: Determination of whether a project requires an EIA based on its potential

impacts.

- Scoping: Identifying the environmental concerns and setting the scope for the EIA study.

- Public Consultation: Seeking public opinion and concerns on the project's potential
impacts.

- EIA Report: Preparation of a detailed report by the project proponent assessing

environmental impacts and proposing mitigation measures.
 - Decision-making: Granting or denying environmental clearance based on the EIA report
and other considerations.

4. Public Participation: The EIA Notification mandates public consultation during the EIA
process. The public has the right to access project information, attend public hearings, and
provide feedback on the potential environmental and social impacts of the proposed project.

5. Monitoring and Compliance: Projects granted environmental clearance are required to

comply with conditions specified in the EC. Monitoring of compliance is overseen by the
respective regulatory authorities at central and state levels.

6. Recent Amendments: The 2020 amendment to the EIA Notification has been controversial,
with concerns raised about dilution of environmental norms and reduced public participation.
However, it also introduced stricter penalties for non-compliance and emphasized digital
transparency in the EIA process.

status of EIA in India

As of the latest updates available until early 2022, the status of Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) in India reflects a mix of regulatory framework revisions, ongoing
controversies, and efforts towards improving environmental governance. Here are some key
points:

1. 2020 EIA Notification: The most recent amendment to the EIA Notification in 2020
introduced significant changes to the EIA process in India. It aimed to streamline procedures,
enhance digital transparency, and update criteria for categorizing projects requiring
environmental clearance.

2. Controversies and Criticisms: The 2020 amendment has been met with criticism from
environmental activists, civil society organizations, and experts who argue that it weakens
environmental safeguards. Concerns include reduced public consultation periods, exemptions
for certain projects from public hearings, and dilution of requirements for post-facto clearance
for projects started without obtaining necessary clearances.

3. Legal Challenges: The 2020 EIA Notification has faced multiple legal challenges in various
courts across India. These challenges primarily focus on alleged violations of environmental
principles, procedural lapses, and potential impacts on vulnerable ecosystems and
communities.
4. Public Resistance and Protests: The amendments to the EIA Notification have sparked
public protests and activism across the country. Concerned citizens, environmental groups,
and indigenous communities have mobilized against what they perceive as a rollback of
environmental protections.

5. Government Response: Despite criticisms, the government has defended the amendments,
stating that they aim to balance environmental protection with ease of doing business and
economic growth. They argue that the changes are intended to make the EIA process more
efficient and conducive to sustainable development.

6. Enforcement and Monitoring: The effectiveness of the EIA framework in India depends
largely on the enforcement of regulations and monitoring of compliance with environmental
clearances. There have been instances where projects have proceeded without obtaining
necessary clearances or have violated conditions set in their environmental clearances

7. Future Directions: The future of EIA in India may involve further revisions to address
concerns raised by various stakeholders. There is ongoing discourse on the need to strengthen
environmental governance, enhance public participation, and ensure that development
projects are conducted in a manner that minimizes adverse environmental impacts.

list of projects needing environmental clearance under EIA notifications.

Under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification issued by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in India, projects are categorized into
two main categories based on their potential environmental impacts:

1. Category A Projects: These projects require mandatory clearance from the Central
Government (MoEFCC) before they can be implemented. Some examples include:

- Mining projects (major minerals)

- Thermal power plants

- Nuclear power projects and processing of nuclear fuel

- Petroleum refineries including crude and product pipelines

- Ports and harbors, jetties and breakwaters

- Highways, expressways, transport terminals, and mass rapid transit systems

- Airports
 - Offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration, development, and production

- Chemical fertilizers (nitrogenous, phosphatic, and mixed)

- Pesticides (technical)

- Petrochemical complexes

- Industrial estates and townships

- Building construction projects with a built-up area of more than 1,50,000 square meters or
involving more than 100 hectares of land

2. Category B Projects: These projects require clearance from the State Level Environmental
Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) or State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority
(SEAC), depending on the state's setup. Some examples include:

- Mining projects (minor minerals)

- Thermal power plants less than 500 megawatts capacity

- Highways, expressways, transport terminals, and mass rapid transit systems

- Irrigation projects

- Industrial estates and townships

- Building construction projects with a built-up area between 20,000 to 1,50,000 square
meters or involving 5 to 100 hectares of land

Additionally, certain projects or activities listed under Schedule 1 of the EIA Notification are
exempted from requiring environmental clearance, provided they comply with specified
thresholds and conditions.

It's important to note that the categorization of projects and the thresholds for environmental
clearance are subject to periodic updates and revisions by the MoEFCC to reflect changes in
environmental policies and priorities. Therefore, stakeholders should refer to the latest EIA
Notification and its amendments for specific details on which projects require environmental
clearance in India.
Case study of hydro power/ thermal power projects.

Certainly! Let's explore a case study each for a hydro power project and a thermal power
project in India:

Case Study 1: Hydro Power Project - Srisailam Dam Hydroelectric Power Project

Overview:

The Srisailam Dam Hydroelectric Power Project is located on the Krishna River in the state
of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana in India. It is one of the largest hydroelectric projects in
India and plays a crucial role in irrigation, flood control, and power generation for the region.

Project Details:

- Purpose: The primary purpose of the Srisailam Dam is to generate electricity through
hydroelectric power generation.

- Capacity: The installed capacity of the hydroelectric power project is approximately 1,670
MW.

- Construction and Operation: The dam was constructed in stages, with the main construction
phase completed in the 1980s. It involves a large reservoir that stores water for power
generation and irrigation purposes.

- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Before the construction and operation of the
Srisailam Dam, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would have been conducted to
assess the potential environmental impacts on the Krishna River ecosystem, local biodiversity,
and nearby communities.

- Key Environmental Concerns: Some of the key environmental concerns associated with
hydroelectric projects like Srisailam Dam include alteration of river flow regimes, impact on
aquatic ecosystems and fisheries, displacement of communities due to reservoir inundation,
and changes in downstream water availability.

Environmental Mitigation and Benefits:

- Fish Ladder: To mitigate the impact on fish migration, fish ladders or fish passes may be
constructed to facilitate the movement of fish upstream and downstream of the dam.
- Reservoir Management: Environmental management plans often include measures to
maintain water quality in the reservoir and downstream areas, manage sedimentation, and
preserve riparian habitats.

- Benefits: Hydroelectric power projects provide clean energy without direct greenhouse gas
emissions, contribute to regional development through electricity generation, and support
irrigation and flood control.

Case Study 2: Thermal Power Project - Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project

Overview:

The Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project is a thermal power plant located in Mundra, Gujarat,
India. It is one of the largest coal-fired power plants in India and has significant implications
for energy production, environmental impact, and local communities.

Project Details:

- Purpose: The Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project aims to generate electricity using coal as
its primary fuel source.

- Capacity: The installed capacity of the power plant is around 4,620 MW, making it one of
the largest thermal power plants in India.

- Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Before the establishment and expansion of the
Mundra Ultra Mega Power Project, EIAs were conducted to evaluate potential environmental
impacts such as air and water pollution, land use changes, and health impacts on nearby
communities.

- Key Environmental Concerns: Thermal power projects like Mundra Ultra Mega Power Plant
are associated with significant environmental concerns, including emissions of greenhouse
gases (CO2, SOx, NOx), water consumption for cooling purposes, ash disposal and
management, and land degradation due to coal mining and ash ponds.

Environmental Mitigation and Benefits:

- Technological Upgrades: Implementation of advanced technologies such as electrostatic

precipitators, flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems, and low-NOx burners to reduce
emissions.
- Water Conservation: Adoption of measures to minimize water consumption and improve
water use efficiency, including the use of dry cooling systems where feasible.

- Compliance and Monitoring: Regular monitoring and compliance with environmental

regulations and standards to mitigate impacts on air quality, water resources, and biodiversity.

- Energy Access: Thermal power projects contribute to energy access and reliability,
supporting economic development and industrial growth.

Challenges and Considerations:

- Environmental Compliance: Ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and

standards, especially regarding emissions and water use, remains a challenge for thermal
power projects.

- Community Engagement: Addressing concerns and impacts on local communities, including

health effects and livelihood impacts due to land acquisition and displacement.

- Transition to Cleaner Energy: Balancing the energy needs with environmental sustainability,
there is a global trend towards transitioning from coal-fired power plants to cleaner energy
sources such as renewable energy and natural gas.