Forest ServicesEnvironment & Ecology
Climate Change
Welcome to the dedicated UPSC study hub for Climate Change, a critical and ever-evolving subject under the Environment & Ecology segment. Climate Change refers to long-
97 articles in this topic
Articles on Climate Change
Blue NDC Challenge
In News France and Brazil launched a landmark international initiative Blue Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Challenge. About Blue Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) Challenge It urges countries to embed ocean-centric actions into their climate plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The challenge aims to dramatically scale up ocean-focused climate action ahead of the 30th Conference of Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Chan
World Environment Day 2025
Context World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5, is a global initiative to raise awareness and drive action for environmental protection. Plastic Pollution and Its Impact on SDGs SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Plastic waste contaminates freshwater sources, harming biodiversity and human health. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Encourages reducing plastic use, promoting recycling, and adopting sustainable alternatives.
Only 24% Present-Day Glaciers Will Remain if World Gets Warmer by 2.7°C
Context According to a new study published in the journal Science, If the world gets warmer by 2.7°C due to the current trajectory of climate policies, only 24% of the world’s present-day glaciers will remain. What are glaciers? They are essentially large and thick masses of ice that are formed on land due to the accumulation of snow over centuries.
Global Temperature Likely to Breach 1.5°C in Next Five Years: WMO
Context The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has released the ‘Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2025-2029)’. Key Temperature Projections: 2024: The year 2024 was not only the hottest year on record but also the first year to breach 1.5°C above the 1850–1900 baseline. 2025–2029: There is a 70% chance that the average global temperature for the 2025-2029 period will exceed pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5°C.
Integrating Mission LiFE with National Action Plan on Climate Change
Context The government is considering adding Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) to the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Mission LiFE At the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP26), India announced Mission LiFE, to bring individual behaviors at the forefront of the global climate action narrative. The mission envisions replacing the prevalent ‘use-and-dispose’ economy with a circular economy, which would be defined by mindful and deliberate utilization.
Sagarmatha Sambaad
In News Union Minister for Environment addressed the 1st Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal, presenting a five-point global action plan to protect fragile mountain ecosystems, with a focus on the Himalayas. Five-Point Global Action Plan Proposed by India Enhanced Scientific Cooperation: Strengthening research collaboration, and monitoring cryospheric changes, hydrological cycles, and biodiversity. Building Climate Resilience: Investing in climate adaptation measures, early warning systems for disasters
India Launches First Cluster of CCU Testbeds For Cement Industry
In News India launched its first cluster of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds for the cement sector. About Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) Definition: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) refers to a set of technologies that involve capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial facilities and then converting them into useful products. Process: The first step involves separating CO2 from other gases emitted by industrial processes or even
How is the Shipping Industry Tackling Emissions?
Context At the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC-83) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), a landmark vote was held to adopt a Market-Based Measure (MBM) for decarbonising international shipping. MEPC-83 Proposals for emissions levy mechanisms The International Chamber of Shipping advocated for a fixed levy per every tonne of CO₂ emitted. China proposed a market-driven approach where ships could trade compliance units and invest in alternative fuels.
Ecology is the World’s Permanent Economy
As climate change accelerates and biodiversity declines, recognizing nature as the foundation of economic stability is more crucial than ever.
IEA's Global Methane Tracker
In News The International Energy Agency (IEA) released Global Methane Tracker 2025. The IEAs Global Methane Tracker It is a vital tool for reducing methane emissions in the energy sector. It offers updated estimates of emissions using the latest satellite and ground-based data, alongside information on the costs and opportunities for reduction.
Climate-driven Extreme Weather Events
Context A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that climate-driven extreme weather events in India’s summer monsoon could permanently disrupt the Bay of Bengal’s marine productivity. About This study highlights the critical link between monsoon variability and marine ecosystem health in the Bay of Bengal over the past 22,000 years. Foraminifera microfossils were used to reconstruct past ocean conditions, revealing how monsoons and ocean chemistry evolved in response to global climate
Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity Targets
Context The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the draft Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI) Target Rules, 2025. What is Greenhouse Gases Emissions Intensity (GEI)? GEI refers to the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted per unit of product output (e.g., per tonne of cement or aluminium).
History and Evolution of Monsoon Forecasting in India
In News The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted above normal rainfall (105% of the long-period average) during the 2025 southwest monsoon season (June-September). History of Monsoon Forecasting The IMD began forecasting the monsoon in 1877, driven by the need to understand rainfall patterns after the devastating 1876-78 Great Famine. Henry Francis Blanford, in the late 1800s, studied the relationship between Himalayan snow cover and monsoon rainfall.
Fourth Global Bleaching Event
Context The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in partnership with the International Coral Reef Initiative, confirmed that the world is witnessing its fourth global bleaching event. About The bleaching-level heat stress has impacted 83.7% of the planet’s coral reef area and mass coral bleaching has been recorded in at least 83 countries and territories. The ongoing global coral bleaching event is the biggest to date.
Hindu Kush Himalaya Snow Update
Context As per the report released by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region has seen its third consecutive below-normal snow year in 2025. Findings The report used a 23-year time series (from 2003 to 2025) of basin-scale snow persistence during the snow season between November and March. All three major river basins — Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra — are experiencing significant declines in snow persistence.
The Arctic Boreal Zone (ABZ) Rejects More Carbon
Context According to a new study published in Nature, the increasing ferocity of wildfires means that more than 30% of the Arctic Boreal Zone (ABZ) has now stopped capturing carbon and is instead releasing it. About The findings align with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA’s) 2024 Arctic Report Card. It also highlighted that the Arctic tundra, a treeless region, is becoming a net carbon source, largely due to warming temperatures and escalating wildfire activity in the No
UNHRC Adopts Resolution Linking Plastic Pollution, Ocean Protection, and Human Rights
Context Recently, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has adopted a resolution recognizing the critical connection between plastic pollution, ocean protection, and the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment. Key Highlights of the Resolution Interconnected Crises: Plastic pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss collectively threaten the health of the planet and the rights of future generations. Impact on Vulnerable Communities: Coastal communities and sm
Coral Bleaching Devastates Western Australia's Ningaloo Reef
A severe mass coral bleaching event described as unprecedented is unfolding off Australias western coast, impacting the Ningaloo Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Changing Rainfall Patterns Threaten Agriculture
Agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change including the alteration in rainfall patterns, which disrupts traditional farming practices and threatens food security.
UN World Water Development Report 2025 – Mountains and Glaciers
The United Nations World Water Development Report 2025 – Mountains and Glaciers: Water Towers was released by UNESCO.