December 2019 Environment

• Karnataka govt. and NDMA conducts workshop on 2020 Heatwave
  National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with the Government of Karnataka, organized a two-day national workshop titled on Preparedness, Mitigation, and Management of Heat Wave in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
  Events:
  • The workshop is conducted to emphasize the importance of Climate Change that has led to the rise of average summer temperature by 0.5 deg C in the past five years.
  • A range of topics from the impact of Climate Change to emerging technologies, and from lessons learnt from the past to inter-agency co-ordination will be discussed in the meeting.
  
  
• World Soil Day is observed on 5 December
  World Soil Day is observed on 5 December 2019. It highlights the problem due to population expansion. It raises the profile of healthy soil. The day encourages governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to work towards improving soil health and its conservation.
  Aim:
  • The day aims to encourage people around the world to engage proactively to improve the health of the soil. The day aims to create awareness about the importance of soil on Earth.
  Theme:
  • The theme for the 2019 World Soil day is Stop Soil Erosion, Save our Future. The day raises awareness on the importance of human well-being and sustaining healthy ecosystems.
  • It focuses on the growing problem regarding soil as the Earth's population continues to expand.
  History:
• In 2002, the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) recommended the observation of the World Soil Day annually on 5 December.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) supported the institution of the day with the support of the Kingdom of Thailand.
• In June 2013, the day was endorsed by FAO. In December 2013, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated 5 December 2014. The first World Soil Day was observed in 2014.
• 5 December was chosen it corresponds with the official birthday of the late H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, King of Thailand. He was one of the main proponents of this initiative.
  
  
• 1.5° C is almost impossible: UNEP gas emissions reports
  UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 2019 Emissions Gap Report, stated that even if the current climate commitments are met, the world is on course to exceed 3°C in global temperature rise.
  
  The report assesses the emissions gap, focuses on energy transition. The report was released in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP-25).
  Report highlights:
  • The report said that in order to limit temperature rise, annual emissions in 2030 should be maintained at 15 gigatonnes of CO2 equivalent lower than current unconditional Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) imply for the 2°C goal.
  • It stated that Green House Gas (GHG) emissions continue to rise, despite scientific warnings and political commitments
  • Many countries have announced net-zero GHG emission targets for 2050. But only a few countries have formally submitted long-term low-emission development strategies to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) so far.
  Recommendation of UNEP:
  • The report highlighted that renewable and energy efficiency along with electrification of end users are key to a successful energy transition. It will drive down energy-related CO2 emissions.
  • Strengthening of the NDCs is needed in 2020. All the countries are recommended to increase their NDC ambitions threefold to achieve the well below 2°C goal and more than fivefold to achieve the 1.5°C goal.
  • Note: Emissions gap: The gap between anticipated emission levels in 2030 and levels consistent with a 2°C/1.5°C target.
  
  
• Government launched the Operation Clean Art
  Government launched the Operation Clean Art across India. The operation aimed to crackdown illegal trade in the mongoose hair. This is the first time such an operation is happening in India.
  
  It was initiated by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).
  Mongoose:
  • The mongoose is a small carnivore found in southern Eurasia and mainland Africa. It is listed in Schedule II (Part II) ??????of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • As per the act, smuggling Mongoose or possession of its body part is a non-bailable offence.
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has placed Mongoose on the Least Concern category in the Red List.
  Operation Clean Art:
  • The operation included raid and check on organized factories that make paint brushes with mongoose hair.
  • Raids were carried in Uttar Pradesh, Jaipur, Rajasthan, Mumbai, and Pune in Maharashtra and in Kerala.
    
    
• Under the operation, 54,352 brushes and 113 kg of raw hair were recovered. Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB):
  • Formed on: 2006
  • Headquarters: New Delhi, India
  • WCCB was established by the Government of India. It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). It combats against the organized wildlife crime.

Published date : 27 Dec 2019 06:09PM