Question.
How is carbon neutrality essential for future environmental conservation? Describe various efforts taken by nations in this regard.
( UPSC Geography optional 2024)
Answer.
Carbon neutrality refers to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by balancing emissions with removal or offsetting through carbon sinks or mitigation measures.
It is a critical goal for environmental conservation as it directly addresses the challenges of global warming, biodiversity loss, sea-level rise, and climate-induced disasters.
Some major ways to achieve carbon neutrality are:
1. Transition to Renewable Energy
2. Improve Energy Efficiency
3. Promote Sustainable Transportation
4. Enhance Carbon Sinks (Afforestation, reforestation, and agroforestry)
5. Adopt Circular Economy & Waste Management ( Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials)
6. Lifestyle Changes (Mission LiFE India: less meat, more local products, save electricity and water, and avoid single-use plastics)
Carbon Neutrality & Environmental Conservation:
The following way carbon neutrality is essential for the future environment:
1. Climate Stabilization:
Carbon Neutrality reduces greenhouse gas concentrations, limiting global temperature rise to 1.5–2°C, as targeted by the Paris Agreement; that prevents adverse climate effects such as glacial melting, extreme weather, desertification, and ocean acidification.
2. Biodiversity Protection:
Carbon Neutrality mitigates habitat shifts, coral bleaching, and species extinction driven by rising temperatures and altered ecosystems.
3. Sustainable Resource Management:
Carbon Neutrality promotes renewable energy, efficient land use, and clean technologies, reducing pressure on natural ecosystems.
4. Public Health & Livelihood Security:
Carbon Neutrality improves air quality, reducing respiratory illnesses.
5. Preservation of Ecosystem Services:
Carbon Neutrality maintains forests, wetlands, and oceans that act as carbon sinks and support global ecological balance.
Global Efforts Toward Carbon Neutrality:
1. Paris Agreement (2015):
Over 190 countries committed to limiting warming below 2°C and strive for 1.5°C, with net-zero targets in national policies.
2. UN Race to Zero Campaign:
Encourages cities, businesses, and governments to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050.
3. India targets carbon neutrality by 2070 through the Panchamrit strategy at COP26 ( Non-fossil energy capacity of 500 GW, carbon intensity reduction)
4. China targets carbon neutrality by 2060 through large-scale afforestation, investment in solar and hydrogen energy.
5. USA targets carbon neutrality by 2050 through investment in clean energy
Conclusion:
A collective, cooperative, and inclusive approach—especially in alignment with Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)—is essential to ensure that carbon neutrality and environmental conservation are achieved.
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