Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: India-Japan Fund, NIIF
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have jointly established a $600 million fund dedicated to climate and environment projects.
India-Japan Fund
- The Indian government will contribute 49% of the fund’s target corpus, marking NIIF’s inaugural bilateral fund, while JBIC will provide the remaining 51%, according to the finance ministry.
- The India-Japan Fund’s primary objective is to invest in environmental sustainability and low-carbon emission strategies.
- It aims to serve as a preferred partner for boosting Japanese investments in India, fostering collaboration and innovation in this critical sector.
Fund Management
- NIIF’s Role: NIIF Limited will manage the India-Japan fund, overseeing its strategic investments and initiatives.
- Support from JBIC IG: JBIC IG, a subsidiary of JBIC, will collaborate with NIIFL to promote Japanese investments in India, strengthening the partnership further.
About NIIF
- NIIF’s Background: Established in 2015, NIIF operates as a sovereign wealth fund, offering a platform for international and Indian investors to participate in India’s growth story.
- Ownership Structure: The government holds a 49% stake in NIIF, while the remaining 51% is owned by domestic institutional investors, sovereign wealth funds, international pension funds, and entities such as the US International Development Finance Corporation (USIDFC) and multilateral development banks including the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and New Development Bank (NDB).
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the subsidy provided on LPG cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme, raising it from ₹200 to ₹300.
- The subsidy increase applies to up to 12 refills per year for beneficiaries.
Why such move?
- The decision to enhance the subsidy comes ahead of crucial Assembly elections in five states: Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Telangana, Chattisgarh, and Mizoram.
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY)
- PMUY, introduced by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, aims to provide clean cooking fuel, such as LPG, to rural and disadvantaged households, reducing their reliance on traditional fuels like firewood, coal, and cow dung cakes.
- Phases of PMUY:
- Phase I: Launched on May 1, 2016, with a target to release 8 Crore LPG connections by March 2020, achieving a significant increase in LPG coverage.
- Ujjwala 2.0: This phase aimed to release an additional 1 crore LPG connections, a target achieved in January 2022, subsequently expanded to release an additional 60 lakh LPG connections under Ujjwala 2.0.
Key Features
- Provides ₹1600 financial support for each LPG connection to Below Poverty Line (BPL) households.
- Offers deposit-free LPG connections, including the first refill and a free hotplate for beneficiaries.
- Benefits for beneficiaries include:
- Eligible beneficiaries receive a free LPG connection.
- Subsidy on the first six refills of 14.2 kg cylinders or eight refills of 5 kg cylinders.
- Option to use EMI facility for stove and first refill costs.
- Opportunity to join the PAHAL scheme for direct subsidy transfers to bank accounts.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- Defence Minister unveiled the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) consisting of 98 items to be procured by the armed services from domestic suppliers over specified timelines.
- Additionally, he launched the Indian Navy’s updated indigenisation roadmap, known as Swavlamban 2.0.
What is Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)?
- The Positive Indigenisation List consists of items that can only be procured by the Indian armed forces from domestic manufacturers, including those from the private sector or DPSUs.
- This move is part of the government’s efforts to reduce the reliance on imported arms and promote indigenous manufacturing of defense equipment.
- This concept was rolled out in the Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020.
- It emphasizes import substitution of components for major systems, vital platforms, weapon systems, sensors, and munitions that are expected to translate into firm orders within the next five to ten years.
Items on the Indigenisation List
- Diverse Range: The PIL includes a wide range of items such as futuristic infantry combat vehicles, articulated all-terrain vehicles, various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, precision kill systems for artillery, test equipment for guided weapon systems, radars, armour plates for helicopter cabins, automated mobile test systems, and more.
- Strategic Importance: These items are crucial for bolstering the country’s defence capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign sources. They contribute to India’s quest for self-reliance in the defence sector.
Swavlamban 2.0: Industry Challenges and Initiatives
- 76 Challenges: At the Swavlamban 2.0 seminar, Defence Minister Singh also launched 76 challenges for industry participants under the 10th Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC-10) and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).
- Global Collaboration: The event marked the launch of two INDUS X challenges, a collaboration between iDEX and the U.S. Department of Defence, showcasing India’s commitment to fostering global partnerships for technological advancement.
Vision of Self-Reliance
- Navy’s Commitment: Indian Navy is committed to becoming fully self-reliant by 2047, aligning with India’s 100th Independence anniversary.
- Strategic Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts have underscored the significance of self-reliance, especially in the defence sector. Dependence on external sources for defence needs is considered a strategic vulnerability that needs to be addressed.
- Achievements: The Navy’s efforts in promoting indigenous innovation have yielded significant results, including technological agreements, partnerships with MSMEs and start-ups, and an expanding ecosystem of defence suppliers.
Way forward
- Future Goals: The Indian Navy has set ambitious targets to develop futuristic technologies in collaboration with domestic MSMEs and start-ups, aligning with its commitment to self-reliance.
- Expanding Ecosystem: The Navy’s initiatives have brought over 100 new firms into the defence ecosystem, with procurement orders already signed and more in the pipeline.
- A Strong Bharat: The vision is to build a force that represents a strong and developed Bharat, utilizing unique concepts and capabilities made in India for India.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Quantum Dots
Mains level: Not Much
Central Idea
- The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.
About the Nobel Laureates
- Alexei Ekimov: Born in 1945 in the former USSR, Ekimov earned his PhD in 1974 from Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute. He was formerly the Chief Scientist at Nanocrystals Technology Inc., New York, USA.
- Louis Brus: Born in 1943 in Cleveland, USA, Brus obtained his PhD in 1969 from Columbia University, where he is a professor.
- Moungi Bawendi: Born in 1961 in Paris and raised in France, Tunisia, and the US, Bawendi earned his PhD in 1988 from the University of Chicago. He is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA.
What are Quantum Dots?
- Quantum dots (QDs) are man-made nanoscale crystals celebrated for their unique optical and electronic properties.
- They can transport electrons and emit diverse colors when exposed to UV light.
- These artificially synthesized semiconductor nanoparticles found their origins in theoretical concepts in the 1970s, followed by successful synthesis in the early 1980s.
- Small semiconductor particles exhibit quantum effects, altering their optical properties based on size.
Working Principle
- Size Matters: Quantum dots manipulate light emission based on size, as energy levels are linked to wavelength (color). By controlling particle size, they can emit or absorb specific colors of light.
- Versatile Structures: Quantum dots come in diverse forms, with properties determined by factors like size, shape, composition, and structure. They can be employed as active materials in single-electron transistors and offer vast application potential.
Contributions of Ekimov, Brus, and Bawendi
- Ekimov’s Soviet Discovery: Ekimov’s initial discoveries in this field, dating back to 1981, were pioneering but remained largely unknown due to the Iron Curtain’s restrictions.
- Glass Coloration Mystery: Ekimov’s work began with the curious phenomenon of glass coloration. He explored how particle size influenced the color imparted to glass during its formation, leading to a size-dependent quantum effect discovery.
- Brus’s Independent Revelation: Unaware of Ekimov’s work, Brus, in the U.S., was working with cadmium sulfide particles to harness solar energy. He observed that smaller particles absorbed light at different wavelengths, demonstrating the size-dependent quantum effect.
- Bawendi’s Innovations: Bawendi improved particle creation methods, enhancing the perfection of nanocrystals and enabling the exploration of quantum dots’ unique properties by more chemists.
Applications of Quantum Dots
- In Electronics: Quantum dots play a crucial role in QLED technology, used in computer and television screens. They also adjust the light in LED lamps, offering various color temperatures.
- Biochemistry and Medicine: Quantum dots are used in biochemistry to map cells and organs, and doctors explore their potential for tracking tumor tissue in the body. Chemists leverage their catalytic properties to drive chemical reactions.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Uterus Transplants
Mains level: Read the attached story
Central Idea
- In the UK, doctors at the Churchill Hospital Oxford conducted the nation’s first uterus transplant.
- The procedure involved removing a uterus from a 40-year-old woman and transplanting it into her 34-year-old sister, who faced reproductive challenges due to a rare medical condition.
Why discuss this?
- While the transplanted womb is functional, its success can only be confirmed by a live birth in the future.
Understanding Uterus Transplants
- Not Life-Saving: Unlike heart or liver transplants, uterus transplants are not life-saving procedures. Instead, they are akin to limb or skin transplants, significantly enhancing individuals’ quality of life.
- Addressing Uterine Infertility: Uterus transplants offer hope to women facing uterine factor infertility, enabling them to fulfill their reproductive aspirations.
Pioneering Success in Sweden
- Historical Context: In 2014, Sweden achieved a milestone by witnessing the first live birth following a uterus transplant. This success paved the way for addressing uterine factor infertility.
- Affordability Challenge: Efforts are ongoing to make uterus transplants more accessible, especially in countries like the UK, where the National Health Service estimates the procedure’s cost at GBP 25,000 (Rs 25.26 lakh).
Uterus Transplants in India
- Indian Achievement: India joined the ranks of countries with successful uterus transplants, alongside Turkey, Sweden, and the United States. The country celebrated its first uterine transplant baby’s birth on October 18, 2018, approximately 17 months after the recipient underwent the procedure.
- Affordable Option: The cost of uterine transplant surgery in India currently ranges from Rs 15-17 lakh, making it a more cost-effective choice for many.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Recipient Evaluation: Before transplantation, recipients undergo thorough evaluations to assess their physical and mental health.
- Donor Assessment: Whether the donor is living or deceased, their uterus undergoes viability checks before qualifying for donation. Live donors also undergo comprehensive gynecological examinations, including imaging scans and cancer screenings.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Uterus transplants do not connect the uterus to the fallopian tubes, necessitating IVF to create embryos. These embryos are then cryopreserved until the transplanted uterus is ready for implantation.
- Harvesting and Transplantation: The donor’s uterus is carefully removed, with the procedure becoming less invasive due to advancements in robot-assisted laparoscopy. The uterine vasculature and other critical connections are meticulously re-established during transplantation.
Pregnancy after Transplant
- The success of the transplant is assessed through three stages: the first three months focus on graft viability, followed by six months to one year for monitoring uterine function.
- Only after this period can the recipient attempt conception.
Issues with such transplants
- Challenges and Risks: Pregnancy after a uterine transplant entails a higher risk of rejection, spontaneous abortion, intrauterine complications, low birth weight, and premature birth. Close monitoring and follow-ups are essential.
- Immunosuppressant Use: Recipients must take immune-suppressing drugs to prevent rejection of the transplanted uterus. These drugs are selected to ensure they do not harm foetal development but can cause side effects such as kidney toxicity, bone marrow issues, and an increased risk of diabetes and cancer.
- Long-Term Follow-Ups: Post-uterus removal, recipients are advised to undergo regular follow-ups for at least a decade to monitor potential long-term effects of immunosuppressant drugs.
Exploring Artificial Uteri
- Future Possibilities: Successful uterus transplants have opened doors to exploring artificial uteri. These bioengineered organs, grown from stem cells on 3D scaffolds, could eliminate the need for live donors and ethical concerns. However, research is still in its early stages, and it may take about a decade before artificial uteri becomes efficient and safe for human use.
- Inclusivity Considerations: Artificial uteri could benefit not only women but also members of the LGBTQ+ community. However, certain complications, such as hormone-related considerations for trans-women recipients, remain to be addressed.
Conclusion
- Uterus transplants represent a remarkable medical advancement offering hope and possibilities for individuals facing uterine factor infertility.
- While challenges persist, ongoing research and technological progress continue to expand the horizons of reproductive medicine.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Glacial lakes, GLOF
Mains level: Imminent threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in the Himalayan region, Impact and initiatives
What’s the news?
- On October 4th, in a tragic turn of events, Sikkim witnessed a devastating incident where the South Lhonak Lake ruptured due to incessant rainfall, resulting in the loss of fourteen lives and the disappearance of 102 individuals, including 23 Army personnel.
Central idea
- Sikkim, nestled in the Himalayas, faces the aftermath of a catastrophic Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) triggered by incessant rainfall. The South Lhonak Lake, perched at 17,000 feet in the state’s northwest, burst, inundating four districts—Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi.
What are glacial lakes?
- Glacial lakes are large bodies of water that are typically located in proximity to, on top of, or beneath glaciers.
- These lakes are primarily formed as a result of glacial processes, such as the melting of ice and the accumulation of meltwater in depressions or basins created by the glacier’s movement.
Concept: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)
- A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is a sudden and often catastrophic release of water from a glacial lake, typically caused by the breach or failure of the natural dams that contain the lake.
- GLOFs occur in regions with glaciers, where meltwater accumulates in depressions or basins created by the glacier’s movement.
- These floods can have severe and far-reaching consequences for downstream communities and environments.
Causes: GLOFs can be triggered by various factors
- Melting Glaciers: Rapid glacier melt due to rising temperatures can increase the volume of water in glacial lakes.
- Avalanches: Snow or ice avalanches can impact the lake, dislodging ice and debris into the water.
- Earthquakes: Seismic activity can destabilize the natural dams or trigger avalanches.
- Rainfall: Heavy rainfall can contribute additional water to the lake and weaken natural dams.
- Volcanic Eruptions: Volcanic activity can lead to the rapid melting of glaciers and the formation of glacial lakes.
Destruction and Impact
- Flooding: Downstream areas can experience rapid and extensive flooding, with water levels rising quickly.
- Destruction of Infrastructure: GLOFs can damage or destroy roads, bridges, buildings, and farmland.
- Loss of Life: GLOFs often result in the loss of human lives as well as harm to livestock and wildlife.
- Environmental Damage: The floodwaters and debris can severely impact the natural environment, including forests, wetlands, and river ecosystems.
Notable GLOF events
- Some GLOF events in the past have resulted in significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
- The horrifying 2013 flash floods in Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of GLOFs.
- This calamity was compounded by a GLOF event originating from the Chorabari Tal glacial lake, leading to the loss of thousands of lives.
The Sikkim Calamity: South Lhonak Lake’s Susceptibility to GLOF
- Glacial Melting: Rising global temperatures have accelerated the melting of glaciers in the Sikkim Himalayas, including the glacier feeding South Lhonak Lake. This increased meltwater contributes to the lake’s water volume, making it more susceptible to GLOFs.
- Glacial Lake Expansion: The South Lhonak Lake’s area has significantly increased over the past five decades. It has grown nearly 1.5 times, while its neighbor, North Lhonak, has expanded nearly 2.5 times its initial size in 1989. This expansion is a direct result of glacier retreat and melt, exacerbating the lake’s vulnerability.
- Seismic Activity: The region around South Lhonak Lake is prone to seismic activity. Earthquakes can destabilize the natural dams or trigger avalanches, which can lead to a sudden release of water from the lake, potentially causing a GLOF event.
- Past Earthquakes: Seismic events occurred in the region, such as an earthquake of magnitude 4.9 in 1991 near the parent glacier feeding South Lhonak Lake and another earthquake of magnitude 6.9 in 2011, approximately 70 km from the lakes. These past earthquakes and the potential for future seismic activity increase the risk of GLOFs in the area.
Government interventions
- Syphoning Off Lake Water: In 2016, the Sikkim government, in collaboration with various agencies including the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority and Sikkim’s Department of Science and Technology and Climate Change, took proactive measures to mitigate the risk associated with South Lhonak Lake. They decided to syphon off water from the lake.
- Innovative Approach: The technique employed for syphoning off lake water was innovative and effective. Under the supervision of innovator Sonam Wangchuk, authorities installed three eight-inch-wide and 130-140-meter-long High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes in the lake. These pipes were used to extract water from the lake.
- Water Extraction Rate: The initiative successfully extracted 150 liters of water per second from South Lhonak Lake, which was a substantial volume. This action aimed to reduce the water level in the lake, thus mitigating the risk of a potential GLOF.
Way forward: Warning and Mitigation
- Lake Monitoring: Regular monitoring of glacial lakes to assess changes in water levels and the stability of natural dams
- Early Warning Systems: Implementing systems to detect and warn downstream communities of potential GLOFs
- Infrastructure: constructing protective infrastructure, such as dams or diversion channels, to manage floodwaters
- Land-Use Planning: Implementing land-use planning and zoning to restrict construction in high-risk areas
Conclusion
- The recent calamity in Sikkim underscores the imminent threat of GLOFs in the Himalayan region. While government initiatives are commendable, continued monitoring, research, and disaster preparedness are vital to safeguarding vulnerable communities in the face of the expanding glacial lakes and the looming specter of GLOFs.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Read the attached article
Mains level: The impact of the Bihar caste survey on reservation and welfare initiatives
What’s the news?
- The Bihar government’s recent release of the ‘Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022’ has brought to light some crucial insights into the state’s demographic landscape.
Central idea
- The Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022 survey reveals that extremely backward classes (EBCs) and other backward classes (OBCs) together constitute nearly 63% of Bihar’s 13-crore population, making them the largest caste group in the state. The implications of this survey are far-reaching, affecting politics, reservation quotas, and welfare schemes.
Background
- The demand for a caste-based survey in Bihar was first raised by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, an OBC Kurmi caste member, in 2019.
- The Bihar legislature passed resolutions in 2019 and 2020 unanimously supporting a caste census.
- However, when the Union government declined to conduct a caste-wise census, Bihar proceeded with its own survey in June 2022, allocating ₹500 crore from its contingency fund for the exercise.
- The two-phase survey involved 2.64 lakh enumerators, documenting the details of 29 million registered households.
Key Findings
- EBCs, comprising 112 castes, represent 36.01% of the population.
- OBCs, with 29 castes, constitute 27.12% of the population.
- The Yadavs, within the OBC group, dominate with a 14.26% share.
- Scheduled castes account for 19.65% of the population.
- The general unreserved population stands at 15.52%.
The impact of the Survey on reservation quotas in Bihar
- Adjustment Based on Population Share: The ruling coalition alliance party, RJD, has asserted that reservation quotas should be increased in line with the population proportions revealed in the survey. This means that communities with larger populations, such as EBCs and OBCs, may see an increase in their share of reserved seats and government jobs.
- Reevaluation of Reservation Ceiling: The survey’s results could potentially lead to a reevaluation of the 50% ceiling on reservation imposed by the Supreme Court. If the population data suggests that certain communities deserve a larger share of reservations, it may prompt legal and political discussions on whether the reservation limit should be revised.
- Political Divisions: The impact of the survey on reservation quotas has created divisions among political parties. While the RJD and other alliance parties support increasing reservations, the BJP, which initially supported the caste survey, has raised concerns about its accuracy and potential consequences.
- Electoral Implications: With general elections on the horizon, the debate over reservation quotas and their adjustment based on the survey’s findings is likely to play a crucial role in political campaigns. Parties may need to tailor their promises and platforms to address the expectations of various caste groups.
Potential impact on welfare initiatives in the state
- Increased Focus on Marginalized Communities: The survey’s findings reveal that a significant portion of Bihar’s population belongs to marginalized communities, including EBCs, OBCs, SCs, and STs, constituting 85% of the total population. This data is likely to compel political parties and the government to pay greater attention to the welfare needs of these communities.
- Competitive Welfare Announcements: In anticipation of elections and to secure the support of these marginalized communities, political parties may engage in competitive welfare scheme announcements. This competition could lead to a wave of promises and initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions and opportunities for these groups.
- Review of Existing Schemes: The government may also undertake a review of existing welfare schemes to ensure that they are effectively reaching the intended beneficiaries. There could be a reallocation of resources and a reassessment of the impact of ongoing programs.
- Data-Driven Policy Formulation: The survey provides valuable data on the socio-economic profile of various caste groups in Bihar. This data can serve as a basis for evidence-based policy formulation, ensuring that welfare initiatives are targeted and effective.
- Potential for Inclusivity: The survey has the potential to foster inclusivity in policy planning, ensuring that the most marginalized and underprivileged sections of society receive the attention and support they need for their socio-economic development.
Conclusion
- The ‘Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022’ has set the stage for significant changes in Bihar’s political landscape, reservation policies, and welfare programs. Its findings underscore the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized communities and could redefine the political discourse in the state.
Also read:
Takeaways from Bihar caste survey
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Terms- climate polycrisis, polysolution, Carbon Accounting
Mains level: Climate polycrisis, National Carbon Accounting and its benefits
What’s the news?
- In a bid to address the complex and interrelated challenges of climate change, the concept of National Carbon Accounting (NCA) is gaining prominence.
Central idea
- The term ‘climate polycrisis,’ popularized by Adam Tooze, highlights the intricate web of climate change-related crises that impact diverse sectors and domains worldwide. In India, the interplay of climate change is evident. Recognizing this complexity, it is imperative to develop a holistic approach.
Polycrisis
- The term polycrisis refers to the multitude of crises arising from climate change, encompassing not only physical impacts like rising temperatures and extreme weather events but also the societal, economic, and political challenges that result from these impacts.
The Call for a Deep Transformation
- Addressing the climate crisis demands more than sectoral responses; it necessitates a profound transformation, laying the foundation for a planet-sensitive economy.
- This transformation calls for the establishment of ‘carbon infrastructure’ akin to digital infrastructure, considering carbon flows in policymaking at all levels.
Measurement as the First Step
- The initial step towards this transformation is measurement.
- To account for carbon, we must measure carbon emissions at individual and national levels.
- Once we have robust measurement systems in place, we can create accounting mechanisms to track our carbon footprints.
What is National Carbon Accounting (NCA)?
- The NCA is a critical system for tracking and managing carbon emissions at the national level.
- It involves measuring and accounting for the release of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, as well as efforts to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
- The primary objective of NCA is to gain a comprehensive understanding of a country’s carbon footprint and its role in contributing to global climate change.
Benefits of National Carbon Accounting
- Progress Tracking: NCA allows for the monitoring of progress toward emission reduction targets over time. It helps assess the effectiveness of climate policies and initiatives, allowing for necessary adjustments.
- Identification of High-Emission Sectors: NCA identifies sectors that contribute significantly to carbon emissions. This information is vital for targeting interventions and allocating resources to the most substantial emission sources.
- Environmental Impact Assessment: NCA allows for the assessment of the environmental impact of carbon emissions. It helps evaluate the ecological consequences of emissions and informs conservation efforts.
- Carbon Offsetting: NCA supports carbon offset programs by quantifying carbon removal activities. These programs enable organizations and individuals to compensate for their emissions by investing in projects that remove or reduce an equivalent amount of carbon from the atmosphere.
- New Economic Opportunities: NCA can encourage the development of new economic sectors and technologies focused on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing carbon removal. This can lead to job creation and economic growth in green industries.
- Global Climate Commitments: NCA helps countries fulfill their international climate commitments, such as those under the Paris Agreement. It ensures that nations have the data necessary to demonstrate their progress in reducing emissions.
Carbon accounting vs. Money accounting
| Aspect |
Carbon Accounting |
Money Accounting |
| Focus |
Measurement and tracking of carbon emissions |
Monitoring and management of financial transactions |
| Purpose |
Quantify carbon footprints, identify emission sources, and reduce emissions to combat climate change. |
Monitor financial flows, allocate resources, and ensure financial stability in an economy. |
| Granularity |
Detailed, from individual to sector and national levels |
Broad, covering various financial activities from individual to corporate and economic levels. |
| Measurement |
Precise measurement and reporting of carbon emissions, standardized methodologies |
Accurate financial record-keeping ensures the proper accounting of monetary resources and financial activities. |
| Policy Implications |
Informs the development of climate policies and strategies and guides climate change mitigation efforts. |
Supports economic policies and monetary management and influences factors like interest rates, inflation, and overall economic stability. |
| Taxation |
May lead to carbon taxes, taxing entities based on carbon emissions |
Typically targets income, consumption, or other financial transactions, not directly tied to carbon emissions. |
A Polysolution to a Polycrisis
- A Polysolution Defined: The term polysolution emphasizes the comprehensive and multifaceted nature of NCA as a tool to combat climate polycrisis. Instead of relying on single, isolated solutions, NCA encompasses various dimensions and aspects of the climate challenge.
- Meeting Climate Commitments: The NCA can assist India in meeting its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. This underscores the potential of the NCA to support countries in fulfilling their international climate pledges.
- Reimagining the Economy and Society: NCA, if adopted globally, could lead to the reorganization of economies and societies. By making carbon footprints transparent, NCA encourages a new form of public discourse. This shift can promote sustainable practices and guide the alignment of development with ecological sustainability goals.
- Alternative to GDP Growth: While traditional measures like GDP growth are well understood, the article suggests that NCA introduces an alternative metric—carbon footprint—as a key indicator of progress. This aligns with the broader goal of measuring development not only in economic terms but also in terms of environmental and ecological impacts.
- Promoting Public Discourse: The transparency of carbon footprints can lead to more informed public discourse. It allows citizens and policymakers to consider the environmental impact of various activities, fostering discussions on sustainability and climate action.
Conclusion
- Addressing the climate polycrisis demands innovative solutions that account for the interconnectedness of climate change impacts. National Carbon Accounting emerges as a pivotal tool to measure, track, and manage carbon emissions, fostering a sustainable and resilient future.
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