Lakshya UPPSC PT 2022 – Environment & Ecology Lecture - 2 – Complete One Year Current Affairs

The News

Himalayan Griffon is an Old World Vulture. Old World Vultures are found in the Old world i.e. Continents of Asia and Europe.
Native – It is native to Himalayan region (prefers rocky areas and mountain peaks) and the adjoining Tibetan Plateau.
Conservation Status – Near Threatened

Near Threatened – Means the Species may be vulnerable to extinction in the near future but it currently does not qualify for the Threatened Status.

Recently, India’s Arctic policy titled ‘India and the Arctic: building a partnership for sustainable development’ was released

Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat expressed displeasure over slow pace of approval process for Project Dolphin.

Facts for Prelims

The News

Recently, a report published by IPCC -“Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability” states that the Great Barrier reef is in crisis and is suffering grave impacts of Climate Change.

Before understanding Wet bulb Temperature, we must 1st talk about “Dry bulb temperature”.
Dry bulb Temperature

Definition – It is the normal air temperature. It is usually used to describe how ‘hot’ or ‘cold’ a place is.
Measurement – It is taken using a Thermometer which is dry i.e. not effected by moisture of the air.
Issue – It does not take into account humidity and other factors to assess how weather conditions impact human health.
Solution – Wet bulb temperature.

Definition – Heat + Humidity is measured using Wet bulb temperature. Together Heat + Humidity are referred as “Heat Index”.
Heat Index (Heat + Humidity) tells us how temperature actually feels like.
Concern – High wet bulb temperature means a High heat Index.
Impact – High heat Index is deadly for Human health and activity. It can increase heat related diseases.
Climate Change and heat Index –
It is increasing “Heat Index” and adversely impacting Human Health.
Humans and Heat Index –
Human with their sweat based cooling system have been designed to beat the heat.
Emerging concern – But there is a limit to the heat and humidity human body can cope with. Maximum limit of Humidity human can handle – 35 degree Celsius.
What if it goes beyond 35 degree Celsius – Beyond this Human body cannot cool itself via perspiration.
Example – Karachi killer heat Wave 2015 – Wet Bulb temperature of 30 degree Celsius.
Many Indian cities will suffer wet bulb temperature – Patna, Chennai , Mumbai etc. and increased use of artificial cooling system will lead to frequent power outages

Recently, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change published the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022.

Objective
Address unresolved issues concerned with post – consumer Plastic waste.
Operationalise Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) within the ambit of Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016.

Categorises Plastic Packaging which will be covered under Extended Producer Responsibility

Provides Targets and timelines for collection of Post – consumer plastics
‘Provides Take back’ mechanism under which Producers, importers and brand owners are expected to take back their material.