Context:
UN Environment Programme (UNEP) released Emission Gap Report 2023 (Broken Report Record) recently.
- This is the 14th Emission Gap Report which tracks our progress in limiting global warming well below 2°C and pursuing 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement.
Emissions gap is the difference between the estimated global GHG emissions resulting from full implementation of the latest Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and those under least-cost pathways aligned with the long-term temperature goal of the Paris Agreement.
Key highlights:
- Global Scenario –
- 86 days have been recorded with temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels this year.
- Global GHG emissions increased by 1.2 % from 2021 to 2022 with fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes being main contributors.
- Highly unequal distribution of current and historical emissions: Globally, the 10% of the population with the highest income accounted for 48% of emissions.
- Global warming is estimated to be limited to 3°C if the current policies continue.
- Indian Scenario –
- GHG emissions across the G20 increased by 1.2% in 2022, with increases in China, India, Indonesia, and the USA but decreases in Brazil, EU and Russia.
- India to date has only contributed 5% of warming.
- India has 8% implementation gap between Current Policies and NDC pledges
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP):
- It is leading environmental authority in United Nations system.
- Genesis – Founded in 1972 following Stockholm UN Conference on the Human Environment
- Objectives – To contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development, and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication, and information.
- Mandate – To find solutions to triple planetary crisis i.e., climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
- Members – 193 (including India)
- Other Reports – Adaptation Gap report, The Global Environment Outlook, Frontiers, Invest into Healthy Planet, Environmental Rule of Law Report
- Headquarters – Nairobi, Kenya.
Source: India Times
Previous Year Question
Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: According to the United Nations’ World Water Development Report, 2022, India extracts more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater withdrawal each year.
Statement-II: India needs to extract more than a quarter of the world’s groundwater each year to satisfy the drinking water and sanitation needs of almost 18% of world’s population living in its territory.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-ll is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-ll is correct
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
About 89% of this groundwater is used in India for irrigation. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
