Context:
World’s first particulate matter trading scheme in Gujarat cut pollution by up to 30%
Surat Emission Trading Scheme (ETS):
- Initiated in 2019, aiming at reducing particulate matter emissions.
- Designed to combat air pollution based on the polluters pay principle.
- Concept originated in the US, focusing initially on sulfur dioxide (SO2) pollution.
- Significance – World’s 1st trading market for particulate matter emissions.
- Marks India’s 1st pollution trading scheme of any kind.
- Working Mechanism – Operates on a market-linked ‘cap and trade’ system:
- Governments set emission limits (caps) and allocate allowances.
- Polluters can trade allowances: buy extra permits or sell unused ones, depending on their emission levels.
- Monitoring Tools – Employs Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS) to ensure real-time tracking and compliance.
- Trading Platform – Industries participate in trading via a platform developed by NeML (National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange e-Markets).
- Environmental Damage Compensation – Industries are mandated to pay compensation rates, which vary based on the size of the industry.
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
Consider the following activities:
1. Spreading finely ground basalt rock on farmlands extensively
2. Increasing the alkalinity of oceans by adding lime
3. Capturing carbon dioxide released by various industries and pumping it into abandoned subterranean mines in the form of carbonated waters
How many of the above activities are often considered and discussed for carbon capture and sequestration?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2023 Prelims]
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Answer: (c)