Context:
Outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election will likely have a greater impact on the planet’s climate future than COP-29 itself.
Net Zero:
- Refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed.
- Achieving Net Zero means that any emissions are offset by absorbing an equivalent amount from the atmosphere.
Key Elements of Net Zero:
- Emission Reduction – Significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions across all sectors (energy, transportation, industry, agriculture).
- Renewable Energy – Transition to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
- Energy Efficiency – Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, transportation, and industries.
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) – Technologies to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial processes.
- Carbon Offsetting – Investing in projects that absorb CO₂, such as reforestation and soil carbon sequestration.
India’s Status in Achieving Net Zero:
- Target Year – India has committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2070
- Renewable Energy Goals – Target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.
- Aim to have 50% of power generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
- Current Initiatives –
- Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
- Initiatives like the National Solar Mission, National Wind Mission, and the Green Hydrogen Mission.
- Challenges –
- Heavy reliance on coal for energy.
- Financial constraints and need for significant investment (estimated at USD 10.1 trillion by 2070).
- Infrastructure and technological limitations.
Difference Between Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality:
- Net Zero – Achieving a balance between emitted and removed greenhouse gases.
- Focuses on reducing emissions to as close to zero as possible and offsetting the remaining emissions.
- Carbon Neutrality – Achieving a balance between carbon emissions produced and carbon emissions offset.
- Can be achieved by offsetting emissions through carbon credits without necessarily reducing actual emissions.
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
In the context of WHO Air Quality Guidelines, consider the following statements:
1. The 24-hour mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 15 µg/m³ and annual mean of PM2.5 should not exceed 5 µg/m3.
2. In a year, the highest levels of ozone pollution occur during the periods of inclement weather.
3. PM10 can penetrate the lung barrier and enter the bloodstream.
4. Excessive ozone in the air can trigger asthma.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1, 3 and 4
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4
(d) 1 and 2 only
Answer: (b)
