LIGHT POLLUTION
Light pollution, also known as photo-pollution or luminous pollution, is the excessive,misdirected, or invasive use of artificial outdoor lighting.
Impacts health :
- Disturbs circadian rhythm (the 24-hour cycle of many organisms) including humans and reduces sleep disorder, and other health risks like obesity, depression and diabetes.
- Light pollution may cause damage to the retina in the eyes. Some lights such as blue LED lights may be harmful for health.
Impacts biodiversity:
- It affects insects as they are drawn towards these lights.
- This affects their food chain and reduces pollinating activities. Other animals such as turtles are also affected as they get attracted towards these lights and thus are snapped by predators.
- Wastage of light is also a reason for overuse of fuel and thus a factor behind climate change.
Impacts astronomy:
- Mismanaged lighting alters the colour and contrast of the nighttime sky and eclipses natural starlight. It hinders study of the universe as proper study becomes difficult from areas where these artificial lights hinder celestial light. It makes stargazing difficult.
ARSENIC POLLUTION
Arsenic is an odourless and tasteless metalloid which are widely distributed in the earth’s crust. Arsenic contamination of the groundwater is one of the most serious drinking water issue being faced in India
BIS stimulates a permissible limit of 0.01 mg/L of arsenic in water. But, as per the latest CGWB study, 21 states across the country have pockets of arsenic levels higher than this limit
Key Areas impacted by Arsenic Pollution in India: The states in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river basin are the most affected. They include – UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, WB and Assam. Other arsenic affected areas include Punjab,Haryana,Manipur,CHHattisgarh and Karnataka
Sources of Arsenic Pollution:
- Arsenic is introduced in soil and groundwater through weathering of rocks and minerals followed by subsequent leaching and runoff.
- Anthropogenic sources – coal fired power plants, burning vegetation, and Volcanism.
- Modern ground water based irrigation system.
- Through water, arsenic has also entered the food chain.
- Studies have shown that Rice husk – containing high levels of arsenic – is being used as fodder for livestock, exposing them to hazardous impacts of arsenic contamination. When humans consume cattle based products, it also impacts them.
Impact : Long-term intake of arsenic polluted water leads to arsenic poisoning or arsenicosis, with cancer of skin, bladder, kidney or lung or diseases of skin, blood vessels of legs and feet
Way Forward :
- Water treatment –> advanced method.
- Reducing contamination through anthropogenic sources.
- Arsenic Mitigation strategies : Using non-contaminated or less contaminated well, appropriate treatment to reduce arsenic content in drinking water
- Adopting Rainwater harvesting/watershed management etc. would reduce water stress but also ensure arsenic free supply of water (naturally or through filtration)
- More comprehensive mitigation approach – also check arsenic polluted water used for agricultural produce
- More R&D on arsenic contamination of our food chain and its health impact.
NITROGEN POLLUTION
While nitrogen is the dominant gas in the atmosphere, it is inert and doesn’t react. However, when it is released as part of compounds from agriculture, sewage and biological waste, nitrogen is considered ‘reactive’ and may be polluting and causing greenhouse effect.
The release of these reactive nitrogen compounds in the atmosphere have increased over the years because of increased use of fertilisers for agriculture and increased industrial pollution. NO emissions grew at 52% from 1991 to 2001 and 69% from 2001-2011.
In fact, a study in 2017 showed that we have breached the planetary boundary of N (Nitrogen). This planetary boundary is set at 44 Tg (Tera grams) per year globally. But, currently we use 150 Tg N per year, primarily through fertiliser usage.
Key forms of nitrogen:
More details about N2O: It is a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than CO2. It has the third highest concentration after CO2 and methane in our atmosphere among greenhouse gases . It can live in our atmosphere for up to 125 years.
2020 study about N2O published in Nature: The study was conducted through an international collaboration between the international nitrogen initiative (INI) and the Global Carbon Project of Future Earth, a partner of the world climate research programme.
This is the most comprehensive study of global nitrous oxide emissions even published , as it combines both natural and anthropogenic ( man made source)
Key highlights:
- Human emission of N2O increased 30% in 36 years.
- 43% of the total emission came from human sources.
- The increase in emission means that climate burden from non-carbon sources is also increasing.
- Dichotomy between climate crisis and food security – Major proportion of the N2O emission in the last four decades came from the agricultural sector, mainly because of the use of nitrogen based fertilisers.
Key causes of Nitrogen Pollution :
- Emission from chemical fertilisers about 50% of the nitrogen used in the global agri sector is released in the environment (atmosphere, water bodies etc) -> most important source : difficult to control.
- Sewage and organic solid wastes : This is the second largest source of Nitrogen pollution in India. The poor system of sewage and solid waste management and poor recovery of nutrients has made it a key concern in India.
- Burning of fossil fuels.
- Vehicular pollution, mostly from road transport, is another major NOx producer.
- Industries.
Key threats due to Nitrogen Pollution :
Air pollution : Emissions of ammonia, nitrogen oxide and nitrous oxide contribute to particulate matter and acid rain . These cause respiratory problems and cancers for people and damage to forests and buildings.
Water pollution : Nitrogen from fertiliser, effluent from livestock and human sewage boost the growth of algae (Eutrophication) and cause water pollution. It not only affects surface water, but has also been polluting ground water.
Nitrogen pollution also has an effect on soil health which in turn brings down the yield of crops , becoming counter productive to the very purpose of fertiliser usage.
Climate change :
- Nitrous oxide (N2O) -> potent greenhouse gas.
- Further ,N2O contributes towards Ozone layer depletion as well.
Health, Economy and Livelihood:
- Deteriorating soil quality impacts agriculture output and livelihood .
- Furthermore , particulate matter and acid rain have adverse impacts on health.
UNEP’S Colombo Declaration on Sustainable Nitrogen Management (oct 2019) Sri Lanka, with support from the UNEP , convened an event at which member states came together to adopt what is called the “ Colombo Declaration”
Key Highlights:
- Halve nitrogen waste by 2030.
- The member countries also endorsed UN’s plan for a sustainable nitrogen management called “Nitrogen for Life” which stems from the sustainable Nitrogen Management Resolution which was adopted during the fourth session of the UN environment Assembly held from 11- 15 th March 2019, at the UNEP headquarter in Nairobi.
Analysis : This is the first time governments have agreed to work together on a major quantitative global goal for improved nitrogen management.
Stockholm Convention:
About persistent organic pollutants : These are chemical substances that persist in the environment , bio accumulate in living organisms, adversely affect human health / environment and have the property of long range environment transport (LRET).
Exposure to POPs may lead to cancer , damage to the central & peripheral nervous system , diseases of the immune system , reproductive disorders and interference with normal infant and child development.
About convention:
The Stockholm convention on persistent organic pollutants is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from POPs by restricting and ultimately eliminating their production, use , trade ,release and storage. It was adopted in 2001 and came into force in 2004.
POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm convention :
- Annex A deals with POPs which needs to be eliminated
- Annex B deals with POPs which needs to be restricted
- Annex C deals with unintentionally produced POPs which needs to be reduced or eliminated.
Efforts by India: India ratified the Stockholm convention on Jan 13, 2006 as per Article 25(4), which enabled it to keep itself in a default “opt-out “ position such that amendments in various annexes of the convention cannot be enforced on it unless an instrument of ratification / acceptance/ approval or accession is explicitly deposited with UN depository.
Regulation of persistent organic pollutants rules-> Notified in March 2018 by MoEF&CC.
It prohibited the manufacture , trade ,use ,import and export of seven chemicals namely :
- Chlordecone
- Hexabromobiphenyl
- Hexabromodiphenyl ether and Heptabromodiphenylether. (commercial octa-BDE)
- Tetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether. (commercial penta -BDE)
- Pentachlorobenzene
- Hexachlorobutadiene
- Hexabromocyclododecane
Which were already listed as POPs under Stockholm convention :
In Oct 2020, the cabinet ratified the ban on seven chemicals by the 2018 notification. The cabinet further delegated the power to ratify chemicals under the Stockholm convention to the union minister of external affairs and MoEF&CC in respect of POPs already regulated under the domestic regulations thereby streamlining the procedure.
Significance of notification: India’s commitment to meet international obligations with regard to protection of environment and human health.
Environmental Crimes in India
What is environmental crime? Environmental crime is an illegal act which directly harms the environment. These illegal activities involve the environment, wildlife, biodiversity and natural resources.
Air, water pollution and environmental offences increased 841% in 2019 : NCR data released in Oct 2020.
Key highlights for the year 2019: Data released in Oct 2020.
- Overall environmental crimes dipped marginally by 1.5% in 2019 compared to previous year.
- At least 35671 environmental crimes were recorded in 2019. (1.5% lower than 2018)
- Though the overall numbers have fallen , the offences related to water/Air (prevention and control) of pollution and environmental (protection) act have increased by 841% and 466% when compared to 2018.
- Rajasthan reported the maximum number of crimes – 10782 followed by Uttar Pradesh(1882).
- Cases recorded under COPTA (22227) were highest, followed by Noise Pollution Act. (8537)
- Court pendency has increased by 7 percentage points to 14 percent in 2019.
Reports / Studies/ Awards related to Environment :
UNEPs Champion of the Earth Award :
Instituted in 2005, it is the highest environmental honour of the UN , which is given annually and recognises outstanding figures from the government , civil society and private sector whose actions have had a transformative , positive impact on the environment.
The award is given in different categories including policy leadership , science and innovation , entrepreneurial vision , inspiration and action , lifetime achievement etc.
Award to PM Modi in 2019: He was selected in the leadership category, for his championing of the international solar alliance, a global partnership that aims to scale up solar energy in solar resource rich countries and for his leadership in the fight against plastic pollution.
Goldman environmental prize 2023:
The Goldman Environmental Prize is a prize awarded annually to grassroots environmental activists. One from each of the world’s six geographical regions: Africa, Aisa, Europe, Islands and Island nations, North America and South and Central America. The prize includes a no strings attached award of US $ 175000 per recipient.
Beginning: The prize was established in 1989 (given in 1990) and is given by the golden environmental foundation headquartered in San Francisco, California. It is also called Green Nobel. The prize was created by civil leaders and philanthropists Richard N .Goldman and his wife,Rhoda H.Goldman.
Earth Day : 22 April
The day is celebrated world wide to demonstrate support for environment protection. The day was first proposed in the UNESCO conference in 1969 and the first Earth day celebration took place in 1970. 2023 Earth day Theme: “Invest in our Planet.”
World Environment Day : 5th June
The United Nations has designated June 5th as World Environment Day. The UNEP annually organises events for world environment day , which encourages worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment. Since 1974 , it has been celebrated every year engaging governments, businesses,celebrities and citizens to focus their efforts. Theme for 2023: “BeatPlasticPollution”
World Ocean Day:
June 8 is the world ocean day, the Un day for celebrating the role of oceans in our everyday life and inspiring actions to protect the ocean and sustainably use marine resources. Many countries have been celebrating this day since 1992, following the UN conference on Environment and Development, held in Rio De Janeiro. UNGA officially decided this in 2018. Theme for 2023: “Planet Ocean: tides are changing”
Earth Overshoot day:
Overshoot day marks when humanity’s demand for ecological resources and services in a given year exceeds what earth can regenerate in that year. This deficit is maintained by liquidating stocks of ecological resources and by accumulating environmental waste, particularly carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. It is hosted and calculated by Global Footprint Network.