What to Read in Indian Express Editorial( Topic and Syllabus wise)

Editorial 1 : There is no Planet B

Context: Earth Day 2025   

 

Introduction: Humanity’s unsustainable exploitation of Earth’s resources has led to ecological collapse. Earth Day serves as a reminder to shift from exploitation to stewardship, with India emerging as a key player in global sustainability efforts.

 

Earth Day’s Role

• Origins: Established in 1970 to advocate for environmental responsibility.
• Impact: Influenced global frameworks (e.g. Paris Agreement).
• Criticism: Often reduced to symbolic gestures (e.g. social media posts) rather than systemic action.
• Purpose: Encourage introspection, education, and a shift to sustainable stewardship.

 

 India’s Sustainability Initiatives

• Panchamrit Goals (COP26)
  1. Net-zero emissions by 2070.
  2. 50% renewable energy by 2030.
  3. 45% reduction in carbon intensity.
• Renewable Energy
  1. International Solar Alliance: Co-led with France to promote solar adoption globally.
  2. Domestic Programs
     • National Solar Mission and PM-KUSUM for farmer empowerment.
     • Large solar parks in Gujarat/Rajasthan
  3. Solar contributes 15% to renewable energy mix.
• Electric Mobility
  1. FAME Scheme: Subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs).
  2. Indian Railways: Net-zero target by 2030.
  3. Urban Transport: Expansion of public transit and clean fuels.
• Biodiversity Conservation
  1. Wildlife: Project Tiger and Project Elephant
  2. Ecosystems: Wetland protection and Green India Mission to improve forest quality.
• Urban Sustainability
  1. Air Pollution: National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) for air quality monitoring.
  2. Waste Management: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (plastic segregation, composting).
  3. Water Conservation: Jal Shakti Abhiyan, Atal Bhujal Yojana, and Namami Gange.
• Agricultural Reforms
  1. Organic Farming: Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana.
  2. Climate Resilience: Micro-irrigation and drought-resistant crops.
• Legal Frameworks
  1. Policies: Environment Protection Act (1986), e-waste, plastic management, and green building codes.
  2. Citizen Action: Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) initiative.

 

Challenges and Gaps

• Implementation: Inconsistent across states.
• Funding: Insufficient climate finance.
• Conflict: Development vs. conservation in urban planning.
• Ongoing Issues: Illegal deforestation, pollution, and encroachments.

 

Way Forward: Call to Action

• Individual Level
  1. Reduce plastic use, conscious consumption, public transport.
  2. Reconnect with nature daily and educate children for living a sustainable lifestyle.
• Systemic Level
  1. Hold industries/governments accountable.
  2. Support sustainability-focused policies and leaders.

 

Conclusion: Earth Day must evolve from symbolism to a catalyst for systemic change. India demonstrates that economic growth and sustainability can coexist, but requires scaling efforts and closing gaps.

Editorial 2 : Break the Ice

Context: Low snow levels in the Himalayan Hindu Kush Region (HKH)   

 

Snow Persistence Decline

• Recent Trends
  1. Record low snow persistence: 23.6% decline in winter 2024–25, the lowest on record.
  2. Consistent below-normal levels: Four out of five winters (2020–21 to 2024–25) saw reduced snow cover.
• Impact on River Systems
  1. Critical runoff contribution: Snowmelt accounts for ~25% of runoff in 12 major rivers (e.g. Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra).
  2. Reduced summer flows: Lower snow persistence threatens water availability for drinking, agriculture, and hydropower.
• Water Security Implications
  1. Population at risk: Over 2 billion people across river basins depend on these water sources.
  2. Economic threats: Reduced flows could destabilize irrigation, hydroelectricity, and livelihoods.

 

Drivers of Declining Snow Persistence

• Climate Change
  1. Accelerated warming: Himalayan temperatures have risen faster than the global average for more than 40 years.
  2. Projections: Even with global warming limited to 1.5°C (Paris Agreement), Himalayan Hindu Kush Region (HKH) will warm by an additional 0.3°C (ICIMOD, 2019).
• Local Environmental Changes
  1. Land-use shifts: Urbanization and farmland conversion exacerbate regional warming.
  2. Ecosystem disruption: Altered landscapes reduce natural buffers against temperature rise.
• Atmospheric Factors
  1. Weaker western disturbances: Reduced intensity of Mediterranean-origin storms disrupts winter precipitation patterns.
  2. Shifting snowfall timing: Erratic precipitation leads to shorter snow retention periods.

 

Way Forward: Recommendations

• Mitigation and Green Transition
  1. Accelerate climate action: Prioritize renewable energy and low-carbon development to limit global warming.
  2. Ecosystem restoration: Protect forests and wetlands to enhance carbon sinks.
• Adaptation and Resilience-Building
  1. Water management: Invest in efficient irrigation, drought-resistant crops, and reservoir upgrades.
  2. Early warning systems: Strengthen flood/drought forecasting to mitigate disasters.
  3. Infrastructure upgrades: Climate-proof hydropower and agricultural systems.
• Regional Cooperation
  1. Data-sharing mechanisms: Collaborate on river flow monitoring and snowmelt predictions.
  2. Transboundary agreements: Foster joint management of shared rivers (e.g. Indus Water Treaty).
  3. Renewable energy grids: Develop cross-border clean energy networks to reduce fossil fuel dependence.
• Challenges to Address
  1. Political tensions: Riparian disputes (e.g. India-China, India-Pakistan) hinder cooperation.
  2. Funding gaps: Mobilize international climate finance for vulnerable mountain communities.

 

Conclusion: The HKH region’s snow persistence crisis underscores the urgent need for integrated climate strategies. While mitigation efforts aim to curb long-term warming, adaptive measures must address immediate water security risks. Regional collaboration and data-driven policies will be pivotal in safeguarding ecosystems and livelihoods for billions.