Day 40 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: Examine the accelerated warming of the Arctic region and its global implications, particularly for climate patterns and geopolitics. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

The Arctic region is warming at more than twice the global average, a phenomenon known as Arctic amplification. This accelerated warming has significant global implications, particularly for climate patterns and geopolitics.

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Impact on Climate Patterns –

1. Disruption of Jet Streams: The rapid Arctic warming weakens the polar jet stream, leading to extreme weather events like cold waves (e.g., Polar vortex in the US).
2. Sea Level Rise: Melting Arctic ice contributes to global sea level rise, threatening coastal cities (e.g., Miami, New York).
3. Ocean Circulation Changes: The influx of freshwater from melting ice disrupts thermohaline circulation, affecting global ocean currents (e.g., weakening of the Gulf Stream).
4. Permafrost Thawing: Thawing permafrost releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, accelerating global warming (e.g., Siberian methane release).
5. Albedo Effect Reduction: Loss of reflective ice surface increases heat absorption, further accelerating warming (e.g., reduced summer ice cover in the Arctic).

Geopolitical Implications –

1. New Shipping Routes: Melting ice opens up new Arctic shipping lanes, reducing travel distance between Asia and Europe (e.g., Northern Sea Route).
2. Resource Access: Thawing ice exposes vast reserves of oil, gas, and minerals, leading to potential resource conflicts (e.g., Russia’s Arctic exploration).
3. Territorial Disputes: The Arctic’s strategic importance increases, heightening territorial claims among Arctic nations (e.g., US, Russia, Canada).
4. Military Presence: Nations enhance military presence in the Arctic to secure their interests, increasing regional militarization (e.g., Russian Arctic bases).
5. Impact on Indigenous Communities: Rapid environmental changes threaten the livelihoods and cultures of indigenous Arctic populations (e.g., Inuits of Greenland).

Conclusion

The accelerated warming of the Arctic has profound implications for global climate patterns and geopolitics, making it a critical issue in international climate policy. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated global efforts to mitigate climate change and manage geopolitical tensions.

Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition –

1. IPCC Reports: Highlighting Arctic warming trends (e.g., IPCC Sixth Assessment Report).
2. Arctic Council: A forum for addressing Arctic issues (e.g., cooperation on environmental protection).
3. UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS): Governs Arctic territorial claims (e.g., Article 76 on continental shelves).
4. Cryosphere Monitoring: Programs like NASA’s Operation IceBridge provide critical data (e.g., monitoring Greenland ice sheet).

Question 2: Analyse the causes and consequences of recent coral bleaching events, with special reference to the Great Barrier Reef. Discuss potential mitigation strategies. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Coral bleaching is the process by which corals lose their vibrant colors and turn white due to stress factors such as increased sea temperatures. The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral system, has witnessed several severe bleaching events in recent years, driven primarily by climate change.

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Causes of Coral Bleaching –

1. Rising Sea Temperatures: Global warming increases sea temperatures, leading to thermal stress on corals (e.g., 2016-2017 Great Barrier Reef bleaching).
2. Ocean Acidification: Increased CO2 levels reduce ocean pH, weakening coral skeletons and contributing to bleaching (e.g., reduced calcification rates).
3. Pollution: Agricultural runoff and pollutants cause nutrient imbalances, promoting harmful algal blooms that block sunlight (e.g., nitrogen pollution).
4. Overfishing: The removal of key species disrupts the ecosystem balance, increasing coral susceptibility to bleaching (e.g., loss of herbivorous fish).
5. Storm Damage: Severe storms physically damage coral structures, making them more vulnerable to bleaching (e.g., Cyclone Debbie, 2017).

Consequences of Coral Bleaching –

1. Loss of Biodiversity: Coral reefs support diverse marine life; bleaching leads to habitat destruction (e.g., decline in fish populations).
2. Economic Impact: Coral reefs contribute to tourism and fisheries; bleaching affects livelihoods (e.g., tourism losses in Queensland).
3. Coastal Protection: Reefs act as natural barriers against storms; bleaching weakens this protection (e.g., increased coastal erosion).
4. Food Security: Decline in fish populations due to reef degradation affects food sources for coastal communities (e.g., reduced fish catch).
5. Cultural Loss: Indigenous communities lose cultural heritage tied to coral reefs (e.g., traditional fishing practices in the Pacific).

Mitigation Strategies –

1. Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Global efforts to limit temperature rise are crucial (e.g., adherence to the Paris Agreement).
2. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Establishing MPAs to limit human activities and allow reefs to recover (e.g., GBR Marine Park Authority).
3. Coral Restoration: Artificial reefs and coral gardening help in reef recovery (e.g., coral nurseries in the Great Barrier Reef).
4. Sustainable Fishing Practices: Implementing regulations to prevent overfishing and maintain ecosystem balance (e.g., quotas and bans on destructive fishing).
5. Pollution Control: Reducing agricultural runoff and implementing stricter regulations on pollutants (e.g., water quality improvement initiatives in Queensland).

Conclusion

Coral bleaching, particularly in the Great Barrier Reef, poses significant ecological and economic threats. Addressing this issue requires a combination of global climate action and localized conservation efforts to preserve these vital ecosystems for future generations.

Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition –

1. IPCC Reports: Highlighting the impact of climate change on coral reefs (e.g., IPCC Special Report on Oceans and Cryosphere).
2. UNESCO: Monitoring World Heritage Sites like the Great Barrier Reef (e.g., inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list).
3. Australian Government Initiatives: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s efforts to protect the reef (e.g., Reef 2050 Plan).

Question 3: Evaluate the recent trends in Amazon deforestation and their impact on global biodiversity and climate change. What international efforts are being made to address this issue? (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

The Amazon Rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is facing accelerated deforestation, which has significant consequences for global biodiversity and climate change. Recent data shows a sharp increase in deforestation rates, particularly in Brazil, leading to widespread environmental concerns.

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Trends in Amazon Deforestation –

1. Increased Agricultural Expansion: Large-scale clearing for cattle ranching and soybean farming is a primary driver (e.g., Mato Grosso’s deforestation surge).
2. Illegal Logging: Unregulated logging activities are contributing significantly to forest loss (e.g., remote areas in Pará state).
3. Infrastructure Development: Construction of roads and dams leads to further deforestation (e.g., BR-163 highway project).
4. Weak Enforcement of Environmental Laws: Recent political changes have led to reduced environmental protections (e.g., rollback of fines and penalties in Brazil).
5. Wildfires: Both intentional and accidental fires have exacerbated deforestation (e.g., 2019 Amazon fires).

Impact on Global Biodiversity and Climate Change –

1. Loss of Biodiversity: The Amazon houses approximately 10% of the world’s known species, and deforestation threatens many with extinction (e.g., jaguars and harpy eagles).
2. Disruption of Carbon Sequestration: The Amazon plays a crucial role in absorbing CO2; deforestation reduces this capacity (e.g., carbon emissions increase).
3. Alteration of Global Weather Patterns: Deforestation impacts the hydrological cycle, affecting rainfall patterns globally (e.g., decreased rainfall in the Southern Hemisphere).
4. Indigenous Communities at Risk: Traditional lifestyles and territories of indigenous peoples are being destroyed (e.g., Yanomami and Kayapo tribes).
5. Accelerated Climate Change: Increased carbon emissions from deforestation contribute to global warming (e.g., Amazon’s tipping point).

International Efforts to Address Amazon Deforestation –

1. Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO): A regional alliance for sustainable development and forest preservation (e.g., joint reforestation programs).
2. UN REDD+ Programme: Provides financial incentives to reduce deforestation and forest degradation (e.g., Brazil’s participation in carbon credit schemes).
3. Paris Agreement Commitments: Nations committed to reducing deforestation as part of climate action plans (e.g., Brazil’s Nationally Determined Contributions).
4. International Boycotts and Trade Restrictions: Consumer boycotts and trade restrictions on products linked to deforestation (e.g., European Union restrictions on unsustainable soy and beef).
5. Global Forest Finance Pledges: Financial pledges from developed countries to support forest conservation (e.g., $500 million pledge by Norway and Germany).

Conclusion

The recent trends in Amazon deforestation present a severe threat to global biodiversity and climate stability. Addressing this issue requires strengthened international cooperation, enforcement of environmental laws, and sustainable development practices. The protection of the Amazon is not only crucial for regional stability but also for global environmental security.

Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition –

1. Global Canopy Programme: Focuses on protecting forest ecosystems and promoting sustainable trade practices (e.g., soy and palm oil certifications).
2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Reports: Highlight the impact of deforestation on climate change (e.g., IPCC Special Report on Land Use).
3. Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): Promotes responsible forest management practices worldwide.