Why in News?

On World Environment Day (June 5), it is a moment to reflect on how the past decade has either worsened or helped address ongoing environmental crises.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Major Environmental Crises in India and the World
• Root Causes of Environmental Degradation
• India’s Position in the Global Environmental Crisis
• Steps Toward Addressing the Environmental Crisis

Major Environmental Crises in India and the World

• Triple Planetary Crisis
  • The world is currently facing three interlinked environmental challenges:
    • Carbon Emissions
    • Biodiversity Loss
    • Pollution
• Rising Carbon Emissions
• Between 2015 and 2024:
  • Global CO₂ emissions increased by nearly 10%, from 34.1 to 37.4 billion metric tonnes.
  • India’s emissions rose from 2.33 to 3.12 billion metric tonnes, primarily due to continued reliance on coal and oil.
• Biodiversity Under Threat
  • India’s rich biodiversity is under severe stress due to:
    • Deforestation
    • Wetland degradation
    • Expansion of monoculture agriculture
  • Mass extinctions and ecological disruptions are becoming increasingly common.
• Persistent Pollution
  • Air pollution remains a major issue, with India among the most polluted countries globally.
  • Delhi consistently ranks at the top of global pollution indexes.

Root Causes of Environmental Degradation

• Fossil Fuel Dependency
  • Major source of global carbon emissions.
  • In India, nearly 70% of electricity is generated from coal.
  • Emissions from power generation, transport, and industry are key contributors.
• Deforestation and Land-Use Change
  • Forest clearances for infrastructure projects (roads, mining, dams) are rising.
  • Biodiversity-rich regions like the Western Ghats and Northeast are most affected.
• Agricultural Intensification
  • High-input monocultures by agribusinesses damage ecosystems.
  • Water bodies are polluted with nitrates, pesticides, and plastics.
• Waste Mismanagement and Urbanisation
  • Rapid, unchecked urban growth leads to unregulated landfills and untreated sewage.
  • Rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna are heavily polluted.
  • India produces 62 million tonnes of waste annually; only 20% is processed properly.
• Overconsumption and Industrialisation
  • Excessive consumption in the Global North shifts environmental costs to the Global South.
  • Global supply chains externalise pollution and ecological harm to developing countries.

India’s Position in the Global Environmental Crisis

• Low Per Capita Emissions, High Aggregate Impact
  • India’s per capita carbon footprint is ~1.9 tonnes/year, much lower than the U.S. (~14.7 tonnes).
  • However, overall emissions are increasing due to industrialisation and urbanisation.
• Disproportionate Impact on the Poor
  • Marginalised communities suffer most from pollution and climate shocks.
  • Examples include air pollution in Delhi’s slums and droughts in rural Maharashtra.
• Victim of Global Environmental Damage
  • Historical emissions from richer countries have worsened India’s climate.
  • Impacts include erratic monsoons, floods, and extreme heat.
  • Biodiversity loss is undermining India’s food security and health systems.

Steps Toward Addressing the Environmental Crisis

• Global North Accountability
  • Wealthy nations must reduce emissions significantly.
  • Provide climate finance to developing countries.
  • End the outsourcing of polluting industries.
• Corporate Responsibility
  • Enforce strict environmental laws and implement carbon taxes.
  • Ban market access for companies violating green policies.
  • Promote corporate adherence to sustainable practices.
• Ecological Development Models
  • Development should prioritize ecological sustainability.
  • Support for low-carbon livelihoods and eco-friendly industries is essential.
• Promote Sustainable Practices
  • Encourage ecological agriculture and reduce monocultures.
  • Foster community-led conservation initiatives.
  • Implement systemic changes for long-term environmental resilience.