Current Affairs - Environment

Project SeaCURE is a UK pilot initiative focused on combating climate change by improving the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide. The project works by extracting CO₂ directly from seawater through a chemical process that acidifies the water, causing the CO₂ to be released and captured before it can re-enter the atmosphere. This innovative technique leverages the ocean’s natural carbon sink capacity and aims to offer a scalable, cost-effective method to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels. If successful, it could become a vital tool in the global effort to mitigate climate change.

Karad, located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, has made significant strides in sanitary waste management. The city has successfully implemented a comprehensive system for the segregation, collection, and processing of sanitary and biomedical waste. On a daily basis, Karad handles around 300 to 350 kg of such waste, including items like sanitary napkins, diapers, and hygiene products. These are collected from various sources such as hospitals, clinics, homes, and public places. This achievement underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable and hygienic waste disposal practices, setting an example for other urban areas.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) introduced the "Blue Category" as part of its revised industrial classification based on the Pollution Index. This newly classified colour is specifically designated for essential environmental services such as waste-to-energy plants and compressed biogas facilities. These services, while crucial for sustainability, generate relatively low pollution compared to heavier industries. The Blue Category complements the existing colour-based classification system of Red, Orange, Green, and White by providing a distinct slot for low-pollution but essential infrastructure. It also offers a two-year extension for consent validity, encouraging the growth of environmentally responsible sectors.

In 2024, Tanzania experienced its hottest year on record, with the national average temperature reaching 24.3°C, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. The significant rise in nighttime minimum temperatures, which were 1.1°C higher than the long-term average, was a key contributor to this record-breaking heat. Additionally, Tanzania recorded exceptional rainfall, making it the fourth wettest year in history. This extreme climate, influenced by El Niño and the Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), has raised concerns about the impact on agriculture, as 80% of the country’s population depends on farming.

The Thar Desert has seen a significant 38% annual increase in greening over the past two decades, primarily driven by enhanced monsoon rainfall and the expansion of agriculture. This change indicates a positive shift in the desert’s ecosystem, showing that, despite its arid nature, the region is experiencing notable vegetation growth. The greening trend is particularly significant as it is linked to both natural rainfall patterns and human activities, such as agricultural expansion. This process may help mitigate desertification and improve the region's biodiversity over time.