OZONE DEPLETION-3

PRERNA FOR IAS

         Mehnat Aapki, Guidance Humari

         Roz ki Prelims Practice — Experts ke Saath

OZONE DEPLETION-3

1. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change

The National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC) is one of the eight missions under India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). It aims to strengthen scientific research and improve understanding of climate change and its impacts. The mission promotes climate modelling, environmental monitoring, data collection, and research collaborations among universities, research institutions, and government agencies. It encourages innovation in climate adaptation and mitigation technologies while building scientific capacity. By generating reliable climate information, the mission supports evidence-based policymaking and helps India prepare for future climate-related challenges through informed planning and sustainable development strategies.

2. Greenwashing

Greenwashing is the practice of making false, exaggerated, or misleading claims about a company's environmental performance to appear environmentally responsible without taking meaningful action. The term was introduced in 1986 by environmentalist Jay Westerveld. Companies may advertise products as "eco-friendly," "natural," or "green" without sufficient scientific evidence. Greenwashing misleads consumers, reduces trust in genuine sustainable businesses, and weakens environmental conservation efforts. Governments and consumer protection agencies increasingly regulate environmental claims to prevent deceptive marketing. Consumers should verify certifications and credible labels before accepting environmental claims made by businesses.

3. Common Forms of Greenwashing

Greenwashing takes several forms. Companies may use vague environmental claims such as "100% natural" without proof. Some highlight one positive environmental feature while hiding major environmental damage, known as the hidden trade-off. Others use fake eco-labels, misleading images of forests or nature, or irrelevant claims such as "CFC-free" for products where CFCs are already banned. Some provide no scientific evidence for their environmental claims, while others exaggerate small improvements to appear sustainable. Identifying greenwashing requires checking certifications, transparent reporting, and independent environmental audits before trusting green marketing messages.

4. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty adopted during the Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro in 1992. It entered into force on 21 March 1994. Its primary objective is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at levels that prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The Convention provides a legal framework for international climate negotiations and cooperation. Nearly every country in the world is a Party to the Convention. The UNFCCC serves as the foundation for major climate agreements, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement.

5. Green Climate Fund (GCF)

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is the world's largest international climate finance mechanism established under the UNFCCC. It was created during COP-16 in Cancun (2010) and became operational after COP-17 in Durban (2011). The Fund supports developing countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change. It finances renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, disaster resilience, forest conservation, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Managed by an independent Board, the GCF mobilizes financial resources from developed countries to assist vulnerable nations. It plays a vital role in achieving the objectives of the Paris Agreement.

6. COP-27 Climate Conference

COP-27, the 27th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC, was held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from 6–20 November 2022. A major achievement of the conference was the agreement to establish a Loss and Damage Fund to support developing countries suffering from climate-related disasters. Delegates discussed climate adaptation, mitigation, climate finance, renewable energy, and implementation of the Paris Agreement. Countries also reviewed progress toward limiting global warming to 1.5°C. COP-27 emphasized accelerating climate action, increasing financial support for vulnerable nations, and strengthening international cooperation to combat climate change.

7. Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, product, or country. It is measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). Activities such as transportation, electricity generation, industrial production, agriculture, and deforestation contribute to carbon footprints. Reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy, planting trees, recycling, and adopting sustainable lifestyles help lower carbon footprints. Measuring carbon footprints enables governments, businesses, and individuals to identify emission sources and implement strategies for achieving climate goals and reducing global warming.

8. Milankovitch Cycles

Milankovitch Cycles are long-term variations in Earth's orbit and rotation that influence global climate over thousands of years. Proposed by Serbian scientist Milutin Milankovitch, the theory explains how changes in Earth's eccentricity (orbit shape), axial tilt, and precession (wobble) affect the amount and distribution of solar energy received by Earth. These cycles contribute to alternating glacial and interglacial periods. Although Milankovitch Cycles naturally influence climate over geological timescales, current rapid global warming is mainly caused by increased greenhouse gas emissions from human activities rather than natural orbital variations.

9. Ice Core

An ice core is a cylindrical sample drilled from glaciers or polar ice sheets in Antarctica and Greenland. Ice cores preserve ancient layers of snow that accumulated over thousands of years, trapping tiny air bubbles containing past atmospheric gases. Scientists analyze these bubbles to determine historical concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, oxygen isotopes, and temperature changes. Ice cores provide valuable evidence of Earth's climate history, volcanic eruptions, and atmospheric composition. They help researchers understand past climate patterns, validate climate models, and predict future climate changes caused by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.

10. Loss and Damage Fund

The Loss and Damage Fund is an international financial mechanism created during COP-27 (2022) to support developing countries suffering irreversible losses from climate change. These losses include destruction caused by floods, cyclones, droughts, sea-level rise, heatwaves, and other climate disasters. Many vulnerable countries contribute very little to global greenhouse gas emissions but experience the greatest impacts of climate change. The fund aims to provide financial assistance for recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation after climate disasters. It represents a significant step toward climate justice by recognizing the responsibility of wealthier nations to assist vulnerable countries.