Module 79. Climate Change, Sustainability, Disaster Management and EIM

Climate change, sustainability, disaster management, and environmental impact mitigation (EIM) are interlinked aspects of environmental governance that together determine the resilience and sustainability of societies. These areas have become increasingly significant as nations face growing ecological stress from industrialisation, urbanisation, and population growth. In India, where natural resources and ecosystems are integral to economic and social well-being, managing environmental challenges through sustainable strategies is a national priority.

Climate Change: Causes, Impacts and Global Response

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns caused primarily by human-induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global average temperatures have risen by over 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, mainly due to fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and industrial emissions.
1. Causes of Climate Change:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Excessive CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O from transport, power generation, and agriculture.
• Deforestation: Reduces carbon sinks and alters the hydrological cycle.
• Industrialisation: Heavy industries release pollutants and heat-trapping gases.
• Urbanisation: Expands energy demand and contributes to heat islands.
• Unsustainable Agriculture: Methane emissions from livestock and paddy fields.

2. Consequences of Climate Change:

• Environmental Effects: Glacial melting, sea-level rise, desertification, and biodiversity loss.
• Economic Effects: Declining agricultural productivity, disrupted fisheries, and infrastructure damage.
• Social Effects: Food insecurity, health risks, migration, and displacement.
• Regional Impacts in India: Melting Himalayan glaciers, erratic monsoons, droughts in central India, and severe cyclones along eastern and western coasts.

3. Global Efforts:

• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), 1992
• Kyoto Protocol, 1997: Legally binding emission reduction targets for developed nations.
• Paris Agreement, 2015: Aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C.
• Conference of Parties (COP) Summits: Annual forums for reviewing climate commitments.

India, as a signatory, has pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2070, increase renewable energy capacity, and enhance forest cover under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Sustainability and Sustainable Development

Sustainability refers to maintaining ecological balance and ensuring that resource use today does not compromise future generations. Sustainable development, defined by the Brundtland Commission (1987), involves integrating environmental, social, and economic considerations into policymaking.
1. Principles of Sustainability:

• Intergenerational Equity: Preserving resources for future generations.
• Precautionary Principle: Acting early to prevent potential environmental harm.
• Polluter Pays Principle: Holding those responsible for pollution accountable for remediation.
• Integration Principle: Balancing economic growth with environmental protection.

2. Global Initiatives:

• Stockholm Conference, 1972: First major recognition of human responsibility for the environment.
• Rio Earth Summit, 1992: Introduced Agenda 21 and the three Rio Conventions.
• Johannesburg Summit, 2002: Reinforced global commitment to sustainability.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 2015–2030: UN framework with 17 goals covering poverty reduction, clean energy, climate action, and ecosystem preservation.

3. India’s Initiatives:

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), 2008: Comprises eight missions, including Solar Mission, Water Mission, and Green India Mission.
• State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): Regional sustainability strategies.
• Renewable Energy Expansion: India ranks among the top nations in solar and wind energy production.
• Swachh Bharat Mission and Jal Jeevan Mission: Address waste management and water sustainability.
• National Green Tribunal (NGT): Enforces environmental laws and promotes ecological justice.

Sustainable development in India also integrates community-based resource management, eco-restoration projects, and green economic planning.

Disaster Management: Preparedness and Resilience

Disasters, both natural and anthropogenic, cause large-scale loss of life, property, and infrastructure. Effective disaster management involves preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery measures.
1. Types of Disasters:

• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, floods, cyclones, landslides, droughts, and tsunamis.
• Man-made Disasters: Industrial accidents, chemical leaks, nuclear incidents, and environmental contamination.

2. Disaster Management Cycle:

• Prevention and Mitigation: Risk identification, zoning, infrastructure resilience.
• Preparedness: Early warning systems, community training, and disaster drills.
• Response: Immediate rescue, relief operations, and medical support.
• Recovery: Reconstruction, rehabilitation, and restoration of livelihoods.

3. Institutional Framework in India:

• Disaster Management Act, 2005: Provides legal and administrative structure.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Apex policy-making body chaired by the Prime Minister.
• National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): Conducts research and capacity building.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): Specialised force for search and rescue operations.
• State and District Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs/DDMAs): Local implementation agencies.

4. Major Programmes and Policies:

• National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP): Strengthens coastal infrastructure.
• Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS): Managed by IMD and Central Water Commission.
• Drought Management Plans: Promote water harvesting and sustainable agriculture.
• Urban Earthquake Vulnerability Reduction Project: Focuses on structural safety and retrofitting.

5. Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDM): Local participation enhances preparedness and response efficiency through volunteerism, awareness, and cooperation with local authorities.

Environmental Impact Mitigation (EIM)

Environmental Impact Mitigation (EIM) involves minimising or offsetting the negative effects of developmental activities on the environment. It forms a crucial part of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which evaluates ecological, social, and health impacts of projects before implementation.
1. Objectives of EIM:

• To prevent environmental degradation.
• To ensure compliance with environmental standards and sustainability principles.
• To integrate eco-friendly designs and technologies in development projects.

2. Steps in the EIA Process:

1. Screening and Scoping: Determining whether a project requires detailed assessment.
2. Baseline Data Collection: Understanding pre-project environmental conditions.
3. Impact Prediction and Evaluation: Identifying potential environmental effects.
4. Mitigation Measures: Developing strategies to prevent or reduce adverse impacts.
5. Public Consultation: Involving affected communities in decision-making.
6. Monitoring and Post-Project Analysis: Ensuring compliance with mitigation commitments.

3. Common Mitigation Strategies:

• Air Quality Control: Use of scrubbers, electrostatic precipitators, and cleaner fuels.
• Water Pollution Control: Effluent treatment plants (ETPs) and wastewater recycling.
• Waste Management: Segregation, composting, and recycling (3Rs principle).
• Afforestation: Compensatory planting for ecological restoration.
• Noise Reduction: Acoustic barriers and regulation of industrial noise.
• Biodiversity Offsetting: Conservation of equivalent habitats elsewhere.

4. Legal Framework:

• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Umbrella law for environmental regulation.
• EIA Notification, 2006 (amended 2020): Mandates environmental clearance for major projects.
• Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Controls deforestation and diversion of forest land.
• Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019: Protects fragile coastal ecosystems.

Integrating Climate Change, Sustainability, and Disaster Management

Modern environmental governance requires an integrated approach linking climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction, and sustainable resource management.