Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment. (UPSC 2021)

Volcanic eruptions in 2021 were reported across multiple tectonic settings, showing their global spread. They occurred in subduction zones, rift systems and hotspots in both land and marine environments.

• Global occurrences: La Soufrière (Saint Vincent), Mount Nyiragongo (DR Congo), Cumbre Vieja (La Palma), Mount Semeru (Indonesia), Fagradalsfjall (Iceland), Mount Etna (Italy), Taal (Philippines) and the early phase of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (Tonga).
• Environmental impact: Ash fall reduced air quality, blocked sunlight and damaged crops; sulphur gases triggered acid rain; lava and pyroclastic flows destroyed forests, farms and settlements. Ash and mudflows polluted rivers and reservoirs, while lava entering the sea altered coasts, created new landforms and harmed marine life.

Thus, 2021 eruptions were globally distributed hazards with serious regional environmental and livelihood impacts.