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Context:

As we observe June 5 as World Environment Day, one takes stock of how the previous decade has exacerbated/mitigated existing environmental crises.

About Major Environmental Crises in India and the World:

Attribute	Details
Triple Planetary Crisis	The world is facing three interconnected environmental crises: 1. Carbon Emissions 2. Biodiversity Loss 3. Pollution
Rising Carbon Emissions	- Global CO₂ emissions rose by ~10% (2015–2024): from 34.1 to 37.4 billion metric tonnes. - India’s emissions rose from 2.33 to 3.12 billion metric tonnes due to coal and oil dependency.
Biodiversity in Danger	- India’s biodiversity is threatened by: → Deforestation → Wetland degradation → Monoculture expansion → Result: Mass extinction and ecosystem disruption.
Frequent Pollution	- India faces severe air pollution. - Delhi remains among the world’s most polluted cities consistently topping global indices.

Causes of Environmental Degradation

Fossil fuel dependence: Major sources of global carbon emissions. In India, about 70% of electricity is generated from coal. Emissions from power generation, transportation and industry are major contributors.

Forest harvesting and land use change: Forest approval for infrastructure projects (road, mining, dam) is increasing. Biodiversity-rich areas such as the Western Ghats and the Northeast are the most affected.

Agricultural intensity: The high-input monoculture by the agricultural business damages the ecosystem. Water bodies are polluted with nitrates, pesticides and plastic.

Waste mismanagement and urbanization: Fast, uncontrolled urban development leads to irregular landfills and untreated sewage. Rivers like Ganga and Yamuna are heavy polluted. India produces 62 million tonnes of waste annually; Only 20% are properly processed.

Overgrowth and industrialization: Excessive consumption in Global North changes environmental costs in the global south. Global supply chains pollution and ecological losses to developing countries.

India’s Position in the Global Environmental Crisis

Aspect	Details
Per Capita vs. Total Emissions	- India’s per capita emissions: ~1.9 tons/year. - U.S. per capita emissions: ~14.7 tons/year. - Despite low per capita, total emissions rising due to industrialization and urbanization.
Disproportionate Impact on Poor	- Marginalized communities suffer most. - Examples: • Severe air pollution in urban slums (e.g., Delhi). • Drought in rural Maharashtra.
Global Environmental Injustice	- India faces effects of historical emissions by developed nations. - Consequences: • Erratic monsoons, • Frequent floods, • Extreme heatwaves.
Loss of Biodiversity	- Leads to food insecurity and pressure on public health systems. - Affects agriculture and traditional ecological systems.

Way forward:

Global answer accountability: Rich nations should significantly reduce emissions. Provide climate finance to developing countries. Eliminate outsourcing of polluting industries.

Corporate responsibility: Apply strict environmental laws and apply carbon taxes. Market access ban for companies violating green policies. Promote corporate rearing for sustainable practices.

Ecological development model: Development should prefer ecological stability. Support is necessary for low carbon livelihood and environmentally friendly industries.

Source: The Hindu

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Discuss the major environmental crises confronting India in the context of the global 'Triple Planetary Crisis'. How should India balance ecological sustainability with developmental needs? (150 words)