The end of global climate policy
Source: The Hindu
Syllabus: GS III Environment
The End of Global Climate Policy: A Shift in Global Dynamics
The 2024 climate conference in Baku marked a paradigm shift in global climate governance by dismantling the traditional donor-recipient dichotomy that characterized post-colonial climate policies. It proposed an alternate global sustainability forum, emphasizing self-reliance for developing countries and reorienting their approach towards achieving equitable progress.
Evolution of the Climate Treaty
The 1992 climate treaty aimed to collectively address the shared challenge of climate change. However, in an inherently unequal world, this manifested as an expectation for the G7 to reduce future carbon emissions while acknowledging that cumulative emissions were the primary concern. Developing nations, despite their minimal historical contribution to the problem, agreed to tackle climate challenges in exchange for technology transfer and financial support. Yet, the imbalance in research capacity and decision-making power ensured that the burden would eventually shift onto these nations.
The existing framework perpetuates inequality through its disconnect between academic discourse, policy formulation, and practical implementation. The G7 nations, by shaping the agenda and rules, have consistently safeguarded their own interests while avoiding accountability. For instance, the promise of financial support by 2035, described by India as an “optical illusion,” exemplifies the lack of genuine commitment.
Diverging Worldviews and the Rise of Climate Justice
The G7, originating from former colonial powers, continues to dominate the global narrative, prioritizing emission reductions over broader sustainability concerns. Conversely, the Global South, which constitutes four-fifths of the global population and half of the world’s GDP, is focused on sustainable development, encompassing energy transitions and lifestyle modifications.
Climate justice—a pivotal concept gaining traction—goes beyond policy-level fairness. It critiques the systemic inequities embedded in global rules that exacerbate income disparities and widen the North-South divide. For instance, carbon pricing and trade restrictions often favor the G7, neglecting the developmental aspirations of the Global South. A fair framework must address the root causes of these inequities, including the disproportionate resource consumption by developed nations.
Urbanization and Resource Inequity
Urbanization, a dominant global trend responsible for three-fourths of emissions and natural resource usage, underscores the disparity. While the G7 nations urbanized early and consumed resources disproportionately—accounting for three-fourths of global resource consumption in 1950 despite housing only one-fifth of the population—the Global South is adopting distinct pathways. By 2050, the G7 will comprise 10% of the population but account for 25% of emissions, while Asia, with 55% of the population, will contribute a proportionate share of emissions.
This calls for redefining sustainability principles with justice and equity at their core. Countries like India must proactively shape global governance structures, drawing inspiration from the strategic frameworks of nations like the U.S.
Proposals for a New Global Order
In light of the challenges posed by the current global framework, three initiatives are proposed:
- Alternate Sustainability Forum:
BRICS nations and their partners should establish a new sustainability forum to facilitate urban energy transitions, exchange best practices, and monitor G7 climate policies. This forum would focus on collaborative research and localized implementation of sustainability science. - Revised UN Climate Negotiations:
UN negotiations should concentrate on reviewing G7 emission reductions and ensuring grants amounting to $300 billion for the most vulnerable nations, such as Small Island States and Least Developed Countries. - Reimagining Global Institutions:
International fora, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), should transition into platforms for annual stocktaking and course correction. Dysfunctional mechanisms, like the WTO’s dispute resolution system, may need to be phased out in favor of new, inclusive frameworks.
The Role of BRICS and Multilateralism
By adopting a bridging role in global governance, BRICS nations can spearhead the shift towards a more equitable multilateral order. This would not only strengthen their position in institutions like the UN Security Council but also ensure that global policies reflect the aspirations of the majority of the world’s population.
Conclusion
The shift from donor-recipient relationships to equitable global partnerships is imperative for addressing the climate crisis. A redefined global governance structure, rooted in justice and sustainability, can empower developing nations to lead the way towards a balanced and resilient future.
Explained: Why is it so difficult to decipher the Harappan writing system?
Source: The Indian Express
Syllabus: GS I Ancient History
Deciphering the Indus Valley Script: Cultural, Political, and Historical Dimensions
Why in News?
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s announcement of a $1 million prize for deciphering the Indus Valley script has reignited interest in solving one of the world’s oldest linguistic mysteries. Beyond its scholarly importance, the initiative has significant cultural and political implications, positioning Stalin as a proponent of Dravidian identity and countering dominant Aryan-centric historical narratives.
The Indus Valley Script: An Overview
- Definition: The Indus Valley script, also known as the Harappan script, comprises symbols created by the Indus Valley Civilization. It is one of the oldest known writing systems in South Asia.
- Characteristics:
- Script Style: Boustrophedon, alternating between right-to-left and left-to-right writing.
- Period of Use: Approx. 2,500 BCE to 1,900 BCE.
- Language: The underlying language remains unidentified, with no bilingual artefacts akin to the Rosetta Stone to aid in decipherment. It might have represented diverse linguistic families, including Dravidian, Mundari, and others.
- Symbols: About 400 distinct symbols found across artefacts such as seals, pottery, bronze tools, and clay tablets.
- Purpose: Likely used for administrative and commercial activities, including tax documentation and trade permits.
Challenges in Deciphering the Script
- Absence of Multilingual Inscriptions: Unlike the Rosetta Stone, there are no bilingual or multilingual inscriptions to bridge the gap between known and unknown languages.
- Limited Artefacts: Only about 3,500 seals have been discovered, each with an average of five characters, providing an insufficient dataset for comprehensive analysis.
- Unknown Language: Assigning phonetic values is difficult without knowledge of the script’s linguistic context.
- Archaeological Limitations: Future excavations are critical to uncover additional artefacts that may offer insights into the script.
Indus Valley-Tamil Nadu Connections
- Research Findings: Studies have documented over 15,000 graffiti-bearing pot shards from Tamil Nadu and compared them with 4,000 Indus artefacts.
- Similarities Identified:
- 60% of Tamil Nadu signs matched Indus script symbols.
- 90% of graffiti marks in both regions were comparable.
- Sites of Significance: Keeladi, Sivagalai, and Thulukarpatti in Tamil Nadu revealed evidence of shared cultural traits.
- Similarities Identified:
- Cultural Implications:
- Suggests direct or intermediary cultural exchanges between the Indus Valley Civilization (Copper Age) and Tamil Nadu (Iron Age).
- Highlights Tamil Nadu’s long-standing historical and cultural ties with ancient civilizations.
Cultural and Political Implications
Dravidian Identity and Historical Reframing
- Challenging Aryan-Centric Narratives:
- Stalin’s initiative seeks to position Tamil Nadu’s cultural development alongside that of the Indus Valley Civilization, emphasizing shared symbols such as the bull, prominently featured in Tamil traditions like Jallikattu.
- Advances in carbon dating at Keeladi have established the Tamil Brahmi script’s origins around 600 BCE, narrowing the perceived gap between Tamil and Indus Valley cultures.
- Dravidian Legacy:
- Stalin has leveraged archaeological discoveries to redefine Tamil Nadu’s history as independent and parallel to the Aryan narrative.
- His efforts align with the broader Dravidian movement’s emphasis on inclusivity and progressive governance.
Political Dimensions
- Dravidian Model:
- Stalin’s policies underscore Tamil Nadu’s distinct identity, projecting the state as a beacon of inclusive growth and governance.
- Initiatives like adding “Belongs to Dravidian Stock” to his public profiles reflect his commitment to this narrative.
- Countering BJP’s Cultural Agenda:
- Stalin’s efforts highlight Tamil Nadu’s unique cultural heritage as distinct from the pan-Indian narratives championed by the BJP, asserting the importance of regional identities in shaping India’s history.
Conclusion
The initiative to decipher the Indus Valley script transcends academic curiosity, serving as a tool to assert Tamil Nadu’s historical and cultural significance. By integrating archaeological research with political narratives, Stalin seeks to reshape India’s historical discourse through a Dravidian lens. This effort underscores the role of regional histories in challenging established frameworks and fostering a more inclusive understanding of India’s past.
Water gushes out from underground in Rajasthan village: What is ‘artesian condition’, responsible for it?
Source: The Indian Express
Source: GS I Geography
Unprecedented Artesian Well Phenomenon in Taranagar, Jaisalmer
Why in News?
A remarkable hydrogeological event occurred in Taranagar village, Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, from December 27 to 29, 2024. During tube well drilling, water unexpectedly gushed out under high pressure, flooding the surrounding area and halting without any human intervention. This phenomenon drew significant attention, with social media speculating links to the mythical Saraswati River. However, experts have dismissed such claims, attributing the event to an artesian aquifer containing ancient water millions of years old.
Incident Details
- Location: Mohangarh area, Jaisalmer.
- Event Description:
- A farmer engaged a firm to drill a tube well to a depth of 850 feet.
- Water erupted with great force, submerging 25 bighas of farmland, creating a large pit, and trapping drilling machinery, including a truck.
- A small amount of non-inflammable gas also escaped alongside the water.
- Expert Analysis: Geologists from the State Ground Water Department classified the event as an artesian condition, where water flows naturally due to subterranean pressure.
Understanding Artesian Aquifers
Definition
An artesian aquifer, as defined by the United States Geological Survey, is a confined groundwater system stored under pressure between two impermeable layers of rock or sediment.
Key Characteristics
- Confined Water Storage: Water is trapped between impermeable layers, creating significant pressure.
- Natural Flow: When tapped, the confined pressure causes water to rise to the surface without pumping.
- Depth: Artesian aquifers are typically deeper than regular groundwater sources.
- Formation:
- Water from higher elevations infiltrates porous layers, becoming trapped by impermeable strata above and below.
- When the confining layer is punctured by drilling, pressure forces the water to flow upward.
Difference from Regular Wells
- Artesian Wells: Water emerges naturally due to pressure, often requiring no pump.
- Regular Wells: Rely on pumps to extract water and are located closer to the surface.
Artesian Aquifers in Desert Regions
Geological Context
- In deserts, artesian water is typically stored beneath sandstone layers.
- When the surface layer is breached, intense underground pressure forces water upward.
Phenomenon in Taranagar
- Taranagar’s artesian event is notable for its intensity, which surpasses similar occurrences in other areas like Mohangarh and Nachana Samiti Panchayat in Rajasthan.
Global Context
- Artesian wells are not unique to Rajasthan; similar phenomena have been documented in desert regions of Australia and Africa. These occurrences highlight the importance of artesian aquifers as vital groundwater reserves in arid landscapes.
Conclusion
The unprecedented artesian well phenomenon in Taranagar underscores the geological complexities of Rajasthan’s desert terrain. It serves as a reminder of the untapped hydrogeological potential and the need for sustainable groundwater management. While such events can provide valuable water resources, they also highlight the risks associated with unregulated drilling. Strategic scientific exploration and sustainable usage are imperative for harnessing such natural phenomena for the benefit of communities in water-scarce regions.
What is the human metapneumovirus?
Source: The Hindu
Syllabus: GS II Health/ GS III Science and Technology
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Understanding the Emerging Concern
What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus causing mild infections akin to the common cold. First identified in 2001, HMPV belongs to the Pneumoviridae family, which also includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), measles, and mumps. The virus predominantly affects the respiratory tract, causing both upper and lower respiratory infections.
- Seasonality: HMPV is more prevalent in winter and early spring.
- Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible, with potential complications like bronchitis or pneumonia.
Symptoms of HMPV
Symptoms typically mimic those of a common cold:
- Cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose).
- Fever, wheezing, and, in severe cases, bronchitis or pneumonia.
The incubation period is estimated to be 3–6 days, with most cases resolving spontaneously within a few days with rest and supportive care.
How Does HMPV Spread?
HMPV spreads through direct or indirect contact with infected secretions:
- Direct Contact: Close interactions such as shaking hands or hugging an infected person.
- Indirect Contact: Touching contaminated objects like doorknobs, phones, or keyboards and then touching the face, eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Aerosol Transmission: Inhalation of droplets from sneezing or coughing.
Treatment and Prevention
- Treatment: There is no vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for HMPV. Management includes:
- Over-the-counter medications for fever and pain.
- Decongestants for symptom relief.
- Antibiotics are ineffective as HMPV is a viral infection.
- Prevention Measures:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water.
- Avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
- Refraining from touching the face, nose, eyes, or mouth.
- Wearing masks to minimize transmission risk.
- Extra caution for individuals with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.
HMPV in the Indian Context
- Current Surveillance:
In response to cases reported in China, India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is actively monitoring respiratory infections and seasonal influenza cases. Coordination with international agencies ensures vigilance. - Reported Cases in India:
- Confirmed cases include two infants in Karnataka, one child in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and two children in Chennai.
- The Union Health Ministry has reassured the public, emphasizing that HMPV is not a new virus and has circulated globally for many years.
- Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda affirmed that the health system and surveillance networks are vigilant, and there is no immediate cause for alarm.
Global Context and Implications
- Reports from China:
China’s disease control authority has initiated a pilot monitoring system for pneumonia of unknown origin, amidst a rise in respiratory infections during winter and spring.
- Crowds at hospitals in social media posts have fueled concerns; however, no emergency has been declared over HMPV in China.
- Experts have ruled out connections between HMPV cases and the mythical Saraswati River.
- Global Surveillance:
As respiratory illnesses, including HMPV, gain attention, coordinated global monitoring is critical to mitigate risks, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Conclusion
While Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not a novel pathogen, its presence reinforces the need for robust public health surveillance, especially in high-risk seasons. Strengthening hygiene practices, raising awareness, and ensuring timely medical interventions can help manage the virus effectively. Vigilance by health authorities ensures preparedness against potential outbreaks, safeguarding public health and minimizing socio-economic disruptions.
