Environmental Science and Ecology

Introduction

1. The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is a comprehensive legislation enacted to protect wildlife, including plants and animals, and their habitats in India.
2. It was passed by the Indian Parliament and came into force on September 9, 1972.
3. The act provides for the establishment of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other protected areas.

Objectives

1. To ensure the protection and conservation of wildlife species.
2. To prevent the

Introduction

1. The Environment Protection Act, 1986 is a comprehensive legislation enacted in India to provide for the protection and improvement of the environment.
2. It was passed in response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984, highlighting the need for stringent environmental laws.
3. The act came into force on November 19, 1986.
4. It serves as an umbrella legislation for coordinating the activities of various regulatory agencies under existing environmental laws.

Key Objectives

1. To prov

Introduction

1. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is a multilateral treaty adopted at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.
2. It aims to promote the conservation of biodiversity, ensure its sustainable use, and advocate for the equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources.
3. The CBD entered into force on December 29, 1993, and currently has 196 parties, making it one of the most widely ratified international treaties.

Introduction

1. The Rio Earth Summit, officially called the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from June 3-14, 1992.
2. It brought together representatives from over 170 countries to discuss sustainable development and environmental protection.
3. It was one of the largest gatherings for addressing the global environmental crisis.

Key Objectives of the Summit

1. To integrate environmental con

Introduction

1. The Stockholm Conference, officially known as the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, was held in Stockholm, Sweden, from June 5-16, 1972.
2. It was the first major international event to focus on environmental issues globally.
3. The conference marked the beginning of international cooperation in environmental protection.

Goals of the Stockholm Conference

1. To raise global awareness about the need to protect the environment.

Introduction

1. Climate change is a global challenge requiring international cooperation to mitigate its effects.
2. Key initiatives include the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and efforts by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Kyoto Protocol

1. The Kyoto Protocol was adopted in 1997 and came into force in 2005 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
2. It legally binds developed countries to

Introduction

1. Climate change leads to a wide range of environmental, economic, and social challenges.
2. Key impacts include rising sea levels and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

Rising Sea Levels

1. Caused by the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps due to higher global temperatures.
2. Thermal expansion: As ocean temperatures rise, water expands, contributing to higher sea levels.
3. Rising sea levels lead to the

Introduction

1. Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and weather patterns on Earth.
2. It is caused by both natural factors and human activities (anthropogenic causes), with human impact being more significant in recent decades.

Natural Causes of Climate Change

1. Volcanic eruptions release large amounts of ash and gases, such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), which can temporarily cool or warm the atmosphere.
2. Solar variability

Introduction

1. Acid rain refers to precipitation (rain, snow, or fog) that contains higher levels of acidic components, such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid.
2. It is caused primarily by the emission of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NO_x) into the atmosphere.
3. Acid rain has both natural and anthropogenic sources, with human activities being the major contributors.

Causes of Acid Rain

1. Combustion of foss