Biosphere 1.

Earth has different

components- Lithosphere,
Atmosphere and
Hydrosphere.
2. Biosphere is that part of
lithosphere, hydrosphere and
atmosphere where plants
and human beings live.
3. It is part of the earth where
life exists.
4. It consists of living organisms
and the dead organic matter.
Ecosystem 1. An ecosystem is a functional unit of nature.
2. It is the system of interaction or interdependency of living organisms among
themselves and also with the surrounding physical environment.
Ecosystem= Interaction (Living Organisms + Physical Environment)

Examples:
Mangrove Ecosystem,
Tropical Rain forest,
Desert Ecosystem, etc
Ecology 1. Ecology can be defined as a scientific study of the interactions of
organisms with their physical environment and with each other.
2. So, ecology is the study of ecosystems.
 Ecosystem

Abiotic
Biotic Factors
Factors

Abiotic Non living things present in

Factors the environment are called
‘Abiotic’ elements.
Ex: Temperature, water, air,
etc
 Ecosystem

Abiotic
Biotic Factors
Factors

Biotic The living organisms in the

Factors environment are called Biotic
elements.
Ex: Animals, plants, etc
Herbivores 1. Herbivores depend on plants
for their energy
requirements.
2. They are known as Primary
Consumers.
Ex: Goat, Cow, etc
Carnivores 1. Carnivores depend on primary
consumers or other carnivores
for their energy needs.
2. It means Carnivores feed on
primary consumers and other
carnivores.
Ex: Tiger, Fox, etc
Omnivores Omnivores depend on both
plant and animal material for
their energy needs.
Ex: Humans, Bear,etc
Decomposers 1. Decomposers are organisms that
breakdown dead or decaying
organisms.
2. Micro-organisms like the
bacteria and fungi that carry out
decomposition of the dead
organic material.
Detritivores Detritivores feed on dead plant and animal material.
These are also called Saprophytes.
Ex: Fungus, Earthworm, etc
 Terrestrial
Ecosystem
Ecosystem
Types
Aquatic
Ecosystem

Terrestrial The ecosystem which is found

Ecosystem only on landforms is known as
the terrestrial ecosystem.
Ex: Forest, grassland and desert.
 Terrestrial
Ecosystem
Ecosystem
Types
Aquatic
Ecosystem

Aquatic 1. An ecosystem which exists in a

Ecosystem body of water is known as an
aquatic ecosystem.
2. The aquatic ecosystems are
mainly of two types:
Ocean
a) The freshwater ecosystems
b) The marine ecosystems
Trophic Levels 1. The various energy levels in a food
chain are called Trophic levels.
2. Trophic levels show us the position
of an organism in a food chain.
Ex: Primary consumers,
secondary consumers etc.
Food Chain 1. In ecosystem energy gets transferred form one organism to
another.
2. This chain of dependence among organisms is called a food chain.
3. It can be of different types:
1. Grazing food chain
2. Detritus food chain.
4. The flow of energy in a food chain is always unidirectional.
Food Web 1. The feeding relationship in a
natural ecosystem is
complicated.
2. The food chain does not
remain simple and linear.
3. Rather it is complicated by
several inter-connected
overlapping food chains.
4. This happens when greater
number of species feed on
many kinds of prey.
5. Such complicated food
network is called food web.
Ecological 1. In a food web Ecological
Pyramid Pyramids are graphical
representation of:
a. Total Number of Species
(Pyramid of Numbers)
b. Total Biomass (Pyramid
of Biomass)
c. Total Energy availability
(Pyramid of Energy)
2. For different ecosystems
different ecological pyramids
are constructed.
3. These are of two types:
a. Vertical Pyramids
b. Inverted Pyramids
Ecosystem 1. In ecosystems the
Productivity rate of production
of organic matter
is known as
productivity.
2. High productivity
ecosystems
generally host
high biodiversity.
Ecological 1. It is the unique functional role or position of an organism in its natural
Niche habitat.
2. It is a description of the organism’s
a) Habitat (Habitat Niche)
b) Place in food chain (Food Niche)
c) Reproductive characteristics (Reproductive Niche)
d) Chemical and Physical requirement (Chemical and Physical Niche)
3. A Niche is unique for a species. It means by the above descriptions we
can identify a particular species.
Habitat 1. It is the place where a living organisms lives.
2. It corresponds to the address of an organism.
3. A single habitat maybe common for more than one organism which has similar
requirements.
Ex: A rain forest is habitat for many species. So all these species have one habitat.
Bio- 1. In a food chain one organism is
magnification dependent on other for it food
requirement.
2. In the food chain along with the
organic matter contaminants
also gets transferred form one
level to other level.
3. Over the food chain the
concentration of contamination
gets more in the upper levels.
4. This process is known as bio
magnification.
Ex: DDT in the grazing food
chain
Bioaccumulation It is the concentration of a substance within the trophic level
in a food chain.
Biotic 1. Populations vary in their capacity to grow.
Potential 2. The population rate can increase when resources are unlimited and
environmental conditions are ideal.
3. The rate at which this population growth is high is termed the population's
biotic potential.
Carrying 1. Carrying capacity is the
Capacity maximum capacity or
resources that the system
can sustain for the given
population.
2. It is the number of people,
animals, or crops which a
region can support without
environmental degradation.
3. The carrying capacity for any
given area is not fixed.
4. It can be altered by improved
technology
Ecosystem 1. Ecosystem services are the
Services benefits people obtain from
ecosystems.
2. These include :
a) Economic Benefits
b) Ecological Benefits
c) Medical Benefits, etc
Biodiversity 1. Biodiversity is a
combination of
two words, Bio
(life) and
diversity
(variety).
2. Biodiversity is
studied at three
levels:
a. Species
Diversity
b. Genetic
Diversity
c. Ecological
Diversity
Genetic 1. Genetic biodiversity refers to the
Diversity variation of genes within species.
2. Groups of individual organisms
having certain similarities in their
physical characteristics are called
species.
3. Human beings genetically belong to
the homo-sapiens but differ in their
characteristics such as height, colour,
physical appearance, etc.,
considerably.
4. This is due to genetic diversity.
5. The genetic diversity is essential for
a healthy breeding of population of
species.
Species 1. This refers to the variety
Diversity of species in an
ecosystem.
2. It relates to the number
of species in a defined
area.
3. The diversity of species
can be measured
through its richness,
abundance and types.
4. Some areas are richer in
species than others.
5. Areas rich in species
diversity are called
hotspots of diversity.
Ecosystem The different types of ecosystems or habitats present in a
Diversity Or geographical territory.
Ecological
Diversity
Species It is the number of different species present in an ecological
Richness community or a region.
In-Situ 1. It is the approach of
Conservation protecting an endangered
plant or animal species in
its natural habitat.
2. It is done by protecting the
habitat itself.
Ex: Biosphere Reserves ,
National Parks , Wild-life
Sanctuaries
Ex-Situ In this approach, threatened
Conservation animals and plants are taken
out from their natural habitat
and placed in special setting
for the protection.
Ex: Zoological parks, botanical
gardens and, wildlife safari
parks.
IUCN 1. The International Union of Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources
(IUCN) is an international NGO.
2. It works in the field of biodiversity conservation, research, field projects and
advocacy.
3. It publishes Red Data List or Red Data Books every year. Red Data book
contains the conservation status of different species or organisms. It gives
the list threatened species.
4. The categories in the Red Data book include:
1. Extinct (Ex)
2. Extinct In The Wild (Ew)
3. Critically Endangered (Cr)
4. Endangered (En)
5. Vulnerable (Vu)
6. Near Threatened (Nt)
7. Least Concern (Lc)
8. Data Deficient (Dd)
9. Not Evaluated (Ne)
Wetlands 1. Wetlands are
defined as lands
transitional
between terrestrial
and aquatic eco-
systems.
2. These are land
areas whose soil is
saturated with
moisture.
3. Wetlands are
ecotones between
terrestrial and
aquatic
ecosystems.
Marsh 1. Marshes can often be found at the edges of lakes and streams.
2. They form a transition between the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
3. They are often dominated by grasses, rushes or reeds.
Swamp 1. A swamp is a wetland that is
forested.
2. Swamps are characterized by slow-
moving to stagnant waters. They
are usually associated with
adjacent rivers or lakes.
3. The water of a swamp may be-
a. fresh water,
b. brackish water or
c. Seawater.
Ex: Some of the world's largest
swamps are found along major rivers
such as the Amazon, the Mississippi,
and the Congo.
Mangroves 1. Mangroves are a group of trees and shrubs that live in the coastal
intertidal zone.
2. These are Halophytes. Mangrove trees grow in areas with low-
oxygen soil, where slow-moving waters allow fine sediments to
accumulate.
3. Mangrove forests only grow at tropical and subtropical latitudes
near the equator because they cannot withstand freezing
temperatures.

Ex: Sundarbans
in India.
 1. A halophyte is a plant that grows in waters of high salinity.
Halophytes 2. They come into contact with saline water through its roots.
Environmental 1. Environmental change is usually defined as a change or
Change disturbance of the environment.
2. It is most often caused by human influences and natural
ecological processes.
Climate 1. Climate change is a
Change long-term shift in
weather conditions
identified by
changes in
temperature,
precipitation,
winds, and other
indicators.
2. Climate change can
involve both
changes in average
conditions and
changes frequency
of occurring of
extreme events.
Green 1. The greenhouse
House effect is a natural
Effect process that warms
the Earth's surface.
2. When the Sun's
energy reaches the
Earth's atmosphere,
some of it is
reflected back to
space and the rest is
absorbed and re-
radiated
by greenhouse gases.
Global Global warming is
Warming the long-term
heating of
Earth's climate syste
m observed since the
pre-industrial period
(between 1850 and
1900) due to human
activities, primarily
fossil fuel burning,
which increases
heat-trapping
greenhouse gas
levels in Earth's
atmosphere.
Air Air pollution is the presence
Pollution of unwanted substances in
the air.
They are particulate matter,
aerosols, harmful gases, noise
and radio-active particles
which degrade the quality of
air.
Black 1. Black carbon (BC) is the
Carbon result of incomplete
(BC) combustion of fossil fuels
and biomass.
2. It consists of elemental
carbon in several forms.
3. Black carbon warms the
atmosphere due to the
direct absorption of
incoming solar radiation
and by reducing albedo
when deposited on snow
and ice.
 Black Carbon (BC) vs Brown Carbon (BrC)

Black Carbon (BC), emitted mainly by high-temperature combustion processes (diesel engines,
etc.) and Brown Carbon (BrC), emitted mainly by biomass combustion are the two most
important light absorbing substances in the atmospheric aerosol.
Smog 1. The word "smog" is the combination of the words smoke and fog.
2. At least two distinct types of smog are recognized:
a. Sulphurous smog and
b. Photochemical smog
Acid 1. Clean rain is slightly acidic naturally but
when the pH of rain falls below 5.6, we
Rain
call it acid rain.
2. Emissions of the two air pollutants,
nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur
dioxide (SO2) are the main reasons for
acid rain formation.
3. Nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and
sulphur dioxide (SO2) are emitted
during fossil fuel combustion.
4. They undergo reactions with water in
the air to form the nitric acid (HNO3)
and the sulphuric acid (H2SO4).
5. When rain occurs these substances also
reach the earth surface in the form of
Aid rain.
Ozone 1. Ozone depletion,
Layer gradual thinning of
Depletion Earth's ozone
layer in the upper
atmosphere.
2. It is caused by the
release of chemical
compounds
containing gaseous
chlorine or
bromine from
industry and other
human activities.
3. The thinning is
most pronounced
in the polar
regions, especially
over Antarctica.
 Sea level rise is caused primarily by two factors related to global
Sea Level Rise- warming: the added water from melting ice sheets and glaciers

and the expansion of seawater

 Sustainable Development
Brundtland Commission Report- Our Common Future (1987)- ‘Development which meets the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs’.

Social
Sustainability

Economic Environmental
Sustainability Sustainability
Water Resources-
Water is a cyclic resource
with abundant supplies
on the globe.
Approximately, 71 per
cent of the earth’s
surface is covered with it
but fresh water
constitutes only about 3
per cent of the total
water.
Soil Degradation
Eutrophication-

1. It is the gradual increase

in the concentration
of phosphorus, nitrogen
, and other plant
nutrients in an aging
aquatic ecosystem such
as a lake.
2. The productivity or
fertility of such an
ecosystem naturally
increases as the amount
of organic material that
can be broken down
into nutrients increases.
Coastal Regulation Zone

1. The coastal areas of seas, bays, creeks,

rivers, and backwaters which get influenced
by tides up to 500 m from the high tide line
(HTL) and the land between the low tide line
(LTL) and the high tide line have been
declared as coastal regulation zone (CRZ) in
1991.
2. The coastal regulation zones have been
declared by the Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate change under the
Environment Protection Act 1986.
3. While the CRZ Rules are made by the Union
environment ministry, implementation is to
be ensured by state governments through
their Coastal Zone Management Authorities.
The Kyoto Protocol –
It is an international treaty which extends
the 1992 United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change that
commits state parties to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions, based on the
scientific consensus that global warming is
occurring and that human-made CO₂
emissions are driving it.

Signed: 11 December 1997

Expiration: In force (first
commitment period expired 31
December 2012)
Effective: 16 February 2005
The Paris Agreement
1. It is a legally binding international treaty on climate change.
2. It was adopted by 196 Parties at COP 21 in Paris, on 12 December
2015 and entered into force on 4 November 2016.
3. Its goal is to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably to 1.5
degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC)

1. The Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change (IPCC) was set up by
the World Meteorological
Organization (WMO) and United
Nations Environment to provide an
objective source of scientific
information.
2. In 2013 the IPCC provided more
clarity about the role of human
activities in climate change when it
released its Fifth Assessment Report.
3. It is categorical in its conclusion:
climate change is real and human
activities are the main cause.
National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)

It has advocated 8 missions to combat climate

change by Ministry of Environment, Forests and
Climate Change in 2008.

1. The National Solar Mission

2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy
Efficiency
3. National Water Mission
4. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat
5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan
Ecosystem
6. National Mission for a Green India
7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture
8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for
Climate Change
 Climate Justice
1. Climate justice is a term used to Emission Brackets
frame global warming as an ethical
and political issue, rather than one
that is purely environmental or
physical in nature.
Climate
2. This is done by relating the causes
Justice
and effects of climate change to
concepts of justice, particularly Common Goals Historical Justice
environmental justice and social
justice.
 Ramsar Convention
1. It is an international treaty for the conservation and
wise use of wetlands.
2. It is named after the Iranian city of Ramsar, on the
Caspian Sea, where the treaty was signed on 2
February 1971.
3. Known officially as ‘the Convention on Wetlands of
International Importance especially as Waterfowl
Habitat’ (or, more recently, just ‘the Convention on
Wetlands’), it came into force in 1975.
 Montrux Record
Montreux Record under the Convention is a register of
wetland sites on the List of Wetlands of International
Importance. It is maintained as part of the Ramsar List.
Adaptation of Desert Plants–

Important Species: Common species

are Babul, Acacia, Kokko, Khair, Khajuri,
Ber, Neem, Khejri, Palas, etc.
Tussocky grass grows upto a height of
2 m as the under growth.
In these forests, the common animals
are rats, mice, rabbits, fox, wolf, tiger,
lion, wild ass, horses and camels
 Wildlife Protection Act 1972
The Wild Life Protection Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted for protection
of plants and animal species. Objective of effectively protecting the wildlife of this
✓ Has 6 schedules: Schedule I and part II of country and to control poaching, smuggling and
schedule II cover animals which are in the illegal trade in wildlife and its derivatives.
category of endangered species. Wild Life Act provides for
✓ Schedule V – Vermins wild mammals and 1. State wildlife advisory boards, National Board for
birds which are harmful to crops, farm Wildlife
animals or which carry disease, can be hunted 2. Regulations for hunting wild animals and birds
with permission of chief wildlife 3. Establishment of sanctuaries and national parks,
warden(recently Nilgai, Rhesus Monkey culled 4. Regulations for trade in wild animals, animal
under it) products and trophies, and
✓ Schedule VI- exotic plant species 5. Judicially imposed penalties for violating the Act
Environmental Protection Act 1986
1. It empowers the central government In the wake of the Bhopal tragedy, the
to establish authorities under section government of India enacted the
3(3) charged with mandate of Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.
preventing environmental pollution in 1. To protect and improve environmental
all its forms and to tackle specific qualities.
problems that are peculiar to different 2. To establish an authority to study, plan
parts of the country. and implement long term requirements of
2. Central Ground water Board is created environmental safety.
under EPA. 3. To cover all problems relating to
environment comprehensively.
 National Forest Policy 1988
Aims to have a minimum of one third (1/3rd) of the total land area under forests.

Objectives: Draft National Forest Policy 2018

1. Increase in the forest and tree cover.
2. Involvement of local communities in the
protection, conservation and
management of forests through Joint
Forest Management Program.
3. Meeting the requirement of fuel wood,
fodder minor forest produce and small
timber of the rural and tribal populations.
4. Conservation of Biological Diversity and
Genetic Resources of the country through
ex-situ and in-situ conservation measures.
5. Significant contribution in maintenance of
environment and ecological stability in the
country.
 Environmental Impact Assessment

History - Meaning -
After Bhopal gas tragedy 1. EIA is an assessment of damage or loss caused by a
of 1984, Government of particular project to the environment.
India tightened 2. It helps to explore alternatives on a cost benefit analysis
environmental laws in to environment.
India. 3. It covers mining, infrastructure development, real estate,
Environmental protection Thermal, hydro and Nuclear power plants.
act, 1986 was enacted. 4. It ensures proper oversight of project management and
Most important provision execution.
in this EIA.
 Biological Diversity Act 2002
Three tier structure- Address issue related to access to genetic resources and associated
1. National knowledge and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from
Biodiversity utilization of biological resources to the country and its people.
Authority (NBA) Exceptions:
2. State Biodiversity 1. Local people and communities
Authority (SBB) 2. For growers and cultivators of biodiversity of the area and to Vaids
3. Biodiversity and Hakims to use biological resources.
Management 3. Exemption through notification of normally traded commodities.
Committees (BMC) 4. For collaborative research through.
at local level.
 Scheduled Tribes And Other Forest Dwellers Act 2006
1. Nodal Agency for the implementation
1. National Parks and Sanctuaries have been included
is Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA).
2. Act is applicable for Tribal and Other along with Reserve Forest, Protected Forests for the

Traditional Forest Dwelling recognition of Rights.

Communities. 2. Act recognizes the right of ownership access to collect,

3. Recognition Criteria: Forest dwellers use, and dispose of minor forest produce(MFP- all non
for three generations prior to timber forest produce like honey, bamboo, tendu leaves)
13.12.2005 primarily resided in and by tribals.
have depended on the forests for 3. Gram Sabha has been designated as the competent
bonafide livelihood needs. authority for initiating the process of determining the
4. Maximum limit of the recognizing nature and extent of individual or community forest
rights on forest land is 4 ha. rights.
 National Green Tribunal

1. Statutory body established under the NGT DEALS IN THE FOLLOWING ACTS

National Green Tribunal Act 2010. 1. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,

2. Composition: One full time 1974;

Chairperson, not less than ten but 2. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution)
Cess Act, 1977;
subject to maximum of twenty full
3. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980;
time Judicial Members as the Central
4. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
Government may, from time to time,
1981;
notify.
5. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986;
It does not deal with Wildlife
6. The Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991;
(Protection) Act, 1972 7. The Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
 National Board For Wildlife
✓ Statutory Organization constituted under The functions of the NBWL are as follows.
the WPA, 1972. 1.Promotion and development of wildlife and
✓ It is chaired by the Prime Minister and its its conservation.
vice chairman is Minister of Environment. 2.Advise the government on matters relating to
✓ It serves as apex body to review all wildlife- wildlife conservation and preservation.
related matters and approve projects in 3.Giving or reserving clearances to projects in
and around national parks and sanctuaries. and around national parks and other protected
✓ Members include Parliament Members, areas.
NGOs, eminent conservationists, 4.No alteration of boundaries of the protected
ecologists. areas is possible without the NBWL’s approval.
 Tiger Census
The census is done
quadrennially by the National
Tiger Conservation Authority
(NTCA) with technical help
from the Wildlife Institute of
India.
The fourth cycle of the Tiger
Census 2018, conducted in
2018-19 is the most
comprehensive in terms of
both resource and data
recorded.
 Project Tiger
For conservation of endangered species Indian Tiger (Pantheratigris).
Centrally sponsored scheme launched in 1973
Core
Conducted by National Tiger Conservation Authority Zone
1. Tiger census- pugmark technique, camera
Buffer
trapping, DNA fingerprinting -4 years once. Zone
2. Project aims at ensuring a viable population of
Bengal tigers in-situ conservation of wild tigers
in designated tiger reserves.
3. Tiger Reserve consists of Core zone and Buffer
zone
Tiger Reserve
 Project Elephant
1. Launched in 1992 a centrally sponsored scheme.
2. Mainly implemented in 13 states ie., Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal, Assam, Jharkhand, Kerala,
Karnataka etc.,E-50:50 forum for international conservation of elephants.

1. Monitoring of Illegal
Killing of
Elephants(MIKE)
Programme under CITES
2. Haathi Mere Saathi
Initative by MoEF in
partnership with
Wildlife Trust of India.
 Vulture Protection Program
✓ Decline of vultures first seen in Keoladeo Ghana National
Park.
✓ Red-headed Vulture, Slender billed Vulture and Long billed
vulture are Critically endangered.
✓ Diclofenac is the cause which are used for ailing
inflammation in livestock causing renal failure in vultures.
✓ Ban on usage of Diclofenac and usage of alternative drug
Meloxicam.

1. Vulture Safety Zones

2. Vulture Restaurants by Maharashtra and Punjab
3. SAVE- Save Asia’s vultures from Extinction for White
backed, slender billed and Long billed Vulture.
 One horned Rhinoceros
✓ Rhinos are poached for their Horns
✓ Last Male White Northern Rhino Sudan
died last year bring its species closer to
extinction.
✓ Indian Rhino Vision 2020 by Dept of
Environment and forest, Assam.
✓ The Bodo Autonomous Council, WWF
India, International Rhino Foundation (IRF)
support it.
✓ To increase rhino population from 2000 to
3000 by 2020.
 Project Snow Leopard
1. An Indian initiative started in Jan 2009 for
strengthening wildlife conservation in Himalayan High
altitudes.
2. Global endangered species found in Himalayan and
Central Asian mountains.
3. Conservation above 3000 metres in western and trans
Himalayas, above 4000 metres in eastern Himalayas.
4. Most snow leopards are found in China followed by
Mongolia and India.
5. In India its found in all 4 Himalayan states and 2 UTs
above 3000 metres altitude.
 Sea Turtle Project
1. Olive Ridley turtle visits India coasts during
winter for hatching.
2. MoEFCC with collaboration with UNDP started
the project in 1999. Wildlife Institute of India,
Dehradun is the implementation agency.
3. Vulnerable in IUCN Red List and is listed in
Appendix I of CITES.
4. Conservation of Olive Ridley turtles is done in
the Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary (KWS), Andhra
Pradesh. Yanadi tribe are directly involved in
the conservation bid.
 Crocodile Conservation Project
✓ Indian Crocodile Conservation Project has
pulled back the once threatened
crocodilians from the brink of extinction
and place them on a good path of recovery.
✓ To build up a level of trained personnel for
better continuity of the project through
training imparted at project-sites and
through the (erstwhile) Central Crocodile
Breeding and Management Training
Institute, Hyderabad.
✓ Gharial is listed as Critically Endangered on
the IUCN Red List.
 Project Hangul
1. Started in 1970’s. Population increased to over
340 by 1980 from 150 in 1970.
2. Kashmir stag also called Hangul is a subspecies
of Central Asian Red Deer native to northern
India.
3. State animal of Jammu & Kashmir
4. Found in Dachigam National Park at elevations
of 3,035 meters
5. State of Jammu & Kashmir, along with the IUCN
and the WWF prepared a project for the
protection of these animals.
 Dolphin Conservation Measures

1. Ministry of Environment and Forests

notified the Ganges River Dolphin as the
National Aquatic Animal.
2. River Dolphin inhabits the
GangesBrahmaputra-Meghna and
Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal,
India, and Bangladesh.
3. Listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife
Protection Act (1972).
 Captive Breeding Programs in India
Captive breeding means that members of a wild
1. Snake -Katraj Snake Park, Pune
species are captured, then bred and raised in a
2. Crocodile -Madras Crocodile Bank,
special facility under the care of wildlife biologists Chennai
3. Lion -Devaliya Safari Park, Gujarat
and other expert.
4. Gharial -National Chambal
Sanctuary, Chambal
5. Vulture -Ramanagara Vulture
Sanctuary, Karnataka.
6. Dolphin –Vikramshila Gangetic
Dolphin Sanctuary, Bhagalpur.
7. Macaque- Arignar Anna Zoological
Park, Chennai.
Biodiversity Conservation- International Measures
1. The Convention on International Trade in
Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora
(CITES), 1973, is a significant step in this
direction.
2. The United Nations Convention on Biological
Diversity 1992
3. IUCN Red Data Book
4. T*2 Initiative to double Tigers numbers
5. International NGOs- WWF, TRAFFIC, Green
Peace
 Hydrological Cycle

The hydrological cycle describes the path

of a water droplet from the time it falls
to the ground until it evaporates and
returns to our atmosphere
Phosphorous Cycle
1. The phosphorus cycle is the
process by
which phosphorus moves
through the lithosphere,
hydrosphere, and biosphere.
2. Phosphorus is essential for
plant and animal growth, as
well as the health of microbes
inhabiting the soil, but is
gradually depleted from the
soil over time.
Sulphur Cycle

Sulphur cycle is the

collection of processes
that involves the
movement of sulphur
between the rocks,
waterways and living
systems.
 Carbon Cycle

1. The carbon cycle describes the

process in which carbon atoms
continually travel from the
atmosphere to the Earth and
then back into the atmosphere.
2. Since our planet and its
atmosphere form a closed
environment, the amount
of carbon in this system does
not change.
 Oxygen Cycle

1. Oxygen cycle, circulation

of oxygen in various forms through
nature.
2. Free in the air and dissolved in
water, oxygen is second only to
nitrogen in abundance among
uncombined elements in the
atmosphere.
3. Plants and animals use oxygen to
respire and return it to the air and
water as carbon dioxide (CO2).
Nitrogen Cycle
1. It is a biogeochemical
process through
which nitrogen is converted
into many forms,
consecutively passing from
the atmosphere to the soil
to organism and back into
the atmosphere.
2. It involves several processes
such as nitrogen fixation,
nitrification, denitrification,
decay and putrefaction.
Ecological succession
1. It is the process of change in the species structure of an ecological community over time.
2. The time scale can be decades, or even millions of years after a mass extinction.

Ecological succession is a
series of progressive
changes in the species
that make up a
community over time.
 Sere

A seral community is an
intermediate stage found
in ecological succession in
an ecosystem advancing
towards its climax community.
Ecotone-
1. An ecotone is a transition area between two biological communities, where two communities
meet and integrate.
1. It may be narrow or wide, and it may be local (the zone between a field and forest) or regional (the
transition between forest and grassland ecosystems).
Edge Effect-

The edge effect is an ecological

concept that describes how there is a
greater diversity of life in the region
where the edges two adjacent
ecosystems overlap, such as
land/water, or forest/grassland.
Invasive Species
Invasive alien species are species that are introduced,
accidentally or intentionally, outside of their natural
geographic range and that become problematic.
Carbon Offsetting

A carbon offset is a reduction

in emissions of carbon dioxide
or other greenhouse gases
made in order to compensate
for emissions made
elsewhere. Offsets are
measured in tonnes
of carbon dioxide-equivalent
(CO2e).
Species, Population, Community
 Protected Area
1. Protected areas are regions or zones of land or sea which are
given certain levels of protection for conservation of Protected Areas- Examples

biodiversity and socio-environmental values. In these areas, National Parks

human intervention and exploitation of resources is limited.
2. In India, there are four major categories of Protected areas. Wildlife Sanctuaries
These protected areas are constituted under the provisions of
Conservation Reserves
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The four categories of protected areas are: Community Reserves
1. Wildlife Sanctuaries
Tiger Reserves, Biosphere
2. National Parks
Reserves, Elephant Corridors
3. Community Reserves , Marine Protected Areas
4. Conservation Reserves etc
 Wildlife Sanctuary
✓ It is a protected area constituted for the protection and
conservation of wildlife or its environment.
✓ They are declared in areas that are considered to be of
adequate ecological, geomorphological and natural
significance.
✓ In wildlife sanctuaries, certain rights of people living
inside, are permitted as long they don’t harm the
wildlife.
✓ Such activities include harvesting of timber, collecting
minor forest products, livestock grazing, ownership of
private land.
 National Park
1. It is a protected area constituted for the protection
and conservation of wildlife or its environment.
2. They are declared in areas that are considered to
be of adequate ecological, geomorphological and
natural significance.
3. National parks are given highest level of
protection. Unlike wildlife sanctuaries, no human
interference in any form of harvesting of timber,
collecting minor forest products and private
ownership rights is allowed.
Conservation Reserves-
1. They are declared by the State Governments in any area owned by the Government.
2. The aim of conservation reserves is to protect landscapes, seascapes, flora and fauna and
their habitat.
3. They act as buffer zones between established national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and
reserved and protected forests of India.
It is important to note that the rights of
people living inside a Conservation
Reserve are not affected.
Examples: Bankapur Peacock
Conservation Reserve (Karnataka), Beas
River Conservation Reserve (Punjab).
Community Reserves
1. They are declared by the State Government in any private or community land.
2. The land should not be within a National Park, Sanctuary or a Conservation Reserve.
3. It is basically an area where an individual or a community has volunteered to conserve wildlife and
its habitat
These areas also act as buffer zones between
established national parks, wildlife
sanctuaries and reserved and protected
forests of India.
Rights of people living inside a Community
Reserve are not affected.
Examples: Lalwan community reserve in
Punjab, Gogabeel in Bihar, etc
Sacred Groves-
They are patches of forests or natural vegetation generally dedicated to local folk
deities or tree spirits.
These groves are considered
“sacred” and are protected by local
community. Community reserves
may include such sacred groves
and thus enjoy protection.
Examples: Kovil Kadu at Puthupet
(Tamil Nadu), Gumpa Forests (Sacred
Groves attached to Buddhist
monasteries) in Arunachal Pradesh
Eco-sensitive zone-
It is an area notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC),
around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Notifications declaring areas as ESZ are issued under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986.

1. The main aim behind ESZs is to regulate certain activities

and thus minimise the negative impacts of such activities
on the fragile ecosystem surrounding the protected areas.
2. Activities permitted: ongoing agriculture and horticulture
practices by local communities, rainwater harvesting,
organic farming, adoption of green technology and use of
renewable energy sources.
 Marine Protected Areas
These are protected areas within or adjacent to seas,
oceans, estuaries, lagoons. In these areas human
activities are more strictly regulated than the
surrounding waters.
The MPAs in India are defined according to IUCN guidelines.
There are five designated MPAs in India:
1. Gulf of Mannar National Park, Tamil Nadu
2. Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park, Gujarat
3. Gulf of Kutch Marine Sanctuary, Gujarat,
4. Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman & Nicobar
Islands
5. Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Odhisa
 Biosphere Reserves

The concept of Biosphere Reserves was introduced in

1971 as a, part of United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s ‘Man
and Biosphere Program’.
Biosphere reserves have three-fold aim:
1. Firstly, they aim at conservation of genetic
resources, species, and ecosystems
2. Secondly, they aim at scientific research and
monitoring
3. Finally, they aim at promoting sustainable
development in communities of the surrounding
region.
Parameter National Park Wildlife Sanctuary Biosphere Reserve
Reserved for species- Ecosystem oriented-reserves
Protection type Protection of wildlife
oriented plant or animal all forms of life
UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere
Legislation Wildlife Protection Act Wildlife Protection Act
(MAB)
Greater degree of protection
Level of Protection Lesser degree of protection Greater Degree of Protection
than sanctuaries
Activities like grazing, hunting,
Regulation of Allowed to a limited extent No interference except in
forestry or cultivation etc. are
Human Activities in the wildlife sanctuaries buffer and transition zone
strictly prohibited.
Clearly delineated by
Boundaries Clearly delineated by legislation Not sacrosanct
legislation
National Parks and wildlife
Upgradation and Cannot be downgraded to a Can be upgraded to a
Sanctuaries may become a
Down gradation Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife Sanctuary
part of Biosphere Reserve

Category IV of protected Roughly corresponds to IUCN

IUCN Status Category II of the protected areas
areas. Category V of protected areas.
Man and Biosphere Program
Launched in 1971, UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme (MAB) is an
intergovernmental scientific programme that aims to establish a scientific basis for the
improvement of relationships between people and their environments.
Joint Forest Management (JFM)

It is partnership involving
1. Under JFM, village communities are entrusted with the
both the forest departments
protection and management of nearby forests.
and local communities in 2. The communities are required to organize forest protection
natural forest management. committees, village forest committees, village forest
The concept was conservation and development societies, etc.
introduced by Government 3. Each of these bodies has an executive committee that
of India through the manages its day-to-day affairs.

National Forest Policy of 4. In return of their services to the forests, the communities

1988. get the benefit of using minor non-timber forest produce.

As a result, the forest can be conserved in a sustainable
manner.
 Carbon Footprint
1. Carbon footprints are essentially used to denote the full extent
of direct or indirect carbon emissions (along with other
supplemental greenhouse gases) released into the environment,
which is relevant to climate change and is a result of human
production and consumption activities.
2. A carbon footprint can be calculated or estimated for an
individual, an organisation, or even an entire nation.
3. The climate change impact resulting from each activity is
estimated by calculating the carbon footprint, which includes
not just carbon dioxide but also methane and nitrous oxide.
Carbon Sequestration
 Water Pollution
1. Water pollution occurs when harmful
substances—often chemicals or
microorganisms—contaminate a stream,
river, lake, ocean, aquifer, or other body of
water, degrading water quality and
rendering it toxic to humans or the
environment.
2. Toxic substances from farms, towns, and
factories readily dissolve into and mix with
it, causing water pollution.
Chemical Oxygen Demand

1. Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD)

analysis is a measurement of the
oxygen-depletion capacity of a water
sample contaminated with organic
waste matter.
2. Specifically, it measures the
equivalent amount of oxygen
required to chemically oxidize organic
compounds in water.
Biological Oxygen Demand
Biochemical oxygen demand is the amount of dissolved
oxygen needed by aerobic biological organisms to break
down organic material present in a given water sample at
certain temperature over a specific time period.
 Air Quality Index

In India, AQI
calculations include
the eight pollutants
for which National
Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS)
have been set.
 Stubble Burning

Stubble (parali) burning is the act of setting fire to crop residue to remove them from the field
to sow the next crop.
In order to plant next winter crop
(Rabi crop), farmers in Haryana and
Punjab have to move in a very short
interval and if they are late, due to
short winters these days, they might
face considerable losses. Therefore,
burning is the cheapest and fastest
way to get rid of the stubble.
Plastic Waste
Plastic waste, or plastic pollution, is 'the accumulation of plastic objects (e.g.: plastic bottles
and much more) in the Earth's environment that adversely affects wildlife, wildlife habitat,
and humans.
Plastics often contain additives
making them stronger, more
flexible, and durable. But many of
these additives can extend the life
of products if they become litter,
with some estimates ranging to at
least 400 years to break down.
 Micro Plastics
Microplastics are tiny
plastic particles that
result from both
commercial product
development and the
breakdown of larger
plastics.
As a pollutant,
microplastics can be
harmful to the
environment and animal
health.
Point and Non Point Sources of Pollution
Point-source pollution is easy to identify. As Nonpoint-source pollution is harder to identify
the name suggests, it comes from a single and harder to address. It is pollution that
place. comes from many places, all at once.
E- waste
Electronic waste, also called e-waste, various
forms of electric and electronic equipment that
have ceased to be of value to their users or no
longer satisfy their original purpose.
Solid Waste
Solid waste is the unwanted or useless solid materials generated from human activities in
residential, industrial or commercial areas. It may be categorised in three ways.

According to its:
1. Origin (domestic, industrial,
commercial, construction or
institutional)
2. Contents (organic material, glass,
metal, plastic paper etc)
3. Hazard potential (toxic, non-toxin,
flammable, radioactive, infectious etc).
 Manufactured Sand
Manufactured sand (M-Sand) is a substitute of river sand for concrete construction.
Manufactured sand is produced from hard granite stone by crushing.
The crushed sand is of cubical shape with grounded edges, washed and graded to as a
construction material. The size of manufactured sand (M-Sand) is less than 4.75mm.

Some of the Alternatives to River Sand:

1. Manufactured Sand
2. Fly Ash/ Bottom Ash/Pond Ash
3. Copper Slag – Filtered Sand
4. Sea Sand, Slag Sand
5. Crushed Waste Glass

6. Recycled Aggregate/C&D Waste Aggregate etc.

 Radiological Waste
1. Radioactive waste is a type of
hazardous waste that contains
radioactive material.
2. Radioactive waste is a result of
many activities, including nuclear
medicine, nuclear research,
nuclear power generation, rare-
earth mining, and nuclear
weapons reprocessing.
 Biomedical Waste
1. Biomedical waste is defined as
any type of waste created during
a diagnostic process, the
treatment of a condition or
disease, or immunizations of
humans or animals.
2. It also includes any research
activities or processes that
involve biological testing.
Extended Producer Responsibility
Extended producer responsibility, a
practice and a policy approach in
which producers take responsibility for
management of the disposal of
products they produce once those
products are designated as no longer
useful by consumers.
Responsibility for disposal may be
fiscal, physical, or a combination of the
two.
4R Principle
The 4 R principle is: 4R means Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Restore.
Central Pollution Control Board
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), statutory
organisation, was constituted in September, 1974 under the
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
Further, CPCB was entrusted with the powers and functions
under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act,
1981.
 Central Water Commission
1. The Central Water Commission of India has the
responsibility of initiation and coordination of schemes
introduced by the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
2. They include schemes that are founded to conserve as
well as control the water resource usage in the country
and the States.
3. The schemes launched also help in the fields of flood
management, irrigation activities, drinking water supply,
hydroelectricity generation, etc.
4. The CWC will consult the state government and central
government where required.
 Central Ground Water Board
It is a subordinate office of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and is the National Apex
Agency entrusted with the responsibilities of providing scientific inputs for management,
exploration, monitoring, assessment, augmentation and regulation of groundwater resources
of the country.
 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
Or UN Environment

1. UNEP is an agency of the United

Nations. It was founded as a result
of the United Nations Conference
on the Human Environment 1972. Important Points to Remember:
2. It coordinates the UN’s
environmental activities.
1. The World Meteorological Organization and UN
3. It assists developing countries in
Environment established the Intergovernmental Panel on
implementing environmentally
Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988.
sound policies and practices.
2. UN Environment is also one of several Implementing
4. UNEP’s activities cover a wide
Agencies for the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and
range of issues regarding the
the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of
atmosphere, marine and
the Montreal Protocol.
terrestrial ecosystems,
3. UNEP has registered several successes, such as the 1987
environmental governance and
Montreal Protocol, and the 2012 Minamata Convention,
green economy.
a treaty to limit toxic mercury.
UNCED – UN Convention on Environment and Development
Earth Summit 1992 is also The Earth Summit resulted in the following documents:

known as The United 1.Rio Declaration: principles intended to guide countries in future sustainable

Nations Conference on development.

Environment and 2.Agenda 21: non-binding action plan of the United Nations with regard to

Development (UNCED). sustainable development.

3.Forest Principles: Non-legally binding document on Conservation and Sustainable
As a follow up summit, in
Development of All Types of Forests.
2012, the United Nations
Conference on Sustainable Landmark Agreements

Development was also held 1.United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change- UNFCC- (Not Legally

in Rio and is also Binding )

commonly called Rio+20 or 2. United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity- UNCBD (Legally Binding)
Rio Earth Summit 2012. 3.United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification- UNCCD- (Legally Binding)
Agenda 21-
1. Agenda 21 is a non-binding action plan of
the United Nations (UN) related to sustainable
development.
2. It was an outcome of the Earth Summit 1992.
3. The number 21 refers to an agenda for the
21st century.
4. Its aim is achieving global sustainable
development.
5. Since 2015, Sustainable Development
Goals are included in the Agenda 2030.
UNFCCC – UN Framework Convention
on Climate Change

UNFCCC is negotiated at the Earth Summit 1992.

Signed in 1992, New York City.
As of March 2019, UNFCCC has 197 parties.
Role: UNFCCC provides a framework for negotiating specific
international treaties (called “protocols”) that aim to set binding limits on greenhouse gases.
Objective of UNFCCC: Stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level
that would prevent dangerous consequences.
Legal Effect: Treaty is considered legally non-binding.
The treaty itself sets no binding limits on greenhouse gas emissions for individual countries.
 United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)-

1. The Convention stemmed

from a direct recommendation
of the Rio Conference’s
Agenda 21 in 1994.
2. It was adopted in Paris, France
1. UNCCD is a Convention to combat desertification and
in 1994 and entered into force mitigate the effects of drought through National Action
Programs (NAP).
in 1996. 2. National action programs (NAP) incorporate long-term
strategies supported by international cooperation.
3. It has 196 parties, making it
3. It is the only internationally legally binding framework set
truly global in reach. up to address desertification.
4. UNCCD collaborates closely with Convention on Biological
Diversity (CBD).
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
1. The Convention on Biological Diversity (a
multilateral treaty) was opened for signature
at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in
1992 and entered into effect in 1993. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
2. The Convention is legally binding; countries has three main objectives:
that join it (‘Parties’) are obliged to 1. the conservation of biological diversity,
implement its provisions. 2. the sustainable use of the components of
3. 195 UN states and the European Union are biological diversity, and
parties to the convention. 3. the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits
4. All UN member states, with the exception of arising out of the utilization of genetic
the United States, have ratified the treaty. resources.
Nagoya Protocol-
1. It is the second Protocol to the CBD- Convention
on Biodiversity (Other one- Nagoya Protocol); the
first is the 2000 Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.
2. It is a 2010 supplementary agreement to the
1992 Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
3. The Nagoya Protocol is about “Access to Genetic
Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of
Benefits Arising from their Utilization”, one of
the three objectives of the CBD.
Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety-
1. The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention on
Biological Diversity is an international agreement which
aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of
living modified organisms (LMOs) resulting from modern
biotechnology that may have adverse effects on biological
diversity, taking also into account risks to human health.
2. It was adopted on 29 January 2000 and entered into force
on 11 September 2003.
3. It addresses technology development and transfer, benefit-
sharing and biosafety issues.
 Conference, Convention, Protocol

A Conference is consulting A Convention is a A Protocol to the

together formally; a type of meeting or gathering to convention is an
negotiations, there is only formulate or deliberate agreement that
broad theme. In a on a generally accepted diplomatic negotiators
conference the principle principle, a framework formulate and sign as the
bodies are established for in which the parties basis for a final
further deliberations if any decide the basic convention where the
required on the broad guidelines. parties set specific aims
theme for which the or legal obligations.
conference is called for.
 Sign and Ratification
Signing: agreement between national delegations
The negotiations that precede a treaty are conducted by delegations representing each of the
states involved, meeting at a conference or in another setting. Together they agree on the
terms that will bind the signatory states. Once they reach agreement, the treaty will be
signed, usually by the relevant ministers. By signing a treaty, a state expresses the intention to
comply with the treaty. However, this expression of intent in itself is not binding.
Ratification: approval of agreement by the state
Once the treaty has been signed, each state will deal with it according to its own national
procedures. This is called ratification. The treaty is now officially binding on the state.
Aichi Biodiversity Targets
The ‘Aichi Targets’ were adopted by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) at its
Nagoya conference.
It is a short term plan provides a set of 20ambitious yet achievable targets, collectively
known as the Aichi Targets.

India has developed 12

National Biodiversity
Targets (NBT) under the
CBD process in line with
the 20 global Aichi
biodiversity targets.
Conference of Parties
The COP is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention.
All States that are Parties to the Convention are represented at the COP, at which they
review the implementation of the Convention and any other legal instruments that the COP
adopts and take decisions necessary to promote the effective implementation of the
Convention, including institutional and administrative arrangements.
Vienna Convention and Montreal Protocol on Ozone Depletion

The 1985 Vienna Convention The 1987 Montreal Protocol on The adoption of the 2016
for the Protection of the Substances that Deplete the Kigali Amendment to the
Ozone Layer was an Ozone Layer and its succeeding Montreal Protocol will phase
international agreement in amendments were subsequently down the production and
which United Nations negotiated to control the consumption of
members recognized the consumption and production of some HFCs and avoid much
fundamental importance of anthropogenic ozone-depleting of the projected global
preventing damage to the substances (ODSs) and some increase and associated
stratospheric ozone layer. hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). climate change.
Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)
The Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), also known as the
Bonn Convention, is an environmental treaty of the United Nations that
provides a global platform for the conservation and sustainable use of
terrestrial, aquatic and avian migratory animals and their habitats.
Enforcement Year: The Convention came into force on November 1,
1983.

Convention has two Appendices:

Appendix I - lists migratory species that are endangered or threatened with extinction.
Appendix II- lists migratory species which have an unfavourable conservation status and
which require international agreements for their conservation and management.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international
agreement to which States and regional economic integration
organizations adhere voluntarily. CITES adopted in 1963.
CITES entered into force in July 1975. Currently there are 183
Parties (include countries or regional economic integration
organizations).
Aim: Ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their
survival.
The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEP (The United Nations Environment Programme) and
is located at Geneva, Switzerland.
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

It is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from POPs.
It was opened for signature in 2001 in Stockholm (Sweden) and became effective in 2004.
POPs are listed in various Annexes to the Stockholm Convention after thorough scientific
research, deliberations and negotiations among member countries.
Objectives:
1. Support the transition to safer alternatives.
2. Target additional POPs for action.
3. Cleanup old stockpiles and equipment
containing POPs.
4. Work together for a POPs-free future.
 Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Dirty Dozen –
POPs are identified chemical substances that are
The convention listed twelve distinct chemicals in
characterized by:
three categories:
Persistence in the environment.
Eight pesticides (aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin,
1. Bio-accumulation in the fatty acids in living organisms.
endrin, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphene)
2. Less soluble in water.
•Two industrial chemicals (poly chlorinated
3. Adverse effect on human health/ environment.
biphenyls and hexachlorobenzene)
Exposure to POPs can lead to cancer, damage to central •Two unintended by-products of many industrial
& peripheral nervous systems, diseases of the immune processes involving chlorine such as waste
system, reproductive disorders and interference with incineration, chemical and pesticide manufacturing
normal infant and child development. and pulp and paper bleaching (poly chlorinated
The property of long-range environmental transport dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, commonly
(LRET) makes them spread widely in the atmosphere. referred to as dioxins and furans).
Basel Convention - on Transboundary Movement of
Hazardous waste and their disposal

1. It came into force in 1992.

2. It applies Prior Consent Approval procedure to regulate the
transboundary movement of the hazardous and other wastes.

Non-parties cannot transport hazardous waste to and from each other unless specially
agreed. Basel Convention states such transportation, illegal.
The member nations to the convention are required to have domestic legislation for both
prevention and the punishment of the illegal trafficking of such hazardous wastes.
It ensures that the member nations control the generation, storage, transportation,
treatment, reuse, recycling, recovery and final disposal of hazardous wastes.
 Rotterdam Convention on Hazardous Chemicals-
Prior Informed Consent
Rotterdam Convention is a name for the
Convention that was adopted by the
Conference of Plenipotentiaries (COP) in 1998
in Rotterdam (Netherlands) that aims to
Prior Informed Consent –
promote shared responsibilities in relation to
It states that states that parties that are importing the
the international trade of hazardous chemicals.
chemicals as listed in Annex III of the Convention have
The Convention creates legally binding
to formally obtain and disseminate the decision of
obligations for the implementation of the Prior
Informed Consent (PIC) procedure. It built on
receiving future shipments of such chemicals.

the voluntary PIC procedure, initiated by UNEP The importing pirates have to ensure that decisions
and FAO in 1989 and ceased on 24 February related to their import are well in compliance by the
2006. exporting parties.
 Minamata Convention –
On Mercury Pollution
1. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a global treaty to protect
human health and the environment from the adverse effects of
mercury and its compounds.
2. It was agreed at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee in Geneva, Switzerland 2013.
3. Controlling the anthropogenic releases of mercury throughout its
lifecycle is one of the key obligations under the Convention.
4. The Convention also addresses interim storage of mercury and its
disposal once it becomes waste, sites contaminated by mercury as
well as health issues.
5. More than 140 countries including India have ratified the Convention.
Madrid Protocol
Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
Common But Differentiated
1. CBDR is based on two elements of responsibilities- one is
Responsibilities (CBDR) is a
the common responsibility of all the states to cater to the
principle within the United Nations
concerns of environmental protection and sustainable
Framework Convention on Climate
development and the other is of differentiated
Change (UNFCCC) that
acknowledges different capabilities
responsibility enabling the states to act, for environment

and differing responsibilities of protection, in their national capacity and as per their
individual countries in addressing national priority.
climate change. 2. The principle recognizes historical differences in the
The principle of CBDR is enshrined contributions of developed and developing States to global
in Earth Summit 1992, held in Rio environmental problems and differences in their respective
de Janeiro, Brazil.
economic and technical capacity to tackle these problems.
 Global Environment Facility (GEF)
1. GEF was established during the Rio Earth Summit of 1992.
2. It is based in Washington, D.C., United States.
3. The GEF is jointly managed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the
World Bank, and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
4. 183 nations are united under GEF in partnership with civil society organizations (CSOs),
international institutions, private sector, etc. to address the environmental issues across the
globe.
5. The financial mechanism was established to help tackle our planet’s most pressing
environmental problems.
6. It provides funds to the developing countries and transition economies for projects related
to climate change, biodiversity, the ozone layer, etc.
'Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation
(REDD)' Program
1. It is a multilateral collaborative 1. The objective of the REDD initiative was to mitigate climate

programme of the Food and change by reducing the net emission of greenhouse gases from

Agriculture Organization of the forests (through their degradation) by the means of better forest

United Nations (FAO), United management, particularly in the developing countries.

Nations Development 2. REDD involves a provision of incentives to the developing

Programme (UNDP) and United countries to encourage them to "protect, better manage, and

Nations Environment save their forest resources".

Programme (UNEP). 3. REDD+ goes beyond simply deforestation and forest degradation.

2. It was created in 2008 in It aims to incentivize developing countries to reduce emissions

response to from deforestation and forest degradation, conserve forest

the UNFCCC decisions on the Bali carbon stocks, sustainably manage forests and enhance forest

Action Plan and REDD at COP-13. carbon stocks.

 Green Bonds

A green bond is like any other regular

bond but with one key difference:
the money raised by the issuer are
earmarked towards financing `green'
projects, i.e. assets or business activities
that are environment-friendly.
Such projects could be in the areas of
renewable energy , clean transportation
and sustainable water management.
 Brundtland Commission
‘Development which meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs’.

This most widely accepted definition of Sustainable Development was

given by the Brundtland Commission in its report Our Common Future
(1987).
Sustainable development (SD) calls for concerted efforts towards building
an inclusive, sustainable and resilient future for people and planet.
The commission is also known as the World Commission on Environment
and Development (WCED).
Emission Intensity
Emissions intensity is the level of GHG
emissions per unit of economic activity,
usually measured at the national level as
GDP.
Absolute carbon reduction refers to the
total quantity of greenhouse gas
emissions being emitted.
Whereas emission intensity compares the
amount of emissions to some unit of
economic output.
 Greenhouse Gases
1) Water Vapor
2) Carbon Dioxide
3) Methane
4) Nitrous Oxide
5) Sulfur Dioxide
6) Tropospheric or
Ground Level Ozone
Fluorinated Gases-
1) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
2) Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
3) Perfluorocarbons (PFCs)
4) Sulfur Hexafluoride
 Ozone Depleting Substances
Chemical compounds that cause ozone layer depletion are called Ozone Depleting
Substances (ODSs). The indiscriminate use of these chemicals causes ozone layer depletion.

Examples of ODSs are:

✓ Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),
✓ Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs),
✓ Carbon tetrachloride,
✓ Methyl chloroform,
✓ Hydrobromofluorocarbons,
✓ Halons, etc.
1. Chlorofluorocarbons are the most
abundant ODSs.
2. These ODSs are also powerful
greenhouse gases (GHGs) and have a
long life as well.
 Mercury Cycle/ Minamata Disease
Minamata disease, sometimes
referred to as Chisso-Minamata
disease, is a neurological
syndrome caused by severe
mercury poisoning.
Symptoms include ataxia,
numbness in the hands and feet,
general muscle weakness,
narrowing of the field of vision and
damage to hearing and speech.
 Kyoto Protocol Flexible Mechanisms Joint Implementation

1. Joint 2. Clean 3. Emission

Implementation Development Trading
(Emission Mechanism (Assigned
Reduction (Carbon Amount
Units) Reduction Units) Units)

Clean Development Mechanism

Emission Trading
 Third Pole- Glacial Melt
When we think of the world's polar regions, only two usually spring to mind – the North and
South.
However, there is a
region to the south of
China and the north
of India that is known
as the “Third Pole”.
That's because it is
the third largest area
of frozen water on the
planet.
Biotic Interactions-
In ecology, a biological interaction is the effect that a pair of organisms living together
in a community have on each other.

They can be either of the

same species (intraspecific
interactions), or of different
species (interspecific
interactions).
 Biotic
Interactions
Symbiosis
It is a close relationship
between two species in which
at least one species benefits.
For the other species, the
relationship may be positive,
negative, or neutral.
There are three basic types
of symbiosis:
mutualism, commensalism,
and parasitism.
Mutualism
Mutualism describes an ongoing interaction between two species whereby both species benefit
from the interaction
Examples:
1. Honey bees gather food (nectar) from flowers and distributes pollen between plants (mediating
plant life cycle)
2. Plover birds pick food morsels from between the jaws of crocodiles, cleaning the crocodiles
teeth in the process
3. Zooxanthellae (algae) photosynthesise within the protective environment of the polyp’s
endodermis (feeding the coral)
 Commensalism
Commensalism describes an ongoing interaction between two species whereby one benefits and the
other is unaffected
Examples:
1. Remora attach to the underside of larger predatory fish (e.g. sharks) and feed off the uneaten food
scraps
2. Monarch butterflies can safely store poisonous chemicals produced by milkweeds, discouraging
predators from eating it
3. Decorator crabs remove small fragments of tissue from sea sponges and uses them as a source of
camouflage
 Amensalism
Amensalism is a type of biological interaction where one species causes harm to another
organism without any cost or benefits to itself. It can be seen as a form of interaction or
competitive behaviour among other organism.
There are two modes of amensalism:
1. Competition: A larger, physically
stronger organism deprives a
smaller, weaker organism from food
or space.
2. Antibiosis: An organism is either
damaged or killed by a chemical
secretion of another organism.
 Parasitism
Parasitism describes an ongoing interaction between two species whereby one species
benefits at the other's expense
Examples-
1. Ticks infest the skin and fur of host animals (such as humans), feeding off the host and
potentially causing disease
2. Leeches attach to the skin and drinks the blood of the host animal until fully engorged
3. Tongue-eating louses eat the tongue of a fish (it may then function as a replacement
tongue – stealing ingested food)
 Ecological competition
It is the struggle between two organisms for the same resources within an environment.

Resources are components of the

environment that are required
for survival and reproduction
such as food, water, shelter, light,
territory, and substrate.
Members of the same species
may also compete for mates.
 Predation
In predation, one organism kills and
consumes another. Predation provides
energy to prolong the life and promote
the reproduction of the organism that
does the killing, the predator, to the
detriment of the organism being
consumed, the prey.
The best-known examples of predation
involve carnivorous interactions, in which
one animal consumes another.
 Keystone Species
Keystone species are those that have an extremely high impact on a particular ecosystem
relative to its population.
Examples-
1. Sea Otters
2. Bees
3. Sea Stars
4. Predator Mammals
5. Tiger Sharks
6. Humming Birds
 Hibernation
1. Hibernation is the condition in which
the animals go dormant during
winters by lowering their metabolic
activities.
2. This can be seen in reptiles, fish and
amphibians.
3. To combat the problem of food
shortage during hibernation, these
animals eat a lot of food and store in
the form of excess fat.
4. This is supplied in the form of energy
while sleeping.
 Aestivation
Aestivation is generally defined as a type of dormancy, which is a survival strategy used to
sustain lack of food and other extreme conditions.

Animals that aestivate become inactive

and stop feeding in response to warm
temperatures.
Research on aestivation has focused
on vertebrates, such as lung fish,
amphibians, reptiles, small mammals,
and certain invertebrates, such as
mollusks.
 IUCN- International Union for Conservation of Nature
1. IUCN is a membership
union uniquely composed
of both government and
civil society organisations.
2. Created in 1948, it is the
global authority on the
status of the natural
world and the measures
needed to safeguard it.
3. It is headquartered
in Switzerland.
Red Data Book
1. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, is the world's most comprehensive inventory of
the global conservation status of plant and animal species.
2. It uses a set of quantitative criteria to evaluate the extinction risk of species. These criteria
are relevant to most species and all regions of the world.
 World Wide Fund for Nature
1. It is an international non-profit organisation dedicated to
the preservation and conservation of nature and its
different species.
2. It is the world’s biggest conservation organisation. It
supports more than 1000 projects all over the world.
3. WWF works in the areas of climate, food, forests,
freshwater, oceans and wildlife primarily.
4. Campaigns launched by WWF include Earth Hour and Debt-
for-Nature Swap.
5. It publishes Living Planet Report.
 Earth Hour
1. Earth Hour is the World Wildlife Fund for
Nature (WWF)’s annual initiative that began in
2007.
2. It is held every year on the last Saturday of
March.
3. It encourages people from more than 180
countries to switch off the lights from 8.30 pm
to 9.30 pm as per their local time.
4. The idea is to refrain from the use of non-
essential lighting to save energy in a symbolic
call for environmental protection.
 Algal Bloom
1. Algal blooms occur when algae multiply very quickly.
2. Blooms can form in waters that are rich in the nutrients the algae need to grow, such as
nitrogen, phosphorous, and iron.
3. Warmer waters may also help algae
grow quickly to form blooms.

Consequences range from the benign

feeding of higher trophic levels, to more
harmful effects like blocking sunlight from
reaching other organisms, causing a
depletion of oxygen levels in the water, and,
depending on the organism, secreting toxins
into the water.
 Biomass

1. Biomass is renewable organic material

that comes from plants and animals.
2. Biomass contains stored chemical energy
from the sun. Plants produce biomass
through photosynthesis.
3. Biomass can be burned directly for heat
or converted to renewable liquid and
gaseous fuels through various processes.
Bio Remediation
Bioremediation is a biotechnical process,
which abates or cleans up contamination.
It is a type of waste management technique
which involves the use of organisms to
remove or utilize the pollutants from a
polluted area.
3 types-
1. Bio-stimulation
2. Bio-augmentation
3. Intrinsic Bio-remidiation
 Blue Green Algae
Blue-Green Algae are a type of photosynthetic
bacteria consisting either of single cells or colonies
which is also known as the Cyanobacteria.
Cyanobacteria contain only one type of
chlorophyll, Chlorophyll a, a green pigment.
In addition, they also contain pigments such as
carotenoids, phycobilin.
These bacteria grow naturally in marine and
freshwater systems. They thrive in dams, rivers,
reservoirs, lakes and even in hot springs.
Bio Control
 Bio-fertilizer
✓ Biofertilizer is a substance which
contains living microorganisms which,
when applied to seeds, plant surfaces,
or soil and promotes growth by
increasing the supply or availability of
primary nutrients to the host plant.
✓ Biofertilizers add nutrients through the
natural processes of nitrogen fixation,
solubilizing phosphorus, and stimulating
plant growth through the synthesis of
growth-promoting substances.
 Bio-Mining
1. Bio mining can be defined as the extraction of minerals from ores by using microorganisms.
2. The microorganisms actually facilitate the extraction of metals from sulfide /iron
containing ores.
3. Metals solublization process is involved in bio mining and it is a combination of
microbiology and chemistry.
1.Bioleaching
2. Bio-oxidising
 Bioleaching
1. It is a classic method of bio mining .
2. In this method low grade ore is
dumped into a heap called leach pile
and then soaked with weak sulfuric
acid wash.
3. Then acid react with the ores sulfide
matrix and encourages the growth of
bacterial strain which start to degrade
ore and releases minerals /metal in
fluid form.
 Bio-Piracy
1. The practice of commercial exploitation of
biochemicals or genetic materials which
occur naturally is known as biopiracy.
2. Typically, indigenous people have
traditional cognition primarily consisting
of biological features and genetic diversity
of the natural environment from one
generation to another.
Ex: Patenting of Azadirachta indica – Neem
by USA Company
Traditional Knowledge Digital Library

The Traditional Knowledge Digital Library

(TKDL) is an Indian digital knowledge
The TKDL contains documentation of
repository of the traditional knowledge,
publicly available traditional knowledge (TK)
especially about medicinal plants and
that:
formulations used in Indian systems of
1. relates to Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and
medicine.
Set up in 2001, as a collaboration between Yoga

the Council of Scientific and Industrial 2. is in digitized format

Research (CSIR) and the MINISTRY OF 3. is available in five languages: English,

AYUSH. German, French, Japanese and Spanish.

 Photic Zone
Photic zone, surface layer of the ocean that
receives sunlight.
The uppermost 80 m (260 feet) or more of the
ocean, which is sufficiently illuminated to
permit photosynthesis by phytoplankton and
plants, is called the euphotic zone.
Nekton are the largest and the most obvious
animals in the photic zone, but also the least
abundant.
These are the fishes, marine mammals, worms,
sponges, molluscs, sea stars and reptiles.
Lagoon, Estuary, Delta
1. Delta- A Delta is a landform that
forms from deposition of sediment
carried by a river as the flow leaves its
mouth and enters slower-moving or
standing water.

2. Lagoon-A lagoon is a shallow body

of water separated from a larger body
of water by barrier islands or reefs.
Lagoons are commonly divided into
coastal lagoons and atoll lagoons.

3. Estuary-An estuary is a partially

enclosed coastal body of brackish
water with one or more rivers or
streams flowing into it, and with a free
connection to the open sea.
Fresh Water, Brackish Water, Marine Water Bodies
1. Freshwater ecosystems: water on land which is continuously cycling and has low salt content
(always less than 5 ppt) is known as fresh water.
2. Marine ecosystems: the water bodies containing salt concentration equal to or above that of
seawater (i.e., 35 ppt or above). E.g. shallow seas and open ocean.
3. Brackish water ecosystems: these water bodies have salt content in between 5 to 35 ppt.
e.g. estuaries, salt marshes, mangrove swamps and forests.
 Iceberg, Glacier

Icebergs, on the other hand, are

smaller pieces of ice that have broken
off (or calved) from glaciers and now
drift with the ocean currents.
Icebergs calve from glaciers when
direct sunlight or rising air Glaciers are large sheets of ice that can extend for miles.
temperature cause the glacier's Larger glaciers are referred to as continental glaciers, which
surface ice to become more brittle. start at a central point and spread out as they accumilate
more ice and other debris like dirt and rock. Glaciers are
located in the Arctic and Antarctica, with the largest glaciers
appearing in Antarctica.
Perma-frost
Permafrost is any ground that remains completely frozen—32°F (0°C) or colder—for at least
two years straight.
These permanently frozen grounds are most common in regions with high mountains and in
Earth's higher latitudes—near the North and South Poles.
Permafrost covers large regions of the Earth.

Permafrost is made of a combination of soil,

rocks and sand that are held together by ice.
The soil and ice in permafrost stay frozen all
year long.
 Carbon Sink
1. A carbon sink is any
reservoir, natural or
otherwise, that
accumulates and stores
some carbon-
containing chemical
compound for an
indefinite period.
2. It thereby lowers the
concentration
of CO2 from the
atmosphere.
3. Globally, the two most
important carbon sinks
are vegetation and
the ocean.
 Peatland
Peatlands are a type of wetlands
which are among the most
valuable ecosystems on
Earth: they are critical for
preserving global biodiversity,
provide safe drinking water,
minimise flood risk and help
address climate change.
Coral Bleaching
When corals are stressed by changes in
conditions such as temperature, light, or
nutrients, they expel the symbiotic algae
living in their tissues, causing them to
turn completely white. This condition is
called coral bleaching.
 Extinction Crisis
1. Biologists believe that we’re in the midst of the
6th mass extinction of life on Earth — the
previous one being the episode that led to the
extinction of dinosaurs, about 65 million years
ago.
2. Researchers also point out that this current
extinction crisis is the first one to be entirely of
our own making.
3. It’s the mounting pressures caused by human
activities that are leading to the collapse of
ecosystems and the disappearance of thousands
and thousands of living species, every single day.
Ground
Level
Ozone
Ocean
Acidification
Ocean acidification is the
ongoing decrease in
the pH of the
Earth's oceans, caused
by the uptake of carbon
dioxide (CO. 2) from the
atmosphere.
The main cause of ocean
acidification is the
burning of fossil fuels.
 Environmentalism
✓ Environmentalism or environmental rights is a
broad philosophy, ideology, and social movement regarding
concerns for environmental protection and improvement of the
health of the environment, particularly as the measure for this
health seeks to incorporate the impact of changes to the
environment on humans, animals, plants and non-living matter.
✓ While environmentalism focuses more on the environmental
and nature-related aspects of green ideology and
politics, ecology combines the ideology of social ecology and
environmentalism.
 Zoological Survey of India
The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1st
July, 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research
leading to the advancement in our knowledge of various
aspects of exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile ´ British
Indian Empire ´ .
The survey has its genesis in the establishment of the
Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.
By gradually strengthening its staff and expanding its research
program, the Survey has met the challenge of the past and is
on its way to meet the demands of the future.
Botanical Survey of India
BSI is the apex research organization under Ministry
of Environment and Forests (MoEFCC) for carrying
out taxonomic and floristic studies on wild plant
resources of country.
It was established in 1890 with objective to explore
plant resources of country and to identify plants
species with economic virtues.
It has nine regional circles situated at different
regions of the country.
 Natural Gas Energy
Natural gas is a fossil energy source that formed deep
beneath the earth's surface. Natural gas contains many
different compounds. The largest component of natural
gas is methane, a compound with one carbon atom and
four hydrogen atoms (CH4).
LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas
It typically contains more than 90 percent methane. It also contains small amounts of
ethane, propane, butane, some heavier alkanes, and nitrogen.
 Solar Energy
1. Solar power is energy from the
sun that is converted into
thermal or electrical energy.
2. Solar technologies can harness
this energy for a variety of uses,
including generating electricity,
providing light or a comfortable
interior environment, and
heating water for domestic,
commercial, or industrial use.
Solar Photo Voltaic Energy
 Types of Energy Resources
There are two types of energy: renewable and non-renewable.
S.No Renewable Resources Non Renewable Resources
1 Hydro Power- Small and Large Coal- Thermal

2 Solar power Crude Oil- Petrol, Diesel, Kerosene

3 Wind power Natural Gas

4 Biofuel- Ethanol, Biodiesel Shale Oil and Shale Gas

5 Ocean Energy- Ocean Thermal and Ocean Nuclear Power- Fission and Fusion
Tidal
6 Geo Thermal Energy

7 Waste to Energy

8 Hydrogen Energy
 Conventional Energy
Conventional sources of energy can be described as non-renewable sources
of energy which have been used since a long time.

1. Conventional sources of energy are used

extensively by mankind and the
magnitude of usage is so high that the
reserves have got depleted to a great
extent.
2. Example: Coal, petroleum, natural gas.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy, often referred to as clean energy, comes from natural sources or
processes that are constantly replenished.

These are naturally replenished

on a human timescale, including
carbon neutral sources like
sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves,
and geothermal heat.
 Thermal Energy
Most thermal power Power plants use a wide range of fuels to heat liquids into steam. Some
plants are steam of the more common fuels are natural gas, coal, uranium (nuclear),
driven. diesel, oil and biomass materials.
Typically, water is
heated into steam
and directed across
the blades of a
turbine causing it to
spin.
 Hydro Energy
Hydroelectric energy, also called hydroelectric power or hydroelectricity, is a form
of energy that harnesses the power of water in motion—such as water flowing over a
waterfall—to generate electricity.

Disadvantages
(Large Hydro)
Water logging

Seasonal

Dam Safety Issues

Ecological Flow of the

river might gets
damaged.
Run off the Hydro River Projects
Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity is a type of hydroelectric generation whereby
the natural flow and elevation drop of a river are used to generate electricity.
Crude Oil Energy
Crude oil is a naturally occurring,
unrefined petroleum product composed of
hydrocarbon deposits and other organic materials.
A type of fossil fuel, crude oil can be refined to
produce usable products such as gasoline, diesel,
and various other forms of petrochemicals.
Solar Thermal Energy
 International Solar Alliance
1. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a treaty based inter-governmental organization
working to create a global market system to tap the benefits of solar power and promote
clean energy applications.
2. The ISA plays a four-fold role in establishing a global solar market: it is an accelerator, an
enabler, an incubator, and a facilitator.
3. It’s vision is to create One Sun, One World, One Grid
Wind Energy
Wind energy is a form of solar energy. Wind energy (or wind power) describes the process
by which wind is used to generate electricity.
Wind turbines convert the kinetic energy in the wind into mechanical power. A generator can
convert mechanical power into electricity.
 Shale Energy
Shale is porous rock that holds
natural gas and their liquid
components.
These hydrocarbons are accessed
by hydraulic fracturing, commonly
referred to as “fracking.”
This creates fractures in
sedimentary rock by using water
mixed with small amounts of sand
and additives to release the
natural gas or oil.
Ocean Thermal Energy
Ocean thermal energy conversion
(OTEC) is a process or technology
for producing energy by harnessing
the temperature differences
(thermal gradients) between ocean
surface waters and deep ocean
waters.
 Ocean Tidal Energy
Tidal energy is a renewable energy powered by the natural rise and fall of ocean tides and
currents. Some of these technologies include turbines and paddles.

Tidal energy is produced by

the surge of ocean waters
during the rise and fall
of tides.
Tidal energy is a renewable
source of energy.
 Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy can be used to create electricity, but it must first be released from the atom.
Nuclear Fission- In the process of nuclear fission, atoms are split to release the energy.
Nuclear Fusion- In the process of nuclear fusion, atoms fuse/merge to release the energy.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Energy
Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when consumed in a
fuel cell, produces only water.
Electrolytic Processes
Water can be separated into oxygen and hydrogen
through a process called electrolysis.
Electrolytic processes take place in an electrolyzer,
which functions much like a fuel cell in reverse—
instead of using the energy of a hydrogen
molecule, like a fuel cell does, an electrolyzer
creates hydrogen from water molecules.
 Geo Thermal Energy
1. Geothermal energy is heat within
the earth.
2. The word geothermal comes from
the Greek words geo (earth) and
therme (heat).
3. Geothermal energy is a
renewable energy source because
heat is continuously produced
inside the earth.
4. People use geothermal heat for
bathing, to heat buildings, and to
generate electricity.
 Biofuel
1. Any hydrocarbon fuel that is produced
from an organic matter (living or once
living material) in a short period of
time (days, weeks, or even months) is
considered a biofuel.
2. Biofuels may be solid, liquid or gaseous
in nature.
✓ Solid: Wood, dried plant material,
and manure
✓ Liquid: Bioethanol and Biodiesel
✓ Gaseous: Biogas
 Bioethanol
1. It is derived from corn and
sugarcane using fermentation
process.
2. A litre of ethanol contains
approximately two thirds of the
energy provided by a litre of
petrol.
3. When mixed with petrol, it
improves the combustion
performance and lowers the
emissions of carbon monoxide
and sulphur oxide.
 Biodiesel
1. It is derived from vegetable oils
like soybean oil or palm oil,
vegetable waste oils, and animal
fats by a biochemical process
called “Transesterification.”
2. It produces very less or no
amount of harmful gases as
compared to diesel.
3. It can be used as an alternative
for the conventional diesel fuel.
 Ethanol Blending Program

It aims at blending ethanol

with petrol, thereby bringing
it under the category
of biofuels and saving millions Ethanol Extraction from Foodgrains:
of dollars by cutting fuel ➢ In 2018, the Central Government extended the ambit of the
EBP programme to extract the fuel from surplus quantities
imports and decreasing
of food grains such as maize, jawar, bajra fruit and vegetable
carbon emissions.
waste.
Target: The target is
➢ Earlier, only excess sugarcane production was allowed to be
to achieve 20% blending of
converted into ethanol for procurement under the
ethanol by 2025.
programme.
Types of Biofuel-
 Biogas
It is produced by anaerobic decomposition of organic matter like sewage from animals
and humans.
Major proportion of biogas
is methane and carbon
dioxide, though it also has
small proportions of
hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen,
carbon monoxide and
siloxanes.
It is commonly used for
heating, electricity and for
automobiles.
 Biobutanol
1. It is produced in the same way as bioethanol i.e. through the fermentation of starch.
2. The energy content in butanol is the highest among the other gasoline alternatives.
3. It can be added to diesel to reduce emissions.
4. It serves as a solvent in textile industry and is also used as a base in perfumes.
 Biohydrogen
1. Biohydrogen, like
biogas, can be produced
using a number of
processes such as
pyrolysis, gasification or
biological fermentation.
2. It can be the perfect
alternative for fossil
fuel.
 Waste to Energy
1. Waste-to-energy plants
burn municipal
solid waste (MSW), often
called garbage or trash,
to produce steam in a
boiler that is used to
generate electricity.
2. The residues can be used
to produce biofuel and
biogas.
 Fly Ash
Fly ash is the finely divided residue that results from the combustion of pulverized coal and is
transported from the combustion chamber by exhaust gases.

1. Fly ash is produced by coal-fired

electric and steam generating plants.
2. Typically, coal is pulverized and
blown with air into the boiler's
combustion chamber where it
immediately ignites, generating heat
and producing a molten mineral
residue.
Coal Gasification
Coal gasification is the process of producing syngas—a mixture
consisting primarily of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen (H2),
carbon dioxide (CO2), natural gas (CH4), and water vapour
(H2O)—from coal and water, air and/or oxygen.
 Absorption Capacity
The maximum amount of waste
material that can be naturally
absorbed by the environment on
a sustainable basis, without
causing environmental damage.
Bharat Stage Norms
Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)
The Genetic Engineering Appraisal It was formed as the Genetic Engineering
Committee (GEAC) is a statutory body Approval Committee and was renamed to its
constituted under the ‘Rules for the current name in 2010.
Manufacture, Use /Import /Export It functions under the Ministry of Environment,
and Storage of Hazardous Forests & Climate Change.
Microorganisms/Genetically The body regulates the use, manufacture,
Engineering Organisms or Cells, 1989’ storage, import and export of hazardous
notified under the Environment microorganisms or genetically-engineered
(Protection) Act, 1986. organisms and cells in India.
 Biodiversity Hotspots
Biodiversity is referred to as the variation of
plant and animal species in a particular habitat.
Species evenness and species richness form the
major components of biodiversity.
India is known for its rich biodiversity and has
around 24.46% of the geographical area covered
by forests and trees.
Coined by Norman Myers, the term “Biodiversity
hotspots” can be defined as the regions which
are known for their high species richness and
endemism.
 Shailesh Nayak Committee (2015) Report on Coastal Regulation Zone

✓ The committee recommended relaxation on the

terms set up by the CRZ 2011 notification.
✓ The major objective behind the recommendations
was to boost tourism, port construction and real
estate.
✓ The committee suggested diluting the regulatory
powers of the Central Government in the coastal
areas.
✓ Except for those activities which require
environmental clearances all other activity should fall
under the ambit of state and local planning bodies.
 Ecological Footprint
The ecological footprint (EF) estimates the biologically productive land and sea area needed
to provide the renewable resources that a population consumes and to absorb the wastes it
generates—using prevailing technology and resource-management practices—rather than
trying to determine how many people a given land area or the entire planet can support.

Simply, it is the amount of the

environment necessary to produce
the goods and services necessary to
support a particular lifestyle.
Carbon Budget
A carbon budget is the
cumulative amount of
carbon dioxide (CO2)
emissions permitted
over a period of time
to keep within a
certain temperature
threshold.
 Ecological Balance
The ecological balance is the equilibrium between,
and harmonious coexistence of, organisms and their
environment.
Favorable ecosystem ensures that each organism
thrive and multiply as expected.
They get enough food to keep them alive.
Ecological balance is also important because it leads
to the continuous existence of the organisms.
It ensures that no particular species is exploited or
overused.
 Ecological Balance Sheet
All the products we consume
have an impact on the
environment, but this impact
varies according to the type of
product and its life cycle, from its
production to its disposal.

Assessing product life cycles is called the

ecological balance sheet of that system.
Green Economy, Green Accounting
A Green Economy is one The Green accounting system is a type
whose growth in income and of accounting that attempts to
employment is driven by public and factor environmental costs into the financial
private investments that reduce carbon results of operations. It has been argued that
emissions and pollution, enhance gross domestic product ignores the
energy and resource efficiency, and environment and therefore policymakers
prevent the loss of biodiversity and need a revised model that incorporates green
ecosystems. accounting.
 Grey Water and Black Water
Gray water is all of the wastewater that
drains from your shower and kitchen
and bathroom sinks. Gray water has
some bacteria but it can be filtered and
reused in gardens or lawns, if done
properly.
Black water contains human waste and
is unsafe. It must be stored in its own
tank and disposed of very carefully.
 Sewage Treatment Plants
Sewage treatment is the Bacterial Extra
Solid
process of removing Removal Decomposition Filtration
contaminants from
municipal wastewater,
containing mainly
household sewage plus
some industrial
wastewater. Physical,
chemical, and biological
processes are used to
remove contaminants
and produce treated
wastewater that is safe
enough for release into
the environment.
 Bio-Toilets
Bio toilet is a decomposition
mechanized toilet system which
decomposes human excretory waste
in the digester tank using specific
high graded bacteria (aerobic or
anaerobic) further converting it into
methane gas and water.
 Taj Tapezium Zone (TTZ)
Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) is a defined area of 10,400 sq km around the Taj Mahal to protect the monument from
pollution. The Supreme Court of India delivered a ruling on [M.C. Mehta vs UoI Case,1996] regarding industries
covered under the TTZ, in response to a PIL seeking to protect the Taj Mahal from environmental pollution.

It banned the use of coal/ coke in industries

located in the TTZ with a mandate for switching
over from coal/ coke to natural gas, and
relocating them outside the TTZ or shutting
down. The TTZ comprises monuments including
three World Heritage Sites the Taj Mahal, Agra
Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
TTZ is so named since it is located around the
Taj Mahal and is shaped like a trapezoid.
Interlinking of Rivers
The interlinking of river project
aims to connect the rivers through
reservoirs and canals.

National River Linking Project (NRLP)

This project envisages the transfer of

water from the water-excess basin to
the water-deficient basin by
interlinking 37 rivers of India by a
network of almost 3000 storage dams.
This will form a gigantic South Asian
water grid.
There are two components to this
project:
1.Himalayan Component
2.Peninsular Component
Namami Gange Program
1. Namami Gange Program is an flagship program and is an
Integrated Conservation Mission of River Ganga. (2014)
2. It is to accomplish the twin objectives:
The main pillars of the program are:

i. Effective abatement of pollution

Sewerage Treatment
ii. Conservation and rejuvenation. Infrastructure & Industrial
Effluent Monitoring
3. It is being operated under the Department of Water
River-Front Development
Resources, River Development and Ganga & River-Surface Cleaning
Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Bio-Diversity &
4. The program is being implemented by the National Afforestation

Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state

Public Awareness
counterpart organizations i.e., State Program
Management Groups (SPMGs).
 Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
1. Launched on 2nd October, 2014 to accelerate the efforts
to achieve universal sanitation coverage and to focus on
sanitation.
2. The aim is to achieve a clean and open defecation free
(ODF) India.
3. Implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti (SBM- R),
Ministry of Urban Development (SBM-U)
4. The fund sharing pattern between the Centre and
States will be 90:10 for North-Eastern States and
Himalayan States and UT of J&K; 60:40 for other States;
and 100:0 for other Union Territories, for all the
components.
 ODF, ODF+ and ODF++ Protocol:
Norms under ODF: No visible faeces shall found in the environment
and every household, as well as public/community institutions,
should be using safe technology option for disposal of faeces.
Norms under ODF+: Not a single person should be defecating
and/or urinating in open. All community and public toilets should
be properly maintained and cleaned.

Norms under ODF++: Proper treatment and management of faecal sludge/septage and
sewage is safely managed and treated. There should be no discharge or dumping of untreated
faecal sludge/septage and sewage in drains, water bodies or open areas.
 Water + Protocol:
1. It is part of Swachh Bharat Mission –Urban.
2. The Water PLUS protocol aims to provide a
guideline for cities and towns to ensure that no
untreated wastewater is released into the
environment thereby enabling sustainability of the
sanitation value chain.
3. It is designed to ensure that no untreated
wastewater is discharged into the open
environment or water bodies.
Swachh Survekshan

1. Swachh Survekshan is a ranking exercise taken up by the Government of India to

assess rural and urban areas for their levels of cleanliness and active implementation
of Swachhata mission initiatives.
2. The Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India takes up the Swachh
Survekshan in urban areas and the Ministry of Jal Shakti in rural areas.
3. The Quality Council of India (QCI) has been commissioned the responsibility of
carrying out the assessment.
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
Wildlife Crime Control Bureau is a statutory multi-disciplinary body
established by the Government of India under the Ministry of
Environment and Forests, to combat organized wildlife crime in the
country.

Under Section 38 (Z) of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, it is mandated to collect and collate
intelligence related to organized wildlife crime activities and to disseminate the same to State and
other enforcement agencies for immediate action so as to apprehend the criminals; to establish a
centralized wildlife crime data bank.
It assists and advises the Customs authorities in inspection of the consignments of flora & fauna as
per the provisions of Wild Life Protection Act, CITES and EXIM Policy governing such an item.
 National Mission for Green India
GIM, launched in February 2014, is aimed at protecting, restoring and enhancing India’s
diminishing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation
and mitigation measures.
Objectives of the Mission:
1. To protect, restore and enhance India’s falling forest cover.
2. To respond to climate change through a combination of adaptation as well as mitigation
measures.
3. To increased forest-based livelihood incomes.
4. To enhance annual Carbon sequestration by 50 to 60 million tonnes in the year 2020.
 Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning
Authority (CAMPA)
1. To compensate the loss of forest 1. These Funds will receive payments for: (i)
area and to maintain the compensatory afforestation, (ii) net present
sustainability, the Government of value of forest (NPV), and (iii) other project
India came up with a well-defined specific payments.
Act, known as CAMPA 2. The National Fund will receive 10% of these
(Compensatory Afforestation Fund funds, and the State Funds will receive the
Management and Planning remaining 90%.
Authority). 3. According to the Act’s provision, a company
2. The law establishes the National diverting forest land must provide alternative
Compensatory Afforestation Fund land to take up compensatory afforestation.
under the Public Account of India, 4. For afforestation, the company should pay to
and a State Compensatory plant new trees in the alternative land provided
Afforestation Fund under the Public to the state.
Account of each state.
 India State of Forest Report
ISFR is a biennial publication of Forest Survey of India (FSI), an organization under the
Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change.
The ISFR assesses the forest and tree cover, bamboo resources, carbon stock and forest fires.
The 2019 report for the first time has assessed the qualitative nature of the forest cover,
including listing its biodiversity and the type of plants and trees found.
It also created a national forest inventory for the first time on produce from forests.

Forest Cover Forest Cover (Area-wise) : Madhya Pradesh> Arunachal Pradesh> Chhattisgarh>
Odisha> Maharashtra.
Forest Cover (Percentage): Mizoram (85.4%)> Arunachal Pradesh (79.63%)> Meghalaya
(76.33%)
 Biome
A biome is a collection of
plants and animals that have
common characteristics for
the environment they exist in.
They can be found over a
range of continents.
Biomes are distinct biological
communities that have formed
in response to a shared
physical climate.
 Carbon Stock
The carbon stock refers to the
amount of carbon stored in forests
in the form of biomass, soil,
deadwood and litter. More
the carbon stock, higher would be
the forest's capacity to absorb and
sequester carbon dioxide (CO2),
the main greenhouse gas in the
atmosphere, through
photosynthesis.
Habitat Fragmentation
Habitat fragmentation is defined as the process during which a large expanse of habitat is
transformed into a number of smaller patches of smaller total area isolated from each other.

For example, roads block the

movement of small animals, expose
large animals to heavy hunting
pressure and poaching, cause
sedimentation of rivers from
erosion, and stimulate more
development, thus creating
further habitat fragmentation.
 ENVIS
The Environmental Information System acronymed as ENVIS
was implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest &
Climate Change by end of 6th Five Year Plan as a Plan Scheme
for environmental information collection, collation, storage,
retrieval and dissemination to policy planners, decision makers,
scientists and environmentalists, researchers, academicians and
other stakeholders.
ENVIS is a decentralized computerized network database system consisting of the focal
point located in the Ministry and a chain of network partners, known as ENVIS Centres
located in the potential organizations/institutions throughout the country.
 Net Present Value
1. It depends on the location and nature of the forest and
It is a mandatory one-time
the type of industrial enterprise that will replace a
payment that a user has to make
particular parcel of forest.
for diverting forestland for non-
2. These payments go to the Compensatory Afforestation
forest use, under the Forest
Fund (CAF) and are used for afforestation and
(Conservation) Act, 1980.
reforestation.
This is calculated on the basis of 3. The Forest Advisory Committee under FCA, 1980 ,
the services and ecological value constituted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
of the forests. Climate Change (MoEF&CC) decides on whether forests
can be diverted for projects and the NPV to be charged.
 Compensatory Afforestation
Compensatory afforestation means The CAF Act-

that every time forest land is 1. It was passed by the centre in 2016 and the related

diverted for non-forest purposes rules were notified in 2018.

2. The CAF Act was enacted to manage the funds
such as mining or industry, the
collected for compensatory afforestation which till
user agency pays for planting
then was managed by ad hoc Compensatory
forests over an equal area of non-
Afforestation Fund Management and Planning
forest land, or when such land is
Authority (CAMPA).
not available, twice the area of 3. As per the rules, 90% of the CAF money is to be given
degraded forest land. to the states while 10% is to be retained by the Centre.
Nagar Van Scheme
1. The Nagar Van (Urban Forests) aims to develop 200 Urban Forests across the
country in the next five years(2020-2025) by the MoEFCC.
2. Warje Urban Forest in Pune (Maharashtra) will be considered as a role model for the
Scheme.
3. The Scheme enforces people’s participation and collaboration between the Forest
Department, Municipal bodies, NGOs, Corporates and local citizens.
4. These urban forests will primarily be on the existing forest land in the City or any
other vacant land offered by local urban local bodies.
5. The finances for the scheme will be paid for by the CAMPA (Compensatory
Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016) funds.
 Types of Waste

Waste is defined as
unwanted and
unusable materials and
is regarded as a
substance which is of
no use.
Waste that we see in
our surroundings is
also known as garbage.
 Solid waste

Solid waste means

any garbage, refuse,
sludge from a
wastewater treatment
plant, water supply
treatment plant, or air
pollution control
facility and other
discarded materials
including solid, liquid,
semi-solid, or
contained gaseous
material.
 Liquid waste

Liquid waste can be defined as such Liquids as wastewater, fats, oils or grease (FOG), used
oil, liquids, solids, gases, or sludges and hazardous household liquids.
Sanitary Landfills-
Sanitary landfill is a modern engineering landfill where waste is allowed to decompose into
biologically and chemically inert materials in a setting isolated from the environment.
Composting-
1. Composting is an aerobic method (meaning
that it requires the presence of air) of
decomposing organic solid wastes.

2. It can therefore be used to recycle organic

material.

3. The process involves decomposition of

organic material into a humus-like material,
known as compost, which is a good fertilizer
for plants.

4. It provides for Biogas also.

Incineration
1. Degradation and complete
combustion of waste under high
temperature.
2. It is a relatively old method of
WtE generation. Incineration
generally entails burning waste
to boil water which powers
steam generators that generate
electric energy and heat to be
used in home
Pyrolysis
✓ Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of materials at elevated temperatures in an inert
atmosphere (absence of oxygen). It involves a change of chemical composition.
✓ Fast Pyrolysis Reactor (FPR) that will thermo chemically decompose any organic or carbon
material into energy rich oil and gas. Pyrolysis is most commonly used in the treatment of
organic materials.
Gasification
✓ Gasification is a unique process
that transforms a carbon-based
material, such as MSW or
biomass, into other forms of
energy without actually burning
it.
✓ It converts the solid and liquid
waste materials into usable
synthesis gas, or syngas through a
chemical reaction.
Bio-methanation
1. Methanogenesis or
Biomethanation is the
process of combining
organic waste materials
into biogas and manure.
2. Biogas is a gaseous fuel
that can be easily used
for energy generation
and production of heat.
Fermentation
✓ In the fermentation
process, the sugar in
the waste is
changed to carbon
dioxide and alcohol,
in the same general
process that is used
to make wine.
✓ It is also used to
convert food waste
into biofuels
Bio-Coal: Torrefaction Technology
India is testing Swedish technology — torrefaction that can convert rice stubble into ‘bio-coal’.

✓ Thermal process to convert biomass into a coal-like material to improve the fuel like characteristics.
✓ The process involves heating up straw, grass, sawmill residue and wood biomass to 250 degrees Celsius –
350 degrees Celsius.
✓ During the torrefaction process a combustible gas is released, which is utilised to provide heat to the
process. This changes the elements of the biomass into ‘coal-like’ pellets. These pellets can be used for
combustion along with coal for industrial applications like steel and cement production.
Hydrothermal Carbonisation-
Technology can convert high moisture municipal solid waste to biofuel, soil amendment and
absorbents.
Process

✓ The technology is aimed at conversion of

wet biomass into hydro-char (a coal like
fuel) under suitable temperature and
pressure conditions.
✓ Moisture in waste is used to the advantage
of process which uses water for reaction.
✓ The biofuel generated as recovered output
can help curb air pollution.
Pollution Management Technology- Electrostatic Precipitator
Originally designed for
recovery of valuable
industrial-process
materials, electrostatic
precipitators are used
for air pollution control,
particularly for removing
particles from waste gases
at industrial facilities and
power-generating stations.
 Soot is a general term that refers to impure
Soot
carbon particles resulting from the
incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon.

1. In pollution terms, soot is the common term for a type

of particle pollution known as PM 2.5, which
is particulate matter 2.5 micrometers in diameter or
smaller.
2. A major component of soot is black carbon which
absorbs more light than any other form of particulate
matter.
3. Black carbon can absorb 1 million times
more energy than the same mass of carbon dioxide.
 Global Warming Potential
The Global Warming Potential (GWP)
was developed to allow comparisons
of the global warming impacts of
different gases. Specifically, it is a
measure of how much energy the
emissions of 1 ton of a gas will
absorb over a given period of time,
relative to the emissions of 1 ton of
carbon dioxide (CO2).
Biodiversity in Western Ghats
Older than the Himalaya mountains,
the mountain chain of the Western
Ghats represents geomorphic features
of immense importance with unique
biophysical and ecological processes.
It also has an exceptionally high level
of biological diversity and endemism
and is recognized as one of the world’s
eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological
diversity.
 Fossil Parks of India
GSI- Geological Survey of India
1. Shivalik Fossil Park, near Suketi, Himachal Pradesh- National Geo Heritage Monument
2. Mandla Plant Fossils National Park, near Dindori, Madhya Pradesh
3. National Fossil Wood Park, Tiruvakkarai in Tamil Nadu.
4. National Fossil Wood Park, Sathanur, in Tamil Nadu
Other fossil parks in India include:
1. Indroda Dinosaur and Fossil Park, Gujarat
2. Ghughua Fossil Park, Madhya Pradesh
3. Salkhan Fossils Park, Uttar Pradesh
4. Akal Wood Fossil Park, Rajasthan
5. Amkhoi Fossil Park, West Bengal
6. Raiyoli Dinosaur Fossil Park, Gujrat
 Food Fortification
Food fortification can be described
as a method of adding essential
vitamins and minerals to foods to
increase their nutritional value.
Food fortification is increasingly
recognized as an effective public
health intervention to
alleviate nutritional deficiencies.
 GI Tags
A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on
products that have a specific geographical origin and
possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that
origin.
In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a
product as originating in a given place.
GI tag in India is governed by Geographical Indications
of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999.
It is issued by the Geographical Indications Registry
(Chennai).
 Eurythermal and Stenothermal Organisms
Eurythermal organisms are organisms that can survive in a wide range of temperatures.
These organisms include most mammals like goats, man, cow, sheep and monkeys

Stenothermal organisms on the other hand are ones which can only survive in limited
temperature rangers. These organisms can be divided into two main categories;
i) Thermophilic - organisms that can thrive in high temperatures only. Examples include; coral
reefs and some reptiles.
ii) Cryophilic - these are stenotherms that can only survive in low temperature regions. Their
examples include most of the arctic animals such as the arctic crustaceans, salmons and
seals.
 Watershed
It’s a land area that channels rainfall
and snowmelt to creeks, streams,
and rivers, and eventually
to outflow points such as reservoirs,
bays, and the ocean.

A watershed is an area of
high ground which divides two or more
river systems, so that all streams on one
side flow into one river and those on the
other side flow into a different river.
 Arctic Amplification/ Polar Amplification
Over the past 30 years, the Arctic has warmed at
roughly twice the rate as the entire globe, a
phenomenon known as Arctic amplification.
This means that global warming and climate
change are impacting the Arctic more than the
rest of the world.
Global temperatures from 2000–2009 were on
average about 0.6°C higher than they were from
1951–1980. The Arctic, however, was about 2°C
warmer.
 Polar Vortex
1. The polar vortex is a large area of
low pressure and cold air
surrounding both of the Earth's
poles.
2. It ALWAYS exists near the poles,
but weakens in summer and
strengthens in winter.
3. The term "vortex" refers to the
counter-clockwise flow of air that
helps keep the colder air near the
Poles.
 Cryosphere
The frozen water is present in different forms (snow, sea ice, lake and river ice, glaciers, ice
sheets, icebergs and frozen ground) altogether within the climate system is called as the
'Cryosphere'.

Hence, we can say

that there is coincide
partially or wholly
with the
hydrosphere.
Quasi Resonant Amplification
The Indian heat waves occur due to a phenomenon
called Planetary Rossby Waves (PRWs).
These are large scale disturbances of the
atmospheric circulation.
When these disturbed atmospheric circulation
patterns clash with similar largescale atmospheric
movements that arise horizontally from the earth’s
rotation, the resulting phenomenon, called Quasi-
Resonant Amplification. .
 Sea Weed
"Seaweed" is the common name for countless species of marine plants and algae that grow in the ocean
as well as in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies.
Some seaweeds are microscopic, such as the phytoplankton that live suspended in the water column and
provide the base for most marine food chains. Some are enormous, like the giant kelp that grow in
abundant “forests” and tower like underwater redwoods from their roots at the bottom of the sea.

1. Seaweed is chock-full of vitamins,

minerals, and fiber, and can be
tasty.
2. Many seaweeds contain anti-
inflammatory and anti-microbial
agents.
3. Certain seaweeds do, in fact, possess
powerful cancer-fighting agents.
 Types of Plumes
A plume is a column/space
in air, water, or soil of one
fluid moving through
another that contains
pollutants release from a
source. A plume usually
moves away from its
source and widens.
 Seral Community
A seral community is an intermediate stage of ecological succession advancing towards the
climax community.
1. A seral community is
Types of Seres Explanation
replaced by the Hydrosere Succession in aquatic habitat.
subsequent community. Xerosere Succession in dry habitat.
2. It consists of simple food Lithosere Succession on a bare rock surface.
webs and food chains.
Psammosere Succession initiating on sandy areas.
3. It exhibits a very low
Halosere Succession starting in saline soil or water.
degree of diversity.
4. The individuals are less Senile Succession of microorganism on dead matter.
in number and the Eosere Development of vegetation in an era.
nutrients are also less.
 Ecological succession is the steady and gradual
Xerarch, Hydrarch change in a species of a given area with respect
to the changing environment.
Differences
1. Hydrarch successions takes place in watery
areas where as xearch successions take place in
dry areas.
2. Hydrarch successions takes place in series from
hydric to mesic conditions whereas xearch
successions takes place from xeric to mesic
conditions.
3. Hydrarch successions start from phytoplankton
stages whereas xearch start from bare rocks.
Similarities
1. Both hydrarch and xearch successions lead to
medium water conditions and wet conditions.
2. Both end at forest and both lead to mesic
conditions.
 Waste Management Rules in India
The Government has comprehensively revised the waste management rules and has
notified -
1. Solid Waste Management Rules, 2019,
2. Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2018,
3. Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, 2019,
4. Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement)
Rules, 2019,
5. E-waste Management Rules, 2018 and
6. Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016
 Blue Green Cities
‘Blue’ infrastructure refers to water
bodies like rivers, canals, ponds,
wetlands, floodplains, and water
treatment facilities; while ‘Green’
stands for trees, lawns, hedgerows,
parks, fields, and forests.
The concept refers to urban planning
where water bodies and land are
interdependent, and grow with the help
of each other while offering
environmental and social benefits.
 Eco -Cities
The World Bank defines eco-
cities as "cities that enhance
the well-being of citizens and
society through integrated
urban planning and
management that harness
the benefits of ecological
systems and protect and
nurture these assets for
future generations".
Carbon Credit
A carbon credit is a
tradable permit or
certificate that
provides the holder of
the credit the right to
emit one ton of
carbon dioxide or an
equivalent of.
Mono, Multiple and Mixed Cropping
 Inter-Cropping
Intercropping is the cultivation of two
or more crops simultaneously on the
same field.
The most common goal
of intercropping is to produce a greater
yield on a given piece of land by
making use of resources or ecological
processes that would otherwise not be
utilized by a single crop.
 Integrated Pest Management
Integrated pest management (IPM)
combines the use of biological, cultural
and chemical practices to control insect
pests in agricultural production.
It seeks to use natural predators or
parasites to control pests, using selective
pesticides for backup only when pests are
unable to be controlled by natural means.
 Drip Irrigation
Micro irrigation is a modern method of Advantages of drip irrigation system
irrigation; by this method water is irrigated ✓ Water saving and higher yield
through drippers, sprinklers, foggers and by ✓ High quality and increased fruit size
other emitters on surface or subsurface of the ✓ Suitable for all types of soil
land. ✓ Easy method of fertigation and chemigation
Major components of a drip irrigation / micro ✓ Saving in labour and field preparation cost
irrigation system is as follows- Disadvantage of drip irrigation system
Water source, pumping devices (motor and ✓ High initial investment
pump), ball valves, fertigation equipment, ✓ Clogging of emitters
filters, control valves, PVC joining accessories ✓ Possible damage of system components due to
(Main and sub main) and emitters. animals, etc.,
 Agroforestry
It is a type of social forestry in which an individual farmer undertakes tree farming and grows
fodder plants, grasses and legumes on his own land. In agroforestry trees are considered a
crop and become a part of crop combinations.
Agroforestry is a sustainable management
mechanism for land that:
✓ Increases overall production,
✓ Combines agricultural crops, tree crops,
forest plants and animals simultaneously
✓ Applies management practices that are
compatible with cultural practices of the
local population.
 Contour Farming vs
Terrace Farming
Contour farming is the farming practice that
involves the ridge making across the slope of the
land.
Terracing is an engineering aspect of erosion
control that involves the construction of short
steps along the contours of the land with a view
to preventing the rapid flow of water down the
slope.
 Organic Farming
Organic farming is a technique, which
involves the cultivation of plants and
rearing of animals in natural ways.
This process involves the use of
biological materials, avoiding synthetic
substances to maintain soil fertility and
ecological balance thereby minimizing
pollution and wastage.
Zero Budget Natural Farming
Hydroponics Farming
Hydroponics is a type of horticulture and a subset of hydroculture, which is a method of
growing plants, usually crops, without soil, by using mineral nutrient solutions in an
aqueous solvent.

Advantages-
 Smart Farming
Smart farming refers to a farm management concept that uses modern technology with the
aim of increase the quality and quantity of agricultural products.
1. This approach includes aspects such as the Internet
of Things (IoT), data management, soil scanning, as
well as the access to GPS among other smart
technologies.
2. Over the years, smart farming has become useful to
all farmers – small and large scale, in that it gives
farmers access to technologies and devices that help
in the maximization of products’ quality and quantity,
while reducing the cost of farming.
 Vertical Farming
Vertical farming is the practice of growing crops
in vertically stacked layers. It often incorporates
controlled-environment agriculture, which aims
to optimize plant growth, and
soilless farming techniques such as
hydroponics, aquaponics, and aeroponics.
 Hybrid Cultivation
1. Hybrids are made by crossing two parent strains having
different genetic characters. It is opposite of inbred
plants.
2. These plants have more biomass than both parents, and
capacity for greater yields.
3. Hybrid seeds have to be remade for each planting by
crossing the parents.
4. So for hybrids, farmers must purchase seed for each
planting.
5. It increases the dependence of farmers on seed
companies
 Transgenic Crops
1. A transgenic crop is a genetically modified organism (GMO). Transgenic indicates that a transfer of genes
has occurred using recombinant DNA technology.
2. Generally a transgenic crop contains one or more genes that have been inserted artificially either from an
unrelated plant or from different species altogether.

1. Bt cotton is the only other GM

crop permitted in the country.
2. Of the three gm food crops in
India -- brinjal, mustard and
potato -- awaiting permission
for large-scale field trials and
seed production, brinjal is the
first one to get GEAC approval.
 Climate Resilient Agriculture
Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) is an
approach that includes sustainably using
existing natural resources
through crop and livestock production
systems to achieve long-term higher
productivity and farm incomes
under climate variabilities.
 Sedimentation
Sediment is the sand, mud, and pebbles that were once solid rock. Sediment flows in
tributary streams and river channels .
Sedimentation is the direct result of the
loss (erosion) of sediments from other
aquatic areas or land-based areas.
Sedimentation can be detrimental or
beneficial to aquatic environments.
Moreover, sediment impoverishment
(erosion or lack of replenishment) in an
area can be as bad as too much
sedimentation.
 Zombie Fire/
Arctic Fire
1. A zombie fire is a fire that
continues to burn
underground and then
reignites on the surface after
a period of time.
2. The fires and record
temperatures have the
potential of turning the
carbon sink into a carbon
source and increasing global
warming.
 Building Codes
The National Building Code (NBC) is a
document that provides guidelines for
construction of structures – residential,
mercantile, institutional, educational,
commercial, assembly, storage spaces or
even hazardous buildings.
It is important to follow these guidelines that
are meant to protect the overall health of
the construction and ensure the health and
safety of the public and the residents.
Drought Proofing
Drought proofing means the capacity Surface and groundwater
to meet the basic material and management

physical needs of the local

population - human and animal - in a Land reclamation
drought period so that there is
minimal distress.
Land use and agricultural
practices.
 Drought
1. Drought is a problem of
insufficient water supply, relative
to normal demand.
2. Drought is defined as a temporary
harmful and widespread lack of
available water with respect to
specific needs.
 Eco Tourism
1. Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile and relatively untouched natural
areas, intended as a low-impact alternative to conventional commercial mass tourism.
2. Ecotourism is a conscious effort to preserve the beauty of a naturally gifted region and
conserve wildlife in their natural habitat.
3. In the process, ecotourism glorifies offbeat places, their rich culture and traditions.
Over-tourism
-Results from unplanned, poorly managed
tourism that seeks to maximize revenue by
allowing as many tourists as possible
-Concentrates tourists into small areas without
regard to the destruction this causes
 Acclimatisation
Acclimatization is defined as a process where an organism adjusts its behaviour or
physiology in response to changes in its environment.
These phenotypic traits are often noticed within a short period and within the life time of
the organism.
It is also reversible across most cases.

One of the best known examples of

acclimatization in humans can be observed
when travelling from sea-level locations to
high altitudes. The body acclimates and
adapts accordingly to the new environment.
 Aquifer
An aquifer is an underground layer of
water-bearing permeable rock, rock
fractures or unconsolidated materials
(gravel, sand, or silt).
Groundwater can be extracted using a
water well.
The study of water flow in aquifers and
the characterization of aquifers is
called hydrogeology.
 Carcinogen
A carcinogen is an agent with the Example-
capacity to cause cancer in humans. Tobacco.
Carcinogens may be natural, such as Radon.
aflatoxin, which is produced by a Asbestos.
fungus and sometimes found on stored Crispy, Brown Foods.
grains, or manmade, such as asbestos Formaldehyde.
or tobacco smoke. Ultraviolet Rays.
Carcinogens work by interacting with a Alcohol.
cell's DNA and inducing genetic Processed Meat, etc
mutations.
 Carbon Neutrality
Carbon neutrality means having a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon
from the atmosphere in carbon sinks.

1. Removing carbon oxide from

the atmosphere and then
storing it is known as carbon
sequestration.
2. In order to achieve net zero
emissions, all worldwide
greenhouse gas emissions will
have to be counterbalanced by
carbon sequestration.
Cogeneration
Cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP) is the on-site generation of electricity from
waste heat. When generating electricity from coal, natural gas or nuclear power only a
fraction of the actual energy content released during combustion is converted into electricity.
Conspicuous and Responsible Consumption
Conspicuous consumption
is the practice of
purchasing goods or
services to publicly display
wealth rather than to
cover basic needs.
 Dioxin
Dioxins are a group of highly toxic
chemical compounds that are harmful
to health. They can cause problems with
reproduction, development, and the
immune system.
They can also disrupt hormones and
lead to cancer. Known as persistent
environmental pollutants
(POPs), dioxins can remain in the
environment for many years.
 Externalities
A consequence of an action that affects someone other than the agent undertaking that
action, and for which the agent is neither compensated nor penalized.

Externalities arise when

an individual, a firm or a
country takes an action
but does not bear all the
costs (negative externality)
or all the benefits (positive
externality) of the action.
Evapotranspiration
Fossil Water
Fossil water or paleowater is an ancient body of water that has been contained in some
undisturbed space, typically groundwater in an aquifer, for millennia.

Other types of fossil

water can include
subglacial lakes, such as
Antarctica's Lake Vostok,
and even ancient water on
other planets.
Fugitive Emissions
Fugitive emissions are unintentional leaks emitted from sealed surfaces, such as
packings and gaskets, or leaks from underground pipelines resulting from corrosion
or faulty connections.

In addition to the economic cost of lost

commodities, fugitive emissions contribute to local air
pollution and may cause further environmental harm.
Common industrial gases include refrigerants and natural
gas, while less common examples are perfluorocarbons,
sulfur hexafluoride, and nitrogen trifluoride.
Gia Hypothesis
The Gaia hypothesis, named after the ancient Greek goddess of Earth, posits that Earth
and its biological systems behave as a huge single entity.

This entity has closely

controlled self-regulatory
negative feedback loops
that keep the conditions on
the planet within
boundaries that are
favorable to life.
 Global Commons
Global commons have been traditionally
defined as those parts of the planet that
fall outside national jurisdictions and to
which all nations have access.
International law identifies four global
commons, namely the High Seas, the
Atmosphere, the Antarctica and the Outer
Space.
 Inter and Intra Generational Equity
The intergenerational concept
includes the inter-temporal
utilization of natural resources.
The concept helps to uphold the
balance between the utilizing and
recycling of any resources.
On the other hand, intra-
generational equity means the fair
use of global natural resources by the
present generation.
 Land Use Management
The United Nations defines sustainable land
management (SLM) as “the use of land
resources, including soils, water, animals and
plants, for the production of goods to meet
changing human needs, while simultaneously
ensuring the long-term productive potential of
these resources and the maintenance of their
environmental functions”.
 Mauna Loa record
It is the record of measurement of
atmospheric CO2 concentrations
taken at Mauna Loa Observatory,
Mauna Loa, Hawaii, since March
1958.
This record shows the continuing
increase in average annual
atmospheric CO2 concentrations
 Open Pit Mining
Open-pit mining, also
known as open-cast or
open cut mining, is a
surface mining technique of
extracting rock or minerals
from the earth by their
removal from an open-air
pit, sometimes known as a
borrow.
 Polluter Pays Principle
The 'polluter pays' principle is the
commonly accepted practice that those
who produce pollution should bear the
costs of managing it to prevent damage
to human health or the environment.
 Precautionary Principle
1. The precautionary principle is the
foundation for environmental decision
making.
2. Often environmental scientists and
environmental policymakers are faced with
the task of making decisions for complex
issues using inconclusive evidence.
3. Understandably in a situation like this, there
is uncertainty in the outcomes and potential Environmental Impact Assessment Norms ,
risks a decision based on inconclusive Coastal Regulatory Zone Norms are the
evidence could have on the environment examples of Precautionary Principle.
and people.
 Types of Plastic-
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) – a clear, tough, light and shatterproof type of
plastic, used to make products such as soft drink bottles, film packaging and
fabrics.
Polypropylene (PP) - a member of the polyelofin family of plastics. PP is light,
rigid and glossy and is used to make products such as washing machine agitators,
clear film packaging, carpet fibers and housewares.
Polystyrene (PS) - a member of the styrene family of plastics. PS is easy to mould
and is used to make refrigerator and washing machine components. It can be
foamed to make single use packaging, such as cups, meat and produce trays.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) - a member of the vinyl family of plastics. PVC can be
clear, flexible or rigid and is used to make products such as fruit juice bottles,
credit cards, pipes and hoses.
 Prosumer
The word “prosumer” is derived from the
words “producer” and “consumer.” In today's
supply chain network, the producer or supplier
is generally at one end of the network, and the
consumer or demand side is at the other end.
 Rain Water Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is
the collection and
storage of rain, rather
than allowing it to run
off. Rainwater is
collected from a roof-
like surface and
redirected to a tank,
cistern, deep pit,
aquifer, or a reservoir
with percolation.
 Salinisation
Salinisation refers to increasing salt content within soils. Natural processes cause soil salt
content fluctuations, a phenomenon known as 'primary salinity'
Concern is centered around 'secondary salinity', an anthropogenic exacerbation of natural
soil salinity levels.
 Slow Food
1. The slow food movement was founded in Italy in
1986 by Carlo Petrini as a response to the
negative impact of multinational food industries.
2. Slow Food is a counteracting force to Fast Food as
it encourages using local seasonal produce,
restoring time-honoured methods of production
and preparation, and sharing food at communal
tables.
3. Slow Food encourages environmentally
sustainable production, ethical treatment of
animals and social justice.
 Soil Related terms-
Soil acidification - reduction in ph, usually in soil. Acidification can result in poorly structured or hard-setting top soils
that cannot support sufficient vegetation to prevent erosion.
Soil bulk density – the relative density of a soil measured by dividing the dry weight of a soil by its volume.
Soil compaction – the degree of compression of soil. Heavy compaction can impede plant growth.
Soil conditioner - any composted or non-composted material of organic origin that is produced or distributed for adding
to soils, it includes 'soil amendment', 'soil additive', 'soil improver' and similar materials, but excludes polymers that do
not biodegrade, such as plastics, rubbers, and coatings.
Soil moisture deficit – the volume of water needed to raise the soil water content of the root zone to field capacity.
Soil organic carbon – the total organic carbon of a soil exclusive of carbon from undecayed plant and animal residue.
Soil organic matter – the organic fraction of the soil exclusive of undecayed plant and animal residues.
Soil structure – the way soil particles are aggregated into aggregates or “crumbs”, important for the passage of air and
water.
Soil water storage – total amount of water stored in the soil in the plant root zone.
 Triple Bottom Line –
It is a form of sustainability accounting going beyond the financial ‘bottom line’ to consider
the social and environmental as well as economic consequences of an organisation's
activity; generally included with economic accounts.
Term coined by John Elkington in 1994.
 Urban Heat Island
It is the tendency for urban areas to have warmer air temperatures than the surrounding rural
landscape, due to the low albedo of streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and buildings. These surfaces
absorb solar radiation during the day and release it at night, resulting in higher night temperatures.
 Virtual water
It is the volume of water
required to produce a
commodity or service.
First coined by Professor J.A.
Allan of the University of
London in the early 1990s,
though this is now more
widely known as cf.
embedded (embodied) water.
 Zero waste
It is turning waste into resource; the
redesign of resource-use so that
waste can ultimately be reduced to
zero; ensuring that by-products are
used elsewhere and goods are
recycled, in emulation of the cycling
of wastes in nature.
 Energy Rating
The star rating is about energy efficiency – that is how
efficient a model is relative to other models of the same size.
Bureau of Energy Efficiency
More stars means more efficient – when compared to other
models of the same size. Ratings- BEE rating is an

The Standards & Labeling Programme- energy efficiency standard

for appliances sold in India.
1. The Standards & Labeling Programme is one of the major
thrust areas of BEE. The higher the star rating,
2. A key objective of this scheme is to provide the consumer the less electricity an
an informed choice about the energy saving and thereby
the cost saving potential of the relevant marketed product. appliance consumes.
3. The scheme targets display of energy performance labels on
The standard of efficiency
high energy end use equipment & appliances and lays down
minimum energy performance standards. varies by product category
Fuel poverty-
Being unable to heat a home
to a safe and comfortable
level because of low
household income or having
to spend more than 10% of
household income to heat a
home to a comfortable level
because the home is not
energy efficient.
 Mulching
The process of covering the open
surface of the ground by a layer of
some external material is called
mulching & the material used for
covering is called as 'Mulch’.
Mulching is usually practiced when
cultivating commercially important
crops, fruit trees, vegetables,
flowers, nursery saplings, etc.
One Straw Approach/Zero Tilling Approach
No-till farming is the method of farming in which there is no
tilling involved.
Here, the soil is left undisturbed except to place the seeds in
the desired position to germinate.
The pioneer of no-tilling farming is Masanobu Fukuoka, a
Japanese farmer.

To avoid these harmful effects of tilling, some farmers adopt

no-tilling farming, also called zero tillage farming. This practice
can also improve soil conditions.
 Oil Spill
An oil spill refers to any uncontrolled
release of crude oil, gasoline, fuels, or other
oil by-products into the environment.
Oil spills can pollute land, air, or water,
though it is mostly used for oceanic oil spills.
They have become a major environmental
problem, chiefly as a result of intensified
petroleum exploration and production on
continental shelves and the transport of large
amounts of oils in vessels.
Post-consumer
waste-
Waste collected after a
consumer has disposed of it,
for example sweet wrappers
or packaging from small
electronic goods such as
mobile phones or MP3
players.
Wetland Classification: A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that is flooded by
1. Inland Wetland water, either permanently or seasonally, where
2. Coastal Wetland oxygen-free processes prevail.
3. Lakes/Ponds
4. Estuaries
5. Oxbow Lakes
6. Lagoons
7. Waterlogged areas
8. Creeks
9. Seasonal wetlands
10. Backwaters
11. Swamps/Marshes Bays
Alpha, Beta and Gamma Diversity
Alpha Diversity-
Refers to the diversity of organisms sharing
the same community or habitat. A
combination of species richness and
evenness is used to represent diversity
within a community or habitat

Beta Diversity-
Indicates diversity between communities.
Species frequently change when habitat or
community changes.

Gamma Diversity –
Refers to the diversity of the habitats over
the total landscape or geographical area.
Geo Engineering
Geo-engineering – artificial
efforts to mitigate global
warming by manipulating
weather patterns, oceans,
currents, soils and
atmosphere to reduce the
amount of greenhouses
gases
 Cloud Thinning
1. Cloud thinning is a proposed form of climate
engineering.
2. Clouds, reflect sunlight and absorb
warming infrared radiation.
3. However, they differ from other types of
clouds in that, on average, infrared
absorption outweighs sunlight reflection,
resulting in a net warming effect on the
climate.
4. Therefore, thinning or removing the clouds
would reduce their heat trapping capacity,
resulting in a cooling effect on
Earth's climate.
 Pros and Cons of Carbon Tax
Carbon Tax Pros Cons

A carbon tax is a fee ✓ It has been suggested as a way to

✓ Different country-wise policies could lead
internalise the negative externality of
to ‘carbon leakages’ where energy-
imposed on the burning carbon emissions; consumers/producers
intensive businesses will most likely move
will pay the full social cost of
of carbon-based fuels to less strict national regimes.
consumption.
(coal, oil, gas. ✓ Discourage investment: An argument
✓ A carbon tax policy is likely to cause less
made by business is that carbon taxes will
A carbon tax is the core volatility in the prices of carbon emissions
discourage investment and reduce
than quantitative limits.
profitability.
policy for reducing and
eventually eliminating ✓ It penalizes those who cannot shift to
✓ It will encourage in shifting towards
alternative sources; affects especially the
alternative resources that are renewable
the use of fossil fuels too.
poor and developing countries like many
African and Asian countries.
whose combustion is
destabilizing and ✓ It is one wise option to cut effluents while ✓ Charging the appropriate amount of tax is
earning revenues which could be used in difficult as quantification of the produced
destroying our climate. installation of other alternative resources. carbon may not be accurate.
 Bombay Natural History Society
1. It is a Non-Governmental Organisation in India
engaged in conservation and biodiversity research.
2. BNHS has been designated as a 'Scientific and
Industrial Research Organisation' by the
Department of Science and Technology.
3. BNHS is the partner of Bird Life International in
India.
4. Bird Life International is a global partnership of
conservation organisations that strives to conserve
birds, their habitats and global biodiversity. It is Logo: The BNHS logo is the great hornbill.
headquartered in Cambrige, UK.
 TRAFFIC
1. The TRAFFIC, the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network, is a leading non-governmental
organisation working on wildlife trade in the context of both biodiversity conservation
and sustainable development.
2. It is a joint program of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the International Union for
Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
3. It was established in 1976 and has developed into a global network, research-driven and
action-oriented, committed to delivering innovative and practical conservation solutions.
4. Headquarters: Cambridge, United Kingdom
5. It aims to ensure that trade in wild plants and animals is not a threat to the conservation
of nature
 Pollinating Agents
Pollination in flowering
plants is the transfer of
a pollen grain (male
gametophyte) to a
flower’s stigma
(receptive surface of
the female reproductive
organ), where it may
germinate, grow
through the style, and
fertilize an ovule to
produce a seed.
 Carbon Fertilisation
Carbon fertilisation is the artificial enrichment of the atmosphere of greenhouses
with carbon dioxide, an essential nutrient for plants and vegetables. It is also known
as Carbon Dioxide Fertilisation.

It is used to improve production levels, both from a

qualitative and from a quantitative point of view. It is
particularly suitable for cold climates and can be used
for growing practically all types of vegetables
(asparagus, celery, lettuce, tomatoes, aubergines
etc.), greenhouse fruit (strawberries) and ornamental
plants.
 Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide (CO)—a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and toxic air pollutant—is
produced in the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing fuels, such as Petrol, natural
gas, oil, coal, and wood.

A deep red, flushed skin color (cherry red) is

the one telltale indicator of carbon monoxide
poisoning. It comes from high levels of
carboxyhemoglobin in the blood.
 Occupational Hazards
Examples-
Occupational hazards are risks of illnesses or
1. Dermatitis
accidents in the workplace. In other
2. Respiratory illnesses
words, hazards that workers experience in their place
of work. 3. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

An “occupational disease” is any disease contracted 4. Hearing loss

primarily as a result of an exposure to risk factors 5. Cancer
arising from work activity. “Work-related diseases” 6. Stress and mental
have multiple causes, where factors in the work health disorders
environment may play a role, together with other risk 7. Silicosis
factors, in the development of such diseases.- WHO
8. Infectious diseases, etc
Types of Forests in India

1. Tropical Evergreen &

Semi Evergreen Forests.
2. Tropical Deciduous Forests.
3. Tropical Thorn Forests.
4. Montane Forests.
5. Littoral and Swamp Forests
Forest Types
&
Biodiversity

A total of 16
types have
been identified
by Champion
and Seth to
classify the
range of forest.
 Tropical Evergreen and Semi Ever Green Forests
Characteristics • Tropical means ‘Tropical Region’, and Evergreen means ‘green leaves throughout the
year’. Trees in these forests are dense, tall and very green.
% of Area in India Wet EG- 2%, Semi EG- 7%

Rainfall Pattern Annual mean temp of 22°C and annual rainfall of over 200 cm.

Flora • Ground level – shrubs, creeper plants, Short trees of 20 – 30 m, Long trees of 60 m &
above
• Leaves of the trees are large, long and have a narrow ending (drip tip).,
• Trees don’t shed their leaves at once. Multi layered structure
• Some of the trees include – rosewood, mahogany, aini, ebony etc …

Fauna Elephants, monkey, lemur and deer. The one horned rhinoceros are found in the jungles
of Assam and West Bengal.
Distribution They are found in – western slope of the Western Ghats, hills of the Northeastern region
and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
 Tropical Deciduous Forests
Characteristics Tropical means ‘Tropical Region’, and Deciduous means ‘plants, tress that shed their leaves
each year’. They are found in both Tropical and Subtropical region
They are also called Monsoon forests. Leaves regrow during monsoon and shed during
summer.
% of Area Moist Deciduous- 17%, Dry Deciduous- 40%

Rainfall These forests occurs in places that receive rainfall between 70 to 200 cm.
Pattern
Flora Moist- teak, sal, shisham, hurra, mahua, amla, semul, kusum, bamboo, and sandalwood.
Dry- teak, sal, laurel, tendu, palas, amaltas, bel, khair, axlewood etc.
Fauna Lion, tiger , pig, deer and elephant. Variety of birds, lizards, snakes, and tortoises are also
found here.
Distribution Moist Deciduous- They are found in the states of foothills of Himalaya (West Bengal, Mizoram,
Manipur), Chhota Nagpur Plateau (WB, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Jharkhand), Eastern coastal plains
of Odisha, eastern foothills of western ghats (Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra).
Dry Deciduous- They are found in – Punjab, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
and South-east of Rajasthan. Basically Central Deccan plateau.
 Tropical Thorn Forests
Characteristics Tropical means ‘Tropical Region’, and Thorn means ‘a sharp pointed wood’.
It is a dense, and scrub like vegetation.

% of Area in India 2.7%

Rainfall Pattern They occur in areas that receive rainfall less than 50 cm (semi-arid regions).

Flora Babul, Palm, Acacia, Kokko, Khair, Khajuri, Ber, Neem, Khejri, Palas, etc.
Tussock species of grass is quite popular in this forest. They grow up to a height of 2m.

Fauna Camel, Rats, Mice, Rabbits, Fox, Wolf, Tiger, Lion, Wild Ass, Horse, etc. are the common
animals in thorny forests.

Distribution They are found in the areas of – southwest Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya
Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. They are also found on the lower side of the Western Ghats
covering large areas of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil
Nadu.
 Montane Forests
Characteristics Montane means ‘mountainous region’.
In mountainous region, with increase in altitude temperature decreases
% of Area in India Subtropical broad leaved- 4%, Himalayan Moist - 3%, others- 2%

Rainfall Pattern Varies based on the height.

Flora Trees like Oaks, poplar, elms, laurel, birche, alders, magnolia, deodar, spruce, cedar, fir,
maple, walnut are found here
At higher altitudes, mosses and lichens form part of tundra vegetation
Fauna Common animals found in these forests are Kashmir stag, spotted dear , wild sheep, jack
rabbit, Tibetan antelope, yak, snow leopard, squirrels, Shaggy horn wild ibex, bear and rare
red panda, sheep and goats with thick hair.
Distribution North India – The Himalayan mountains from Jammu & Kashmir – (Sikkim, Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram) Purvanchal
mountains in the extreme east of India.
South India – Western Ghats, the Vindhya range and the Nilgiris.
 Littoral and Swamp Forests
Characteristics Littoral and Swamp means ‘wetlands’

% of Area in India In India, wetlands exists in the Himalayan region, desert, coastal plains, and near river
plains.
0.73%
Rainfall Pattern Varies according to the latitude

Flora Sundari tree is the most common tree in tidal forests; especially in the Sunderban Delta.

Fauna Royal Bengal Tiger is the famous animal in these forests.

Turtles, crocodiles, gharials and snakes are also found in these forests.
Distribution These are found in – Sunderban delta, Eastern coastal plain of river Godavari, Krishna,
Kaveri, Mahanadi, desert region of Rajasthan and Gujarat, Kashmir and Ladakh, Andaman &
Nicobar islands, Lakshadweep islands, Western coastal plains of Malabar coast to Konkan
coast.
 Mangrove Cover in India
Mangroves are a diverse
group of salt-tolerant plant
communities of tropical and
subtropical regions of the
world which can survive the
limiting factors imposed by
lack of oxygen, high salinity
and diurnal tidal inundation.

The mangrove cover in India is 4,975 sq

km, which is 0.15% of the country’s
total geographical area.
 Ecology Environment Ecosystem
Ecology is the study It is the surrounding where organisms It is the community where the biotic and
live. abiotic components interact with each other.
of the interactions
between organisms It comprises physical components. It comprises biological components.

and their It provides a living space for the elements It provides interaction between the elements
surroundings
It provides the condition to live. It provides the relation between components
occurring within an to live.
ecosystem or Environment can be macro or micro. Ecosystem can be aquatic or terrestrial.
environment.
An organism’s environment changes as it The ecosystem remains the same no matter
moves from one place to another. where the organism travels.
Environment is just a place in time. Ecosystem depends upon all the essential life
processes such as photosynthesis.
It is the surrounding where organisms It is the community where the biotic and
live. abiotic components interact with each other.
 BOD [Biological Oxygen Demand] COD [Chemical Oxygen Demand]

BOD is a biological oxidation process COD is a chemical oxidation process

BOD is performed by aerobic organisms COD is performed by chemical reagents

BOD is measured by keeping a sealed water sample

for incubation for a period of 5 days at 20 degree In COD test, the water sample is incubated with a strong
Celsius. The reduction in dissolved oxygen gives the oxidant in combination with boiling sulphuric acid for a
amount of oxygen consumed by the aerobic specific period of time and temperature.
organisms.

BOD value is determined by 5 days. COD can be measured within few days.

BOD value is lower than COD COD value is always greater than BOD

COD is capable of degrading the industrial sewage. COD

BOD is used to oxidize the natural
does not measure the amount of oxygen consumed by
organic matter and organic waste in the water
acetates present in the water sample
 Food Chain Food Web
A linear pathway showing the flow of energy A multitude of networks showing the flow of
energy
An organism of higher level trophic feeds on An organism of higher trophic level has
a specific organism of lower trophic level access to more members of a lower trophic
level.
Has no effect on the adaptability and Has a role in improving the adaptability and
competitiveness of organisms. competitiveness of an organism.
 Conventional Farming Organic Farming
Conventional farming relies on chemical intervention Organic farming relies on natural principles
to fight pests and weeds and provide plant nutrition. like biodiversity and composting instead to produce
That means synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and healthy, abundant food.
fertilizers.
Conventional agriculture causes Organic farming has a smaller carbon footprint,
increased greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion, conserves and builds soil health, replenishes natural
water pollution, and threatens human health. ecosystems for cleaner water and air, all without toxic
pesticide residues.
Biomagnification / Bio- Bio Accumulation Bioconcentration
amplification
❖ Bio-amplification (or) ❖ Bioaccumulation occurs within ❖ It is a form of bioaccumulation
biomagnification, refers to an an organism, where a by absorption directly from
increase in the concentration concentration of a substance water. It is specifically referred
of a substance as you move up builds up in the tissues and is to as bioconcentration.
the food chain. absorbed faster than it is
removed.
 Renewable Resources Non-renewable Resources
Depletion
Renewable resources cannot be depleted over time Non-renewable resources deplete over time
Sources

Renewable resources include sunlight, water, wind and also Non-renewable energy includes fossil fuels such as coal and
geothermal sources such as hot springs and fumaroles petroleum.

Environmental Impact
Most renewable resources have low carbon emissions and low Non-renewable energy has a comparatively higher carbon
carbon footprint footprint and carbon emissions.
Cost
The upfront cost of renewable energy is high. – For instance,
Generating electricity using technologies running
Non-renewable energy has a comparatively lower upfront cost.
on renewable energy is costlier than generating it with fossil
fuels
Infrastructure Requirements

Infrastructure for harvesting renewable energy is prohibitively Cost-effective and accessible infrastructure is available for
expensive and not easily accessible in most countries. non-renewable energy across most countries
 Point Source of Pollution Non Point Source of Pollution

When pollutants are discharged from a The non-point sources include discharge of
specific location such as a drain pipe pollutants from diffused sources or from a
carrying industrial effluents discharged larger area such as runoff from agricultural
directly into a water body it represents fields, grazing lands, construction sites,
point source pollution. abandoned mines and pits, etc.
 Biotic Interaction Abiotic Interaction
✓ Biotic factors are living or once-living ✓ Abiotic factors refer to non-living physical
organisms in the ecosystem. and chemical elements in the ecosystem.
✓ These are obtained from the biosphere and ✓ Abiotic resources are usually obtained from
are capable of reproduction. the lithosphere, atmosphere, and
✓ Examples of biotic factors are animals, hydrosphere.
birds, plants, fungi, and other similar ✓ Examples of abiotic factors are water, air,
organisms. soil, sunlight, and minerals.
 Hibernation Aestivation
Also known as “winter sleep”. Also known as “summer sleep”.
Longer duration. Short duration.
Animals look for a warm place to sleep. Animals look for a moist, cool and shady place
to sleep.
It prevents any internal body damage due to It prevents excessive water loss and internal
low temperatures. body damage due to high temperatures.
Hibernation takes place in warm and cold- Aestivation takes place in cold-blooded
blooded animals like bats, mammals, birds. animals like snails, earthworms, frogs, etc.
 Solar PV Energy Solar Thermal Energy

Solar PV is based on the photovoltaic effect, by Solar thermal, on the other hand, uses sunlight to
which a photon (the basic unit of light) impacting heat a fluid (depending on the particular
a surface made of a special material generates application, it can be water or other fluid).
the release of an electron.

✓ They are incredibly efficient in summer time ✓ Solar thermal is more space efficient than PV
✓ They can’t freeze in winter time ✓ They can be up to 70% more efficient in
✓ They also cover the needs of appliances with collecting heat from sun rays than solar PV
high energy consumption, such as ✓ The technology itself is less complex than solar
refrigerator, dryer and so on. PV
✓ Perfect solution for heating up water
Bioethanol Biodiesel

Bioethanol is Biodiesel is an
derived from environmental
alcoholic friendly
fermentation of alternative liquid
sucrose or simple fuel that can be
sugars, which are used in any diesel
produced from engine without
biomass by modification.
hydrolysis
process.
Carrying Capacity Absorption
/ Assimilation Capacity
The carrying capacity of an environment is the The maximum amount of waste material that
maximum population size of a biological species can be naturally absorbed by
that can be sustained by that specific environment, the environment on a sustainable basis,
given the food, habitat, water, and other resources without causing environmental damage.
Lithosphere Continents, ocean floor,
rocks, sand, dust, metal,
brick, and asphalt
Hydrosphere Earth’s oceans, lakes, rivers,
groundwater, rain, and snow

Atmosphere Earth’s oxygen, nitrogen,

ozone, wind particles, and
other gases
Biosphere Earth’s living organisms such
as plants, humans, animals,
insects and microbes
Cryosphere All of the frozen water on
Earth: ice, glaciers, polar ice
caps,icebergs, sea ice
 Species Species Species
Richness Evenness Diversity
Species Species evenness is species diversity is
richness is a description of the the number of
simply the distribution of different species
number of abundance across (species richness)
species in a the species in a combined with the
community. community. relative abundance
Species evenness is of
highest when all individuals within
species in a sample each of
have the same those species in
abundance. a given area.
 In-situ Conservation Ex-Situ Conservation

It is the process of conserving all living species in It is the process of conserving all the living
their natural habitats and climate, particularly species in the artificial habitats that imitate their
the wild and endangered species. natural habitats.

This is the method of preserving an endangered

In this method, the natural ecosystem is
plant or animal species outside its natural
maintained and protected.
habitat.

It is appropriate for animals which are not

It is appropriate for abundantly found animals.
abundant.

Examples – Biosphere reserves, national parks, Examples – Aquariums, botanical gardens, zoos,
wildlife sanctuaries. Cryopreservation DNA banks.
 Cloud Fog Mist Haze Snow Sleet Hail Smog

Water Water Mist forms Haze is a When the Sleet occurs Hail is a The word
vapour that vapour that when the suspension temperatur when chunk of a "smog" is a
condenses condenses warm, of small, dry e between snowflakes ice that can combination
high in the close to the moist air particles in the ground melt into a fall during of the words
atmosphere earth suddenly the air. and the raindrop in thunderstor "smoke"
is called a surface is cools These clouds a wedge of ms. and "fog."
cloud. called fog because of particles are remains at warm air Unlike snow, Smog is a
or mist. cold too small to or below well above sleet, mixture of
Moisture in temperatur be seen or the freezing the ground freezing rain many
the fog is es. felt but mark (32 and then and graupel, pollutants,
from diminish degrees refreeze in a which occur mainly
nearby visibility. Fahrenheit), layer of in colder ground level
sources like precipitatio freezing air weather, ozone and
rivers, n will fall in just above hail is most fine
lakes, the form of the surface. common in particulate
marshes, or snow. warm matter.
the ocean. conditions.
 SDG (2015-2030) MDG (2000-2015)
The Sustainable Development Goals or The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Global Goals are a collection of 17 were eight international development goals for
interlinked global goals designed to be a the year 2015 that had been established
"blueprint to achieve a better and more following the Millennium Summit of the United
sustainable future for all". Nations in 2000, following the adoption of the
United Nations Millennium Declaration.
 Kyoto Protocol Paris Agreement

The Kyoto Protocol was established in 1997 The Paris Agreement was signed in 2015

The Kyoto Protocol primarily targeted industrialized The Paris Agreement required both developing
nations as they were considered the primary and developed nations to reduce their
emitters of greenhouse gases. Developing nations greenhouse emissions
were exempt from the Kyoto Protocol
The objective of the Kyoto Protocol was to reduce The objective of the Paris Agreement was to
greenhouse gases to 5.2%, below pre-1990 levels prevent the average global temperature from
rising more than 2 degrees Celsius above pre-
industrial levels
The Kyoto Protocol was aimed at 6 major greenhouse The Paris Agreement was focused on reducing all
gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, sulfur anthropogenic greenhouse gases
hexafluoride, HFCs, PFCs and nitrous oxide
The first phase of the Kyoto Protocol lasted until The goals of the Paris Agreement are to be
2012 achieved between 2015 and 2030
 Nagoya Protocol Cartagena Protocol
[Access and Benefit Sharing] [Biosafety]
This protocol, also known as Biodiversity The Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety was
Accord; saves the developing countries adopted in 2000 and it is a legally binding
from “foreign illegitimate protocol as part of CBD.
bioprospecting”. Is related to “Biosafety measures”, i.e. Biosafety
It addresses the problem source concerns related to import & export of Living
countries of genetic resources by Modified Organisms (LMOs) and commodities
recognizing their right to get a share in made from them.
benefits reaped by foreign
bioprospectors.
 Climate Adaption Climate Mitigation
It is the strategy to adjust with the climatic It is the strategy to reduce the impact of
change. climate change.

It is localised and region-specific It is global and not localized

These are long term strategies These are short term

It involves taking appropriate measures to It involves the reduction of emission of

prevent the effects of climate change. greenhouse gases.

The measures such as building flood barriers, The major measures include using new
effective utilization of water, development of technologies, clean energy resources, making
drought-resistant crops, etc. can be taken. older technologies more energy efficient.
 Global Climate Fund Climate Adaptation Fund Global Environmental Fund

✓ It is established under Kyoto ✓ Adaptation Fund (AF) was ✓ GEF has served as an operating
Protocol. established under the Kyoto entity of the financial mechanism
✓ The GCF was set up in 2010, during Protocol in 2001 and has since the Convention came into
Cancun Summit, under the committed US$ 532 million to force in 1994.
UNFCCC’s financial mechanism to climate adaptation and ✓ It is a private equity fund focused
channel funding from developed resilience activities. on seeking long term financial
countries to developing countries to ✓ It finances projects and returns by investments in clean
allow them to mitigate climate programmes that help energy under climate change.
change and also adapt to vulnerable communities in ✓ The GEF is jointly managed by
disruptions arising from a changing developing countries adapt to the United Nations Development
climate. climate change. Programme (UNDP), the World
✓ Developed countries have agreed to ✓ Initiatives are based on country Bank, and the United Nations
pay $100bn per year for climate needs, views and priorities. Environment Programme (UNEP).
mitigation under this fund.
 Salinisation of Soil Alkalisation of Soil
Soil salinity is the salt content in the soil; the The Alkaline or Alkali Soils are the soil with high pH value
process of increasing the salt content is (>9). It has a poor soil structure and low infiltration
known as salinization. capacity.
Salts occur naturally within soils and water. These types of soil have dominated presence of minerals
Salination can be caused by natural such as Sodium Carbonate which causes the soil to swell.
processes such as mineral weathering or by They are generally noticed in arid and semi-arid regions
the gradual withdrawal of an ocean. where there is low rainfall and high temperature causing
It can also come about through artificial intense evaporation.
processes such as irrigation and road salt. Gypsum (Calcium Sulphate, CaSO4.2H2O) is a
These are found in coastal and highly sedimentary mineral. It is very important for the
irrigated areas, arid and semi arid areas . treatment of alkaline soil
 Cloud Thinning Cloud Seeding

Cirrus clouds do not reflect a lot of solar radiation back into Cloud seeding is the process of
space, but because they form at high altitudes and cold spreading either dry ice or more
temperatures, they trap long-wave radiation and have a commonly, silver iodide aerosols,
climate impact similar to greenhouse gases. into the upper part of clouds to try to
Thinning cirrus clouds would be achieved by injecting ice stimulate the precipitation process
nuclei (such as dust) into regions where cirrus clouds form, and form rain. Cloud seeding uses
making the ice crystals bigger and reducing the cirrus optical planes to spray clouds with
depth. Thinning the clouds could allow more heat to escape chemicals to condense smaller
into space and thereby cool the planet. particles into larger rain droplets.
It is one of the Geo Engineering Methods.
 M sand/ Crushed Sand River Sand
River sand is naturally available and it is usually
The source of m sand is query and factory. excavated from the river bed or riverbank by
digging.
There is no wastage in m sand since sand is
The wastage is more as compared to crushed
already saved in the required size that is below
sand.
4.75 mm.
The setting time of concrete is comparatively
The concrete setting time of concrete is normal.
faster.
Environment damage is less as compared to river
It causes more damage to the environment.
sand.

It is cheaper than River sand. It is costlier than m sand.

The compressive strength and flexural strength of

Higher compressive strength and flexural
concrete made from natural sand are lower than
strength of concrete.
m sand.
 Soil Degradation Soil Reclamation
✓ Soil erosion refers to the removal of ✓ Soil Reclamation is the process
top soil which is considered to be most of reclaiming the soil's quality like lost
fertile. Soil erosion is a part of land fertility, minerals, nutrients and moisture
degradation. to make it fit for intensive use again.
✓ Soil degradation is the decline ✓ Some of the methods include-
in soil condition caused by its improper Phytoremediation, Bioremediation,
use or poor management, usually for Composting, Airsparging, etc
agricultural, industrial or urban purposes.
It is a serious environmental problem.
Carbon Carbon Carbon Carbon Carbon
Offsetting Neutrality Sequestration Trading Credits
A carbon offset is Carbon Carbon Carbon A carbon credit
a reduction in neutrality refers to sequestration is trading is the represents
emissions achieving net- the process of process of ownership of the
of carbon dioxide zero carbon dioxide capturing and buying and equivalent of one
or other emissions. storing selling permits metric ton of
greenhouse gases This can be done by atmospheric carb and credits tha carbon dioxide
made in order to balancing emissions on dioxide. t allow the that can be
compensate for of carbon dioxide It is one method permit holder traded, sold or
emissions made with its removal of reducing the to retired. If an
elsewhere. (often amount emit carbon di organization is
Offsets are through carbon offs of carbon dioxide oxide. regulated under a
measured in etting) or by in the atmosphere cap-and-trade
tonnes eliminating with the goal of system
of carbon dioxide emissions from reducing global
-equivalent society . climate change.
(CO2e).
 Carbon Tax Carbon Trade
Carbon tax is a fee imposed on the burning Carbon trading is an exchange of credits
of carbon-based fuels (coal, oil, gas). It is between nations designed to reduce
viewed as the core policy for reducing and emissions of carbon dioxide.
eventually eliminating the use of fossil fuels Carbon trading is also referred to as carbon
whose combustion is destabilizing and emissions trading. Carbon emissions trading
destroying our climate. accounts for most emissions trading.

Emission caps are not set by the government. Emission caps are set by the Government

Tax rates are decided by the government. Carbon credit rates are decided by the
markets.
 Estuary Lagoon Lake Delta
An estuary is a A lagoon is a shallow A lake is an area A Delta is a landform
partially enclosed body of water filled with water, that forms from
coastal body of separated from a localized in a basin, deposition of
brackish water with larger body of water surrounded by land, sediment carried by a
one or more rivers or by barrier islands or apart from any river river as the flow
streams flowing into reefs. Lagoons are or other outlet that leaves its mouth and
it, and with a free commonly divided serves to feed or enters slower-moving
connection to the into coastal lagoons drain the lake. or standing water.
open sea. and atoll lagoons.
 NGT CPCB
It was established by the Ministry of It was established in 1974.It was originally set up under the
Environment Forest and Climate Change provisions of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
(MoEFCC) through National Green Tribunal 1974. However, later, it assumed powers and functions under
Avt 2010. two more laws- Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act
1981 & Environment (Protection) Act 1986. So, CPCB derives
powers and functions from 3 Acts.
It is a specialised environmental tribunal of It is the apex organisation in the field of pollution control in
India. India.

It is a statutory + quasi-judicial body. It is only a statutory body.

Its order is executable as a decree of a Civil It has no power of a Civil Court unlike NGT.
Court.
The Chairperson of NGT is appointed by the The Chairman of the CPCB is appointed by the Appointments
Central Government in consultation with Committee of the Cabinet (ACC). His required qualification
Chief Justice of India. Chairperson shall either ranges from being a masters in science to an IAS officer to a
be a SC judge or a Chief Justice of a HC. person with practical field knowledge.
All The Best