Daily Current Affairs : 29-July-2023
In recent times, Sikkim has gained widespread media attention for its unwavering commitment to becoming a carbon-negative state. As part of its ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ program, the state undertakes the remarkable task of planting 100 saplings for every newborn, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon negativity. This initiative aligns with India’s target of achieving Net Zero by 2070, showcasing Sikkim’s determination to contribute significantly to the fight against climate change.
Understanding Carbon Negativity:
Carbon negativity goes beyond the concept of merely reducing carbon emissions. It represents an active commitment to remove more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than is produced. By doing so, Sikkim aims to counter the adverse effects of greenhouse gas accumulation and make a substantial contribution to mitigating climate change.
Ways to Achieve Carbon Negativity:
- Afforestation and Reforestation:
- Planting trees on a massive scale helps absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and store it in the biomass.
- Sikkim’s ambitious initiative to plant 100 saplings for each newborn aligns with this goal and aids in expanding the state’s forest cover.
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) from Industries:
- Capturing carbon emissions from industrial processes and storing them prevents their release into the atmosphere.
- Implementing CCS technologies in industries can significantly reduce Sikkim’s carbon footprint.
- Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS):
- Utilizing bioenergy sources, such as biomass, which naturally absorbs CO2 as it grows, and then storing its emissions, helps offset carbon emissions.
- BECCS can play a vital role in achieving carbon negativity in Sikkim.
- Enhanced Weathering through Mineral Spreading:
- The use of certain minerals in powder form can accelerate carbon capture from the air through enhanced weathering.
- This innovative approach can complement other carbon reduction efforts in the state.
- Soil Carbon Sequestration:
- Implementing better soil practices in agriculture allows the soil to absorb and store carbon, effectively sequestering it.
- Soil Carbon Sequestration is an essential strategy for achieving carbon negativity in agricultural areas.
Benefits of Sikkim’s Carbon-Negative Stance:
- Health Benefits:
- By reducing carbon emissions and air pollutants, Sikkim enhances public health and reduces the prevalence of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
- Cleaner air positively impacts residents’ well-being, leading to longer life expectancy and an improved quality of life.
- Tourism Potential:
- Sikkim’s carbon-negative status enhances its appeal as a nature-loving tourist destination, attracting eco-conscious travelers.
- This sustainable approach fosters a greener society and creates a unique selling point for eco-tourism, boosting the state’s economy and generating employment opportunities in the tourism sector.
- National Inspiration:
- Sikkim’s success in achieving carbon negativity serves as an inspiration to other states and nations.
- It demonstrates that ambitious environmental goals can be accomplished with political will, community involvement, and innovative programs.
- Other regions can learn from Sikkim’s achievements and replicate or adapt similar eco-friendly initiatives to address their own environmental challenges.
Important Points:
- Sikkim’s ‘Mero Rukh Mero Santati’ program aims to plant 100 saplings for every newborn, with the goal of becoming a carbon-negative state.
- Carbon-negative means actively removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than is produced.
- Achieving carbon negativity involves afforestation, reforestation, carbon capture from industries, BECCS, enhanced weathering, and soil carbon sequestration.
- Benefits of Sikkim’s carbon-negative stance include improved public health due to reduced air pollutants, enhanced tourism potential, and serving as a national inspiration for other states and nations.
- Sikkim’s carbon-negative status makes it an appealing nature-loving tourist destination, attracting environmentally conscious travelers.
- The state’s success demonstrates that ambitious environmental goals can be achieved with political will, community involvement, and innovative programs.
- Sikkim’s commitment to carbon negativity aligns with India’s target of achieving Net Zero by 2070.
- Carbon negativity involves going beyond carbon emissions reduction and actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
- Strategies like afforestation, BECCS, and soil carbon sequestration are key to achieving carbon negativity.
- Sikkim’s efforts contribute significantly to combating climate change and reversing the adverse effects of greenhouse gas accumulation.
- The health benefits of reduced air pollutants positively impact residents’ well-being, leading to an increase in life expectancy and overall quality of life.
- Sikkim’s success in becoming carbon negative can inspire other states to adopt similar eco-friendly initiatives to address their unique environmental challenges.
Why In News
Recently, Sikkim’s remarkable efforts in reforestation and sustainable practices have positioned it as a pioneering model for other states aspiring to achieve carbon neutrality. The government’s commitment to environmental preservation and community engagement has been a driving force in their journey towards becoming a carbon-negative region, setting a shining example for the world to follow.
MCQs about Sikkim’s Carbon-Negative Journey
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What does “carbon negative” mean?
A. Reducing carbon emissions from industries.
B. Removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
C. Planting trees and increasing forest cover.
D. Absorbing carbon dioxide in the ground through soil practices.
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Which of the following is NOT a way to achieve carbon negativity?
A. Afforestation and reforestation.
B. Carbon capture from industries.
C. Increased use of fossil fuels.
D. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS).
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What are the benefits of Sikkim’s carbon-negative stance?
A. Boosting industrial growth.
B. Improving public health.
C. Attracting more air pollution.
D. Reducing tourism potential.
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What can other states learn from Sikkim’s success?
A. Ambitious environmental goals are unattainable.
B. Political will and community involvement are unnecessary.
C. Innovative eco-friendly initiatives are ineffective.
D. Environmental goals can be achieved with the right approach.
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