Ozone Layer, Indias Climate Policies, Environmental Bodies

Flashcards about Environment & Ecology, Ozone Layer, India's Climate Policies, and Environmental Bodies.

What is the most common unit for measuring ozone concentration and how is it defined?

Dobson Unit - number of ozone molecules required to form a 0.01 mm thick layer at 0C and 1 atm.

Which layer of the atmosphere contains the highest concentration of ozone and at what altitude?

Stratosphere between 20-30 km above Earth.

Which compound group is considered the most harmful for ozone depletion and why?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) - chemically stable, thermally inert, and not scavenged by atmospheric processes.

What is the estimated atmospheric lifetime range of CFCs?

40 to 150 years.

Which compound was developed as an interim substitute for CFCs and still contributes to global warming?

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

How do Polar Stratospheric Clouds (PSCs) contribute to ozone depletion?

They provide substrates for reactions that free chlorine from HCl and chlorine nitrate, increasing Cl2.

Why is ozone depletion more pronounced in Antarctica than the Arctic?

Colder temperatures and longer-lasting polar vortex allow more PSC formation.

What is the role of sulfuric acid particles in ozone depletion?

They free chlorine and convert reactive nitrogen to inert forms, limiting chlorine reservoir formation.

Which global treaty was the first to address ozone depletion and what was its scope?

Vienna Convention (1985) promoted cooperation via research and observation, no binding targets.

Which treaty legally mandates the reduction of ozone-depleting substances and when was it signed?

Montreal Protocol signed in 1987, enforced in 1989.

Which UN body hosts the Ozone Secretariat?

UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.

What is the significance of the Kigali Amendment?

Legally binds countries to phase down HFCs to prevent 1C warming.

Which 2018 adjustment strengthened enforcement under the Montreal Protocol and why?

Quito Adjustment in response to unexpected CFC-11 emissions.

What is India's commitment under the Kigali Amendment?

Reduce HFCs by 85% of 2024-26 average levels by 2047, starting 2028.

As per Global Climate Risk Index 2021, where does India rank in vulnerability?

7th most vulnerable country.

Which Indian mission aims to sustain Himalayan ecosystem health?

National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem.

What is the objective of the National Mission for Sustainable Habitat?

Improve building efficiency, waste management, and urban emissions.

Which mission targets increased forest cover under NAPCC?

National Mission for Green India.

What is GRIHA and its purpose?

Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment - assesses green buildings' environmental performance.

Which mission under NAPCC deals with climate-proofing agriculture?

National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture.

What is the scope of the India Cooling Action Plan?

Phase out HFCs and improve cooling efficiency across sectors.

Which intergovernmental body launched by India promotes solar power growth?

International Solar Alliance launched at COP-21.

Where is the headquarters of the International Solar Alliance?

Gurugram, India.

What is the role of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)?

Establish minimum energy performance standards for new commercial buildings.

Which program provides green ratings for companies based on life-cycle parameters?

Greenco rating system by CII.

Which statutory body advises on animal welfare laws in India?

Animal Welfare Board of India.

Which body regulates and provides recognition to zoos in India?

Central Zoo Authority.

Which agency implements the Biological Diversity Act, 2002?

National Biodiversity Authority.

What is the function of Wildlife Crime Control Bureau?

Combat organized wildlife crime and enforce WPA, 1972.

Which scheme focuses on urban lake conservation?

National Lake Conservation Plan.

What is the apex body for monitoring Ganga river cleanup?

National Ganga Council (earlier NGRBA).

What is the implementation wing of the Ganga Council?

National Mission on Clean Ganga (NMCG).

What is the mandate of the Wildlife Trust of India?

Conserve endangered species and habitats in collaboration with communities.

Which institute under MoEF&CC trains wildlife managers?

Wildlife Institute of India.

Which body is responsible for plant taxonomy research in India?

Botanical Survey of India.

Which body is the apex for animal taxonomy in India?

Zoological Survey of India.

Which statutory board approves boundary changes in wildlife sanctuaries?

National Board for Wildlife chaired by the Prime Minister.

Which body conducts regular surveys of forest cover in India?

Forest Survey of India.

What scheme merges lake and wetland conservation?

National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems.

Which environmental tribunal functions in India and when was it set up?

National Green Tribunal (NGT) set up under NGT Act, 2010.

What is the unique feature of NGT in terms of legal procedure?

Not bound by Civil Procedure Code or Indian Evidence Act; guided by principles of natural justice.

Which 7 environmental laws fall under NGTs jurisdiction?

Water Act 1974, Water Cess Act 1977, Forest Act 1980, Air Act 1981, EPA 1986, Public Liability Insurance Act 1991, Biodiversity Act 2002.

Does NGT have jurisdiction over Wildlife Protection Act or Indian Forest Act?

No, NGT cannot hear cases under WPA 1972 or Indian Forest Act 1927.

Which state body advises MoEF on forest research?

Indian Council for Forest Research and Education (ICFRE).

Who pioneered the formation of the Animal Welfare Board of India?

Rukmini Devi Arundale.

What are the powers of NGT regarding environmental harm?

Can award relief, compensation, and restitution for environmental and property damage.

Which major penalty provisions are included in the NGT Act?

Up to 3 years imprisonment and/or fine up to 10 crore.

What is the structure of NGT benches?

Each bench includes at least one Judicial and one Expert member.

What distinguishes India's NGT globally?

First developing country and third globally to establish a dedicated environmental tribunal.

Which international report tracks ozone recovery progress under the Vienna Convention?

Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion by WMO and UNEP.

Which body under the MoEF&CC implements the Eco-sensitive Zone guidelines?

State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA).