Lesson 2. Climate Change: Science, Impacts, and Global Governance

This dynamic topic integrates hard science with current affairs and international relations. The scientific foundation requires a clear understanding of the greenhouse effect, distinguishing it from global warming, and knowing the key Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)—their sources, Global Warming Potential (GWP), and lifetime in the atmosphere (e.g., CO2 vs. CH4 vs. HFCs). Concepts like carbon footprint, carbon budget, and carbon sequestration (natural and artificial) are crucial. The impacts must be studied regionally and globally: melting glaciers and polar ice caps, sea-level rise, ocean acidification, changes in precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events. The core of this topic lies in global governance: a chronological and substantive understanding of the UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol (mechanisms like CDM), Paris Agreement (NDCs, Global Stocktake, 1.5/2°C goal), and recent COPs (Conference of Parties). India’s national response via the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and its eight missions, along with newer initiatives like the National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC) and LiFE Mission, is vital.

Additional Resources: The annual UNEP Emissions Gap Report and IPCC Assessment Reports (AR6 Synthesis Report is key) provide authoritative scientific data and scenarios. Follow summaries of recent COP outcomes from reliable sources like Down To Earth magazine or The Hindu’s analysis. The MoEFCC website houses India’s official communications and NDC updates to the UNFCCC.