UPSC Express

GHG Emissions in Cities

• According to the Global Carbon Project, the biggest emitters in 2018 are China, the U.S., EU, India and Russia.
• India is set to be the 4^rd highest contributor with a projected emissions rise of 6.3% in 2018 compared to 2017.

Effect of CO2 emissions

• Carbon dioxide is a major green house gas.
• Carbon dioxide traps the long-wave radiation from the earth’s surface and creates an atmospheric layer that prevents earth from cooling at night.
• CO2 also causes warming of ocean waters and higher water temperatures compromise the oceans’ ability to absorb carbon dioxide.
• Carbon dioxide also causes acid rain.
• Emissions combine with moisture in the air and results in precipitation with a high acid content called acid rain.

Impact of GHG Emissions in general

• Rising temperatures due to greenhouse effect
• Growth of Urban Heat Island
• Increasing incidents of Heat waves
• Rising air pollution
• Sea-level rise
• Degradation of Coral reefs
• Arctic sea could disappear in summers.
• Shrinking of Permafrost
• Reduced crop yields
• Extinction of species driving loss of biodiversity

Actions to reduce vehicular emissions

• Implementation of BS VI fuel and emission standards.
• Expand CNG programme.
• Boost the production of Electric Vehicles
• Introduce battery operated vehicles in targeted segments of two-wheelers, three-wheelers and buses.
• Tighten PUC norms for post-2000 vehicles.

Strategies to reduce vehicle numbers on roads

• Improve Public transport.
• Augment the service of Metro for carrying more passengers
• BRTS to be implemented in targeted high frequency routes.
• Fare integration and common ticketing by introducing common mobility cards.
• Prepare and implement zonal plans for developing a Non-motorized transport network.
• Parking policy to reduce congestion and pollution.
• Traffic management: Introduce early alarm system during traffic congestion.