UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative for the practice of Mains answer writing. It covers essential topics of static and dynamic parts of the UPSC Civil Services syllabus covered under various GS papers. This answer-writing practice is designed to help you as a value addition to your UPSC CSE Mains. Attempt today’s answer writing on questions related to topics of GS-3 to check your progress.

Discuss the implications of marine ocean heat waves (MHWs). Analyse their impact on marine ecosystems, climate patterns, and global weather phenomena. Suggest potential measures to mitigate these effects.

Examine India’s strategy to increase coal production and its potential impact on energy security and economic growth. Discuss the environmental implications of this approach and propose sustainable alternatives to meet India’s energy needs.

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

— Underlining keywords gives you an edge over other candidates and enhances presentation of the answer.

— Using flowcharts/tree-diagram in the answers saves much time and boosts your score. However, it should be used logically and only where it is required.

Way forward/ conclusion

— The ending of the answer should be on a positive note and it should have a forward-looking approach. However, if you feel that an important problem must be highlighted, you may add it in your conclusion. Try not to repeat any point from body or introduction.

— You may use the findings of reports or surveys conducted at national and international levels, quotes etc. in your answers.

Self Evaluation

— It is the most important part of our Mains answer writing practice. UPSC Essentials will provide some guiding points or ideas as a thought process that will help you to evaluate your answers.

QUESTION 1: Discuss the implications of rising marine heat waves (MHWs). Analyse their impact on marine ecosystems, climate patterns, and global weather phenomena. Suggest potential measures to mitigate these effects.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— A marine heatwave is a period of abnormally high ocean temperatures that is distinguished by its duration and intensity. Sea surface temperature is one of the most popular measurements used by scientists to determine the temperature of the ocean.

— Marine Heat Waves (MHWs) are defined as anomalous warming of ocean waters. In recent years, global warming has increased the frequency and intensity of MHWs.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

Impact of Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)

— Warmer sea-surface temperatures and lower ocean mixing in the Pacific have a long-term impact on fish reproductive, geographic range, migration patterns, and food availability.

— During marine heatwaves, several marine species have been found to migrate further north as their warm water habitat expands.

— Marine heatwaves can deplete the water’s oxygen and nutrients. Certain algae species can thrive in a warm upper ocean. When these algae grow rapidly, they produce algal blooms. Warmer oceans overall are causing greater eddy currents.

— Warmer oceans may appear to be beneficial, especially for swimmers and surfers. However, severe fisheries reductions and toxic algal blooms caused by marine heatwaves have the ability to disrupt or even shut down commercial or recreational fishing for specific species. This can result in financial losses for the tourism and fisheries businesses.

Potential measures to mitigate MHWs effects

— To reduce ocean warming and mitigate the effects of MHWs by increasing ocean resilience.

— To meet the Paris Agreement’s goals, governments must invest in nature-based solutions while also aggressively decreasing emissions from fossil fuels.

— Funding agencies and governments must increase research capacity to track MHWs, analyse their effects, and forecast future heatwaves.

— To ensure a coordinated response, local management agencies should promote awareness among all stakeholders and create forecasting systems.

— Creating and safeguarding marine protected areas to serve as refuges for coral, kelp, and seagrass species, as well as implementing catch control or fishing regulations to assist prevent economic losses caused by MHWs.

Conclusion:

— The “twilight zone” of the oceans ranges from 200 to 1,000 metres. Extreme temperature variations in the twilight zone are also a source of concern, as many fish species and plankton live here. The twilight zone is not only threatened by the heat and cold provided by eddies, but also by planktons, which are the base of the oceanic food chain and a food supply for smaller species.

(Source: Why researchers studied marine heat waves more than 200m below the ocean surface, climateadapt.ucsd.edu, iucn.org)

Points to Ponder

What is the Paris agreement?

What is the twilight zone in the oceans?

Related Previous Year Questions

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? (2023)

What is oil pollution? What are its impacts on the marine ecosystem? In what way is oil pollution particularly harmful for a country like India? (2023)

QUESTION 2: Examine India’s strategy to increase coal production and its potential impact on energy security and economic growth. Discuss the environmental implications of this approach and propose sustainable alternatives to meet India’s energy needs.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— According to a first-of-its-kind assessment by environmental think-tank iForest, India will need more than a trillion dollars, or ~84 lakh crore at present rates, to move away from coal mining and thermal power plants in the next 30 years.

— According to the latest report, these expenses will primarily be needed to shut down mines that generate 1,315 million tonnes of coal annually and phase out coal-based thermal power facilities with a capacity of 237.2 gigawatts.

— A major change in the nation’s energy environment is being brought about by the Ministry of Coal, which is leading a revolutionary push to decrease coal imports and increase coal exports. This calculated action is to boost domestic coal production, fortify energy security, and encourage the coal industry’s expansion.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in the body of your answer:

— In 2023-24, India’s coal production increased by 11.65 per cent, indicating the government’s dedication to independence.

— To take advantage of the rising demand for coal worldwide, the government is aggressively encouraging coal exports in addition to lowering imports. Through income generation and job creation in the coal industry, this effort seeks to establish India as a major player in the global coal market.

— The nation may lessen its reliance on imported coal and protect itself from changes in world prices by using more coal generated domestically.

— More coal will be produced and exported, which will boost the economy, create jobs, and bring in money for the government. Furthermore, less reliance on imports will contribute to the preservation of foreign exchange reserves.

Sustainable alternatives to meet India’s energy needs

— The study classified the transition expenses into two categories: green energy costs and non-energy costs. Green energy expenditures accounted for 52% of total costs, including the cost of establishing green energy facilities, repowering existing thermal power plants with alternative sources of power, and upgrading the electricity system.

— Non-energy expenditures account for around 48% of the transition costs, including “just transition costs,” which relate to assisting coal-dependent people and communities in finding alternative livelihoods, as well as the costs of economic diversification, which can lead to the creation of green jobs.

— Millions of Indians have profited from solar energy-based applications that provide environmentally benign energy for cooking, lighting, and other uses.

— India has a steady wind supply, particularly in the Southern, Western, and North Western regions, India has the fourth-largest wind-generating capacity in the world.

— For India, biomass has also been a vital energy source. It is carbon-neutral, widely accessible, renewable, and has the potential to provide a sizable number of jobs in rural regions.

— India has gradually separated greenhouse gas emissions from economic growth. For instance, Indian Railways alone would cut emissions by 60 million tonnes a year by achieving its Net Zero Emissions goal by 2030. Similarly, India is cutting emissions by 40 million tonnes a year thanks to the big UJALA LED bulb initiative.

Conclusion:

— In addition to cutting imports, the government is actively encouraging coal exports to capitalise on rising worldwide demand for the fossil fuel. This effort intends to establish India as a prominent player in the global coal industry, generating income and providing job opportunities in the sector.

— Currently, coal contributes to around 55 per cent of India’s commercial energy demand, with coal-based thermal power plants generating more than 70 per cent of electricity. Furthermore, these two industries employ a big number of people directly and indirectly in many districts across India, and they play an important part in the growth and development of these districts.

(Source: India needs over a trillion dollars in 30 years to move away from coal mining and power: Study by Nikhil Ghanekar, pib.gov.in)

Points to Ponder

Renewable energy in India

Challenges in implementing solar and wind energy capacity

Related Previous Year Questions

Environmental Impact Assessment studies are increasingly undertaken before a project is cleared by the Government. Discuss the environmental impacts of coal-fired thermal plants located at coal pitheads. (2014)

What are the consequences of Illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forests’ concept of GO AND NO GO zones for coal mining sector. (2013)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 73)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 72)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 73)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 72)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 72)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 73)

Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week.

Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.