Environment and Ecology has become one of the most important subjects in UPSC examination. With increasing focus on climate change and sustainable development, this subject features prominently across all stages of the exam. This guide covers essential environmental current affairs for 2025.
Importance of Environment in UPSC
Prelims: 10-15 questions covering diverse environmental topics Mains GS-III: Dedicated section on environment, ecology, biodiversity, and disaster management Essay: Environmental themes are increasingly common Interview: Environmental awareness is expected from future administrators
Key Environmental Topics 2025
1. Climate Change and India
India's Commitments: - Net Zero by 2070 - 500 GW renewable capacity by 2030 - 50% energy from renewables by 2030 - 1 billion tonnes carbon sink through forests
Current Developments: - COP outcomes and India's position - Climate finance negotiations - Loss and damage fund - National adaptation strategies
2. Renewable Energy
Solar Power: - PM KUSUM scheme progress - Rooftop solar expansion - Solar park developments - International Solar Alliance initiatives
Other Renewables: - Wind energy capacity - Green hydrogen mission - Biofuels policy - Small hydro projects
3. Biodiversity Conservation
Protected Areas: - New national parks and sanctuaries - Tiger reserve expansions - Ramsar sites additions - UNESCO World Heritage sites
Species Conservation: - Project Tiger updates - Project Elephant - Endangered species recovery - Human-wildlife conflict
4. Pollution Control
Air Quality: - National Clean Air Programme - Graded Response Action Plan - Stubble burning solutions - Industrial emissions control
Water Quality: - Namami Gange progress - River rejuvenation projects - Groundwater management - Wetland conservation
Waste Management: - Plastic Waste Management Rules - E-waste regulations - Extended Producer Responsibility - Circular economy initiatives
5. Forest Conservation
Key Developments: - Forest Conservation Act amendments - Compensatory afforestation - Community forest rights - Agroforestry promotion
Challenges: - Forest fires - Encroachment issues - Mining in forest areas - Infrastructure vs conservation
6. Environmental Governance
Important Bodies: - National Green Tribunal verdicts - MoEFCC policies - State pollution control boards - Environmental Impact Assessment
Recent Changes: - EIA notification amendments - Forest clearance process - Wildlife clearances - Coastal regulation zone
International Environmental Affairs
Key Forums: - UNFCCC and COP meetings - Convention on Biological Diversity - CITES regulations - Montreal Protocol updates
India's Role: - LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) initiative - International Solar Alliance leadership - Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure - Global Biofuels Alliance
Creating Environment Notes
Topic-wise Organization:
Climate Change: - Causes and effects - Mitigation and adaptation - India's NDCs - International negotiations
Biodiversity: - Hotspots and protected areas - Important species - Conservation programs - Threats and challenges
Pollution: - Types and sources - Health impacts - Control measures - Government initiatives
Using NewsbookAI for Environment
NewsbookAI categorizes environmental news for easy tracking: - Climate and weather updates - Wildlife and biodiversity news - Pollution and public health - Government environmental policies
This helps you stay updated without missing important developments.
Connecting Environment with Other Subjects
Environment + Economy: Green growth, carbon pricing, sustainable development Environment + Polity: Environmental laws, NGT, constitutional provisions Environment + IR: Climate diplomacy, environmental treaties Environment + Geography: Climate patterns, natural resources
Mains Answer Writing for Environment
Structure: 1. Define the environmental issue 2. Current status and data 3. Causes and impacts 4. Government response 5. Challenges in implementation 6. Way forward
Example Question: "Examine India's progress towards achieving its climate commitments. What are the challenges and opportunities?" (250 words)
Key Points: - NDC targets overview - Progress on renewables - Challenges: coal dependence, financing, technology - Opportunities: green jobs, energy security - International cooperation - Balanced conclusion
Important Environmental Data
Know These Numbers: - Forest cover percentage - Renewable energy capacity - Air quality index levels - Number of protected areas - Tiger population trends - Carbon emission figures
Government Schemes to Know
- National Action Plan on Climate Change (8 missions) - National Clean Air Programme - Namami Gange - National Mission for Green India - National Biodiversity Mission - Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Ignoring Updates: Environmental policies change frequently 2. Missing Connections: Environment links with all subjects 3. No Data: Support answers with facts and figures 4. Western Bias: Focus on India's context and challenges 5. Missing Governance: Know institutional frameworks
Conclusion
Environment and Ecology requires both conceptual understanding and current affairs awareness. Climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution are defining challenges of our time, and UPSC expects aspirants to understand them deeply. Use NewsbookAI to track environmental news daily, maintain topic-wise notes, and practice connecting environmental issues with governance and policy. Your environmental awareness reflects your readiness to be a responsible administrator.
