Environmental geography is an integral part of the UPSC Prelims syllabus, gaining prominence due to growing environmental challenges. The section interconnects geography, ecology, and environmental science, making it essential for aspirants to understand these topics comprehensively.
Ecology and Ecosystems
Ecology and ecosystems form the backbone of environmental geography. UPSC frequently tests aspirants on the following topics:
- Types of Ecosystems: Ecosystems are classified into terrestrial (forests, grasslands, deserts) and aquatic (freshwater and marine). Each type has unique characteristics and species.
- Food Chains and Webs: Study the flow of energy through trophic levels, primary producers, consumers, and decomposers. Understand concepts like biomagnification and ecological efficiency.
- Energy Pyramid: The pyramid demonstrates energy loss at each trophic level, highlighting the importance of producers in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Biodiversity and Conservation
Biodiversity plays a critical role in sustaining life on Earth. Aspirants must focus on the following:
- Biodiversity Hotspots: India has four hotspots—Himalayas, Western Ghats, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland. These regions are rich in endemic species but are under threat.
- Endangered Species: Learn about endangered flora and fauna, such as the Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, and Nilgiri Tahr. Study their conservation status as per the IUCN Red List.
- Conservation Methods: Key methods include setting up national parks (e.g., Jim Corbett National Park), wildlife sanctuaries (e.g., Kaziranga), and biosphere reserves (e.g., Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve).
- Conservation Projects: Project Tiger and Project Elephant are significant government initiatives aimed at protecting flagship species.
Climate Change
Climate change is a pressing global issue, making it an important topic for UPSC. Key areas include:
- Causes of Climate Change:
- Anthropogenic activities such as deforestation, industrial emissions, and vehicular pollution.
- Natural factors like volcanic eruptions and solar variations.
- Impacts of Climate Change: Rising sea levels, glacial retreat, more frequent extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss.
- Global Protocols and Conventions: Study international agreements aimed at combating climate change:
- Kyoto Protocol: Focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through binding targets for developed countries.
- Paris Agreement: Aims to limit global temperature rise to below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
Pollution and Environmental Degradation
Pollution and its adverse effects on ecosystems and human health are frequently discussed in UPSC exams. Important subtopics include:
- Air Pollution: Caused by emissions from industries, vehicles, and burning of fossil fuels. Learn about pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, and ozone.
- Water Pollution: Arises from untreated industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and household waste. Study eutrophication and waterborne diseases.
- Soil Pollution: Degradation caused by excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Noise Pollution: Impact of urbanization and industrialization on human health, including hearing loss and stress-related issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity is vital for ecosystem stability, providing resources like food, medicine, and raw materials. It also helps in maintaining ecological balance.
Q2. What are biodiversity hotspots?
Biodiversity hotspots are regions with high species richness and endemism but are under significant threat due to habitat loss. India has four hotspots.
Q3. How does the Paris Agreement address climate change?
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2°C by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development.
Q4. What is the energy pyramid in ecology?
The energy pyramid represents energy transfer between trophic levels, showing energy loss as it moves up the levels from producers to consumers.
Q5. How does pollution affect human health?
Pollution leads to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, waterborne illnesses, and mental stress due to noise pollution.
