CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
The Surat Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) stands as a pioneering initiative, marking the world’s first market-driven system aimed specifically at curbing particulate air pollution. Implemented in 2019, this innovative approach positions India at the forefront of using economic tools to tackle environmental challenges.
About An Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
An Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) often referred to as a "cap-and-trade" system is a regulatory strategy used to limit pollution levels through market-based incentives. The primary objective is to control and gradually reduce emissions by assigning a fixed upper limit (cap) on the amount of pollutants that industries can emit.
Here’s how it works:
The government or environmental authority sets a total cap on emissions across specific industries or regions.
Companies are issued emission permits or allowances representing the right to release a certain amount of pollution.
If a company emits less than its allotted limit, it can sell its surplus permits to firms that exceed their caps.
This creates a financial incentive for businesses to invest in cleaner technologies, as reducing pollution becomes economically beneficial.
The cap is usually reduced over time, ensuring a gradual decrease in overall emissions and promoting sustainable industrial practices.
The Significance Of Surat’s ETS
What sets the Surat ETS apart is its exclusive focus on particulate matter (PM) microscopic solid or liquid particles suspended in the air which poses a major threat to public health and environmental quality.
Key highlights of the scheme include:
First of its kind globally - While emissions trading has been implemented in various countries for carbon dioxide (CO?) and greenhouse gases, Surat’s scheme is the first to target particulate pollution, making it a global model.
India’s first emissions market - This is also India’s first real-time pollution market for any type of pollutant.
Target sector - The pilot project focused on 342 industrial units, primarily in the textile industry, which is a major contributor to particulate pollution in the region. These units typically use high-emission fuels such as coal, lignite, and diesel.
Collaborative effort - The program was designed and implemented through a partnership involving the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL), the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), and Yale University.
Surat ETS Matters
Health Impact - Particulate pollution (especially PM2.5 and PM10) is linked to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and premature deaths. Controlling this pollution improves public health.
Economic Efficiency - By allowing industries to trade permits, the scheme ensures that pollution control is achieved at the lowest possible economic cost.
Replicable Model - Success in Surat could encourage replication of the ETS model in other cities and for other pollutants, strengthening India’s overall environmental regulatory framework.
Data-Driven Approach - The use of continuous emission monitoring systems (CEMS) ensures real-time pollution tracking and enhances transparency in enforcement.
Moving Forward
The Surat ETS exemplifies how market mechanisms can be used to address complex environmental problems while fostering industrial accountability. As the program evolves, there is significant potential for scaling it across India and adapting it for different pollutants, further cementing India’s leadership in innovative environmental governance.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
