Climate Change / Greenhouse Effect — UPSC Mains Model Answer

Short-wave solar radiation penetrates the atmosphere largely unimpeded and is absorbed by the Earth's surface, warming it. The surface re-emits this energy as long-wave infrared radiation, which greenhouse gases — primarily water vapour, carbon dioxide, and methane — absorb and re-radiate, maintaining a surface temperature conducive to life. Without this natural effect, Earth's average temperature would be significantly below freezing.

Industrial activity, large-scale deforestation, and intensive agriculture have sharply elevated concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide beyond pre-industrial baselines. This enhanced greenhouse effect traps additional infrared radiation, driving global mean temperature rise, altered precipitation patterns, and accelerated glacial retreat. The IPCC has consistently attributed observed warming predominantly to human-induced emissions.

India's commitments under the Paris Agreement — including enhanced Nationally Determined Contributions targeting reduced emissions intensity and expanded renewable energy capacity — reflect a dual obligation to development and climate responsibility. Domestic instruments such as the Energy Conservation Act amendments and the carbon credit trading framework operationalise these commitments at the sectoral level.

Translating international commitments into sub-national action remains constrained by financing deficits, technology transfer barriers, and institutional capacity limitations. Effective climate governance requires integrating greenhouse gas accounting into district-level planning, aligning fiscal incentives with low-carbon transitions, and ensuring climate literacy among frontline administrators.