Environmental Security in India – Contemporary Challenges and Policies [UGC NTA NET Political Science Notes]

Environmental security refers to the safeguarding of the environment to prevent degradation. It also examines how environmental issues can threaten national and global security. This concept marks the interconnectedness of environmental health with economic stability, social cohesion, and political stability.

Key Concepts

• Interconnectedness: Environmental issues are not isolated; they impact economic and social systems.
• Resource Scarcity: Limited resources, such as water and arable land, can lead to conflicts.
• Climate Change: Changes in climate affect weather patterns, food security, and population displacement.

Major Environmental Issues in India

1. Climate Change

• Rising global temperatures threaten agricultural productivity.
• Increased frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and floods, disrupt communities.
• Food security is jeopardised as changing climates affect crop yields.

2. Water Security

• Freshwater scarcity is a pressing concern in many regions.
• Transboundary water disputes, such as those between India and Pakistan over the Indus River, create tensions.
• Pollution of rivers, like the Ganga, affects public health and livelihoods.

3. Biodiversity Loss

• Urbanisation and industrialisation lead to habitat destruction.
• Species extinction poses a threat to ecosystem balance.
• Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem services, such as pollination and water purification.

4. Pollution

• Air, water, and soil pollution impact public health.
• Industrial waste management remains a major challenge.
• Plastic pollution adversely affects marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

5. Natural Disasters

• Environmental degradation increases vulnerability to natural disasters.
• Effective disaster preparedness and response strategies are essential.

Global Frameworks and Agreements

Several international frameworks aim to address environmental security:

• Paris Agreement (2015): An international treaty focused on limiting global warming.
• United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 13 addresses climate action; Goal 15 focuses on life on land.
• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Aims to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable resource use.

India’s Environmental Security Challenges

India faces unique environmental security challenges:

• Air Quality: Major cities, including Delhi, suffer from severe air pollution.
• Water Scarcity: Over-extraction of groundwater and river pollution threaten water supplies.
• Deforestation: Loss of forest cover affects biodiversity and indigenous communities.
• Climate Vulnerability: Coastal areas are at risk from rising sea levels; agriculture is impacted by erratic monsoons.

Policy Responses

The Government of India has implemented various policies to address environmental security:

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Comprises eight missions focusing on solar energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable habitat.
• Swachh Bharat Mission: Aims to improve sanitation and waste management across the country.
• National Biodiversity Action Plan: Focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.

Security Implications of Environmental Issues

Environmental challenges have security implications:

• Internal Conflicts: Resource scarcity can lead to social unrest and conflict within communities.
• Migration: Environmental degradation may force people to migrate, creating security challenges in urban areas.
• International Relations: Environmental issues can strain diplomatic relations, especially over shared resources.

Case Studies

Examining specific case studies provides insight into the impact of environmental security challenges:

1. Sundarbans

• The Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem is severely affected by climate change.
• Rising sea levels and increased salinity threaten local communities and biodiversity.

2. Kashmir Water Dispute

• The Kashmir region experiences tensions between India and Pakistan over water resources from the Indus River system.
• Disputes over water allocation can escalate into larger geopolitical conflicts.