31 Aug 2023 Kampala Declaration
This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Kampala Declaration”. The topic “Kampala Declaration” has relevance in the “Environment and Ecology” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
For Prelims:
What is the Kampala Declaration?
For Mains:
GS3: Environment and Ecology
Why in the news?
A total of 48 African nations have recently endorsed the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC).
Kampala Declaration:
- Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC) is co-hosted by the governments of Kenya and Uganda with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- The KDMECC is a pioneering initiative led by member states to effectively address the interconnected challenges of human mobility and climate change in Africa.
- It represents a practical and action-oriented framework aimed at dealing with climate-induced migration. The declaration’s expansion across the continent was a subject of discussion during a conference.
Significance:
- Africa stands as one of the most susceptible continents to the repercussions of climate change. The increasing occurrence and severity of extreme weather events directly impact migration patterns.
- Recent reports indicate that there were over 7.5 million new internal displacements due to disasters in the preceding year. If no substantial actions are taken, the number of internal migrants within Africa could soar to as high as 105 million individuals.
- Consequently, addressing the connection between human mobility, climate change, and environmental shifts has gained substantial global importance and urgency.
Climate Change Challenges:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Global emissions of greenhouse gases continued to escalate in 2022. Carbon dioxide levels reached 149% of pre-industrial levels, methane surged to 262% of pre-industrial levels, and nitrous oxide reached 124%.
- Global Mean Temperature: 2022 witnessed the planet being 1.15 ± 0.13 °C warmer than the pre-industrial average. This marked the eighth consecutive year of record warmth.
- Precipitation Patterns: Disparities in precipitation prevailed in 2022, with regions experiencing excessive rainfall while others faced deficits. Areas of above-normal precipitation included significant parts of Asia, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa.
- Ocean Heat Content: The atmosphere’s increasing GHG concentrations led to warming temperatures on land and in the oceans. Projections indicate a continuous ocean warming trajectory, irreversible on long time scales. In 2022, marine heatwaves impacted 58% of the ocean’s surface.
- Sea Level Rise: Global mean sea level persisted in its upward trend in 2022, rising approximately 3.4 ± 0.3 mm annually over the past three decades.
- Extreme Events: Escalating global temperatures contributed to more frequent and severe extreme weather incidents worldwide, encompassing heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and storms.
Global Impacts: Climate change consequences reverberated globally:
- Indian monsoons deviated from their usual timing.
- Northeast India faced both floods and dry spells.
- Pakistan encountered devastating floods affecting millions.
- Europe’s record temperatures triggered droughts and reduced river flows.
- North America and Australia battled extensive forest fires.
Recommendations and Way Forward: Addressing climate challenges requires substantial efforts, including:
- Investments in Resilience: Prioritising investments to bolster resilience, encompassing agricultural risk mitigation, food security, and the enhancement of warning systems against floods and cyclones.
- Review of Paris Targets: Reevaluation of the Paris Agreement’s voluntary targets to ensure they effectively restrict temperature escalation.
- COP28 and Progress Assessment: The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai will serve as a pivotal juncture to evaluate global progress under the Paris Agreement. The conference is expected to identify actions necessary to bridge existing gaps and enhance climate action worldwide.
Yojna daily current affairs eng med 31st August 2023
Q1. Which of the following correctly describe Kampala Declaration:
(a) An economic initiative focused on improving trade relations among African countries.
(b) A political alliance formed by African nations to counter global superpowers.
(c) A practical framework aimed at addressing the nexus of human mobility and climate change in Africa.
(d) A treaty focusing solely on wildlife conservation efforts in Africa
Answer: (c)
Q2. Consider the following counties:
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Ethiopia
- Kenya
- Democratic Republic of Congo
How many of the abovementioned countries share a land boundary with Uganda?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All Four
Answer: (c)
Q3. Examine the significance of the Kampala Ministerial Declaration on Migration, Environment, and Climate Change (KDMECC) in the context of Africa’s vulnerability to climate change.
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