Even as the high level committee formed by Modi government proposes a new Environment Loss Management Act, see this agenda for improving environmental governance submitted by Centre for Science and Environment.

As per analysis of the Washington DC-based global research organisation World Resources Institute (WRI) for 2011, China, comprising almost 20 per cent of the world’s population, was the world’s leading emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2), with 28 per cent emissions.

Different bodies are mandated to negotiate for different elements under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Some of the negotiating platforms relevant to the topic are discussed.

IIn 1987, the Montreal Protocol phased out the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) used as coolants in refrigeration and air conditioning. Unfortunately, the chemicals increasingly being deployed in their place, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are themselves exceptionally potent greenhouse gases.

IIn 1987, the Montreal Protocol phased out the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), an ozone-depleting substance (ODS) used as coolants in refrigeration and air conditioning. Unfortunately, the chemicals increasingly being deployed in their place, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are themselves exceptionally potent greenhouse gases.

In 2013, the Netherlands Environmental Agency (NEA) jointly with the European Commission (EC) published a report on global carbon emissions. One of the major highlights of the report was that 2012 was an exceptional year in terms of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

There has been evidence since 1950 of changes in climate extremes. Observed changes in climate extremes reflect the influence of anthropogenic climate change in addition to natural climate variability, with changes in exposure and vulnerability influenced by both climatic and nonclimatic factors.

According to the Consumer Electronics and Appliances Manufacturers Association, consumer electronics and appliances in India is a 45,000-crore-rupee industry. A report prepared by the association this year shows the Indian consumer electronics market grew at a compound annual rate of 13 per cent during 2003-13.

Black carbon is a component of soot, released during combustion, particularly incomplete combustion of fossil fuels or biomass. It is released when carbon is only partially combusted. The main sources of black carbon emissions are burning of biomass in inefficient cooking stoves, diesel emissions from the transport sector and from