SYLLABUS SECTION: GS III (ENVIRONT AND TECHNOLOGY)
WHY IN THE NEWS?
A new study has flagged emerging threats that could have a major impact on marine biodiversity over the next 5-10 years. The study also speaks about the negative impacts of green technology adoption that must not be ignore.
IMPACT OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY
- With increased public pressure against marine plastic pollution,
- There has been an attempt to replace fossil fuel-based plastic with biodegradable polymers,
- Such the ‘biodegradable plastic bags’ made of plant starches.
- These materials do not biodegrade under natural conditions in the ocean and their widespread adoption can cause marine litter as well through the impact of green technology.
- Their long-term impact on the environment remains unknown, they can lead to a fresh set of problems.
- Growing demand for renewable energy technology,
- Such as lithium batteries for electric cars, also pose a potential threat to marine ecology.
- Deep sea ‘brine pools’ of more saline water, contain higher concentrations of lithium and could become future sites for extraction.
OTHER CHALLENGES
1)Overfishing:
- Overfishing has already been recognize as an immediate problem, with the WTO calling for the prohibition of subsidies towards those engaging in fishing of overfished stocks.
2) Horizon scanning
- It is a technique which seeks to identify novel but poorly known issues that are likely to become important consequences over the next decade.
- This methodology is meant to primarily act as signposts, putting focus on particular issues and providing support for researchers and practitioners to seek investment in these areas before they have a major impact.
Read more:Â UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS
SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS