Climate Change Indicators and EIA for Thermal Power Projects

Define Global Warming and Its Indicators

Definition:

1. Global warming is the long-term increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature.
2. It is mainly caused by human activities that release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.
3. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and intensify the greenhouse effect.

Indicators of global warming:

1. Rising global temperatures, with recent years being the warmest on record.
2. Melting of glaciers and polar ice caps in Greenland and Antarctica.
3. Reduction in Arctic sea ice extent and thickness.
4. Sea level rise due to melting ice and thermal expansion of seawater.
5. Increase in ocean heat content as oceans absorb more heat.
6. Changes in weather patterns, including more frequent heatwaves, droughts, and floods.
7. Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like cyclones, hurricanes, and wildfires.

Effects of Global Warming on Biodiversity

1. Global warming alters temperature and rainfall patterns, affecting natural habitats.
2. Many plant and animal species shift their geographical ranges to cooler regions or higher altitudes.
3. Species that cannot adapt or migrate face a high risk of extinction.
4. Melting of polar ice reduces habitats for polar species such as polar bears and seals.
5. Rising sea levels destroy coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands.
6. Increased ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching, leading to loss of marine biodiversity.
7. Changes in flowering and breeding seasons disrupt food chains and species interactions.
8. Global warming encourages the spread of invasive species that threaten native biodiversity.
9. Forest fires and droughts increase due to warming, destroying large areas of forests and wildlife habitats.
10. Overall, global warming disrupts ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and weakens ecosystem services essential for life on Earth.

Global Climate Change Indicators

1. Rising global temperatures indicate a continuous increase in the Earth’s average surface temperature.
2. Melting of glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica is a major indicator of climate change.
3. Reduction in Arctic sea ice extent and thickness shows warming of polar regions.
4. Sea level rise occurs due to melting ice and thermal expansion of seawater.
5. Increase in ocean heat content indicates that oceans are absorbing more heat from the atmosphere.
6. Changes in precipitation patterns lead to more intense droughts in some regions and floods in others.
7. Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cyclones, floods, and wildfires.
8. Ocean acidification, caused by increased absorption of carbon dioxide, affects marine ecosystems.
9. Shifts in ecosystems and wildlife distribution, including changes in migration and breeding patterns.
10. Decrease in snow cover and earlier snowmelt indicate warming climate conditions.

Importance of EIA for Thermal Power Plants

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) helps identify the environmental impacts of thermal power plants before construction begins.
2. It assesses air pollution from emissions such as carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.
3. EIA evaluates impacts on water resources due to cooling water usage and wastewater discharge.
4. It helps identify impacts on land, soil quality, and nearby ecosystems.
5. EIA ensures protection of human health by assessing pollution-related risks to nearby communities.
6. It recommends mitigation measures such as pollution control devices and waste management systems.
7. EIA helps in selecting suitable locations to minimize environmental and social damage.
8. Public consultation under EIA allows local people to express concerns and suggestions.
9. It ensures compliance with environmental laws and regulations set by government authorities.
10. Overall, EIA promotes sustainable development by balancing energy generation with environmental protection.

Projects Requiring Environmental Clearance Under EIA

1. Mining projects such as coal, iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and other major minerals.
2. Thermal power plants based on coal, lignite, or gas above specified capacity limits.
3. Nuclear power plants and nuclear fuel processing units.
4. Oil and gas exploration, drilling, production, and petroleum refineries.
5. Major irrigation projects, dams, reservoirs, and hydroelectric power projects.
6. Infrastructure projects such as highways, expressways, airports, ports, harbors, and shipyards.
7. Chemical industries, petrochemical complexes, fertilizer, and pesticide manufacturing units.
8. Cement plants, steel plants, and large metallurgical industries.
9. Waste management projects such as hazardous waste treatment facilities and municipal solid waste plants.
10. Large tourism, township, and area development projects in ecologically sensitive areas.

Screening Stage of Environmental Clearance

1. Screening is the first stage of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
2. It is used to decide whether a proposed project requires an EIA or not.
3. Screening applies mainly to Category B projects under the EIA Notification.
4. Category A projects do not require screening as they automatically need environmental clearance.
5. The screening process is carried out by the State Level Impact Assessment Authority (SLIAA).
6. During screening, the size, location, and potential environmental impact of the project are examined.
7. Based on screening, Category B projects are further classified into B1 and B2.
8. Category B1 projects require a detailed EIA study and public consultation.
9. Category B2 projects do not require a detailed EIA study or public hearing.
10. Screening helps reduce unnecessary studies while ensuring environmentally sensitive projects are properly assessed.

Public Participation in Environmental Clearance

1. Public participation is an important stage in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
2. It allows local people and stakeholders to express their views on a proposed project.
3. Public participation is mainly conducted through public hearings and written responses.
4. It is mandatory for most Category A and Category B1 projects under the EIA notification.
5. Public hearings are organized by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB).
6. Local residents, NGOs, and affected persons can raise concerns about environmental and social impacts.
7. Issues related to air pollution, water pollution, displacement, and health risks are discussed.
8. The project proponent must address the concerns raised by the public.
9. Public participation improves transparency and accountability in decision-making.
10. It helps ensure that development projects are environmentally safe and socially acceptable.

Appraisal Stage of Environmental Clearance

1. Appraisal is an important stage in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process.
2. In this stage, the EIA report and related documents are critically examined.
3. Appraisal is carried out by an Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) at the central level.
4. For state-level projects, appraisal is done by the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC).
5. The committee evaluates environmental impacts, risk factors, and proposed mitigation measures.
6. It checks whether the project complies with environmental laws and guidelines.
7. The committee may ask the project proponent for additional information or clarifications.
8. Public hearing issues and responses provided by the project authority are reviewed.
9. Based on appraisal, the committee recommends approval, rejection, or modification of the project.
10. Appraisal ensures that only environmentally safe and sustainable projects receive clearance.

Environmental Clearance Flowchart for Hydrogen Projects

1. Submission of the hydrogen project proposal to MoEFCC / SEIAA.
2. Categorization of the project (Category A or Category B) under the EIA Notification.
3. Screening (only for Category B hydrogen projects).
4. Scoping and finalization of Terms of Reference (ToR).
5. Baseline environmental data collection (air, water, land, ecology).
6. Preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
7. Public consultation and public hearing (if applicable).
8. Submission of the final EIA report with public responses.
9. Appraisal by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC / SEAC).
10. Granting or rejection of environmental clearance with conditions and post-clearance monitoring.

Salient Features of the EIA Report for Thermal Power Projects

1. The EIA report provides a detailed description of the proposed thermal power project, including capacity, fuel type, and location.
2. It includes baseline environmental data on air quality, water quality, soil, noise, and ecology of the project area.
3. The report assesses air pollution impacts due to emissions like SO₂, NOₓ, CO₂, and particulate matter.
4. It evaluates water requirements, cooling systems, wastewater generation, and impacts on nearby water bodies.
5. The EIA report studies land use changes, soil degradation, and ash disposal impacts.
6. It analyzes impacts on flora, fauna, and nearby ecosystems due to project activities.
7. A health impact assessment of the local population due to pollution is included.
8. The report suggests mitigation measures such as electrostatic precipitators, ash management, and emission control systems.
9. It includes risk assessment, disaster management plans, and occupational safety measures.
10. The EIA report ensures compliance with environmental standards and supports decision-making for environmental clearance.