United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification
(Relevant for Geography Section of General Studies Paper Prelims/Mains)
Desertification
The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) defines desertification as the deterioration of land in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions, caused by a range of factors, such as climate fluctuations and human actions. This problem extends well beyond the inhabitants of desert regions, posing a threat to the food security and means of subsistence for over two billion individuals, transcending climate boundaries.
- Numerous factors contribute to the progression of desertification, and this process is not confined to specific climate zones like arid and semi-arid regions. It’s a global phenomenon, evident in the following instances.
- Climate Change: Climate change, a worldwide concern, poses a significant threat to achievements made over the past two centuries. It plays a substantial role in the exacerbation of desertification.
- Rising land surface temperatures, outpacing global surface temperature increases, lead to smaller rises in ocean surface temperatures as global temperatures climb.
- Both natural climate variability and global warming can disrupt global rainfall patterns, thereby contributing to desertification.
- This ongoing human-induced warming not only adds to heat stress on vegetation but also exacerbates extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and landslides.
- Soil Erosion: Erosion is a primary driver of desertification, often instigated by natural forces like wind, rain, and waves but exacerbated by human activities like plowing, grazing, and deforestation.
- The World Atlas of Desertification (2018) notes the complexity of deterministically mapping global land degradation.
- Soil erosion is a worldwide issue affecting nearly all major biomes.
- Instances of dust storms in northern India underscore this observation.
- Declining Soil Fertility: Soil fertility decline represents another facet of degradation. To enhance agricultural output, both developed and developing nations are overusing fertilizers.
- This practice leads to soil salinization and acidification.
- Urbanization: Reports indicate rapid urbanization globally, including in India, where approximately 50% of the population is projected to reside in urban areas by 2050.
- Urbanization drives heightened resource demand, depleting resources and rendering lands susceptible to desertification.
As can be seen from the above arguments, desertification and its impacts are not restricted to certain climatic boundaries. That’s why UNCCD describes Desertification as one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time and it must be tackled in a holistic manner.
Sample Question for UPSC Sociology Optional Paper:
1. Question: What role does climate change play in exacerbating desertification?
Answer:
Climate change aggravates desertification by disrupting global rainfall patterns and increasing land surface temperatures, contributing to soil degradation and extreme weather events.
2. Question: How does soil erosion act as a primary driver of desertification?
Answer:
Soil erosion, instigated by natural forces and exacerbated by human activities like deforestation and grazing, leads to land degradation, a key factor in desertification.
3. Question: What impact does urbanization have on desertification?
Answer:
Urbanization increases resource demand, depleting natural resources and making lands more susceptible to desertification.
4. Question: Why is desertification considered a global issue and not just confined to arid regions?
Answer:
Desertification affects various climate zones and poses a threat to over two billion people globally, making it a universal concern.
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To master these intricacies and fare well in the Sociology Optional Syllabus, aspiring sociologists might benefit from guidance by the Best Sociology Optional Teacher and participation in the Best Sociology Optional Coaching. These avenues provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring a solid understanding of sociology’s diverse methodologies and techniques.
Desertification, UNCCD, Climate Change, Soil Erosion, Soil Fertility, Urbanization, Environmental Challenges, Global Impact, Food Security, Sustainable Development, Desertification, UNCCD, Climate Change, Soil Erosion, Soil Fertility, Urbanization, Environmental Challenges, Global Impact, Food Security, Sustainable Development
Choose The Best Sociology Optional Teacher for IAS Preparation?
At the beginning of the journey for Civil Services Examination preparation, many students face a pivotal decision – selecting their optional subject. Questions such as “which optional subject is the best?” and “which optional subject is the most scoring?” frequently come to mind. Choosing the right optional subject, like choosing the best sociology optional teacher, is a subjective yet vital step that requires a thoughtful decision based on facts. A misstep in this crucial decision can indeed prove disastrous.
Ever since the exam pattern was revamped in 2013, the UPSC has eliminated the need for a second optional subject. Now, candidates have to choose only one optional subject for the UPSC Mains, which has two papers of 250 marks each. One of the compelling choices for many has been the sociology optional. However, it’s strongly advised to decide on your optional subject for mains well ahead of time to get sufficient time to complete the syllabus. After all, most students score similarly in General Studies Papers; it’s the score in the optional subject & essay that contributes significantly to the final selection.
“A sound strategy does not rely solely on the popular
Opinion of toppers or famous YouTubers cum teachers.”
It requires understanding one’s ability, interest, and the relevance of the subject, not just for the exam but also for life in general. Hence, when selecting the best sociology teacher, one must consider the usefulness of sociology optional coaching in General Studies, Essay, and Personality Test.
The choice of the optional subject should be based on objective criteria, such as the nature, scope, and size of the syllabus, uniformity and stability in the question pattern, relevance of the syllabic content in daily life in society, and the availability of study material and guidance. For example, choosing the best sociology optional coaching can ensure access to top-quality study materials and experienced teachers. Always remember, the approach of the UPSC optional subject differs from your academic studies of subjects. Therefore, before settling for sociology optional, you need to analyze the syllabus, previous years’ pattern, subject requirements (be it ideal, visionary, numerical, conceptual theoretical), and your comfort level with the subject.
This decision marks a critical point in your UPSC – CSE journey, potentially determining your success in a career in IAS/Civil Services. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose wisely, whether it’s the optional subject or the best sociology optional teacher. Always base your decision on accurate facts, and never let your emotional biases guide your choices. After all, the search for the best sociology optional coaching is about finding the perfect fit for your unique academic needs and aspirations.
To master these intricacies and fare well in the Sociology Optional Syllabus, aspiring sociologists might benefit from guidance by the Best Sociology Optional Teacher and participation in the Best Sociology Optional Coaching. These avenues provide comprehensive assistance, ensuring a solid understanding of sociology’s diverse methodologies and techniques. Sociology, Social theory, Best Sociology Optional Teacher, Best Sociology Optional Coaching, Sociology Optional Syllabus.
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