Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution, and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
4. India is in the mid of an unprecedented expansion in the renewable energy sector. In this context, examine its negative impact on ecology and human livelihood. How can we mitigate those impacts? (250 Words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The article explains the negative impact as well as opportunities for a sustainable renewable transition for India.
Key Demand of the question:
Examine the negative implications of the expansion of renewable energy. Suggest ways to mitigate it. Substantiate your answer with examples
Directive word:
Examine – When you are asked to examine, you have to probe deeper into the topic, get into details, and find out the causes or implications if any.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Give a brief introduction of the status of renewable energy presently deployed as well as future plans of India
Body:
Give a detailed description of various negative implications of the unhindered expansion of renewable energy such as solar, wind, etc. For example, impact on biodiversity-rich Open Natural Ecosystems (ONE).
In the next part, give innovative suggestions, including what the government is doing, for mitigation of the negative impact e.g. use of Roof-top Solar Panels or use of Agrivoltaics on degraded agricultural land.
Conclusion:
You may conclude by:
While it is true that renewable energy projects seek to reduce our reliance on an energy economy pivoted on fossil fuels, more attention needs to be paid to how and where these projects are established and the impact these have on ecology and human life.
