Coastal ecosystems are vulnerable to anthropogenic waste, impacting marine biodiversity and livelihoods. Discuss the ecological consequences of poor waste management along India’s coastlines and suggest sustainable clean-up models.
Kartavya Desk Staff
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment
Q6. Coastal ecosystems are vulnerable to anthropogenic waste, impacting marine biodiversity and livelihoods. Discuss the ecological consequences of poor waste management along India’s coastlines and suggest sustainable clean-up models. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: TH
Why the question The Australian Consulate-General, in collaboration with Urbaser Sumeet (Greater Chennai Corporation’s solid waste management concessionnaire serving in zones 9 to 15), organised a beach cleanup at Elliot’s Beach on Thursday. Key demand of the question The question demands an analysis of how anthropogenic waste affects coastal ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and economic impacts, followed by viable, sustainable clean-up models to mitigate these issues. Structure of the answer Introduction: Mention the importance of coastal ecosystems for biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate resilience and how poor waste management is degrading them, necessitating sustainable interventions. Body: Vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to anthropogenic waste: Discuss biodiversity loss, fishery depletion, coastal erosion, and public health risks. Ecological consequences of poor waste management: Explain ocean acidification, dead zones, coral reef destruction, and food chain disruption. Sustainable clean-up models: Suggest EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), AI-based waste tracking, community-led initiatives, regulatory enforcement, and circular economy approaches. Conclusion: Emphasize the need for multi-stakeholder action combining policy, technology, and community efforts to restore coastal health and ensure long-term sustainability.
Why the question
The Australian Consulate-General, in collaboration with Urbaser Sumeet (Greater Chennai Corporation’s solid waste management concessionnaire serving in zones 9 to 15), organised a beach cleanup at Elliot’s Beach on Thursday.
Key demand of the question
The question demands an analysis of how anthropogenic waste affects coastal ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, and economic impacts, followed by viable, sustainable clean-up models to mitigate these issues.
Structure of the answer
Introduction: Mention the importance of coastal ecosystems for biodiversity, livelihoods, and climate resilience and how poor waste management is degrading them, necessitating sustainable interventions.
• Vulnerability of coastal ecosystems to anthropogenic waste: Discuss biodiversity loss, fishery depletion, coastal erosion, and public health risks.
• Ecological consequences of poor waste management: Explain ocean acidification, dead zones, coral reef destruction, and food chain disruption.
• Sustainable clean-up models: Suggest EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility), AI-based waste tracking, community-led initiatives, regulatory enforcement, and circular economy approaches.
Conclusion: Emphasize the need for multi-stakeholder action combining policy, technology, and community efforts to restore coastal health and ensure long-term sustainability.