Rio Conference, Rio+5 and the Rio+10

The Rio Conference, also known as the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED), was held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 1992. It was a landmark event that brought together world leaders, policymakers, and representatives from various sectors to address pressing environmental and development issues. The conference aimed to reconcile economic development with environmental protection, leading to the concept of sustainable development.

During the Rio Conference, several important agreements were adopted:

1. Rio Declaration on Environment and Development: This declaration outlined the principles for sustainable development, emphasizing the integration of environmental protection and socio-economic development. It recognized the need for global cooperation, public participation, and intergenerational equity in achieving sustainable development.

2. Agenda 21: Agenda 21 is a comprehensive action plan for sustainable development. It covers various sectors, including poverty eradication, sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and the role of women and indigenous peoples. Agenda 21 provides guidelines for national and international action to promote sustainable development.

3. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): The UNFCCC was opened for signature during the Rio Conference. It aimed to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere and prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system. The UNFCCC established the basis for subsequent climate negotiations and led to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Rio+5 refers to the five-year follow-up to the Rio Conference. In 1997, the United Nations General Assembly held a special session called "Earth Summit +5" to review the progress made since the Rio Conference. The session focused on evaluating the implementation of Agenda 21, discussing challenges and achievements, and identifying priorities for further action.

The Rio+10, also known as the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002. It aimed to review progress on sustainable development since the Rio Conference and identify new strategies and initiatives. The summit addressed key issues such as poverty eradication, access to clean water, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and the role of globalization in sustainable development.

The Johannesburg Summit resulted in the adoption of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (JPOI). The JPOI reaffirmed the commitments made in Agenda 21 and outlined specific targets and actions in various areas, including water and sanitation, energy, health, education, and sustainable consumption and production patterns.

The Rio Conference, Rio+5, and Rio+10 played pivotal roles in shaping the global sustainability agenda, promoting sustainable development principles, and encouraging international cooperation to address environmental challenges. These conferences have contributed to the development of multilateral environmental agreements and frameworks that guide global efforts towards a more sustainable and equitable future.

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geostationary and sun-synchronous

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Types of Remote Sensing

Remote Sensing means collecting information about the Earth's surface without touching it , usually using satellites, aircraft, or drones . There are different types of remote sensing based on the energy source and the wavelength region used. 🛰️ 1. Active Remote Sensing 📘 Concept: In active remote sensing , the sensor sends out its own energy (like a signal or pulse) to the Earth's surface. The sensor then records the reflected or backscattered energy that comes back from the surface. ⚙️ Key Terminology: Transmitter: sends energy (like a radar pulse or laser beam). Receiver: detects the energy that bounces back. Backscatter: energy that is reflected back to the sensor. 📊 Examples of Active Sensors: RADAR (Radio Detection and Ranging): Uses microwave signals to detect surface roughness, soil moisture, or ocean waves. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Uses laser light (near-infrared) to measure elevation, vegetation...

India remote sensing

1. Foundational Phase (Early 1970s – Early 1980s) Objective: To explore the potential of space-based observation for national development. 1972: The Space Applications Programme (SAP) was initiated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), focusing on applying space technology for societal benefits. 1975: The Department of Space (DoS) was established, providing an institutional base for space applications, including remote sensing. 1977: India began aerial and balloon-borne experiments to study Earth resources and assess how remote sensing data could aid in agriculture, forestry, and hydrology. 1978 (June 7): Bhaskara-I launched by the Soviet Union — India's first experimental Earth Observation satellite . Payloads: TV cameras (for land and ocean surface observation) and a Microwave Radiometer. Significance: Proved that satellite-based Earth observation was feasible for India's needs. 1981 (November 20): Bhaskara-II launche...

Man-Made Disasters

A man-made disaster (also called a technological disaster or anthropogenic disaster ) is a catastrophic event caused directly or indirectly by human actions , rather than natural processes. These disasters arise due to negligence, error, industrial activity, conflict, or misuse of technology , and often result in loss of life, property damage, and environmental degradation . Terminology: Anthropogenic = originating from human activity. Technological hazard = hazard caused by failure or misuse of technology or industry. 🔹 Conceptual Understanding Man-made disasters are part of the Disaster Management Cycle , which includes: Prevention – avoiding unsafe practices. Mitigation – reducing disaster impact (e.g., safety regulations). Preparedness – training and planning. Response – emergency actions after the disaster. Recovery – long-term rebuilding and policy correction. These disasters are predictable and preventable through strong...

Natural Disasters

A natural disaster is a catastrophic event caused by natural processes of the Earth that results in significant loss of life, property, and environmental resources. It occurs when a hazard (potentially damaging physical event) interacts with a vulnerable population and leads to disruption of normal life . Key terms: Hazard → A potential natural event (e.g., cyclone, earthquake). Disaster → When the hazard causes widespread damage due to vulnerability. Risk → Probability of harmful consequences from interaction of hazard and vulnerability. Vulnerability → Degree to which a community or system is exposed and unable to cope with the hazard. Resilience → Ability of a system or society to recover from the disaster impact. 👉 Example: An earthquake in an uninhabited desert is a hazard , but not a disaster unless people or infrastructure are affected. Types Natural disasters can be classified into geophysical, hydrological, meteorological, clim...

Vineesh V, Geography

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