Daily Mains Question - GS 1 - 20th September 2025
- TPP
- Sep 20
- 4 min read
Welcome to your Daily UPSC Mains Answer Writing Practice – GS Paper 1 (Geography & Environmental Issues).
Today’s question explores how carbon emissions from major fossil fuel and cement companies have been directly linked to the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves worldwide. With studies showing that heatwaves between 2010–2019 became 200 times more likely and 1.7°C hotter, the issue now sits at the core of climate justice, corporate accountability, and sustainable development.
For UPSC aspirants, the topic offers rich linkages across GS1 (climate geography), GS2 (international law, global justice), and GS3 (environmental governance, energy transition), providing scope for integrating data, case studies, and forward-looking reforms in answers.
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QUESTION
Examine how carbon emissions from major fossil fuel companies and industries have been linked to the increased frequency and intensity of global heatwaves. Suggest measures and way forward to address this crisis.
Answer: Heatwaves—defined as prolonged periods of abnormally high temperatures—are among the deadliest extreme weather events. A recent study, “Systematic attribution of heatwaves to the emissions of carbon majors” (Nature, September 2023), for the first time directly linked heatwaves to carbon emissions from the world’s largest fossil fuel and cement companies. This evidence has major implications for both climate science and climate justice, potentially shaping global policy, litigation, and corporate accountability.
Rising Heatwave Frequency and Intensity
The study analysed 213 heatwaves worldwide (2000–2023) and found that:
Heatwaves (2000–2009) became 20 times more likely due to global warming, while in 2010–2019, they became 200 times more likely.
Of the 213 heatwaves, 55 were at least 10,000 times more likely because of rising global temperatures.
Heatwaves during 2000–2009 were 1.4°C hotter, and during 2010–2019, 1.7°C hotter due to climate change.
The human cost has been devastating: according to WMO, between 2000–2019, 489,000 people died annually from heat, many due to climate change–fueled heatwaves.
Notable examples include:
The 2023 Ballia (Uttar Pradesh) heatwave that killed at least 68 people.
The 2021 Pacific Northwest heat dome, killing hundreds.
The 2003 European heatwave, leading to ~30,000 deaths.
Attribution to Fossil Fuel Emissions
Researchers used EM-DAT (Emergency Events Database) to identify severe heatwaves and linked them with Carbon Majors Database, covering emissions from 180 global producers of oil, gas, coal, and cement.
Climate models simulated scenarios with and without company-specific emissions, isolating each firm’s contribution.
Findings:
Half of the increase in heatwave intensity since pre-industrial times was attributable to emissions from these companies.
Saudi Aramco’s emissions alone made 51 heatwaves at least 10,000 times more likely.
Emissions from 14 major firms (ExxonMobil, Chevron, etc.) were sufficient to cause 50 heatwaves that would have been impossible without climate change.
This shows that fossil fuel corporations are not just abstract contributors to climate change but direct drivers of extreme events.
Significance for Accountability
The findings strengthen the legal case for climate liability and reparations. In July 2023, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) held that countries and companies may be held responsible for climate impacts, and affected communities are entitled to compensation.
As climate scientist Dr. Davide Faranda noted, fossil fuel companies have directly fueled disasters, causing “human suffering, ecosystem losses, and economic damages.”
Solutions and Way Forward
Strengthen Global Climate Governance
Operationalize the Loss and Damage Fund agreed at COP27 for vulnerable nations.
Enforce corporate responsibility through climate litigation frameworks at ICJ and national courts.
Accelerate Clean Energy Transition
Phasing out coal and reducing oil/gas dependence.
Scaling renewable energy, green hydrogen, and storage technologies.
Carbon Accountability and Pricing
Expand Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAMs) and domestic carbon pricing/taxes to internalize climate costs.
Mandate transparent climate disclosures by corporations.
Adaptation & Resilience
Early warning systems for heatwaves, community shelters, and heat action plans.
Climate-resilient agriculture and water management to protect livelihoods.
India’s Role
Strengthen Panchamrit commitments (Net Zero by 2070, 50% renewables by 2030).
Promote Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) for sustainable consumption.
Enhance global cooperation through International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
The evidence now establishes a direct causal chain: emissions from major fossil fuel and cement companies → intensified global warming → deadly heatwaves. While accountability is critical, the way forward must combine legal responsibility, systemic energy transition, and resilient adaptation strategies. Only then can humanity prevent further escalation of climate disasters and ensure a sustainable and just future.
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