Climate change is an intricate global challenge with far-reaching consequences that transcend national borders. As the Earth’s climate undergoes unprecedented shifts due to human activities, nations around the world are grappling with the profound impacts on their environments, economies, and societies. India, as one of the most populous and diverse countries, stands particularly vulnerable to the multifaceted effects of climate change. The ramifications are acutely felt in both the Himalayan region and the coastal states, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate and adapt to the changing climate.
Tag: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Decoding the Question:
- In Intro, try to define the term climate change and justify it as a global problem.
- In Body,
- Discuss how India will be affected by climate change.
- How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change.
- Try to conclude with highlighting India’s efforts to combat climate change.
Answer:
Climate change refers to a change in average weather conditions within the context of longer-term average conditions. Climate change has attracted attention recently particularly due to the changes apparent from the mid to late 20th century onwards and it is attributed largely to the increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide by the use of fossil fuels.
Impact on India: Climate change has started showing impacts on India. Its effects on India can be seen in the following manner-
- Extreme heat and heat waves: Rising temperatures can lead to more frequent and severe heat waves, posing health risks. Example: In 2016, Phalodi in Rajasthan recorded a temperature of 51°C (123.8°F), one of the highest ever recorded in the country.
- Water scarcity and drought: Changes in rainfall patterns and uneven monsoons can lead to reduced water availability, affecting agriculture and water supplies.
- Fall in Agricultural Productivity: Climate change is expected to trigger a steep fall in the production of cereals. For example, a rise of 0.5 degrees Celsius temperature in winter months could cause a decline of 0.45 tonnes in wheat production.
- Vector-borne diseases: Changing climate patterns may affect the distribution of disease vectors such as mosquitoes, leading to increased incidence of diseases such as dengue and malaria. For example, Climate change could expand the range of Aedes mosquitoes and increase the risk of Zika transmission to new areas.
- Energy demand and supply: Rising temperatures can increase demand for cooling, straining energy resources. Example: By 2030, India’s air conditioning energy demand may increase 10 times its current level.
- Migration and Displacement: Climate change-induced environmental changes can lead to migration and displacement of communities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Sundarbans and coastal areas of Odisha.
Climate change has significant impacts on the Himalayan states of India due to their geographical location, fragile ecosystems, and dependence on natural resources. Here are the following impacts.
- Glacial Retreat: Himalayan glaciers are melting at an alarming rate due to rising temperatures. Data from the Geological Survey of India indicates that between 1962 and 2001, Himalayan glaciers retreated by about 13 metres per year on average.
- Water Source Disruption: Melting glaciers contribute to increased water flow initially, followed by reduced flows as glaciers shrink. This affects downstream water availability for drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower.
- Flash Floods and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs): Rapid glacial melt can lead to the formation of unstable glacial lakes. If these lakes breach their natural dams, it can result in devastating GLOFs downstream. In 2021, Uttarakhand experienced flash floods triggered by cloudbursts and GLOFs.
- Tourism and Livelihoods: The Himalayas attract tourists for trekking, mountaineering, and adventure sports. Climate change impacts, such as reduced snowfall and altered landscapes, may affect tourism and local livelihoods.
- Biodiversity Loss: Climate change disrupts the delicate ecosystems of the Himalayas, leading to biodiversity loss. Iconic species like the snow leopard and Himalayan monal are under threat.
Impact on Coastal States:
- Sea-Level Rise: Rising sea levels due to melting ice and thermal expansion threaten coastal communities by causing their submergence. A study by Climate Central estimates that 280 million people worldwide could be affected by annual coastal flooding by 2100.
- The intrusion of Seawater: Rising seawater will intrude in coastal areas and even make potable water resources salty like wells, rivers, etc, and also cause water scarcity.
- Coastal Erosion: Increased sea levels contribute to coastal erosion, which damages infrastructure, homes, and ecosystems, which can negatively affect tourism and the economy.
- Biodiversity and Fisheries: Coastal habitats, including coral reefs and mangroves, are threatened by higher sea temperatures and sea-level rise, affecting marine biodiversity and fisheries.
- Extreme Weather Events: Climate change intensifies extreme weather events such as cyclones and storms. Coastal states are vulnerable to the impacts of cyclones, with the 1999 Odisha Cyclone and the 2019 Cyclone Fani causing extensive damage.
We are facing the triple planetary crisis now, which includes the interrelated challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation, which threaten Earth’s ecosystems and the well-being of humanity. By addressing climate change, we can protect and restore ecosystems to ensure sustainability. A sustainable and resilient future for all life on Earth requires a combination of efforts to address this crisis as stated in SDG 13.
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