GS Paper III

News Excerpt: Extreme weather events in 2023 highlight the urgent need for India to address climate change impacts.

More about the news

• The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts 2023 as the warmest year on record globally, with over 99% certainty.
• India experiences its warmest August and September in 122 years.
• India’s warming trend is evident in the consistently above-average temperatures recorded across all seasons.

Extreme weather events in India can be seen in following ways:

Unusual Winter Season:

• In 2023, both January and February, the two months that comprise the winter season, were warmer than average. 
• This year saw one of the warmest ever February on record since 1901, shattering all previous records. 
• Central India received negligible rainfall, the lowest since 1901, while the Northwest region experienced a 76 percent rainfall deficit.
• Experts attribute the unusual winter seasons and extreme weather events to the evolving Western Disturbances (WDs).

Pre-Monsoon Season Extremes:

• March 2023 sees the highest rainfall in Central India and the Southern Peninsula and 7th highest in the Southern Peninsula since 1901.
• April 2023 witnesses hailstorms for 27 out of 30 days and heatwaves in nine states.
• Climate change increases the likelihood of humid heat waves by 30 times.
• These humid heat waves over India and Bangladesh during April were made 30 times more likely by climate change.

Heatwaves Impacting Monsoon:

• June 2023 heatwaves attributed to human-caused climate change.
• Climate Shift Index shows 11 states experiencing more heat, thrice as likely due to the climate crisis. 
• Increasing trend in heat waves over the last 50-60 years linked to fossil fuel emissions.

 Future Projections:

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns of further greenhouse gas emissions, projecting an increase in heat waves by 2060.
• Current average maximum duration of heat waves (2-4 days) is expected to rise by 12-18 days.

Way forward

• Transition to Cleaner Energy: India has initiated measures for a cleaner energy future, but further action is imperative.
• Investing in Renewable Energy: Crucial steps involve significant investments in renewable energy sources, fostering sustainability, and enhancing energy efficiency.
• Adopting Sustainable Practices: The adoption of sustainable practices is essential to curbing India's carbon footprint and promoting environmental stewardship.
• Building Resilience to Extreme Weather: Essential measures include strengthening early warning systems and enhancing resilience to extreme weather events to safeguard communities and livelihoods.
• Global Collaboration for Climate Action: Addressing the global challenge of climate change necessitates a united global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate.
• Leading the Transition to Low-Carbon Economy: India can play a leading role in shaping a more sustainable future by transitioning to a low-carbon economy and fostering resilient communities.

Mains PYQ

Q1. Drought has been recognized as a disaster in view of its spatial expanse, temporal duration, slow onset and lasting effects on vulnerable sections. With a focus on the September 2010 guidelines from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), discuss the mechanisms for preparedness to deal with likely El Nino and La Nina fallouts in India. (UPSC 2014)

Q2.  'Climate change' is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC 2017)