The effects of global warming are the burning topic in this century, with its disastrous repercussions already being highlighted by repeated catastrophes such as enormous floods, annihilating droughts, and devastating storms worldwide. The average global temperature is greater than it has ever been during the century, and Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have surpassed all prior records. There are many different effects and impacts of climate change in India.
Impact of Global Warming
According to some analysts, the impact of global warming on India’s environment has resulted in climatic disasters. India is a disaster-prone country, with figures indicating that 27 of 35 states are disaster-prone, with food being the most common calamity. The process of global warming has increased the frequency and severity of these natural disasters.
The expected rise in precipitation, melting glaciers, and rising oceans have the potential to significantly impact the Indian climate, increasing the frequency of floods, hurricanes, and storms.
Global warming could potentially pose a severe danger to India’s food security. If the rate of global warming goes on to rise, the resultant climatic calamities will reduce India’s GDP by 8-9%, with a 40% reduction in key crop output. A 2° – 3° C temperature increase in India is expected to displace seven million people, with large cities like Mumbai and Chennai submerged.
Effects Of Global Warming in India
Here is a list of the significant effects of global warming on India’s environment and climate –
- Monsoon Will Become Erratic – According to research, India’s yearly monsoon rainfall has been steadily declining. But, at the same time, the frequency of heavy rainfall occurrences has increased. Since India is strongly reliant on monsoon rainfall for water supply in rivers and agriculture, an unpredictable monsoon might have a wide-ranging impact. Most farmers in India rely on monsoon rain to cultivate crops, and if the rains become erratic, India’s food security would be compromised. Take wheat, for example. While new cultivars have enhanced wheat harvests, increasing temperatures and irregular rain could cause yields to decrease.
- Devastating Tropical Storms – Strong cyclonic systems making landfall on India’s coastlines were known, although they were unusual occurrences. However, studies have revealed that the frequency of tropical storms has grown in the recent decade. The primary cause is attributed to global warming. In recent years, Category 4 and 5 cyclonic storms have pummeled India’s shores, and greater cyclones are forecast in the next few years, causing even more loss of life in India’s coastal communities. These might potentially have an impact on weather patterns.
- Increase In Droughts & Floods – Several studies, including those conducted by the Indian government, have revealed an increase in droughts and an extension of drought-affected areas since 1960. Drought is also a humanitarian disaster since it causes a lack of water and food. A drought might also cause internal migration, with individuals fleeing their homes in search of work. Flooding has also become more common in India. These have been caused mostly by short-duration, strong rainfall. As the monsoon becomes more irregular, such incidents may become more often. Not only rain, but the melting of glaciers as a result of global warming, could endanger the upper areas of the Himalayas, causing increased river flow and increasing flood hazards
- Increased Temperature – According to research, the frequency of summer heat waves in India is expected to be four times greater by the end of this century. The heatwave’s average length will also be doubled. This might be a pan-India phenomenon, with the Indo-Gangetic region being more affected than others. Summer temperatures on the west coast and in south India are known to be moderate, although this could alter in the following decades due to global warming. A small change might result in these places experiencing greater temperature ranges, changing living conditions, agriculture, and so on.
The release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is the main reason behind global warming. If we do not take the necessary action to address global warming, it could have irreversible consequences for our climate.
