Context:
More than 85% of districts in India are exposed to extreme climate events such as floods, droughts and cyclones, according to a new study.
Relevance:
GS III: Disaster Management
Dimensions of the Article:
- Overview of India’s Climate Crisis
- Evolving Climate Risk Profile
- Enhancing Resilience through Advanced Technology
- Strategic Conclusions for Addressing Climate Crisis
Overview of India’s Climate Crisis
- India faces a significant increase in climate-related extremes, affecting over 85% of its districts which are now prone to floods, droughts, cyclones, and heatwaves.
- Recent research by IPE-Global and ESRI-India reveals that 45% of districts are undergoing drastic changes in their climatic patterns, with areas formerly affected by floods now experiencing droughts and vice versa.
- The report underscores the necessity for immediate climate action to address these escalating issues.
Intensifying Climate Disruptions
- Historical Data Analysis: A pentad-decadal analysis covering the period from 1973 to 2023 has identified significant nonlinear trends in climate conditions at the district level, including:
- Drought Events: Doubling of agricultural and meteorological drought occurrences.
- Cyclone Events: Fourfold increase in cyclone events.
- Flood Frequency: Substantial increase in floods, particularly in the eastern, northeastern, and southern regions of India.
- Recent Trends: The last decade alone has seen a fivefold increase in the frequency and intensity of these climate extremes.
Evolving Climate Risk Profile
- Rapid Changes in Risk Factors: Over 60% of districts in states such as Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Assam now face simultaneous multiple extreme climate events.
- Contributing Factors: Increased greenhouse gas emissions, unchecked urbanization, and other human activities are aggravating these risks.
- Population Impact: Predictions indicate that by 2036, over 1.47 billion Indians will encounter severe climate risks, necessitating detailed risk assessments to protect vital sectors like agriculture and infrastructure.
- Land Use and Environmental Shifts:
- Significant Land Use Changes: There has been a 65% change in land use and land cover in climate hotspots, driven by adverse anthropogenic interventions such as deforestation and mangrove destruction.
Emerging Patterns of Climate Variability
- Trend Reversals: An alarming swapping of climate patterns is noted in over 45% of districts, with regions previously known for frequent floods now seeing increased droughts and vice versa.
- Regional Impact: Particularly, southern states including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are experiencing increased instances of drought, highlighting a shift in regional climate behaviors.
Enhancing Resilience through Advanced Technology
- The study underlines the importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in bolstering climate resilience, utilizing comprehensive spatial analysis tools.
- GIS technologies allow for the integration of various data sources, offering detailed geographical insights into climate-related risks.
- Climate Risk Observatory (CRO): This tool is proposed to assist stakeholders in identifying sector-specific impacts, aiding in the formulation of effective adaptation strategies.
- Infrastructure Climate Fund (ICF) Endorsement: The report advocates for the ICF to drive ongoing investments in resilient infrastructure, prioritizing risk management and community-driven climate responses.
Strategic Conclusions for Addressing Climate Crisis
- Complex Challenges of India’s Climate: Acknowledges the complexity of India’s climate issues, emphasizing the urgency for localized solutions.
- Local-Level Risk Assessments: Highlighted by the IPE-Global and Esri study, there’s a crucial need for meticulous risk assessments tailored to local conditions.
- Proposal for Climate Resilience Funds: Suggests the establishment of funds dedicated to enhancing both adaptation and mitigation efforts.
- Global Leadership through Local Cooperation: Encourages substantial investments and collaborative efforts to position India at the forefront of global climate resilience initiatives, transforming risks into sustainable growth opportunities.
-Source: Indian Express
