QUE: In recent years, India has witnessed an increase in extreme weather events. Evaluate the factors responsible for this.

In recent years, India has been grappling with an increase in extreme weather events, ranging from intense heatwaves to torrential rains leading to severe flooding. Such events not only disrupt daily life, but also pose significant risks to agriculture, the economy and biodiversity.

• Factors responsible for increasing extreme weather events in India:

• Global warming: The increase in greenhouse gas emissions has led to an increase in average global temperatures, which is responsible for heatwaves and changing rainfall patterns in India. For example, in the last few years, temperatures in some parts of India have been reaching 50 degrees Celsius during summer.
• Deforestation: The destruction of forest cover in the Himalayan region has increased the risk of landslides and flash floods. Similarly, the destruction of mangrove forests along the coast has reduced natural protection against cyclones and storms.
• Ocean-atmospheric phenomena: Anomalies in events like El Niño affect the distribution of rainfall across the world. For example, in 2015-16, India faced drought due to a strong El Niño event.
• Land Use Changes: Changes in land use for activities like mining affect the natural climate regulating mechanisms of the environment. For example, coal mining in Jharkhand has led to land degradation, water pollution and increased GHGs, which have affected local and regional climate.
• Melting of glaciers: Due to rising temperatures, glaciers are melting at an alarming rate, threatening water security and the livelihoods of millions of people. For example, in 2013, thousands of people were killed in massive floods caused by the collapse of a glacier in Uttarakhand.
• Wetland Degradation: The decline in wetlands, which act as buffers during floods, has made those regions more vulnerable to heavy rainfall events. For example, Chennai faced severe flooding in 2015 due to encroachment and conversion of wetlands into residential and commercial areas.
• Biodiversity Loss: Biodiversity loss can reduce the resilience of ecosystems to extreme weather events. For example, a study found that loss of coral reefs due to bleaching has led to a decline in coastal protection and fisheries in Lakshadweep.

• What can be done next ?

• Mitigation strategies: India can draw inspiration from the success of the National Solar Mission, which has set ambitious targets for solar energy capacity. For example, the “Ujjwala Yojana” is a model for expanding access to clean cooking fuels, reducing dependence on polluting alternatives.
• Climate-resilient infrastructure: Learning from the ‘Surat Climate Adaptation Project’ that strengthens the city’s infrastructure against floods, other vulnerable regions can take similar steps.
• Early Warning System: The accurate predictions and timely evacuations of India’s Cyclone Warning Department provide an important example of an Early Warning System. There is a need to expand such capabilities for various extreme weather events.
• Sustainable urban planning: For example, Ahmedabad’s ‘Sabarmati Riverfront Development Project’ demonstrates the integration of green spaces into urban planning. This project not only enhances the beauty of the city, but also increases its resilience against floods and heatwaves.
• Reforestation: The success of the “Billion Tree Tsunami” project run by UNEP shows the potential of large-scale reforestation efforts. India can also implement such a project, focusing on native tree species to restore ecological balance.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Other states can learn from the success of the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala, where local communities participate in conservation efforts and eco-tourism, highlighting the potential of community-led biodiversity conservation.

Thus, by understanding and adapting to these extreme weather events, India will not only be able to protect its population, but also nurture a harmonious relationship with its diverse and rich ecological heritage.