Climate change not only affects environment but also agriculture, industry, healthcare

By Vikas Meshram

Climate change is considered one of the most serious global crises of our time. The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as rising temperatures, unseasonal rainfall, wildfires, floods, droughts, and cyclones are evident. India is among the countries most affected by climate change. According to the Climate Risk Index published by Germanwatch, India was the seventh most affected country in the world in 2019. That year, climate-related disasters claimed the lives of 2,267 people and caused an economic loss of ₹5,01,659 crore.

In India, the effects of climate change manifest in various ways. Rainfall patterns have become irregular, with excessive rainfall in some years and severe drought in others. The monsoon season in 2019 lasted longer than expected, resulting in 110% of the average rainfall. It was the highest recorded rainfall since 1994. Consequently, severe flooding occurred in several parts of the country, leading to the deaths of over 1,800 people across more than 14 states. Additionally, over 1.8 million people were displaced due to the floods.

The threat of cyclones has also increased. Climate change in the North Indian Ocean is making cyclones more intense. The year 2019 was the most active cyclone season, with eight tropical cyclones, six of which were classified as extremely severe. In May 2019, Cyclone Fani caused widespread destruction in India and Bangladesh, killing 90 people and affecting nearly 28 million individuals. The financial loss due to this cyclone amounted to ₹59,051 crore.

Global warming is the most apparent effect of climate change. NASA declared 2020 as one of the hottest years on record, tying with 2016. Rising global temperatures are also leading to more intense heat waves in India. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, 2020 was the eighth warmest year in India's history, with an average temperature increase of 0.29°C. Thousands of people succumb to heatwaves each year. In 2015, extreme heatwaves claimed 2,422 lives in India. The impact of rising temperatures on agriculture is significant, creating a severe food security crisis. Climate change is exacerbating both floods and droughts in India. While excessive rainfall causes floods in some regions, others face severe water shortages. In 2019, floods in Bihar, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka caused extensive damage, whereas Rajasthan, Gujarat, and parts of Maharashtra experienced severe droughts. Uneven rainfall distribution is depleting groundwater levels, creating a serious drinking water crisis, particularly in rural areas. Districts in Maharashtra's Marathwada and Vidarbha regions are among the worst affected by drought.

Climate change not only affects the environment but also has significant economic repercussions. In 2019, climate-related disasters led to a financial loss of ₹72,902.5 crore in India. The agricultural, industrial, infrastructure, and healthcare sectors were severely impacted. Since a large portion of India's population depends on agriculture, unpredictable weather conditions reduce crop yields, causing substantial losses to farmers. Droughts, unseasonal rainfall, and hailstorms often destroy entire harvests, exacerbating food security concerns and increasing farmers' debt burdens. This has also been linked to a rise in farmer suicides.

Efforts to combat climate change are underway at the global level. The Paris Agreement is the most significant international treaty aimed at limiting global temperature rise to within 2°C. According to the United Nations' "Emissions Gap Report," if carbon emissions continue at the current rate, the Earth's temperature could increase by over 3.2°C by 2100, leading to even more severe environmental disasters.

India has also implemented important policies to combat climate change. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) includes eight key initiatives, focusing on solar energy, energy efficiency, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation. However, mere policy formulation is not enough. Concrete measures are essential to address climate change effectively. India should expand its renewable energy sector and maximize the use of solar and wind energy. Large-scale afforestation and water conservation initiatives are necessary. Sustainable agricultural techniques and advanced irrigation methods like drip irrigation should be promoted.

Recognizing the risks of climate change, Indian cities must focus on green and sustainable development. Prioritizing eco-friendly transportation, energy-efficient buildings, and effective waste management is crucial. Additionally, strengthening disaster management mechanisms to handle floods, droughts, and cyclones efficiently is necessary.

Climate change is a major challenge not only for India but for the entire world. Rising temperatures, floods, droughts, cyclones, and heatwaves are putting human life, economies, and the environment at grave risk. Addressing climate change requires collective efforts from all nations. Developing countries need financial and technological support to mitigate its effects. India must develop long-term strategies and prioritize sustainable development to tackle this crisis. Taking effective action now will help create a safe and healthy environment for future generations.

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