India faces imminent challenge from climate change, urgent action needed

In recent years, India has witnessed a notable surge in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather conditions, primarily attributed to global warming and climate change.

Among the most devastating occurrences are intense rainfall, flash floods, heatwaves, and cyclones. The rising global temperatures elevate the rates of evaporation, which in turn contributes to more pronounced instances of heavy rainfall.

As a result, India's monsoon pattern is undergoing a transformative shift, characterised by concentrated downpours over a limited timeframe, followed by prolonged periods of inadequate rainfall.

Recent heavy rainfall events in regions such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have led to flash flooding and landslides, providing unequivocal evidence of the far-reaching impacts of this phenomenon. Particularly noteworthy is the unprecedented rise in the Yamuna River's water level in Delhi, reaching a 45-year high due to unusually heavy rainfall during the second and third weeks of July this year.

The shifting precipitation patterns, coupled with higher evaporation rates, also significantly contribute to the growing frequency of droughts, which in turn bear severe implications for both food security and water resources.

Furthermore, the warming of ocean waters resulting from global warming provides additional energy for cyclone development, leading to escalated wind speeds and intensified rainfall during cyclonic events. This combined influence, along with storm surges, results in extensive coastal flooding and substantial damage, as exemplified by the impact of the recent cyclone Biparjoy.

Additionally, instances of unusual heatwaves, such as those experienced in March 2022 and February 2023, pose substantial health risks disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, outdoor laborers, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Extreme heat also strains energy systems, raising the potential for power outages.

The latest IPCC report emphasises that the occurrence of extreme weather events in South Asia, including India, is likely to enhance in the future. The report highlights a heightened probability of increasingly erratic and heavy downpours during the monsoon season.

It predicts a rise in the frequency of cyclonic events along both the eastern and western coasts. Given India's extensive coastline of around 7,517 kilometers, this poses a significant threat to coastal communities. The report also raises concerns about the Indian subcontinent facing more frequent and intense heatwaves in the coming decade.

The projection points toward a rise in the frequency and intensity of warm days and nights, while the occurrence of cold days and nights is anticipated to decline across the country in the years ahead.

The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and resulting damages, underscore the urgent necessity for more climate action in India. The country has demonstrated its commitment to meeting its climate objectives in alignment with the 2015 Paris Agreement. Through its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), India has pledged to reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels and aims to achieve nearly 50% cumulative non-fossil fuel-based energy capacity by 2030.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's LiFE mission and leadership in initiatives like the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure exemplify these dedicated efforts.

Nevertheless, India also requires robust economic, infrastructural, and social resilience systems in conjunction with mitigation measures to effectively counter the increasing impacts of extreme weather events.

Prioritising research on the prediction of floods and heatwaves is essential to comprehend patterns, impacts, and trends that could lead to the development of reliable early warning systems and action plans. Strengthening flood prediction requires comprehensive data collection, research, and modeling.

Additional steps encompass the implementation of flood management strategies, enhancing drainage systems, refining zoning regulations, and adopting effective land use planning to mitigate potential damages.

Addressing coastal vulnerability also necessitates the establishment of early warning systems, along with the development of resilient infrastructure and capacity-building endeavors. Pushing for climate-resilient urban planning, responsible coastal development, and the preservation of mangrove ecosystems is of paramount importance.

Timely public awareness campaigns can instigate sustainable behavioral shifts at both individual and community levels. Strategic investments in water conservation, efficient irrigation practices, and the cultivation of drought-resistant crops are vital to ensure food security.