Q17. ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India be affected by climate change?

Model Answer:

Introduction

Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges, impacting weather patterns, ecosystems, and human livelihoods. India, with its diverse geography and large population, is particularly vulnerable to its effects. The country's Himalayan and coastal regions are especially at risk due to their unique geographical features, which make them highly sensitive to changes in climate patterns.

Body

Impact of Climate Change on India

1. Increased Temperature
   India is experiencing rising temperatures, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This affects agricultural productivity, water resources, and public health.
2. Erratic Rainfall Patterns
   Climate change is causing irregular monsoons, leading to both droughts and floods in different parts of the country. This variability is impacting agriculture, which is largely rain-fed, and water availability.
3. Agricultural Impact
   As temperatures rise and rainfall becomes unpredictable, crop yields are projected to decline, particularly in staple crops like rice and wheat, threatening food security.
4. Water Stress
   Melting glaciers, reduced river flows, and depleting groundwater levels are exacerbating water scarcity across India, impacting agriculture, drinking water, and energy generation.

Impact on Himalayan States

1. Glacial Retreat
   Rising temperatures are accelerating the melting of glaciers, reducing water flow in rivers originating from the Himalayas. This threatens water availability for millions downstream and increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).
2. Biodiversity Loss
   The Himalayan ecosystem is highly sensitive to climate change, leading to shifts in biodiversity, habitat loss, and the disappearance of species that are unable to adapt.
3. Increased Landslides and Flash Floods
   Changing precipitation patterns and glacier melt increase the likelihood of landslides and flash floods, causing damage to infrastructure and livelihoods.

Impact on Coastal States

1. Rising Sea Levels
   Coastal regions, including cities like Mumbai and Kolkata, face the threat of rising sea levels, leading to coastal erosion, loss of land, and increased flooding.
2. Cyclones and Storm Surges
   Climate change is intensifying cyclones and storm surges in coastal areas, leading to loss of life, property, and damage to agriculture.
3. Salinization of Soil and Water
   Sea-level rise and storm surges increase saltwater intrusion into freshwater sources and agricultural lands, reducing soil fertility and affecting drinking water supplies.

Conclusion

Climate change presents a serious challenge to India, particularly its Himalayan and coastal states. These regions are vulnerable to glacial melt, rising sea levels, increased natural disasters, and biodiversity loss. Addressing these issues will require adaptive strategies, sustainable development practices, and a concerted global effort to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

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