Experts warn of devastating El Niño impacts on India, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• 188 Indian scientists and ecologists issued an appeal to prepare for the devastating effects of El Niño on India.
• The El Niño phenomenon, originating in the Pacific Ocean, dampens the monsoon and leads to extreme hot and dry conditions.
• Pacific Ocean temperatures have risen to 2.6°C above the 0.5°C threshold, with projections indicating possible anomalies up to 4°C, suggesting a "Super" El Niño.
• Its main effects are expected to be felt in India from November onwards into the next year.
• The warning highlights widespread coral bleaching, increased wildfires, and mortality of large rainforest trees as potential impacts.

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Detailed Insights:

• The projected temperature anomalies of up to 4°C are higher than any recorded in the past 1,000 years, based on coral core reconstructions.
• The scientists' "Call to Action" urges researchers to document and study the event's impact to build India's climate resilience.
• Farmers, fishers, and shepherds are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic conditions due to high probability of drought and extreme heat.
• Subtler ecological impacts, such as delayed fruit production and changes in animal behavior, are also anticipated.
• Trees in the Western Ghats and urban areas are highly susceptible to extended droughts and the urban heat island effect.
• Coral reefs, which require at least a decade to recover from major die-backs, are at risk, especially after a significant El Niño event in 2024.
• India's monsoon season is closing with a rainfall deficit, and El Niño impacts could cascade through depleted soil moisture, water storage, and increased heatwaves.

Key Concepts Involved:

• El Niño: A climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, impacting global weather.
• Urban Heat Island Effect: A phenomenon where urban areas experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and built environments.
• Coral Bleaching: The process where corals expel symbiotic algae due to stress, primarily from increased water temperatures, causing them to turn white and become vulnerable to death.
• Western Ghats: A mountain range along India's western coast, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a global biodiversity hotspot.