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2024: The Warmest Year on Record – India’s Climate Challenges and the Need for Stronger Meteorological Infrastructure

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 15)

Topic: GS3 – Environment
Context
  • The year 2024 marked the warmest year globally, with temperatures exceeding the pre-industrial average by over 1.5°C. India also experienced its warmest year, with temperatures rising 0.65°C above the 1991-2020 baseline.
  • However, due to differences in baselines and the inclusion of ocean temperatures in global averages, India’s warming (1.2°C since 1901-1910) appears lower than the global trend.

Analysis of the news:

Graph Titled 'Temperature Deviations In India And World' Showing 10-Year Running Averages Of Temperature Rise From 1901 To 2024. The Red Line Represents Global Temperature Deviations, While The Orange Line Represents India'S Temperature Deviations. Both Lines Show An Upward Trend, With The Global Temperature Rising More Steeply Compared To India'S. The Graph Illustrates How Temperature Deviations Have Increased Significantly Since The Mid-20Th Century, Peaking In Recent Years. Source: Imd And Wmo.

Disparity in Warming Patterns

  • Land surfaces, including India, have warmed less than polar regions due to geographic and climatic factors.
  • Polar regions, especially the Arctic, experience accelerated warming due to phenomena like the albedo effect and atmospheric heat transfer.
  • India’s tropical location and higher aerosol concentration also reduce temperature rise through solar radiation scattering.

India’s Unique Challenges

  • Despite relatively lower warming, India’s vulnerability to climate change remains high due to its diverse geography and dense population.
  • Variations in warming patterns across regions, such as the Himalayas and coastal areas, exacerbate localized climate impacts.

Strengthening India’s Climate Capabilities

  • India’s climate observation and impact assessment infrastructure requires significant expansion.
  • Enhancing the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) capabilities and networks, particularly through initiatives like Mission Mausam, is critical.
  • Improved observation systems and weather monitoring at the village level are essential for addressing climate challenges effectively.

Role of IMD and Related Agencies

  • The IMD now plays a pivotal role in disaster management, agriculture, energy, and transportation.
  • Strengthening its capacity, along with agencies like the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Systems (INCOIS), is vital for building resilience and achieving long-term climate goals under Vision 2047.
Practice Question:  Analyze the implications of the record-breaking warmth in 2024 on India’s climate vulnerabilities and the need for enhanced meteorological infrastructure to address the challenges of climate change. (150 Words /10 marks)

 

For more such UPSC related Current Affairs, Check Out India-Bangladesh Border Fencing Dispute: Balancing Security, Agreements, and Diplomacy

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