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 |
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Analysis of the news:
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) |
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