The Climate Effect

The Climate Effect

Published on :- July 5th, 2023

A look at how Climate Change is Impacting the Indian Subcontinent. World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5 June. First held in 1973, this programme led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has been a platform for raising awareness on environmental issues such as marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development and wildlife crime. This year the World Environment day celebrated its 50th anniversary. Global temperatures are rising, greenhouse gas emissions are increasing, sea levels are going up, all these and many more factors are impacting the world environment like never before. Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its devastating impacts is therefore an imperative to save lives and livelihood and key to making the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Goals – the blueprint for a better future – a reality. In this Blog we examine key factors impacting the environment in India and actions taken to combat climate change. Rising Temperatures and Fluctuating Rainfall India’s average annual temperatures have been rising. In the last century (1922 - 2022) while the average annual mean temperature has increased by 0.62 degree centigrade, maximum and minimum temperatures have increased by 0.91 and 0.35 respectively. The annual rainfall across different seasons has been subject to significant variation, particularly during the monsoon season. In the last century (1922 - 2022), the amount of rainfall during monsoons has been varying between 700 - 1000+ millimeters. In recent years, 1988 had the highest amount of rain - 1066 millimeters and the lowest rainfall was in 2009 with only 698 millimeters. Rainfalls during Autumn and Summer seasons have also seen a lot of fluctuations. Ambient Air Quality Levels and Escalating CO2 Emissions Ambient air quality in many of our metro cities are way above the permissible levels. As per National Ambient Air Quality Standards defined by Central Pollution Control Board, permissible levels for PM10 is 80-100, Nitrogen dioxide is 40-80 and Sulphur dioxide is 50-80. PM10 levels in Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Bangalore are alarmingly higher than the permissible levels. In 2016, Delhi recorded the highest level of PM10 - 278 micrograms per meter cube. Carbon dioxide (CO2) comprises the largest share of manmade greenhouse gasses. This is a leading factor which causes an increase in the earth’s surface temperature, climate change and respiratory diseases resulting from smog and air pollution. While per capita CO2 emission in India is still relatively low compared to other developed countries, it has been increasing year-on-year. In the last 3 decades the per capita CO2 emission in India has more than doubled. It was 0.66 metric tons in 1990 and has increased to 1.78 metric tons in 2019 - an increase by 1.12 metric tons. Extreme Natural Events, Heatwaves and Cold waves Impacts of climate change are also seen in some extreme natural events such as floods, droughts, wildfires, earthquakes, avalanches etc. These natural events have caused damage to livestock, humans, agriculture land and households. Over the last two decades, reported loss of human lives due to extreme natural events has tripled - 800 people in 2001-02 to 2400 people in 2019-20. Additionally, 4 lakh more houses were reported as damaged in 2019-20 as compared to 2001-02. The changing climate has also triggered heat and cold waves. The highest number of deaths (1,156) due to cold waves was reported in the year 2003. In the same year, heat waves were the cause of 1,539 deaths in the country. The highest number of deaths due to heat waves (2,081) was reported in the year 2015. Renewable Energy Progress One of the initiatives to combat climate change has been to increase the share of renewable energy sources. As of 2021-22, Renewable energy constituted 11.5% in India’s total power generation, which was almost negligible three decades ago. The Government of India has been funding various national schemes for environment protection. Some of these schemes include National Mission for Green India, Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats, Conservation of Natural Resources and Ecosystems and National River Conservation Programme. In 2020-21, Government of India spent ~4166 Crores towards environment protection. A 150% increase in the annual expenditure in a decade. Corporate Contribution Corporates in India have also been actively participating in protecting the environment. Over last 7 years (2014-21), since the inception of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) law, corporates in India have cumulatively spent over 9000 crores (~7% of total CSR) in environment protection sectors such as environment sustainability, conservation of natural resources and agro forestry sectors. Action to combat climate change and its impacts require adopting green technologies, promoting the use of clean and modern sources of energy and advocating for behavioural change for sustainable use of resources. While efforts are being made by governments, corporations, implementing agencies and philanthropists, it is a call for every individual to do their bit in combating the impact of climate change. For more insights on SDG 13 - Climate Action - Click here

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