- In 2025, the Doomsday Clock was set to a record 89 seconds to midnight, with climate change flagged as a key driver of unprecedented global risk. Recent disasters, such as the northeastern floods, Wayanad landslides, and rising sea levels, underscore these urgent warnings.
About Climate Change
- A change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable periods (100 years).
- Climate change is usually measured in significant shifts in temperature, rainfall, snow, and wind patterns lasting decades or more.
Impacts of Climate Change
| Double Threat |
Heatwave days may double (2030) & 80% districts face extreme heat & rainfall risks. |
| Sea-Level Rise |
Mumbai may lose 22% area to 101.4 cm rise (2100); 170 million coastal residents at risk. |
| Water Crisis |
600 million Indians face high water stress; per capita availability down 73% since1950. |
| Health Burden |
Heat-related deaths increased by 55%; malaria/dengue range expanding. |
| Agro Impact |
Rainfed rice yields may fall by 20% and wheat yields by 19% by mid-century. |
| Economic Loss |
Without adaptation, climate change may cost 3–10% of GDP annually by 2100. |
Factors Responsible for Climate Change
Natural Factors
- Solar Variability: Sunspot cycles (11 years) cause slight changes in solar energy output. E.g., <0.05°C warming since 1850 (IPCC).
- Ocean Circulation Patterns: Events like El Niño increase global temperatures by disrupting ocean heat distribution. E.g., 2015–16 El Niño made 2016 the warmest year until 2023.
- Volcanic Eruptions: 1991 Mount Pinatubo released ~20 Mt SO₂, cooling Earth by 0.5°C for two years.
- Orbital Changes: Milankovitch cycles drive past ice ages but have minimal effect on current warming.
Anthropogenic Factors
- Fossil Fuel Use: Energy sector causes ~73% of global GHG emissions.
- Deforestation: India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover, cutting carbon absorption capacity.
- Agriculture: Contributes 18% of India’s GHGs via methane from livestock and N₂O from fertilizers.
- Urban Heat Islands: Delhi is 3–5°C hotter than rural surroundings due to concrete and low greenery.
- Waste Emissions: India’s 62 million tonnes of waste emit methane, 28 times more potent than CO₂.
Challenges in Climate Mitigation
- Weak Enforcement: Policy–practice gap due to bureaucratic overlaps and resource-poor regulators. E.g., 80 GW coal expansion threatens decarbonization.
- Green Growth: Projects like Great Nicobar Island cleared despite biodiversity risks.
- Urban Climate Vulnerability: Smart Cities Mission lacks integrated climate resilience. E.g., 6 of the world’s 10 most polluted cities are in India.
- Adaptation Funding Gap: Adaptation spending at 5.6% of GDP in FY22 is far below the need. E.g., NAFCC was downgraded to non-scheme status in 2022.
Way Forward
- Risk Mapping: Utilise GIS and AI to identify district-level threats, which are particularly crucial since 80% of districts are exposed to multiple climate hazards.
- Green Cities: Incorporate green spaces and reflective surfaces to reduce urban heat by up to 4°C and minimise flooding.
- Smart Farming: Shift to millets and drought-resistant crops that need 70% less water than rice.
- Safe Infrastructure: Conduct audits of roads, bridges, and buildings in high-risk zones to prevent costly damage.
- Green Energy: Use solar, wind, and biogas clusters to cut emissions by 40% compared to coal.
India’s climate challenge is both an environmental and developmental crisis. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” Balancing growth with sustainability, investing in adaptation, and fostering a low-carbon future are the only ways to ensure resilience for the coming generations.
Reference: The Hindu
PMF IAS Pathfinder for Mains – Question 288
Q. Define the concept of anthropogenic climate change and it’s socio- economic impact on India. In this context, examine the responsible factors for climate change and suggest comprehensive mitigation strategy for this.(250 Words) (15 Marks)
Approach
- Introduction: Write a brief definition of anthropogenic climate change & mention the significant factors.
- Body: Examine the responsible factors for climate change(anthropogenic and natural) and suggest a comprehensive mitigation strategy.
- Conclusion: Emphasis on low-carbon pathways, resilience, and global climate commitments to reduce their impact on humans.
