Climate
Share
Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link and will create a new password via email.
Please briefly explain why you feel this question should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this answer should be reported.
Please briefly explain why you feel this user should be reported.
Examine the role of human activities, such as unregulated construction and tourism, in exacerbating the risks of natural disasters in Kedarnath. What measures can be taken to promote sustainable development in such ecologically sensitive areas?
Human activities such as unregulated construction and tourism have heightened the risk of natural calamities in ecologically fragile regions like Kedarnath. Rampant construction without proper appraisal of environmental impact has resulted in deforestation and soil erosion, and has also interfered wRead more
Human activities such as unregulated construction and tourism have heightened the risk of natural calamities in ecologically fragile regions like Kedarnath. Rampant construction without proper appraisal of environmental impact has resulted in deforestation and soil erosion, and has also interfered with natural water drainage systems, increasing the susceptibility of the area to landslides, floods and other natural disasters. The devastating Kedarnath flood disaster in 2013 brought this into focus when haphazard buildings and roads compounded the loss of lives and property.
Tourism though economically beneficial, has caused too much environmental degradation in the region. The inflow of visitors makes it necessary to put up a lot of infrastructure which in turn consumes large tracts of natural habitats and also generates more waste, thus polluting the environment further.
To achieve sustainable development in such regions, it is of primary importance to enforce environmental laws. Construction in general, must be limited and if at all undertaken then only using eco-friendly practices. Similarly, promotion of eco-tourism involves locals and reduces environment impacts. Reforestation should be promoted at construction sites, waste should be properly disposed off and sustainable construction materials should be used.
See lessClimate change
Climate change impacts food security in India through its effect on agricultural productivity, as agriculture is the main source of livelihoods and income for rural populations in the country. Increasing temperature, changing rainfall pattern and increased frequency of droughts, floods and cyclonesRead more
Climate change impacts food security in India through its effect on agricultural productivity, as agriculture is the main source of livelihoods and income for rural populations in the country. Increasing temperature, changing rainfall pattern and increased frequency of droughts, floods and cyclones cause damage to crops and reduce crop yields. Crops like wheat, maize and rice are sensitive to high temperatures, while pulses are sensitive to high temperature stress and require more water which is likely to be not available due to decreased rainfall over time. Higher temperature with increased moisture stress can lead to substantial decrease in wheat yield possible up to 50%.
Rise in temperature also affects rice production due to high day and night time temperatures negatively affecting grain filling stage and increasing incidence of pests.
Climate change also worsens water scarcity, which is a severe problem in India since agriculture there depends on monsoon rains. Increasingly unpredictable rains and dwindling water supplies overburden irrigation systems, resulting in lower agricultural yields. More frequent and more intense extreme weather events destroy infrastructure, interrupt supply chains, and increase food prices, all of which make it harder for the poorest people to obtain food.
Climate-induced changes including drought, flooding and higher temperatures are likely to decrease yields for major cereal crops by 2050. Therefore, the future of food security in India is at risk. Climate-induced changes also threaten local rural livelihoods, particularly for poor and marginalised communities who are directly dependent on climate-sensitive sectors such as agriculture .For example, drought severely affected the Alwar district in Rajasthan in 2010, destroying standing crops and leading to mass starvation among local sheep and goat herders. Drought coupled with extreme heat events can also lead to livestock mortality.
See lessDiscuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. ( 150 words ) [UPSC 2022]
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses color-coded weather warnings to communicate the severity of cyclone threats to the public and authorities in cyclone-prone areas. The system is designed to provide clear and actionable information: Red Warning: Indicates a severe cyclone is imminent, wiRead more
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses color-coded weather warnings to communicate the severity of cyclone threats to the public and authorities in cyclone-prone areas. The system is designed to provide clear and actionable information:
These warnings help in timely and appropriate response actions, aiming to reduce risk and enhance safety in vulnerable regions.
See lessWhy is the South-West Monsoon called ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) in Bhojpur Region? How has this directional seasonal wind system influenced the cultural ethos of the region? ( 150 Words) [UPSC 2023]
In the Bhojpur region, the South-West Monsoon is referred to as 'Purvaiya' (easterly) due to its directional origins and the local nomenclature. Despite being a southwest monsoon, it is called 'Purvaiya' because it brings moist winds from the eastern and northeastern directions during the early stagRead more
In the Bhojpur region, the South-West Monsoon is referred to as ‘Purvaiya’ (easterly) due to its directional origins and the local nomenclature. Despite being a southwest monsoon, it is called ‘Purvaiya’ because it brings moist winds from the eastern and northeastern directions during the early stages of the monsoon season before shifting to the southwest.
This seasonal wind system significantly influences the cultural ethos of the region. The arrival of the Purvaiya is eagerly anticipated as it marks the onset of the rainy season, crucial for agriculture, which is a primary livelihood in Bhojpur. Festivals, rituals, and agricultural practices are closely aligned with the monsoon cycle. The cultural celebrations often reflect gratitude for the rain and the prosperity it brings. Additionally, traditional practices and folklore frequently emphasize the importance of this wind in sustaining crops and ensuring food security, embedding the monsoon’s impact deeply into the region’s cultural fabric.
See lessClimate Change is a sensitive topic of today's world. But still people ignore and keep doing things to make it worse. Education on climate change and its consequences can play a crucial role in upcoming years. How can today's generation be educated about it?
Education is an essential factor in the ever more urgent global fight against climate change. Knowledge regarding this phenomenon helps young people to understand and tackle the consequences of global warming, encourages them to change their behaviour and helps them to adapt to what is already a gloRead more
Education is an essential factor in the ever more urgent global fight against climate change. Knowledge regarding this phenomenon helps young people to understand and tackle the consequences of global warming, encourages them to change their behaviour and helps them to adapt to what is already a global emergency.
Benjamin Franklin once wrote: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”. In environmental matters, and more particularly, in anything related to climate change, UNESCO endorses this view. For UNESCO, education, especially when focused on children and young people, is a key factor in helping to curb climate change. Specifically, it says that “education… encourages changes in young people’s attitudes and behaviour and helps them to adapt to climate change-related trends”.
The importance of environmental literacy
In the past few years, various initiatives have been launched to try to curb climate change. Prominent among them are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) promoted by the United Nations (UN) since 2012. One of them, number 13, is entitled Climate Action.
The success of these kinds of initiatives is largely dependent on environmental literacy drives among populations that are often strangers to these major political agreements, and on the development of a culture of care for the climate. But what exactly do we mean by environmental literacy? Educating citizens, especially children, and raising their awareness regarding the causes and consequences of climate change.
In fact the UN, as part of its commitment to education on climate change, says that “it is just as important to make progress in areas such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and formulating effective government policies as it is to provide education and training to raise awareness in as wide an audience as possible
As part of this change in approach, experts point to the importance of starting to use concepts that hitherto seemed the reserve of scientists. We’re talking about global warming, greenhouse gases, renewable energy, carbon footprint, deforestation, recycling, green jobs, green taxes, water footprint, sustainable food, etc.
Developing a culture of caring for the environment
As well as familiarisation with and use of the vocabulary. Experts are increasingly stressing the importance of educating children on environmental matters and developing a culture of caring for the climate. For example a recent report by the University of Stanford looked at how this subject had benefited pupils from nursery school through to leaving secondary school, concluding that 83% of pupils improved their environmental behaviour.
How to bring educational training to schools? As well as including it as a compulsory subject, with Italy, so far, being the only European country to have done this, there are numerous climate change related activities that can be carried out in schools. For example: activities in nature relating to caring for the environment, such as clean-up operations, visits farms and nurseries to learn at first-hand how to look after animals and plants, courses and workshops on recycling, etc.
There are also many technological resources, such as the Educaclima platform, which offer teachers free educational resources related to the environment — climate change, responsible consumption, energy and mobility, etc. — that they can be put into practice with children in the classroom.
See lessHow detrimental is the current rise in temperature to both human health and the environment?
Impact on Human Health Illnesses: Higher temperatures increase the frequency of heatwaves, leading to more cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Vulnerable groups, the elderly and those with chronic conditions, face heightened risks. Respiratory and Cardiovascular Issues: Elevated temperatures exRead more
Impact on Human Health
Impact on the Environment
See lessAnalyze how the shifting climate parameters in India affect the country's water security and the possible consequences it will bear on interstate relations.
The shifting climate parameters in India significantly impact the country's water security, which in turn can lead to severe consequences on interstate relations. This analysis delves into the intricate relationship between climate change, water security, and interstate dynamics in India. Impact ofRead more
The shifting climate parameters in India significantly impact the country’s water security, which in turn can lead to severe consequences on interstate relations. This analysis delves into the intricate relationship between climate change, water security, and interstate dynamics in India.
Impact of Shifting Climate Parameters on Water Security
1. Variability in Monsoon Patterns
India’s water resources are heavily reliant on the monsoon, which accounts for nearly 80% of the annual rainfall. Climate change has led to increased variability in monsoon patterns, resulting in both intense rainfall events and prolonged dry spells. This unpredictability affects the replenishment of surface and groundwater resources, exacerbating water scarcity in various regions.
2. Glacial Melt and River Flows
The Himalayan glaciers, which feed major rivers like the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Indus, are retreating at an alarming rate due to rising temperatures. While initially, this may lead to increased river flows, the long-term consequence is reduced water availability as glaciers diminish. This poses a significant threat to regions dependent on these rivers for irrigation, drinking water, and hydropower.
3. Increased Frequency of Extreme Weather Events
India has witnessed a rise in extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts. Flooding not only destroys infrastructure but also contaminates water sources, while droughts deplete water reserves. These events disrupt the availability and quality of water, affecting both urban and rural populations.
4. Sea-Level Rise and Salinity Intrusion
Coastal areas, particularly in states like Gujarat, West Bengal, and Odisha, are experiencing sea-level rise. This leads to the intrusion of saline water into freshwater aquifers and rivers, rendering them unfit for consumption and agriculture. The Sundarbans region, for example, faces significant challenges due to increased salinity.
Consequences on Interstate Relations
1. Disputes Over River Water Sharing
With rivers often crossing state boundaries, the scarcity of water heightens tensions between states. For instance, the Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is a long-standing conflict exacerbated by changing rainfall patterns and reduced water availability. Such disputes can lead to legal battles, political standoffs, and even civil unrest.
2. Competition for Groundwater Resources
As surface water becomes unreliable, states increasingly tap into groundwater reserves. However, over-extraction has led to significant declines in groundwater levels. States like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh are facing severe groundwater depletion, leading to conflicts over resource allocation and sustainable usage.
3. Migration and Social Tensions
Water scarcity drives migration from rural to urban areas and from water-scarce to water-abundant regions. This migration can strain resources in recipient areas, leading to social tensions and competition for jobs, housing, and basic services. The influx of climate refugees can exacerbate existing urban challenges and lead to friction between states.
4. Economic and Agricultural Implications
Agriculture, which employs a significant portion of India’s population, is highly water-dependent. Water scarcity can lead to reduced agricultural output, affecting food security and the economy. Interstate trade of agricultural products can also be impacted, leading to economic disparities and heightened tensions between states.
In conclusion, the shifting climate parameters in India pose a severe threat to water security, with far-reaching consequences on interstate relations. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved water management practices, enhanced interstate cooperation, investment in sustainable infrastructure, and policies promoting climate resilience. By acknowledging and addressing the interconnectedness of climate change, water security, and interstate dynamics, India can work towards a more secure and harmonious future.
See lessEvaluate the impact of the Green Revolution on Indian agriculture. What were its successes and limitations, and what lessons can be drawn for future agricultural policies?
Green Revolution literally means a spurt in crop production. It included the introduction of HYV ( High yielding variety) seeds , chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other toolkits to farmers for increasing production of crops. It was done during the leadership Successes : Self Sufficiency- BeforeRead more
Green Revolution literally means a spurt in crop production. It included the introduction of HYV ( High yielding variety) seeds , chemical fertilizers, pesticides and other toolkits to farmers for increasing production of crops. It was done during the leadership
Successes :
Limitations –
The Green Revolution was an important part of Indian agriculture. It made the country self sufficient and gave to new horizons to farming. Yet, there are limitations of it which are experienced today also . Only some farmers are prosperous and mostly are poor and needy. The injection of chemicals into crops has degraded its quality and nutritional values . As a result now people actually want to move towards traditional methods through ways like organic farming.
See lessCLIMATIC CONDITIONS OF INDIA
India's Diverse Climate and Geography: 1. Geographical Extent and Topography: India's vast geographical extent spans from the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, encompassing diverse topographical features such as mountains, plateaus, plains, and coastal areas. The variation inRead more
India’s Diverse Climate and Geography:
1. Geographical Extent and Topography:
India’s vast geographical extent spans from the Himalayas in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, encompassing diverse topographical features such as mountains, plateaus, plains, and coastal areas.
The variation in altitude and landforms influences temperature, precipitation patterns, and weather systems across different regions.
2. Monsoon Influence:
India’s location near the equator and the presence of the Indian Ocean to the south contribute to the onset of the monsoon winds, which dominate the country’s climate.
The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the western coast and parts of central India, while the northeast monsoon affects the eastern coast.
3. Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats:
The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats mountain ranges act as barriers to the monsoon winds, causing orographic rainfall on their windward sides.
The Western Ghats receive high rainfall, leading to the formation of lush forests and supporting diverse ecosystems, while the leeward side experiences a rain shadow effect with drier conditions.
4. Himalayas and Arid Regions:
The Himalayas in the north play a crucial role in blocking cold winds from Central Asia, influencing the climate of northern India and the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Regions like the Thar Desert in Rajasthan experience arid conditions due to the rain shadow effect caused by the Aravalli Range and lack of moisture-bearing winds.
5. Coastal Influence and Tropical Climate:
India’s extensive coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal contributes to a tropical climate in coastal regions with high humidity and moderate temperatures.
Coastal areas are influenced by sea breezes, which bring relief from high temperatures during summers and moderate the climate.
Recent Examples:
Cyclones and Extreme Weather Events:
See lessThe coastal regions of India are prone to cyclones originating from the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, impacting the climate and causing significant rainfall and wind damage.
Recent cyclones like Cyclone Amphan and Cyclone Nisarga have highlighted the vulnerability of coastal areas to extreme weather events.
Glacial Retreat in the Himalayas:
The Himalayan region has been experiencing rapid glacial retreat due to climate change, impacting water availability and contributing to changes in regional climates.
Instances like the Uttarakhand glacier burst in 2021 underscore the environmental consequences of glacial melt in the Himalayas.
Urban Heat Island Effect:
Urban areas in India, characterized by concrete structures and limited green spaces, exhibit the urban heat island effect, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.
Cities like Delhi and Chennai experience heat waves and temperature extremes influenced by urbanization and land use changes.
India’s diverse geography, ranging from mountains to deserts to coastal plains, along with its proximity to the Indian Ocean and the monsoon winds, plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s varied climate patterns and weather conditions, showcasing a rich tapestry of climatic diversity across different regions.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) in providing crop insurance to farmers. What are the challenges faced in its implementation, and how can it be improved?
Effectiveness of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): 1. Increased Coverage and Awareness: PMFBY has significantly increased the coverage of crop insurance among farmers, providing financial protection against crop losses due to natural calamities. The scheme has raised awareness about the impoRead more
Effectiveness of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY):
1. Increased Coverage and Awareness:
PMFBY has significantly increased the coverage of crop insurance among farmers, providing financial protection against crop losses due to natural calamities.
The scheme has raised awareness about the importance of crop insurance and risk mitigation in the agricultural sector.
2. Timely Compensation Payments:
PMFBY aims to provide timely compensation to farmers in case of crop damage, offering quick relief and financial support during distress.
Farmers have reported receiving compensation more promptly compared to previous insurance schemes.
3. Premium Subsidies and Affordability:
The scheme offers premium subsidies to make crop insurance affordable for farmers, reducing their financial burden in availing insurance coverage.
Subsidies under PMFBY have made crop insurance more accessible to small and marginal farmers.
Challenges in Implementation:
1. Delayed Settlement of Claims:
One major challenge faced in the implementation of PMFBY is the delayed settlement of insurance claims, causing financial distress to farmers during critical times.
Streamlining claim assessment processes and improving coordination among stakeholders can help address this issue.
2. Lack of Transparency and Accountability:
Transparency issues in premium calculations, claim settlements, and grievance redressal mechanisms have been reported, leading to mistrust among farmers.
Implementing mechanisms for transparent data sharing, audit trails, and independent oversight can enhance accountability in the scheme.
3. Regional Disparities and Coverage Gaps:
Disparities in coverage and benefits across regions, crops, and farmers have been observed, limiting the effectiveness of the scheme in reaching vulnerable populations.
Tailoring insurance products to address specific regional risks and diversifying coverage options can help bridge these gaps.
Improvement Strategies:
1. Strengthening Risk Assessment and Data Analytics:
Enhancing the use of technology, satellite data, and machine learning algorithms for accurate risk assessment and timely claims processing.
Leveraging data analytics to predict crop losses and customize insurance products based on regional vulnerabilities.
2. Capacity Building and Awareness Campaigns:
Conducting training programs for farmers, insurance agents, and government officials to improve understanding of the scheme and its benefits.
Launching targeted awareness campaigns to reach marginalized farmers and promote uptake of crop insurance.
3. Simplifying Processes and Grievance Redressal:
Simplifying insurance procedures, claim filing, and grievance redressal mechanisms to make the scheme more farmer-friendly and efficient.
See lessEstablishing dedicated helplines, online portals, and mobile applications for easy access to information and support.
By addressing these challenges and implementing improvement strategies focused on transparency, efficiency, inclusivity, and technological innovation, the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) can further enhance its effectiveness in providing crop insurance to farmers and mitigating risks in the agricultural sector.