Global Warming

Context:

First time ever in history, global temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level in 2024, confirmed by C3S data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Global Warming and its Effect on India

Global warming results from the increasing concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases that trap heat in the earth’s atmosphere. It finally results in rising of global tempreature.

Causes of Global Warming in India

• Emission of Greenhouse Gases
  • India is the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world.
• Agricultural Activities
  • Methane emission in rice cultivation and livestock farming contribute to global warming.
  • Stubble Burning:
    • Stubble burning is the practice of intentionally setting fire to the leftover plant stalks, or stubble, left in fields after harvesting crops like rice and wheat in order to prepare field for the next crop. It’s a common practice in India, especially in the Punjab and Haryana regions.
• Deforestation
  • The country’s agricultural development, urbanization, and industrialization result in massive deforestation, thereby enhancing the warming effect.
• Energy Consumption
  • The use of coal and industries is increasing the carbon emissions of India.

Effects of Global Warming on India

• Increased Temperatures
  • Rising average temperatures cause more frequent heatwaves, which negatively impact human health, agriculture, and water resources.
• Erratic Rainfall
  • Changes in the monsoon pattern lead to droughts, water scarcity, and disrupts agriculture.
• Reduced Crop Yields
  • Heat stress, water scarcity, and changed pest dynamics may reduce crop yields.
• Sea Level Rise
  • Increased temperatures melt ice from glaciers and polar ice caps, which cause flooding and erosion of coastlines.
• Extreme Weather Conditions
  • More climatic events such as cyclones, floods, and storms devastate infrastructure, agriculture, and human settlements.

Mitigation Measures

• Shift to Renewable Energy
  • Investing in renewable energy reduces the use of fossil fuels.
• Energy Efficiency Measures
  • Energy-efficient technologies and practices can be developed to reduce overall energy consumption and emissions.
• Afforestation and Reforestation
  • Large-scale afforestation and reforestation programs can act as carbon sinks.
• Sustainable Agricultural Practices
  • Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• International Collaboration
  • Active participation in global efforts to combat climate change is crucial.