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18-January-2025-Editorial

January 18 @ 7:00 am - 11:30 pm

WARMEST YEAR ON RECORD

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently confirmed that 2024 has become the warmest year ever recorded. The past decade (2015-2024) also stands as the hottest on record. While India’s temperature rise remains lower than the global average, it highlights critical gaps in climate models’ accuracy for the country. Strengthening India’s climate observation and assessment capabilities is essential.

Key Findings by WMO

Record Global Temperatures

  • In 2024, global average surface temperature rose by 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900).
  • This marks the first year temperatures exceeded the 1.5°C threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement.

Ocean Heat Absorption

  • The upper 2000 meters of the oceans absorbed a record 16 zettajoules of heat, approximately 140 times the total global electricity production in 2023.
  • Oceans store around 90% of excess heat caused by global warming.

Implications of Warming

  • Surpassing the 1.5°C mark underscores the urgency of climate action. The Paris Agreement’s target to limit warming below 2°C, ideally to 1.5°C, remains crucial.
  • Each incremental rise in temperature exacerbates impacts on ecosystems and human societies.

Warming Trends in India

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported a 0.65°C rise in India’s average temperature in 2024, lower than the global average of 1.55°C.
  • Compared to the 1901-1910 baseline, India’s temperature increase was about 1.2°C in 2024.

Land vs. Ocean Warming

  • Since pre-industrial times, land temperatures have risen by 1.59°C, while oceans warmed by 0.88°C, as per the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report.

Why is India Warming Slower?

Geographic Location

  • Temperature rise is more prominent at higher latitudes, such as the poles, due to heat redistribution through atmospheric circulation.
  • India’s tropical location near the equator reduces the impact of such phenomena.

Albedo Effect

  • Arctic regions experience higher warming due to the low albedo effect. Melting ice exposes surfaces like land or water that absorb more heat than ice.
  • In India, this effect is limited to the Himalayan region.

Aerosols and Pollution

  • Aerosols and particulate matter reflect sunlight, reducing the temperature rise.
  • High air pollution levels in India, while harmful, have a slight cooling effect by scattering solar radiation.

Altitude Variations

  • India’s diverse terrain results in varying warming trends across regions, but the overall national average remains lower.

Global Warming-Related Findings

Extreme Heat Exposure

  • India, along with China, Indonesia, Nigeria, and Bangladesh, experienced the highest cumulative exposure to extreme heat in 2020.
  • Between 1995 and 2020, global exposure to extreme heat surged by 89%, rising from 221.5 billion to 419 billion person-hours.

Disproportionate Impact

  • Lower-middle-income and low-income nations faced over 70% of extreme heat exposure but contributed minimally to global emissions and labor compensation.
  • For instance, in 2020, Thailand experienced 1319.5 hours of extreme heat exposure per capita, while Germany faced just 28.1 hours.

Consequences of Rising Temperatures

Sea-Level Rise

  • Global sea levels have risen by approximately 8 inches since 1880, with projections of at least another foot by 2100.
  • Coastal regions face risks of inundation, habitat disruption, and displacement.

Ocean Changes

  • Oceans, absorbing significant amounts of CO2, are becoming more acidic, threatening marine ecosystems.

Intensified Weather Events

  • Droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires are expected to worsen, while cold waves may decrease in intensity and frequency.

Biodiversity Threats

  • Rising temperatures disrupt ecosystems, pushing many species toward extinction.

Health and Food Security

  • Extreme weather impacts food production, leading to shortages and price spikes.
  • Rising heat worsens air quality, increases heat-related illnesses, and spreads diseases.

Enhancing India’s Climate Response

Expanding Weather Stations

  • India needs to establish weather stations in every panchayat under its Vision 2047 to gather precise climate data.

Advanced Computing Infrastructure

  • Investments in advanced computing systems are essential for analyzing climate data and enhancing disaster preparedness, agricultural predictions, and resilience strategies.

Regular Impact Assessments

  • Conduct periodic India-specific studies on climate impacts, such as sea-level rise and ecosystem changes, to guide mitigation efforts.

Strengthening Mission Mausam

  • Integrate Mission Mausam with global and national systems to improve weather forecasting, especially for coastal and hilly regions.

Localized Climate Studies

  • Invest in regional studies to address specific challenges in the Himalayas, coastal areas, and urban zones for targeted climate adaptation.

About the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

WMO is an intergovernmental agency with 192 member states, including India. Originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), established in 1873.

Establishment and Role

  • Formed in 1950, WMO became a specialized UN agency focusing on meteorology, hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.

Way Forward

Cross-Sectoral Emission Reductions

  • Adopt UNEP’s approach to cut emissions in energy, industry, agriculture, transport, forests, and buildings.

Reforestation Initiatives

  • Promote large-scale tree planting to absorb atmospheric CO2 and protect existing forests.

Energy Efficiency

  • Encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and smart technologies.
  • Implement stringent energy standards for industries and buildings.

Sustainable Agriculture

  • Promote climate-resilient farming methods, including sustainable irrigation and agroforestry.

Details

Date:
January 18
Time:
7:00 am - 11:30 pm
Event Category:
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