Global Warming and India

Syllabus: Climate Change

Source: IE

**Context: **The year 2024 has been declared the warmest year on record globally, surpassing the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels. While India also recorded its warmest year, the extent of warming was relatively lower compared to the global average.

Global warming trends in 2024:

• Temperature Records: Global temperatures in 2024 were 1.28°C higher than NASA’s baseline (1951–1980), breaking previous records. • Warming Rates: The temperature rise over land exceeded 1.6°C, while oceans warmed by approximately 0.9°C. • El Niño Impact: A strong El Niño phenomenon further contributed to the temperature surge. • Decadal Warmth: The past decade has been the warmest in recorded history, with every year exceeding previous temperature averages. • Regional Variations: The Arctic and high-altitude regions saw the highest temperature increases due to polar amplification and the albedo effect. Factors leading to 2024 being the warmest year:

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Record-high CO₂ and methane emissions from fossil fuel use intensified global warming. • El Niño Effect: A strong El Niño event amplified ocean temperatures, pushing global averages upward. • Volcanic Eruption Impacts: The 2022 Tonga eruption likely altered atmospheric circulation, contributing to warming in subsequent years. • Decreased Aerosol Pollution: Reduced pollution led to lesser cloud cover, allowing more solar radiation to be absorbed by the Earth. • Loss of Arctic Ice: Accelerated melting in the Arctic reduced albedo, causing more heat absorption and increasing temperatures. Why India experienced comparatively lower warming?

• Tropical Location: India’s proximity to the equator results in less variability in warming compared to polar and temperate regions. • Aerosols and Particulate Matter: High concentrations of aerosols scatter sunlight, leading to a cooling effect over India. • Monsoon Dynamics: The Indian monsoon system helps regulate surface temperatures through seasonal rainfall. • Ocean Influence: Surrounding oceans moderate India’s temperatures, acting as heat sinks. • Landmass Proportion: India’s smaller landmass compared to global land surfaces results in less pronounced warming. Challenges in controlling global warming:

• Rising Emissions: Despite global efforts, fossil fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions remain high. • Economic Dependencies: Many nations, including India, are heavily reliant on coal and oil for energy. • Global Inequity: Disparities in responsibilities and capacities hinder unified climate action. • Insufficient Funding: Climate adaptation and mitigation efforts face financial constraints in developing nations. • Climate Denial: Resistance from interest groups and misinformation campaigns slow progress on international agreements. Solutions to control global warming:

• Renewable Energy** Transition:** Accelerate the adoption of solar, wind, and hydropower to reduce fossil fuel dependency. • Afforestation: Large-scale tree-planting initiatives can act as carbon sinks and combat deforestation. • Climate Policies: Strengthen international agreements like the Paris Accord to enforce emissions reductions. • Technology Integration: Invest in carbon capture, storage, and other green technologies. • Public Awareness: Educate communities about climate change to drive grassroots action and policy support. Conclusion:

The record-breaking temperatures of 2024 underline the urgency of addressing climate change. While India’s relative warming is lower, its vulnerabilities demand focused mitigation and adaptation efforts. Global cooperation, backed by robust policies and public participation, remains key to combating this existential crisis.

Insta Links:

• Global-warming • ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC-2017)