Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Source-This post on Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters has been created based on the article “West Bengal governor writes: What global examples show — we can never be too prepared for calamities” published in “The Indian Express” on 28 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus–GS Paper-3-Disaster Management

Context-West Bengal has been recently hit by cyclone Remal. The article highlights how the increase in global temperatures, partly due to modern human lifestyles, adversely affects the climate, leading to rising sea levels and calamities like floods.

It suggests that global communities have only experienced some of the earth’s potential disasters, hinting that worse ones might happen in the future

What are some of the most devastating disasters across the globe?

1) Recurring Floods in the United States-In United States, areas along the Mississippi River are regularly ravaged by hurricanes and subsequent floods.

2) Japan’s Struggle with Earthquakes– Despite being one of the wealthiest and technologically advanced nations, Japan has not been able to find a solution to its perennial problem of earthquakes. Accounting for nearly 20% of all earthquakes of magnitude 6 and above on the Richter scale.

Read more- Cyclone disaster management in India

What were some of the innovative solutions adopted by these countries?

1) In 1927, despite facing opposition, the authorities utilized dynamite to divert the overflowing Mississippi River to drain into the sea. Thereby saving New Orleans from devastation.

2) Japan has constructed quake-resistant reservoirs capable of holding drinking water sufficient to meet the city’s needs for 10 days. The case is similar with storehouses of food for a comparable period. This has been inspired by The Imperial Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, that displayed resilience as a quake-resistant building during the earthquake.

3) An earthquake struck Mexico in 1985, resulting in heavy casualties. During rescue operation, trained dogs played a crucial role by detecting individuals trapped in rubble.

What are the challenges in dealing with natural disasters?

Despite best efforts, predicting all calamities is not possible, and earthquake prediction mechanisms are far from foolproof, as exemplified by the Parkfield Prediction Experiment in the United States.

Way forward

There is a need to enhance preparedness and continue efforts to reduce the impact of natural disasters by utilizing technological advancements, developing infrastructure, and fostering international cooperation.

Question for practice

What are some of the most devastating disasters across the globe?  What innovative steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of these disasters.