India’s Climate Warming Trends and Future Challenges

Source: The post India’s Climate Warming Trends and Future Challenges has been created, based on the article “2024 was the warmest year for India and the world. But why was warming lower over India?” published in “Indian Express” on 15th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Environment- Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Context: The article discusses 2024 being the warmest year globally and in India, explains differences in warming rates, highlights reasons for India’s lower warming, and emphasizes strengthening India’s climate observation, research, and forecasting capabilities for better disaster management and climate change assessment.

For detailed information on The Global Warming Challenge for India read this article here

Why was 2024 the warmest year globally and in India?

1. The World Meteorological Organisation declared 2024 as the warmest year globally, with Earth’s temperature exceeding pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) by over 1.5°C.
2. In India, the IMD reported a 0.65°C rise above the 1991-2020 average. However, India’s warming cannot be directly compared to the global average due to different baselines.
3. India’s temperature in 2024 was 1.2°C higher than the 1901-1910 average.
4. Global land surface warming exceeds 1.6°C, while oceans warmed about 0.9°C due to slower heat absorption, highlighting the difference in warming patterns.

Why is warming lower in India?

1. Geographic Location: India is near the equator, where warming is less pronounced compared to higher altitudes. For example, the Arctic has warmed at least twice the global average due to the albedo effect (melting ice reflecting less solar radiation).
2. Aerosols and Pollution: High aerosol concentration in India scatters sunlight and reduces surface heating. Dust and air pollution unintentionally lower temperature rise.
3. Land Temperatures Only: India’s warming is less severe because it includes only land temperatures, unlike the global average that includes oceans.

What are India’s climate vulnerabilities?

1. Regional Variations: Different warming impacts are seen across regions like the Himalayas and coastal areas. For example, the Himalayas experience distinct climate changes compared to coastal regions.
2. High Population Density: India’s large population amplifies the impacts of climate change, increasing vulnerability to disasters.
3. Tropical Location: India’s proximity to the equator reduces overall warming but does not mitigate risks of extreme weather events.

How can India improve its climate observation?

1. Expand Weather Monitoring Network: Mission Mausam aims to expand observation networks with weather stations in every village by 2047.
2. India’s first climate impact assessment in 2020 was significant but needs to continue regularly, like IPCC global assessments.
3. Modernize IMD: IMD now supports disaster management, electricity generation, and tourism. Further advancements will make it more effective in forecasting.
4. Strengthen Research Institutions: Support institutions like the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and INCOIS.
5. India’s ocean observation network is inadequate and requires urgent improvement.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons behind India’s lower warming rates compared to the global average and its implications for climate vulnerability and disaster management.