Warming warning – on WMO’s report on increasing heat

Source: This post is created based on the article “Warming warning” published in The Hindu on 19^th May 2023.

Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management

News: The article discusses the recent findings by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) about projected temperature trends for the next decade

According to the WMO, the annual mean global near-surface temperature for each year between 2023 and 2027 is likely to be 1.1°-1.8°C higher than the average from 1850-1900.

There is a 66% chance that the global near-surface temperature will exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in at least one year before 2027.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has repeatedly said that the 1.5°C threshold should not be breached. However, with current climate policies, the globe is likely to heat beyond 2°C by the end of the century.

The heat due to El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) combined with human-induced climate change will push global temperatures into uncharted territory.

How can it impact India?

The rise in ocean temperatures is also likely to lead to stronger cyclones. For example, Cyclone Mocha, which crossed through Myanmar, claimed at least 60 lives and caused severe damage. It ended up being stronger than what was initially estimated.

The India Meteorological Department has already indicated that monsoon rainfall will be on the lower side of ‘normal’ due to the El Niño.

Therefore, Increased investments in disaster-related infrastructure are crucial to handle the changing climate conditions.