Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs Chinmaya IAS Academy – Current Affairs
Scorching Temperatures Grip India. Northern, Central, and Northeastern India are experiencing unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures shattering records. Delhi, the capital, witnessed a scorching 52.9°C, though the India Meteorological Department (IMD) suggests it might be an anomaly. Regardless, the situation is dire.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
The primary culprit behind this scorching heat is the relentless rise in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Human activities, particularly burning fossil fuels, are pumping these heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere, leading to global warming. Since the Industrial Revolution, Earth’s average temperature has increased by at least 1.1°C compared to pre-industrial levels. India itself has seen a 0.7°C rise in annual mean temperatures since 1900.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Primarily from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and wildfires. CO2 is the reference point for other GHGs due to its long atmospheric lifespan.
- Methane (CH4): Leaks from fossil fuels, agriculture, and waste contribute significantly. Methane traps more heat than CO2 over shorter periods.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O): This potent gas comes from fertilizers, burning fossil fuels, and natural sources.
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): Though banned, their historical use persists. CFCs trap immense heat for decades.
El Niño and Deforestation: Adding Fuel to the Fire
El Niño, a cyclical warming of the Pacific Ocean, further disrupts weather patterns. It weakens the Walker Circulation, which normally brings moisture to India, leading to drier conditions and reduced monsoon rains. This year’s El Niño coincides with the heatwave, intensifying its impact.
Worryingly, India has lost a significant amount of tree cover in recent years. Trees play a vital role in regulating temperature, and their loss exacerbates the heatwave’s severity.
Urban Heat Island Effect: A Concrete Jungle’s Curse
Cities experience an additional heat burden due to the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. Concrete and asphalt absorb and retain heat much more than natural landscapes. Densely packed buildings further trap heat and impede airflow. This effect not only makes cities hotter but also worsens global warming by increasing energy demand and GHG emissions.
The Devastating Consequences
The scorching temperatures have wide-ranging consequences:
- Drought Intensification: High temperatures raise evaporation rates, worsening existing droughts, particularly in North India.
- Increased Flooding: Warmer air holds more moisture, leading to intense and localized downpours that can cause flash floods, a growing concern in Northeast India.
- Heatstroke Deaths: The most severe heat-related illness, heatstroke, can cause brain damage, organ failure, and even death.
Taking Action: The Heat Action Plan
To combat heatwaves, cities like Delhi have implemented Heat Action Plans (HAPs). These plans involve:
- Utilizing weather forecasts and early warnings
- Public awareness campaigns on heatstroke risks
- Establishing cooling centers and shelters
- Ensuring access to clean water to prevent dehydration
A Collective Effort for a Cooler Future
Addressing the heatwave crisis requires a multi-pronged approach. We need to curb greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable practices and renewable energy adoption. Protecting and expanding tree cover is crucial. Additionally, well-implemented Heat Action Plans can save lives during extreme heat events.
