With a maximum temperature of 32.4 degrees
Celsius on February 27, Delhi experienced its hottest
February day in the past two years. A similar temperature was recorded in
January. The only respite was that the Air Quality Index remained in the 'Poor'
category. As if this were not enough, the minimum temperature also reached its
highest (19.5 degrees Celsius) on the same day. Being 7 degrees above normal,
it was the highest recorded minimum temperature for February since 1901. NOIDA
also experienced a temperature surge, with the maximum rising significantly to
38 degrees Celsius and the minimum shooting up to 17.3 degrees. While light
showers occurred in Delhi on both days, the rainfall in the NCR region was
negligible.
The sudden disappearance of winter in this manner is bound to have adverse effects on health. Even a country like the USA, with strong health indices, is currently facing a measles outbreak.
These developments indicate that the Earth's warming is not only happening but is also intensifying.
Climate Change and Its Consequences
According to the WHO, climate change is one of the biggest threats to global health in the 21st century. The term "Global Warming" (GW) gained prominence after its use by NASA scientist James Hansen in 1988.
Upper Atmosphere
The upper atmosphere of the Earth has been cooling because greenhouse gases are trapping heat near the surface, reducing the amount of heat radiating into space. This warming leads to increased evaporation from the oceans, resulting in greater atmospheric humidity.
Impact on the Northern & Southern Hemispheres
Different regions of the world are warming at different rates. The Northern Hemisphere has warmed much faster than the Southern Hemisphere. Incidentally, the Northern Hemisphere has more landmass, seasonal snow cover, and ice, making it more susceptible to rapid temperature changes.
General Impact of Global Warming
Global warming is causing an increase in heatwaves and making wildfires more common. Devastating wildfires have recently been witnessed in California, Spain, Australia, and other vulnerable regions.
Deserts are expanding across all continents. Glaciers are retreating, leading to a decline in sea ice. More intense storms and high-speed cyclones are resulting in the loss of human lives, livestock, and habitats. Oceans are warming, leading to rising sea levels due to thermal expansion and the melting of glaciers and ice sheets. It is feared that some islands in Bangladesh and the Maldives will soon be submerged.
Plants are flowering earlier in spring, and birds and animal species are migrating to cooler regions. Such changes may lead to the extinction of many species. Nearly half of the world’s wetlands have disappeared due to climate change and human activities.
Crop yields are declining, fisheries are being affected, and child stunting is becoming more prevalent. These factors contribute to extreme poverty. Extreme weather events also affect public health, food, and water security. Instances of illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria are increasing, even in hill regions.
Global Warming in India
India’s average temperature has risen by 0.7 degrees Celsius between 1901 and 2018. Heatwaves are becoming more intense, and droughts, floods, cyclones, and landslides are occurring more frequently and with greater severity.
Crop yields are expected to fall significantly. Extremely high temperatures in North India are negatively affecting wheat and other crops, making it necessary to develop drought-resistant varieties.
Water Shortages
The reduction in water flow due to rising temperatures will pose serious risks to numerous thermal power plants. Increased water flow in run-of-the-river projects also endangers communities living above dams and along riverbanks. The catastrophic Teesta River floods in Sikkim in October 2023 serve as a stark reminder of such dangers. Additionally, rapid urbanization, extensive highway construction, and overall economic development have already led to significant water stress.
Health Impacts
Malnutrition and child stunting are expected to rise, with stunting projected to increase by 35% by 2050. Heatwaves are also likely to cause a significant rise in mortality. Migration from disaster-prone areas has already begun.
Risks to Mumbai & Kolkata
The ever-expanding metropolis of Mumbai faces the risk of seawater intrusion, as large parts of the city are built on reclaimed land. Similarly, Kolkata remains highly vulnerable to the effects of rising sea levels.
Conclusion
This article has highlighted the severe impacts of global warming and climate change. It is imperative for humanity to take immediate and effective mitigation measures to safeguard future generations. Today, we have access to advanced technology and greater opportunities for knowledge-sharing. The future of mankind must not be left to chance.