What is the news? 

 

• • India braces itself for a potentially sweltering summer, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing warnings of more frequent and intense heatwaves compared to usual. This scorching forecast raises concerns about its impact on upcoming elections, agricultural production, and the already stressed water resources across the country.

 

El Niño: The Culprit Behind the Heat

 

• • The culprit behind this anticipated heatwave is the El Niño phenomenon. El Niño refers to a cyclical warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. This warming disrupts global weather patterns, leading to drier conditions in some regions, including parts of India. The El Niño event, which began developing in late 2023, is expected to contribute to higher temperatures and reduced rainfall during the pre-monsoon months (March to May).

 

Why Does El Niño Cause Heatwaves in India?

 

Here’s a breakdown of how El Niño influences heatwaves in India:

 

• • Warmer Pacific Ocean: El Niño leads to warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific, which in turn, alters atmospheric circulation patterns.

• • Reduced Monsoon Activity: The altered circulation patterns can weaken the monsoon winds that bring crucial summer rains to India.

• • Less Cloud Cover: With weaker monsoons, there’s less cloud cover, allowing more solar radiation to reach the ground, leading to higher temperatures.

• • Dryer Conditions: Reduced rainfall combined with higher temperatures creates drier conditions, further intensifying heatwaves.

 

Impact on Elections and Beyond:

 

• • The intense heat can pose logistical challenges for the upcoming elections scheduled in some Indian states. Campaigning and voting under scorching heat can be strenuous for both voters and political workers. Additionally, power outages due to increased demand for cooling could disrupt polling processes.

 

Beyond elections, the heatwave has wider implications:

 

• • Agriculture: Heat stress can damage crops and reduce agricultural yields, impacting food security.

• • Water Scarcity: Increased evaporation due to high temperatures coupled with reduced rainfall can exacerbate existing water shortages in many regions.

• • Public Health: Heatwaves can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and other health complications, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.

 

A Ray of Hope: El Niño’s Expected Weakening

 

• • While the forecast paints a worrisome picture, there’s a potential silver lining. The IMD predicts that the El Niño event might weaken by June, paving the way for a more normal monsoon season later in the year.

 

Preparing for the Heat:

 

To mitigate the effects of the heatwave, proactive measures are necessary:

 

• • Individual Level: Staying hydrated, wearing loose-fitting clothes, and limiting outdoor activity during peak heat hours are crucial.
  • Government Level: Implementing water conservation measures, ensuring uninterrupted power supply, and issuing heat advisories to raise public awareness are essential steps.

 

Conclusion:

 

• • India’s looming scorching summer is a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change. While El Niño plays a role in this year’s heatwave, the bigger concern lies in the long-term trends of rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns. By taking proactive steps at individual and governmental levels, India can navigate this challenging summer and build resilience for future climate extremes.

 

• • 

Mains Questions:

 

Model Answer:

 

El Niño’s Influence on Heatwaves in India:

• • Warming Pacific Ocean: El Niño leads to warmer waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific.
  • Altered Circulation Patterns: This warmth disrupts atmospheric circulation patterns, weakening the monsoon winds that bring crucial summer rains to India.
  • Reduced Rainfall: Weaker monsoons translate to less cloud cover, allowing for more solar radiation to reach the ground, leading to higher temperatures.
  • Drier Conditions: Decreased rainfall combined with higher temperatures creates drier conditions, further intensifying heatwaves.

 

Socio-Economic Impacts of Heatwaves:

• • Agriculture: Heat stress can damage crops and reduce yields, impacting food security and livelihoods of farmers.
  • Water Scarcity: Increased evaporation due to high temperatures coupled with reduced rainfall can exacerbate existing water shortages in many regions.
  • Public Health: Heatwaves can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and other health complications, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.
  • Power Outages: Increased demand for cooling can put a strain on power grids, leading to outages that disrupt essential services and businesses.
  • Infrastructure Damage: Extreme heat can damage roads, railways, and other infrastructure.

 

Mitigation Strategies:

• • Water Conservation: Implementing rainwater harvesting, promoting drip irrigation, and raising public awareness about water usage.
  • Heat Action Plans: Developing early warning systems, issuing heat advisories, and establishing cooling centers to protect vulnerable populations.
  • Climate-Smart Agriculture: Encouraging drought-resistant crops and adopting sustainable farming practices.
  • Disaster Preparedness: Ensuring adequate medical supplies and emergency response mechanisms are in place.
  • Urban Planning: Promoting green spaces, using heat-reflective materials in construction, and encouraging energy-efficient buildings.

 

 

Model Answer:

 

Challenges of Climate Change in India:

• • Increased Frequency and Intensity of Extreme Weather: Heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones are becoming more frequent and severe, impacting lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.
  • Water Scarcity: Erratic rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are putting immense pressure on water resources, threatening food and water security.
  • Sea Level Rise: Coastal communities face the threat of inundation and displacement due to rising sea levels.
  • Impact on Himalayan Ecosystem: Melting glaciers disrupt river flows and affect water availability downstream.
  • Health Risks: Extreme weather events exacerbate existing health problems and increase the spread of vector-borne diseases.

 

Policy Measures for Resilience:

• • Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promote research and adoption of drought-resistant crops, water-efficient irrigation practices, and crop diversification.
  • Disaster Risk Reduction: Invest in early warning systems, strengthen infrastructure, and ensure preparedness for extreme weather events.
  • Renewable Energy Transition: Reduce dependence on fossil fuels and shift towards clean energy sources to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Sustainable Urban Planning: Promote green infrastructure, improve public transportation, and adopt energy-efficient building codes.
  • Climate Education and Awareness: Raise public awareness about the impacts of climate change and encourage behavioral changes for environmental sustainability.

By implementing these policies and fostering international cooperation on climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, India can build resilience and adapt to the challenges posed by a changing climate.

 

Remember: These are just sample answers. It’s important to further research and refine your responses based on your own understanding and perspective. Read entire UPSC Current Affairs.