Climate change significantly alters the water cycle, leading to increased evaporation and modified precipitation patterns. Warmer air can hold more moisture, resulting in intense rainfall when it occurs, but also causing extended dry spells. This phenomenon has far-reaching implications for India, a country already grappling with diverse climatic challenges.
India is facing a dual threat from climate change:
Himalayan snowfall is decreasing and becoming more irregular. This reduction in snow cover leads to diminished water availability for rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna during the summer months, directly impacting agriculture and drinking water supplies across North India.
The Indian Ocean is warming at a rate faster than the global average, which intensifies the strength of cyclones. Cyclones such as Amphan in 2020 and Biparjoy in 2023 have resulted in torrential rains and significant coastal flooding in states like West Bengal and Gujarat.
Cities like Bengaluru and Chennai have experienced a stark contrast in climate-related water extremes. For instance, Bengaluru faced urban flooding in 2022 followed by acute water scarcity in early 2023, both attributed to erratic rainfall patterns.
Climate change has also contributed to a rise in forest fires across India. Higher temperatures and prolonged dry periods have led to increased incidents of forest fires in states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Odisha. Fires tend to burn more intensely and spread rapidly under these drier conditions.
The sectors most vulnerable to water-related extremes include:
To address these challenges, India can take several proactive steps:
Q1. How does climate change impact the water cycle in India?
Answer: Climate change accelerates the water cycle, resulting in increased evaporation and altered precipitation patterns, leading to more floods and droughts.
Q2. What are the major impacts of altered rainfall patterns?
Answer: Altered rainfall patterns contribute to severe flooding in some regions and prolonged droughts in others, impacting agriculture and water supply.
Q3. How is Himalayan snowfall changing due to climate change?
Answer: Himalayan snowfall is decreasing and becoming irregular, which reduces summer water availability for major rivers affecting agriculture in North India.
Q4. What role does ocean warming play in India's climate?
Answer: Ocean warming leads to stronger cyclones, causing severe weather events that result in significant flooding and damage to coastal areas in India.
Q5. What strategies can be implemented to manage water-related extremes?
Answer: Strategies include building resilient infrastructure, investing in early warning systems, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices to adapt to changing conditions.
Question 1: How does climate change influence rainfall patterns in India?
A) It causes consistent rainfall throughout the year.
B) It leads to more frequent floods and prolonged droughts.
C) It has no effect on rainfall patterns.
D) It only affects rural areas.
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is the impact of decreasing snowfall in the Himalayas?
A) Increased water supply in rivers during summer.
B) Decreased water availability for agriculture and drinking.
C) More frequent snowfall events.
D) No impact on water supply.
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How does urban flooding in Indian cities relate to climate change?
A) Urban flooding is unrelated to climate change.
B) It is caused by erratic rainfall patterns.
C) Urban areas are always flood-proof.
D) Only rural areas are affected.
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What are the main sectors vulnerable to climate change in India?
A) Agriculture and infrastructure.
B) Technology and entertainment.
C) None of the above.
D) Only health.
Correct Answer: A
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