The Arctic has experienced a significant loss of sea ice, approximately 21 percent during winter and 43 percent in summer from 1971 to 2019. This decline is primarily attributed to rising temperatures, leading to faster melting rates that outpace recovery during the colder months.
Arctic sea ice functions as a large mirror, reflecting sunlight back into space. When this ice melts, the darker ocean water absorbs more heat, which exacerbates global warming. This increase in temperature has notable repercussions for the climate of the Indian subcontinent and raises the likelihood of extreme weather events.
While melting sea ice itself does not directly contribute to sea level rise since it is already floating, it accelerates global warming. This warming leads to the melting of land ice, such as glaciers and ice sheets, which adds more water to the oceans, resulting in rising sea levels.
The loss of Arctic ice disrupts atmospheric circulation patterns, particularly the jet streams. Such disruptions can destabilize the Indian monsoon, causing erratic rainfall patterns, droughts, or floods that severely impact agriculture and water security across the region.
With over 1,300 islands and extensive coastal cities, India faces significant threats from rising sea levels. Coastal communities may experience inundation, shoreline erosion, and increased saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems, jeopardizing agriculture and drinking water supplies.
India’s Arctic Policy and coastal resilience strategies must consider these impacts to protect communities, natural ecosystems, and economic activities, thereby supporting the UN’s climate and development objectives.
The Arctic is warming at a rate three to four times faster than the rest of the world, making it a critical issue for global climate stability. For India, recognizing and addressing these distant signals is crucial for national security, food systems, and the sustainability of coastal regions.
Q1. How does melting Arctic sea ice affect global temperatures?
Answer: Melting Arctic sea ice contributes to global warming by reducing the Earth's albedo effect, allowing more sunlight to be absorbed by the ocean, which increases overall temperatures.
Q2. What is the significance of the Indian monsoon concerning Arctic ice melt?
Answer: The Indian monsoon is affected by changes in atmospheric circulation due to Arctic ice melt, leading to unpredictable weather patterns that can disrupt agriculture and water supply.
Q3. Which Indian regions are most at risk from rising sea levels?
Answer: The Sundarbans Delta, Lakshadweep, Andaman-Nicobar Islands, and major coastal cities like Mumbai and Chennai are particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels and increased flooding.
Q4. What economic impacts does climate change have on India?
Answer: Climate change leads to the displacement of communities, damage to infrastructure, increased adaptation costs, and negatively affects livelihoods in agriculture, fisheries, and tourism.
Q5. How can India improve its coastal resilience?
Answer: India can enhance coastal resilience by strengthening management policies, investing in natural buffers, advancing climate data sharing, and fostering international research partnerships.
Question 1: What is the primary cause of Arctic sea ice loss?
A) Increased precipitation
B) Warming temperatures
C) Volcanic activity
D) Ocean currents
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: How does melting Arctic ice directly influence sea levels?
A) It increases ocean salinity
B) It melts land ice, adding water
C) It decreases ocean temperature
D) It has no effect
Correct Answer: B
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