Urbanization's Climate Impact on Indian Cities

Impact of Urbanization on Climate in Indian Cities

Urbanization has considerably affected the climate in Indian cities, leading to an astonishing 60% increase in night-time warming compared to surrounding non-urban areas. This was highlighted in a study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar, which analyzed over 140 significant Indian cities. The research underscores that urban areas, with their concrete and asphalt surfaces, trap heat during the day and release it at night, resulting in elevated night-time temperatures—a phenomenon known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect.

Key Findings

• Top Affected Cities: Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Rajkot exhibited the highest urban effect, with Delhi-NCR and Pune following closely.
• Temperature Increase: The mean urban effect across all studied cities was found to be 0.2 degrees Celsius per decade, contributing to a 37.73% increase in urban warming due to urbanization. Night-time surface temperatures in these cities increased by approximately 0.53 degrees Celsius every decade.
• Regional Differences: Cities in northwestern, northeastern, and southern regions showed a more pronounced increase in night-time temperatures. However, urbanization's contribution to night-time warming was highest in eastern and central Indian cities, currently experiencing rapid development.
• Comparative Warming Rates: Urban areas are warming at nearly double the rate of the entire country. While most of India warmed by an average of 0.26 degrees Celsius every decade, urban areas showed a more significant increase.

Implications

The study emphasizes the vulnerability of urban areas to the combined effects of urbanization and climate change. Residents and infrastructure in these regions are at the forefront of climate change consequences, such as heatwaves, extreme weather events, and flooding.

Recommendations

• Mitigation Efforts: There is an urgent need for diverse strategies to effectively reduce ongoing urban warming. Increasing green cover can help moderate daytime heat but is less effective at lowering night-time temperatures.
• Urban Planning: With India projected to become the fastest-growing economy, and substantial urban growth expected, these findings can aid urban planners and policymakers in resource allocation and building sustainable cities.

Future Projections

According to the World Resources Institute (WRI) India Ross Center, seven out of ten people globally will reside in urban areas by 2050, with significant growth anticipated in India. Currently, 36% of India’s population, approximately 40 crore people, is urban. This number is expected to double to 80 crore by 2050, underscoring the necessity of sustainable urban development to manage the challenges posed by urbanization and climate change.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How does urbanization affect night-time temperatures in Indian cities?
Answer: Urbanization leads to higher night-time temperatures due to the Urban Heat Island effect, where concrete and asphalt retain heat during the day and release it at night.

Q2. What are the top cities affected by urban warming in India?
Answer: The top cities experiencing significant urban warming include Ahmedabad, Jaipur, and Rajkot, followed by Delhi-NCR and Pune.

Q3. What is the average increase in night-time temperatures in urban areas?
Answer: Urban areas have shown an average increase of approximately 0.53 degrees Celsius in night-time surface temperatures every decade.

Q4. Why is urban planning important in the context of climate change?
Answer: Effective urban planning is crucial for sustainable development, helping cities manage heat, flooding, and other climate change impacts as populations grow.

Q5. How can cities mitigate urban warming?
Answer: Cities can mitigate urban warming through strategies such as increasing green cover, improving urban design, and implementing sustainable practices.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is the Urban Heat Island effect?
A) A phenomenon where urban areas are cooler than rural areas
B) A process that leads to higher temperatures in urban areas due to human activities
C) A cooling effect caused by urban vegetation
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which city showed the highest urban warming in India?
A) Delhi
B) Rajkot
C) Jaipur
D) Mumbai
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: By how much are urban areas warming compared to the national average?
A) Half the rate
B) Almost double the rate
C) The same rate
D) Lower than the national average
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What percentage of India’s population is currently urban?
A) 25%
B) 36%
C) 50%
D) 70%
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: What is a recommended strategy to reduce urban warming?
A) Increasing asphalt surfaces
B) Enhancing green cover
C) Reducing urban areas
D) Increasing population density
Correct Answer: B