Climate Change

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option c

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct:- As per IMD, heat wave is considered if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40°C or more for Plains and at least 30°C or more for Hilly regions.
IMD uses the following criterion to declare the occurrence of heat waves in the region:
● Based on Departure from Normal Heat Wave:
○ Heat Wave - Departure from normal is 4.50°C to 6.40°C;
○ Severe Heat Wave: Departure from normal is>6.40degree C
● Based on Actual Maximum Temperature Heat Wave:
○ Heat Wave - When actual maximum temperature ≥ 45°C;
○ Severe Heat Wave: When actual maximum temperature ≥47
If the above criteria are met at least in 2 stations in a Meteorological subdivision for at least two consecutive days and heat wave occurrence is declared on the second day.

Statement 2 is not correct: Although heatwaves are not a new phenomenon in India, at the time the Disaster Management Act was enacted, they were not viewed as a disaster. This is because heat waves were a common occurrence during the summer and not an unusual weather event. Till date, they are not included in the list of notified disasters.
The Finance Commission also refused to notify heat waves under the Disaster Management Act but the Finance Commission endorsed an enabling provision created by the preceding Commission that allowed states to utilise up to 10% of the SDRF money for "local disasters" such as lightning or heatwaves, which States could notify on their own.

Statement 3 is correct:- Urban areas are significantly warmer than rural ones due to factors like concrete, asphalt, and glass, which trap heat, creating the Urban Heat Island effect.