Impact of Global Warming on Uttarakhand’s Climate: Challenges and Recommendations
Introduction:
Global warming is swiftly reshaping the Earth’s climate, with rapid temperature rise attributed to human activities. Dr. Pashupati Nath, an Assistant Professor at COER University’s College of Smart Agriculture, delves into the repercussions of global warming on Uttarakhand’s environment and suggests potential solutions.
Understanding Global Warming:
Global warming, driven by human-induced factors, is causing a significant rise in Earth’s temperature. This phenomenon, acknowledged by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), is projected to lead to a 1.5-degree Celsius increase in global temperature within two decades.
Natural and Anthropogenic Influences:
Climate change stems from both natural processes, like Continental Drift and Ocean Currents, and human-induced factors such as Greenhouse Gas emissions and land use changes. Anthropogenic impacts play a pivotal role in exacerbating the effects of global warming.
Climate Change in India:
India faces substantial climate change risks. It ranked fifth in terms of vulnerability to climate change globally. The Himalayas, covering a significant portion of India’s landmass, play a crucial role in the nation’s climate patterns, acting as a watershed and influencing monsoons.
Impact on Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand, a region larger than Costa Rica, anticipates a temperature increase of 1.6 to 1.9 degrees Celsius by 2050. Residents are already witnessing changing weather patterns, glacial retreat, unpredictable rainfall, and altered cropping seasons, as outlined in the state’s climate change action plan.
State’s Response to Climate Change:
Uttarakhand’s climate action plan emphasizes assessing vulnerability and risks to sectors like agriculture. Water stress, floods, and changing crop yields are the main concerns. Certain districts like Almora, Champawat, Pauri Garhwal, and Tehri Garhwal face elevated water stress.
Uttarakhand’s Recent Challenges:
The devastating flood in Chamoli district in 2021 exemplified the impact of climate change. A glacier burst led to flash floods, affecting the region. Major hydropower projects were severely damaged, resulting in casualties and destruction.
Future Recommendations:
Mitigating the impacts of climate change requires a focus on sustainable growth. Policymakers should recognize the links between emissions, warming, glacier melt, and extreme weather events. Sustainable development practices and responsible urban planning are essential to preserving the fragile ecosystem of Uttarakhand.
Conclusion:
Dr. Pashupati Nath’s insights emphasize the need for immediate action to address the climate crisis in Uttarakhand. With rising temperatures and their consequent effects, preserving the delicate ecological balance of the region is of utmost importance. Eco-friendly development practices and thoughtful urban expansion are pivotal to securing Uttarakhand’s future against the backdrop of global warming.
By
Dr Pashupati Nath
Assistant Professor
College of Smart Agriculture
