Climate change

Why in news?

July 21 was the hottest day ever registered globally, according to data published on Tuesday by the EU’s climate monitor.

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Why in news?

July 21 was the hottest day ever registered globally, according to data published on Tuesday by the EU’s climate monitor.

What is climate change?

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. Such shifts can be natural, due to changes in the sun’s activity or large volcanic eruptions. But since the 1800s, human activities have been the main driver of climate change, primarily due to the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas.

Climate change and India:

India is already experiencing a warming climate.

India is the world’s third largest emitter of greenhouse gasses (GHGs), after China and the US.

Major sources of emissions & Climate Change In India – Coal power plants, rice paddies, cattle.

Per-capita emissions remain below global average.

Impacts:

Unusual and unprecedented spells of hot weather are expected to occur far more frequently and cover much larger areas.

Under 4°C warming, the west coast and southern India are projected to shift to new, high-temperature climatic regimes with significant impacts on agriculture.

Displacement and extinction of animal populations due to habitat loss adds more species to the ‘threatened’ and ‘extinct’ list.

Spread of diseases like malaria, etc. puts stress on the health sector.

Initiatives in India to tackle climate change:

National Solar Mission:To promote development & use of solar energy for power generation & other uses.

National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE): A initiative to control Climate Change In India

National Mission on Sustainable Habitat.

National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystems

National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture

National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change