Fossil Fuels - Coal, oil, and gas are by far the largest contributors to global climate change, accounting for more than 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of total carbon dioxide emissions. Changes in the average temperature of the planet of one or two degrees can cause potentially dangerous shifts in climate and weather. These real, observable changes are referred to as climate change impacts because they are the visible ways in which climate change affects the Earth. Many places, for example, have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, or intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. Changes have also occurred in the planet's oceans and glaciers—oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising. In this article, we will discuss Impact of Climate Change which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Our Climate Change

• Between 1901 and 2020, global temperatures increased by about 1.8°F (1°C).
• Since 1993, sea level rise has accelerated from 1.7 mm/year for most of the twentieth century to 3.2 mm/year.
• The average thickness of 30 well-studied glaciers has decreased by more than 60 feet since 1980.
• Since 1979, the area covered by sea ice in the Arctic at the end of summer has shrunk by about 40%.
• Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have increased by 25% since 1958, and by approximately 40% since the Industrial Revolution.
• Snow is melting faster than long-term averages.

Impact of Climate Change

Higher Temperatures

• As greenhouse gas concentrations rise, so does global surface temperature. The last decade, 2011-2020, has been the warmest on record.
• Since the 1980s, each decade has been warmer than the previous one. Almost all land areas are experiencing more hot days and heat waves.
• Higher temperatures exacerbate heat-related illnesses and make outdoor work more difficult. When temperatures rise, wildfires spread more quickly.
• The Arctic has warmed at least twice as fast as the global average.

Severe Storms

• Destructive storms have become more intense and frequent in many areas.
• As temperatures rise, more moisture evaporates, exacerbating extreme rainfall and flooding and resulting in more destructive storms.
• The warming ocean also affects the frequency and size of tropical storms. Cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons feed on warm water at the ocean's surface.
• Such storms frequently destroy homes and communities, resulting in fatalities and massive economic losses.

Increased Drought

• Climate change is altering water availability, making it scarcer in more places.
• Global warming exacerbates water scarcity in already water-stressed areas, increasing the risk of agricultural droughts affecting crops and ecological droughts increasing ecosystem vulnerability.
• Droughts can also cause destructive sand and dust storms, which can transport billions of tonnes of sand across continents.
• Deserts are spreading, reducing available farmland. Many people now face the threat of not having enough water on a regular basis.

Oceans are Warming and Rising

• The ocean absorbs the majority of the heat emitted by global warming. Over the last two decades, the rate of ocean warming has increased dramatically at all depths.
• Because water expands as it warms, the volume of the ocean increases as it warms. Melting ice sheets raise sea levels, endangering coastal and island communities.
• Furthermore, the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, keeping it from entering the atmosphere. However, more carbon dioxide causes the ocean to become more acidic, endangering marine life and coral reefs.

Changes in the Landscape

• Landscape change has contributed to the ongoing shift in land mass positioning, as well as the movement of flora and fauna towards the polar regions in search of a cooler environment to combat rising temperatures.
• On the contrary, polar species' habitat is threatened by melting ice caused by global warming.

Rise in the Level of Sea

• Glacier melting is caused by global warming, which is caused by an increase in the temperature of the earth's atmosphere.
• All of this water combines with the ocean, causing a significant rise in sea level and increasing the risk of natural disasters such as floods in coastal areas.
• These disasters erode coastlines and devastate the ecosystems and wetlands that surround them.

Ocean Acidification

• Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cause increased absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean, resulting in ocean acidification.
• As a result, aquatic species like planktons, mollusks, and corals lose their habitat.

Imbalance in the Ecosystem

• Changes in weather patterns disrupt the local environment, destroying suitable ecological conditions and the survival of indigenous species.
• This disrupts the ecosystem and devastates the natural environment.

Natural Disasters

• Draughts are occurring in various parts of the world as a result of a lack of adequate rainfall and a high intensity of solar radiation in that geographical area, depleting local species.
• Another effect of climate change is the rise in sea level, which causes flooding, hurricanes, and storms.

Species Extinction

• Climate change endangers the survival of species on land and in the sea. As the temperature rises, so do the risks.
• Climate change is exacerbating the loss of species, which is 1,000 times greater than at any other time in recorded human history. One million species are on the verge of extinction in the coming decades.
• Among the many threats posed by climate change are forest fires, extreme weather, and invasive pests and diseases.
• Some species will be able to relocate and thrive, while others will perish.

Not Enough Food

• Climate change and an increase in extreme weather events are among the causes of a global increase in hunger and malnutrition.
• Fisheries, crops, and livestock may be destroyed or depleted. Marine resources that feed billions of people are under threat as the ocean acidifies.
• Changes in snow and ice cover have disrupted food supplies from herding, hunting, and fishing in many Arctic regions.
• Heat stress can deplete water and grasslands for grazing, resulting in lower crop yields and livestock mortality.

More Health Risks

• Climate change is the single most serious health threat facing humanity.
• Climate change is already causing health problems through air pollution, disease, extreme weather events, forced displacement, mental health strains, and increased hunger and poor nutrition in places where people cannot grow or find enough food.
• Every year, environmental factors claim the lives of approximately 13 million people.
• Changing weather patterns are spreading diseases, and extreme weather events increase deaths and make it difficult for health care systems to keep up.

Poverty and Displacement

• Climate change exacerbates the factors that cause and sustain poverty. Floods may wash away urban slums, destroying homes and livelihoods.
• Working outside in the heat can be challenging. Water scarcity may have an impact on crops.
• Weather-related events displaced an estimated 23.1 million people per year on average over the last decade (2010-2019), making many more vulnerable to poverty.
• The majority of refugees come from countries that are the most vulnerable and least prepared to adapt to the effects of climate change.

Impact of Climate Change on Various Sectors

Impact on Water

• Water resource changes can have a significant impact on our world and our lives.
• Flooding is becoming more of a problem as our climate changes. In most of the United States, abnormally heavy precipitation events are both stronger and more frequent than they were at the turn of the twentieth century.
• Drought, on the other hand, is becoming more common, particularly in the Western United States. Humans are consuming more water, particularly for agriculture.
• Higher air temperatures cause plants to lose or transpire, more water, similar to how we sweat more when it's hot outside, requiring farmers to provide more water. Both emphasize the need for more water in areas where supplies are running low.
• Many people rely on snowpacks as a source of freshwater. Freshwater becomes available for use as snow melts, especially in regions like the Western United States where there is little precipitation during the warmer months.
• However, as temperatures rise, less snow falls and melts earlier in the year, implying that the snowpack may not be a reliable source of water for the entire warm and dry seasons.

Impact on Food

• Our food supply is affected by climate and weather conditions. Although farmers and researchers may be able to adapt or develop new agricultural techniques and technologies, some changes will be difficult to manage.
• Increased temperatures, drought and water stress, diseases, and weather extremes all pose challenges to the farmers and ranchers who provide food for our tables.
• Human farm workers can suffer from heat-related illnesses such as exhaustion, heatstroke, and heart attacks.
• Rising temperatures and heat stress can also be harmful to livestock.

Impact on Human Health

• Human health is already being impacted by climate change. Weather and climate changes can endanger people's lives. Heat is one of the most dangerous weather conditions.
• Hurricanes become stronger and wetter as ocean temperatures rise, causing both direct and indirect deaths.
• Increased flooding can result in the spread of waterborne diseases, injuries, and chemical hazards. Mosquitoes and ticks can spread diseases to new areas as their geographic ranges expand.
• Children, the elderly, people with preexisting health conditions, outdoor workers, and people with low income are among the most vulnerable groups as a result of climate change's compounding factors.

Impact on Environment

• Climate change will continue to have an impact on ecosystems and organisms, though not in the same way.
• The Arctic is one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to the effects of climate change, as it is warming at least twice as fast as the global average, and melting land ice sheets and glaciers contribute significantly to global sea level rise.
• Some living things can adapt to climate change; for example, some plants bloom earlier, and some species may expand their geographic range.
• These changes, however, are occurring too quickly for many other plants and animals, as rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns stress ecosystems.
• Because of climate change, some invasive or nuisance species, such as lionfish and ticks, may thrive in even more places.
• The ocean absorbs approximately 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere by the combustion of fossil fuels. As a result, the water becomes more acidic, threatening marine life.
• Because of thermal expansion and melting ice sheets and glaciers, sea levels are rising, putting coastal areas at greater risk of erosion and storm surge.
• Coral reefs are vulnerable to many of the effects of climate change, including coral bleaching, stronger hurricanes, and sea-level rise, which can cause corals to be smothered by sediment.
• Thousands of species live in coral reef ecosystems and rely on healthy coral reefs to survive.

Impact on Infrastructure

• Bridges, roads, ports, electrical grids, broadband internet, and other components of our transportation and communication systems are examples of physical infrastructure.
• It is frequently designed to last for years or decades, and many communities have infrastructure that was built without considering future climate. Even newer infrastructure, however, is vulnerable to climate change.
• Extreme weather events, such as heavy rains, floods, wind, snow, or temperature changes, can put existing structures and facilities under stress.
• Increased temperatures necessitate more indoor cooling, putting strain on an energy grid.
• Heavy rains can cause flooding, closing down highways and major business districts. Sea level rise can also cause coastal erosion and high-tide flooding.
• Some communities are expected to be at or below sea level by 2100, forcing them to make decisions about managed retreat and climate adaptation.
• Many communities are still unprepared to deal with climate-related threats. Some groups within a community are more vulnerable to these threats than others.
• In the future, it is critical for communities to invest in resilient infrastructure that can withstand future climate risks.
• Climate change resilience education is critical for city planners, emergency managers, educators, communicators, and all other community members.

How is Climate Change Affecting India?

• South Asia is one of the major regions that will be extremely vulnerable to climate change in the future.
• Because of its diverse terrain and rapid use of natural resources as a result of the current trend of precipitous urbanisation, industrialisation, and economic growth, India will be particularly vulnerable to climate change.
• India is currently facing environmental and socioeconomic challenges in its efforts to protect its rapidly depleting natural resources.
• Environmental pollution is deteriorating water and air quality on a daily basis. The country's coastal ecosystems, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
• The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters are having a negative impact on the already struggling Indian economy.
• The negative consequences of such disasters include poverty, disease vulnerability, and loss of income and livelihood.
• According to the World Bank, a 2°C increase in global average temperature over the next few decades will only make the Indian monsoon more unpredictable.
• The changing rain patterns in India are expected to flood many areas while leaving others dry.
• More than 60% of India's agriculture is rain-dependent, and the majority of the population relies on agriculture for survival. As a result, India is more vulnerable to climate change.
• Water levels in the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra river basins are expected to fall by the 2050s if temperatures rise by 2-2.5°C. This could jeopardise the food security of approximately 63 million people.
• The rate of poverty reduction will also be slowed as the temperature of the atmosphere rises.
• The poor will be more vulnerable to climate change because many of them rely on rain-fed agriculture.
• A 2°C increase by the 2040s will have an impact on crop production, reducing crop output by 12% and necessitating more imports to meet domestic demand.
• Furthermore, decreasing food availability can lead to serious health problems, particularly among women and children.
• The melting glaciers and loss of snow can endanger India's reliable water resources.
• Snow and glacial meltwater are the primary sources of water for major rivers such as the Ganges, Indus, and Brahmaputra. As a result, they are vulnerable to global warming.
• Climate change increases the risk of flooding in low-lying areas and endangers agriculture.

Impact of Climate Change in India

Impact on Indian Agriculture

• India's agriculture sector is vulnerable to climate change. Higher temperatures reduce crop yields and promote weed and pest growth.
• Climate change, both in terms of temperature rise and changes in water availability, can have a negative impact on irrigated crop yields across agro-ecological regions.
• Rainfed agriculture will be most affected by rainfall variability and a reduction in the number of rainy days.
• Summer rainfall accounts for nearly 70% of total annual rainfall in India and is critical to Indian agriculture.
• However, studies predict that summer rainfall will decrease by the 2050s.
• As temperatures rise, semi-arid regions of western India will receive more rainfall than usual, while central India will see a 10% to 20% decrease in winter rainfall by the 2050s.
• Rising temperatures would necessitate more fertiliser for the same production targets, resulting in higher GHG emissions, ammonia volatilization, and crop production costs.
• Drought, flood, storm, and cyclone frequency is likely to increase agricultural production variability.

Impact on Water Situation in India

• A water crisis occurs when there is a greater demand for drinking water than there is supply. Climate change is altering the water cycle.
• The hydrologic cycles of evaporation, precipitation, runoff, and evaporation, which generate runoff in rivers and streams, are critical for agriculture and forests.
• With rising temperatures, the rate of evapotranspiration from the land, vegetation, and oceans is increasing. More evaporation means faster drying of land water.
• This contributes to increased moisture retention in the warmer atmosphere, which eventually leads to more precipitation.
• A warmer climate means more rain and less snow. A higher amount of rainfall increases the risk of flooding.
• Some areas in India may bear the brunt of climate change, with less precipitation. With shorter rain seasons, there is a greater chance of longer periods of severe drought.
• The Himalayan region appears to have undergone significant changes in recent decades as a result of extensive land use (e.g., deforestation, agricultural practises, and urbanisation), resulting in frequent hydrological disasters, increased sedimentation, and lake pollution.
• Some Himalayan glaciers have receded significantly since the nineteenth century, according to evidence.
• In the past, the Indo-Gangetic Plain Region (IGPR) experienced a serious environmental problem when several rivers (including the Kosi, Ganga, Ghaghara, Son, Indus and its tributaries, and Yamuna) changed course.
• Growing water demand in agriculture, industry, and households has highlighted the issue of overexploitation of groundwater resources.
• Falling groundwater levels in various parts of the country have put the sustainability of groundwater resources at risk.

Impact on Coastal States in India

• Sea level rise poses a serious threat to the coastal states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat, potentially flooding land (including agricultural land) and causing damage to coastal infrastructure and other property.
• Goa will be the hardest hit, losing a significant portion of its total land area, including many of its famous beaches and tourist infrastructure.
• Flooding will evict a large number of people from the coasts, putting additional strain on civic amenities and hastening urbanisation.
• Inundation-induced seawater percolation can deplete freshwater supplies, making water scarcer.
• Cyclones will be more severe in coastal states such as Orissa. Many species that live along the coast are also endangered.
• The coral reefs in India's biosphere reserves are also saline sensitive, and thus rising sea levels threaten their survival.
• Not only the coral reefs, but also phytoplankton, fish stocks, and human lives that rely on them, are in grave danger.
• Flooding risks associated with rising sea levels are shared by residents of the Ganges Delta.

Impact on India’s Biodiversity

• India is a land of mega-biodiversity, with features ranging from glaciers to deserts. Climate change, on the other hand, poses a serious threat to its ecosystems.
• Mountain ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots. However, rising temperatures and human activities are fragmenting and degrading mountain biodiversity.
• Because of the perennial rivers that emerge from melting glaciers, the Himalayan Ecosystem is considered a lifeline not only for India but also for our neighbouring countries such as China, Pakistan, and Nepal.
• After the North and South Poles, it has the greatest number of glaciers. However, climate change is seriously endangering this life-giving source.
• It is also predicted that Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) will become more common in the eastern and central Himalayas, causing catastrophic flooding downstream and causing serious damage to 'life, property, forests, farms, and infrastructure.'
• The melting glaciers of the Himalayas have a significant impact because they give rise to perennial rivers, which help agriculture flourish.
• The Himalayan rivers are inextricably linked with the Indo-Gangetic Ecosystem, which is primarily an agricultural ecosystem, with agriculture being the primary occupation of nearly 65-70% of Indians.
• Recent studies have shown that deserts have shown signs of expansion, thus leading to a process called desertification.
• Climate patterns have altered the natural characteristics of a desert region, such as the floods that occurred in the desert district of Barmer in Rajasthan in 2006.
• The most visible event in the context of climate change affecting the marine ecosystem is coral bleaching.
• India is heavily reliant on the monsoon to meet its agricultural and water needs, as well as to protect and propagate its diverse biodiversity. Climate change is linked to the shifting patterns of India's monsoons.

Conclusion

The effects of climate change on various sectors of society are interconnected. Drought can have a negative impact on both food production and human health. Flooding has the potential to spread disease and damage ecosystems and infrastructure. Human health issues can raise mortality rates, reduce food availability, and reduce worker productivity. The effects of climate change can be seen in every aspect of our world. Long-standing socioeconomic inequities can make underserved groups more vulnerable, as they are often the most vulnerable to hazards and have the fewest resources to respond.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is a major contributor to climate change?

A) Deforestation
B) Sustainable agriculture
C) Solar energy
D) Wind energy

2. Which of the following is an effect of climate change on agriculture?

A) Increased crop yields
B) Shifting rainfall patterns
C) Soil fertility improvement
D) Decreased pest infestations

3. How does ocean acidification relate to climate change?

A) It leads to increased fish populations
B) It is caused by the absorption of CO2 by oceans
C) It reduces global temperatures
D) It enhances coral reef growth

4. What is one of the social impacts of climate change?

A) Increased economic growth
B) Enhanced biodiversity
C) Displacement of populations
D) Improved health outcomes

5. What is the effect of climate change on marine ecosystems?

A) Increased fish populations
B) Ocean warming and acidification
C) Increased coral reef growth
D) Reduced water temperatures

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Evaluate the role of human activities in driving climate change. How can these activities be mitigated?

Answer: Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial emissions, are the primary drivers of climate change. These activities release large amounts of greenhouse gases like CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Mitigating these activities requires transitioning to renewable energy sources, promoting energy efficiency, reducing emissions through carbon capture technologies, and implementing reforestation and conservation efforts. Additionally, shifting to sustainable agricultural practices and reducing waste can also contribute to mitigating climate change.

Q2: Discuss the economic and social impacts of climate change. How can societies adapt to these changes?

Answer: The economic impacts of climate change include damage to infrastructure, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased costs related to disaster response and recovery. Social impacts include the displacement of communities, health risks due to changing disease patterns, and increased poverty, particularly in vulnerable regions. To adapt, societies must invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, develop early warning systems for extreme weather events, promote sustainable livelihoods, and implement policies that encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Public awareness and international cooperation are also essential for effective adaptation strategies.

Q3: Analyze the relationship between climate change and biodiversity loss. What measures can be taken to protect biodiversity in the face of climate change?

Answer: Climate change leads to biodiversity loss by altering habitats, shifting species' ranges, and causing ecosystems to collapse. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns disrupt the conditions that species rely on for survival. To protect biodiversity, measures such as establishing protected areas, restoring degraded ecosystems, and creating wildlife corridors to facilitate species migration are essential. Additionally, reducing emissions, addressing the causes of habitat destruction, and promoting sustainable land-use practices can help preserve biodiversity in the face of climate change.

Previous Year Questions on Climate Change and Environmental Impact

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2019:

Question: Which of the following is a major effect of climate change?

A) Rising sea levels
B) Decreased ocean temperatures
C) Decreased CO2 levels
D) Increased global cooling

Answer: (A)

Explanation: Rising sea levels due to melting ice caps and glaciers are one of the most significant effects of climate change, threatening coastal areas and habitats.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 3):

Question: "What are the impacts of climate change on agriculture, and how can climate-resilient agricultural practices be promoted?"

Answer: Climate change impacts agriculture through shifting rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and increased frequency of extreme weather events, which affect crop yields and food security. Promoting climate-resilient agricultural practices includes using drought-resistant crops, improving water management, and adopting sustainable farming techniques like agroforestry and organic farming. Governments and policymakers must invest in research and technology to create climate-resilient agricultural systems and support farmers in transitioning to these practices.