Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Amidst global turmoil, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — the largest international consortium of scientists analyzing and reviewing evidence on the present and future man-made impacts of climate change — has delivered a predictably grave warning. The world is likely to face multiple unavoidable climate hazards over the next two decades if global warming reaches 1.5°C. Even temporarily exceeding this level would trigger additional severe consequences, some of which may prove irreversible. The report highlights that increasing weather and climate extremes have already caused irreversible damage as both natural and human systems are pushed beyond their adaptive capacity. Referring to the COP26 summit held in Glasgow in November 2021, the report observes that most national targets are set too far into the future to meaningfully reduce short-term climate risks.

At the summit, India pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The Prime Minister also announced that by 2030, 50% of India’s energy requirements would be met through renewable sources. Despite such commitments, scientists caution that these measures alone may not prevent the breach of the 1.5°C threshold. Of particular concern for South Asia is the steady rise in ‘wet-bulb’ temperatures — a measure combining heat and humidity — which significantly affects human health. Studies cited in the report warn that cities like Lucknow and Patna could reach dangerous wet-bulb temperatures of 35°C if emissions continue unchecked. Other major cities such as Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Mumbai, Indore, and Ahmedabad are also at considerable risk.

Rising sea levels further compound the threat. If current pledges are fulfilled, global sea levels could rise between 44 cm and 76 cm by the end of the century. However, under higher emission scenarios and accelerated ice-sheet collapse, sea levels might rise up to 2 meters by 2100 and nearly 5 meters by 2150. India remains one of the most vulnerable nations due to its large coastal population. By mid-century, an estimated 35 million Indians may face annual coastal flooding, increasing to nearly 50 million by the century’s end under high-emission conditions. Although economic priorities often overshadow environmental commitments, urgent adaptation measures are essential to safeguard vulnerable populations.

The term ‘wet-bulb temperature’ refers to: