Over 85% of Indian Districts Face Severe Climate Risks

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Context:

More than 85% of districts in India are exposed to extreme climate events such as floods, droughts and cyclones, according to a new study.

Relevance:

GS III: Disaster Management

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India faces a significant increase in climate-related extremes, affecting over 85% of its districts which are now prone to floods, droughts, cyclones, and heatwaves.
Recent research by IPE-Global and ESRI-India reveals that 45% of districts are undergoing drastic changes in their climatic patterns, with areas formerly affected by floods now experiencing droughts and vice versa.
The report underscores the necessity for immediate climate action to address these escalating issues.

Historical Data Analysis: A pentad-decadal analysis covering the period from 1973 to 2023 has identified significant nonlinear trends in climate conditions at the district level, including:
- Drought Events: Doubling of agricultural and meteorological drought occurrences.
- Cyclone Events: Fourfold increase in cyclone events.
- Flood Frequency: Substantial increase in floods, particularly in the eastern, northeastern, and southern regions of India.
Recent Trends: The last decade alone has seen a fivefold increase in the frequency and intensity of these climate extremes.

Rapid Changes in Risk Factors: Over 60% of districts in states such as Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Assam now face simultaneous multiple extreme climate events.
Contributing Factors: Increased greenhouse gas emissions, unchecked urbanization, and other human activities are aggravating these risks.
Population Impact: Predictions indicate that by 2036, over 1.47 billion Indians will encounter severe climate risks, necessitating detailed risk assessments to protect vital sectors like agriculture and infrastructure.
Land Use and Environmental Shifts:
- Significant Land Use Changes: There has been a 65% change in land use and land cover in climate hotspots, driven by adverse anthropogenic interventions such as deforestation and mangrove destruction.

Trend Reversals: An alarming swapping of climate patterns is noted in over 45% of districts, with regions previously known for frequent floods now seeing increased droughts and vice versa.
Regional Impact: Particularly, southern states including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are experiencing increased instances of drought, highlighting a shift in regional climate behaviors.

The study underlines the importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in bolstering climate resilience, utilizing comprehensive spatial analysis tools.
GIS technologies allow for the integration of various data sources, offering detailed geographical insights into climate-related risks.
Climate Risk Observatory (CRO): This tool is proposed to assist stakeholders in identifying sector-specific impacts, aiding in the formulation of effective adaptation strategies.
Infrastructure Climate Fund (ICF) Endorsement: The report advocates for the ICF to drive ongoing investments in resilient infrastructure, prioritizing risk management and community-driven climate responses.

Complex Challenges of India’s Climate: Acknowledges the complexity of India’s climate issues, emphasizing the urgency for localized solutions.
Local-Level Risk Assessments: Highlighted by the IPE-Global and Esri study, there’s a crucial need for meticulous risk assessments tailored to local conditions.
Proposal for Climate Resilience Funds: Suggests the establishment of funds dedicated to enhancing both adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Global Leadership through Local Cooperation: Encourages substantial investments and collaborative efforts to position India at the forefront of global climate resilience initiatives, transforming risks into sustainable growth opportunities.

-Source: Indian Express