Global Warming Causing Weather Anomalies: Experts
Heavy rains and subsequent floods have caused widespread destruction in parts of north India, leading to over 40 deaths and leaving hundreds of people stranded. While the connection to climate change is still being debated, experts agree that these incidents highlight the vulnerability of such regions to the impacts of global warming.
According to scientists at the Centre for Climate Change Research, the changing monsoon patterns are a clear indication of climate change. Over the past several decades, there has been a definitive shift towards long periods of deficit rainfall followed by short bursts of heavy to extreme rainfall. Places like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and Uttarakhand are now receiving rainfall equivalent to a month’s worth in just one or two days. This pattern is considered a clear signal of climate change.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has also observed a rising trend in heavy downpours across the country. The recent rainfall in north India is a result of the interaction between western disturbances and the southwest monsoon. Similar heavy rainfall events are being recorded more frequently in tropical regions around the world, which can be attributed to the changing global climate scenario. In India, the majority of weather stations have reported this rising trend during the monsoon season.
While devastating weather events have occurred in Uttarakhand before, climate experts now attribute the increased amount of rainfall to rising temperatures and the impact of global warming. Heavy rainfall is now occurring in shorter periods, with 20 cm of rain being recorded in just 12 hours compared to the previous 24-hour timeframe. This rapid downpour causes water to run-off at a faster rate and overwhelms narrow waterways, resulting in infrastructural damage, property loss, and high levels of flooding. Climate scientists warn that these extreme events are likely to become more frequent in the future.
The urgency to address climate change has become more critical than ever. Experts emphasize the need for micro-action plans at the district and even panchayat level to identify areas prone to torrential rain in short periods. This includes increasing monitoring, preparing customized disaster management strategies based on topography and local land use changes, and identifying landslide-prone areas while informing the public about these risks.
IPCC lead author and research director at Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Anjal Prakash, highlights the connection between climate change and shifting weather patterns. As the Earth’s temperature increases due to greenhouse gas emissions, the atmosphere holds more moisture, resulting in more intense downpours and longer-lasting rains. These extreme precipitation events disproportionately affect marginalized communities, emphasizing the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the new normal of frequent and extreme downpour events.
By presenting a balanced view of the topic, it is clear that addressing climate change is a pressing issue. The frequency of heavy rainfall events is increasing, and proactive measures are necessary to mitigate the impacts on vulnerable regions. The connection between global warming and extreme weather events is becoming more apparent, reinforcing the need for concerted efforts to curb climate change and adapt to the changing environment.
