A Study on the Impacts of Climate Change on various sectors, with reference to the state of Karnataka

Abstract

Climate Change is the defining issue of our time and we are at a defining moment. From shifting weather patterns that threaten food production, to rising sea levels that increase the risk of catastrophic flooding, the impacts of climate change are global in scope and unprecedented in scale. Without drastic action today, adapting to these impacts in the future will be more difficult and costly. India is both a major greenhouse gas emitter and one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to projected climate change. The country is already experiencing changes in climate and the impacts of climate change, including water stress, heat waves and drought, severe storms and flooding, and associated negative consequences on health and livelihoods. With a 1.2 billion but growing population and dependence on agriculture, India probably will be severely impacted by continuing climate change. Karnataka is the second most vulnerable state in India to be impacted by Climate Change as the North Karnataka regions have the arid and driest regions. As a progressive state, Karnataka envisions job oriented, inclusive economic growth. This will require sustainable industrialization and livelihood diversification. However, such a transition is likely to increase the demand for resources and energy significantly. In this, our proposed study will enable us to know the impact of climate change on important sectors like energy and agriculture, which are the backbone of the state’s economy.