Climate Change Scenario in Indian Context

Abstract

The Indian economy is mostly agrarian-based and depends on the onset of the monsoon and its further behavior. The livelihood of people is mostly dependent on climate-sensitive natural resources like land, water and forests. The climate change impact on these natural resources affects agriculture, forests, water resources and human health. India is a vast country occupying 2.4% world's geographical area, sharing 16.2% of the global human population and 15% of the global livestock population. It is endowed with varied climates supporting rich biodiversity and highly diverse ecology. More than 60% of its population living in rural areas, where agriculture is the major concern rural economy that is the backbone of the Indian economy. The consistent impact of climate change may threaten livelihood activities, which are mostly based on agriculture providing food security. Climate change and global warming pose a significant threats to agriculture. Pest populations are strongly dependent upon temperature and humidity. It has been predicted that 10-40% losses in crop production in India with an increase in temperature 3 to 5ºC by the end of 21 century. The allied sectors of agriculture have also been affected adversely by climate change e.g., lowering production in dairy cattle, poultry and fishery. Changes in climate variables may alter the distribution of important vector species, especially malarial mosquitoes, and subsequently increase the spread of such diseases to new areas. The loss in net revenue at the farm level is estimated to range between 9% to 25% for a temperature rise of 2ºC to 3.5ºC. To minimize the adverse impact of climate change, adaptation comprises shifting the population living close to the sea side to escape the rising sea level or promote crops that can tolerate higher temperatures. To remedial measures taken to combat the adverse impact of climate change, mitigation comprises a reduction in the emissions of greenhouse gases. The government of India's expenditure on adaptation and mitigation to combating climate change impact shares 2.6% of the GDP, with agriculture, water resources, health and sanitation, forests, coastal-zone infrastructure and extreme weather events being specific areas of concern. This paper was attempted to review the climate change scenario with their present and future adaptation and mitigation efforts in India.