A new study published in a prominent scientific journal indicates that India is witnessing a significant rise in extreme weather events. These include more frequent occurrences of heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and cyclones, which are adversely affecting the quality of life for millions of residents. The findings underscore the critical need for robust climate adaptation measures to mitigate the growing risks associated with these events.
Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research have collaborated on this study, analyzing meteorological data from the past three decades. Their analysis shows that the frequency of extreme weather events has increased by approximately 30% compared to historical averages. This surge is attributed to both natural climate variability and human-induced climate change, with the latter playing an increasingly dominant role in recent years.
The report highlights several regions in India, particularly the northwestern and southern states, which are experiencing the most severe impacts. These areas have reported a noticeable increase in both the intensity and duration of extreme weather events. Climate scientists warn that without significant intervention, the situation is likely to worsen, leading to increased economic losses, health risks, and displacement of populations.
While the Indian government has initiated various climate resilience programs, experts argue that these efforts are insufficient to address the scale of the problem. The study calls for a more comprehensive approach, including enhanced early warning systems, improved infrastructure resilience, and community-based adaptation strategies. The findings also emphasize the importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change, highlighting the need for global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support vulnerable nations in their adaptation efforts.