Climate Vulnerability and Increasing Frequency of Extreme Weather Events
India has witnessed a staggering surge in extreme weather events, with almost daily occurrences in the first nine months of 2023, leading to nearly 3,000 deaths, according to a report released by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). Published on November 29, the report highlighted that the climate-vulnerable country experienced extreme weather on 86% of days from January to September, marking a concerning “new abnormal” in a warming world.
The CSE’s report, titled “India 2023: An Assessment of Extreme Weather Events,” revealed alarming statistics, including 2,923 reported deaths, extensive crop damage covering almost two million hectares, destruction of 80,000 homes, and the loss of over 92,000 animals. However, the actual numbers could be higher, as comprehensive data collection faces challenges.
Climate Change Amplifying Extreme Weather Events
The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events globally are attributed to climate change, primarily fueled by the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. The Paris Agreement, established in 2015, aimed to limit the average temperature rise to well below 2°C and preferably to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. However, the world is significantly off track to achieve this goal, with the need for substantial emissions reduction by 2030.
The CSE report disclosed that Madhya Pradesh reported the highest number of extreme weather events (138), while Bihar recorded the highest death toll (642), followed by Himachal Pradesh (365) and Uttar Pradesh (341). The impact extended to different regions, with Kerala facing the highest count of extreme weather days (67) and deaths (60), and Telangana experiencing the maximum effect on crop area (over 62,000 hectares).
Diverse Impacts Across Regions
In northwest India, Uttar Pradesh witnessed the most extreme weather days (113), affecting several states, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan. In the eastern and northeastern regions, Assam recorded the maximum extreme weather events (102), leading to the loss of livestock and extensive crop damage.
The CSE highlighted that January was slightly warmer than average, and February broke records as the warmest in 122 years. India experienced its sixth driest February and the driest August in 122 years. Lightning and storms emerged as the most common disasters, occurring on 176 out of 273 days, claiming 711 lives. Heavy rains, floods, and landslides caused over 1,900 casualties.
Global Context: 2023 Poised to be Hottest Year Recorded
The United Nations (UN) World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warned that 2023 is set to be the hottest year ever recorded. The provisional 2023 State of the Global Climate report, released on November 30, highlighted that this year shattered numerous climate records, reflecting a trail of devastation and despair. The report indicated that greenhouse gas levels, global temperatures, sea level rise, and Antarctic sea ice reached unprecedented levels.
Contrary to the Paris Agreement’s goal, the WMO reported that 2023 data up to October showed the year was already around 1.4°C above the pre-industrial baseline. The findings underscore the urgent need for global action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and address the worsening impacts of climate change. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the critical importance of these findings, urging world leaders to take immediate and substantial measures to confront the climate crisis.
As extreme weather events continue to escalate, the scientific community and global leaders face the daunting challenge of limiting global warming and adapting to the profound changes already underway. The urgency of climate action has never been more apparent, with the consequences of inaction echoing through devastating weather events and record-breaking temperatures.
Opinion and Edited by Dr. Brijendra Kumar Mishra (Disaster Risk Reduction Expert)
