India’s Slower Warming: Reasons and Climate Response

Why in the news?

India’s 2024 average temperature rose 1.2°C since 1901-1910, slower than global trends. The IMD highlighted regional warming differences and the need for enhanced climate observation, as the WMO declared 2024 the warmest year globally.

India's Slower Warming: Reasons and Climate Response

Global and National Temperature Rise in 2024:

  • The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) declared 2024 as the warmest year on record, with global surface temperatures surpassing 5°C above pre-industrial levels.
  • India’s average temperature rose by 2°C since 1901-1910, lower than the global land surface warming of 1.6°C or more.
  • The difference stems from the IMD’s baseline (1901), while global calculations use pre-industrial levels (1850-1900).

Reasons for India’s Slower Warming

  • Tropical Location: India, closer to the equator, experiences less warming compared to the polar regions, where warming is twice the global average due to heat transfer and the albedo effect from melting ice.
  • Ocean vs. Land Warming: India’s warming data is based on land surface only, whereas global figures include both land and ocean, with oceans warming more slowly due to evaporation effects.
  • Aerosols: Higher aerosol concentration over India scatters solar radiation, slightly offsetting warming but contributing to air pollution.

Strengthening India’s Climate Response

  • India’s regional warming patterns vary, with areas like the Himalayas and coastal regions facing distinct climate challenges.
  • There’s a need for enhanced climate observation and impact assessment capabilities, such as Mission Mausam.
  • Expanding weather monitoring networks to rural areas and strengthening institutions like IMD, INCOIS, and others will be crucial to addressing climate vulnerabilities and enabling effective disaster management.

Trade Winds

  • Trade winds, also known as easterlies, are permanent winds that flow east to west.
  • They occur in the Earth’s equatorial region due to Coriolis effect and global pressure systems.
  • Greenhouse Gases
  • Greenhouse gases trap heat by absorbing and emitting infrared radiation.
  • Key examples: water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone.
  • They are responsible for the greenhouse effect, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times