Climate Change Impact on Western Ghats Ecosystem

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is facing severe climate change impacts. Recent studies highlight the link between extreme weather events and rising temperatures in the region. Landslides and erratic rainfall patterns are becoming increasingly common. This has implications for biodiversity, agriculture, and human-wildlife interactions.

Extreme Weather Events and Landslides

Landslides in the Western Ghats have been exacerbated by climate change. Data shows an increase in heavy rainfall events exceeding 300 mm per day since 2018. These landslides primarily occur in forested areas, which are thought to be stable. However, saturated soils during heavy rains lead to instability. A threshold of 145-150 mm of rainfall in 24 hours is critical for landslide occurrence.

Temperature Increases and Forest Health

The region has experienced a temperature rise of 1.5°C over the past decade. This warming affects forest health and biodiversity. Higher temperatures can reduce photosynthesis rates, which impacts the forests’ ability to act as carbon sinks. Healthy forests are crucial for absorbing carbon dioxide and mitigating climate change.

Changing Rainfall Patterns

Recent years have seen shifting rainfall patterns, with drier pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. This has led to drought-like conditions in forests and increased incidents of forest fires. The erratic rainfall has also adversely affected food production, crucial for both wildlife and local communities.

Biodiversity and Species Interaction

Climate change is altering the distribution of flora and fauna in the Western Ghats. Invasive species like Senna spectabilis are proliferating, impacting native vegetation. Changes in animal behaviour are also evident, with wildlife increasingly venturing into human settlements due to altered food availability.

Impact on Local Communities

Local communities are facing challenges due to declining forest produce. Erratic rainfall has led to reduced yields of important crops and forest products. Honey production has decreased due to changes in flowering patterns and reduced rainfall.

Research and Monitoring Needs

There is a pressing need for more extensive research and monitoring of the Western Ghats’ ecosystems. Ground-level observational data is essential to understand the full impact of climate change on forest health and biodiversity. Innovative techniques such as satellite imagery and phenocams can enhance our understanding of these changes.

Forests as Carbon Sinks

The role of forests in carbon sequestration is critical. However, climate change is threatening their ability to function effectively as carbon sinks. About the balance between photosynthesis and respiration under changing climatic conditions is vital for forest management strategies.

Policy Implications

The findings tell the need for robust policies aimed at climate adaptation and mitigation. Sustainable development practices must be prioritised to protect the Western Ghats’ unique ecosystems. Collaborative efforts between scientists, policymakers, and local communities are essential for effective conservation strategies.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the Western Ghats.
2. What are the primary factors contributing to the increased frequency of landslides in the Western Ghats? Explain.
3. Comment on the role of forests as carbon sinks and the implications of climate change on this function.
4. With suitable examples, explain how changing rainfall patterns can affect local agriculture and food security.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of climate change on biodiversity in the Western Ghats.

1. Climate change has led to shifting species distributions, with some native species declining and invasive species like Senna spectabilis proliferating.
2. Altered rainfall patterns have affected the lifecycle of flora and fauna, disrupting ecological balances.
3. Wildlife is increasingly venturing into human settlements due to food scarcity, leading to human-wildlife conflicts.
4. Changes in temperature and rainfall have impacted the breeding and migration patterns of various species.
5. Overall biodiversity loss threatens ecosystem services that are vital for local communities and wildlife.

2. What are the primary factors contributing to the increased frequency of landslides in the Western Ghats? Explain.

1. Heavy rainfall events exceeding 300 mm in a day have increased, saturating soils and triggering landslides.
2. The threshold for landslide occurrence is around 145-150 mm of rainfall in 24 hours, which is frequently surpassed.
3. Deforestation and land use changes have destabilized slopes, making them more prone to landslides.
4. Climate change exacerbates soil erosion and alters hydrological patterns, further increasing landslide risks.
5. Urbanization and mining activities in the region contribute to the vulnerability of slopes to landslides.

3. Comment on the role of forests as carbon sinks and the implications of climate change on this function.

1. Forests play important role in sequestering carbon, absorbing carbon dioxide during photosynthesis.
2. Climate change leads to increased temperatures, which can reduce photosynthesis rates and carbon uptake.
3. Healthy forests are essential for maintaining soil organic carbon levels, which are vital for ecosystem health.
4. Decreased forest health due to climate stressors threatens their ability to function as effective carbon sinks.
5. About the balance between photosynthesis and respiration is critical for forest management and climate mitigation strategies.

4. With suitable examples, explain how changing rainfall patterns can affect local agriculture and food security.

1. Erratic rainfall has led to drought conditions, reducing crop yields and impacting food production in regions like Uttara Kannada.
2. Delayed planting of crops, such as tubers in Kerala, has occurred due to insufficient pre-monsoon rains.
3. Increased heavy rainfall events can wash away crops and lead to landslides, as seen in Teloli village.
4. Honey production has decreased due to altered flowering patterns resulting from changing rainfall.
5. Overall, reduced agricultural productivity threatens food security for local communities reliant on forest produce and agriculture.