Recent reports indicate changes in rainfall patterns in India due to climate change. Both Kharif and Rabi rainfall are projected to increase in the coming decades. This shift poses risks of soil erosion and salinity, impacting agricultural productivity.
Projected Rainfall Changes
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research forecasts Kharif rainfall to rise by 4.9-10.1 per cent by 2050 and 5.5-18.9 per cent by 2080. Rabi rainfall is expected to increase by 12-17 per cent by 2050 and 13-26 per cent by 2080. These changes can lead to severe soil erosion, estimated at 10 tonnes per hectare annually by 2050.
Soil Erosion and Salinity
Soil erosion is a critical concern for farmers. The increase in rainfall can wash away topsoil, reducing land fertility. Additionally, the area affected by salinity is anticipated to grow from 6.7 million hectares to 11 million hectares by 2030. This salinisation threatens crop yields and food security.
Green Hydrogen Mission
The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to position India as a leader in green hydrogen production. By 2030, India plans to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually. The initiative includes a manufacturing capacity of 412,000 tonnes per year and 3,000 megawatts for electrolysers.
Solar Energy Advancements
The cost of solar energy production equipment has decreased. Solar PV modules now cost between Rs 15-25 per watt-peak. This reduction makes solar energy more competitive against fossil fuels. India installed around 15 gigawatts of solar capacity in 2023-24, with 18.5 GW already installed by early 2025.
Public Health Achievements
India successfully eliminated Kala-azar in 2023. The incidence dropped to fewer than one case per 10,000 people in endemic regions. To maintain this status for WHO certification by 2027, the country must uphold these results for three years.
Health Risks from Chemicals
A recent study revealed that 21 per cent of potential mammary carcinogens are present in food contact materials. Out of 909 substances, 30 were directly linked to cancer in rodent studies. This marks the need for further research to understand the health implications for humans.
Cancer Trends in Karnataka
Karnataka has seen a rise in cancer cases, with around 87,000 new cases reported in recent years. Data from the Indian Council of Medical Research indicates a concerning trend in cancer incidence, necessitating enhanced healthcare responses.
Bamboo Cultivation in Assam
Since 2018-19, the National Bamboo Mission has established 10 nurseries in Assam. This initiative aims to produce high-quality bamboo planting materials, increasing sapling production to 250,000 per year. The bamboo-bearing area in Assam’s forests has also expanded from 10,659 square kilometres in 2021 to 11,246 square kilometres in 2023.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the implications of climate change on agricultural productivity in India.
- Critically examine the role of renewable energy in achieving India’s climate targets.
- Explain the significance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission for India’s energy security.
- With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between environmental health and public health outcomes in India.
Answer Hints:
1. Discuss the implications of climate change on agricultural productivity in India.
- Projected increases in Kharif and Rabi rainfall can lead to higher soil erosion rates, estimated at 10 tonnes per hectare annually by 2050.
- Soil salinity is expected to rise, affecting 11 million hectares by 2030, threatening crop yields and food security.
- Changes in rainfall patterns may disrupt planting and harvesting schedules, impacting crop yields and farmer income.
- Increased rainfall can lead to waterlogging, further reducing agricultural productivity in certain regions.
- Adaptation strategies, such as improved crop varieties and soil management practices, are essential to mitigate these impacts.
2. Critically examine the role of renewable energy in achieving India’s climate targets.
- Renewable energy, particularly solar and wind, is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting climate commitments.
- Lower costs of solar PV modules (Rs 15-25 per watt-peak) make renewable energy more competitive against fossil fuels.
- The National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to enhance energy security and promote sustainable energy production.
- India’s renewable energy capacity is rapidly expanding, with installations planned for the near future.
- Investment in renewables can create jobs and stimulate economic growth while addressing climate change challenges.
3. Explain the significance of the National Green Hydrogen Mission for India’s energy security.
- The mission aims to establish India as a leader in green hydrogen production, enhancing energy independence.
- By 2030, the target is to produce 5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually, diversifying energy sources.
- Green hydrogen can serve as a clean energy carrier and storage solution, supporting renewable energy integration.
- The initiative includes substantial manufacturing capacity for electrolysers, crucial for hydrogen production.
- It aligns with global trends towards sustainable energy solutions, positioning India competitively in the green energy market.
4. With suitable examples, discuss the relationship between environmental health and public health outcomes in India.
- Increased soil salinity and erosion from climate change can lead to food insecurity, affecting nutrition and health outcomes.
- The rise in cancer cases in Karnataka marks the impact of environmental factors, such as exposure to carcinogens in food packaging.
- Successful elimination of diseases like Kala-azar demonstrates the importance of environmental health in controlling public health issues.
- Pollution from industrial activities adversely affects air and water quality, leading to respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
- Integrating environmental health strategies can enhance public health initiatives and improve overall community health outcomes.
