Extreme Weather Events and Their Impact on India

India has faced severe challenges from extreme weather events over the past three decades. A report from Germanwatch marks the country’s vulnerability. Between 1993 and 2022, India recorded 400 extreme weather events. These events resulted in approximately 80,000 fatalities and economic losses of around USD 180 billion. Globally, extreme weather has caused over 765,000 deaths and direct losses nearing USD 4.2 trillion.

Overview of Extreme Weather Events in India

India ranks as the sixth most affected country by extreme weather. Major events include the Gujarat cyclone in 1998, the Odisha cyclone in 1999, and severe floods in 2013 and 2019. Heat waves have also been devastating, with temperatures soaring to 50 degrees Celsius in several years. These events have impacted agriculture and livelihoods.

Economic Consequences

The economic toll of extreme weather is staggering. India is projected to face a potential 24.7% loss in GDP by 2070 due to climate change. Key factors contributing to this decline include rising sea levels and decreased labour productivity. Storms have caused the most economic losses, accounting for 56% of total damages.

Global Context of Extreme Weather

Globally, extreme weather events have disproportionately affected countries in the Global South. The report indicates that the majority of fatalities and economic losses occurred in these regions. Countries such as China, Myanmar, and the Philippines also feature prominently in the list of most affected nations.

Data and Reporting Challenges

Data collection on extreme weather impacts in the Global South is often inadequate. Issues such as data quality and coverage hinder accurate assessments. This may lead to an underestimation of the true impact of extreme weather events on these countries.

Climate Change and Future Risks

The World Economic Forum identifies extreme weather events as a major global risk, second only to armed conflict. The recent COP29 discussions revealed a failure to address climate finance needs adequately. Developing countries require increased support to cope with the escalating climate crisis.

Adaptation and Mitigation Needs

The Climate Risk Index puts stress on the urgent need for adaptation finance. The current annual target of USD 300 billion is viewed as a minimum response to the climate crisis. High-emitting countries must increase their support for vulnerable nations to manage climate impacts effectively.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the socio-economic impacts of extreme weather events on India.
2. What are the primary factors contributing to the economic losses caused by extreme weather events? Provide examples.
3. Estimate the potential long-term impact of climate change on India’s GDP by 2070.
4. Point out the challenges faced in data collection regarding extreme weather events in the Global South.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the socio-economic impacts of extreme weather events on India.

1. Extreme weather events have caused approximately 80,000 fatalities in India over the past three decades.
2. Economic losses are estimated at around USD 180 billion, affecting livelihoods and infrastructure.
3. Severe events disrupt agriculture, leading to food insecurity and loss of income for farmers.
4. Health impacts include increased disease prevalence and strain on medical facilities due to climate-related issues.
5. Social dynamics are altered, with migration patterns changing as people flee affected areas.

2. What are the primary factors contributing to the economic losses caused by extreme weather events? Provide examples.

1. Storms account for 56% of economic losses, with events like Cyclone Amphan causing extensive damage.
2. Floods contribute , impacting infrastructure and displacing communities, as seen in the 2013 Uttarakhand floods.
3. Heat waves lead to decreased agricultural productivity, affecting crop yields and farmer income.
4. Rising sea levels threaten coastal economies, particularly in regions like Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
5. Increased frequency of extreme weather events leads to higher recovery costs and insurance claims.

3. Estimate the potential long-term impact of climate change on India’s GDP by 2070.

1. India could face a potential 24.7% loss in GDP due to climate change effects.
2. Key factors include decreased labour productivity and increased costs associated with disaster recovery.
3. Rising sea levels threaten coastal industries, impacting trade and tourism sectors.
4. Agricultural losses due to extreme weather will reduce food security and economic stability.
5. Investment in adaptation measures is crucial to mitigate these projected economic losses.

4. Point out the challenges faced in data collection regarding extreme weather events in the Global South.

1. Data quality is often poor due to insufficient resources and infrastructure for monitoring events.
2. Coverage gaps exist, leading to underreporting of incidents and their impacts.
3. Political instability in some regions hampers consistent data collection efforts.
4. Limited access to technology and expertise affects the ability to analyze and report data effectively.
5. There is a lack of comprehensive databases, making it difficult to compile accurate statistics on extreme weather events.