November 2024 marked climatic event in India, being the second warmest November recorded in 123 years. This anomaly marks the intensifying effects of climate change. The unusual warmth poses serious threats to ecosystems and food security, particularly impacting the growth of rabi (winter) crops. The month experienced a notable increase in average temperatures, which raises concerns about the future climate trajectory for both India and the global community.
Temperature Anomalies in November 2024
In November 2024, the average maximum temperature in India reached 29.37ºC, exceeding the normal by 0.62ºC. The average minimum temperature also showed rise, being 1.05ºC above the typical 15.86ºC. This increase in temperatures coincided with a drastic reduction in rainfall, which was 55% lower than the long-period average. The northwest region was especially affected, recording a staggering 79.87% deficit in rainfall.
Role of Western Disturbances
Western disturbances are crucial for winter precipitation in India. These weather systems originate over the Mediterranean and are carried eastward by westerly jet streams. They typically bring rain and snow to northwestern India. However, November 2024 saw a notable absence of these disturbances, contributing to the warm conditions and reduced rainfall. Only two low-pressure systems developed, one of which became Cyclone Fengal, but it failed to deliver expected precipitation.
Significance of Western Disturbances for Agriculture
Western disturbances play a vital role in supporting the rabi crop cycle in northern India. They account for approximately 30% of winter precipitation in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir and Punjab. This precipitation is essential for crops like wheat and mustard. The disturbances also help maintain snowpack in the Himalayas, which is critical for water resources during warmer months.
Global Context of November 2024 Warmth
The warm November in India aligns with global trends. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, November 2024 was the second warmest globally, with an average temperature of 14.10ºC. Sea ice levels in both the Arctic and Antarctic reached alarming lows, indicating a broader pattern of climate change. These shifts are likely to have deep implications for ecosystems and weather patterns worldwide.
Implications for Food Security and Ecosystems
The warm November and associated climatic changes threaten food security in India. Winter crops depend heavily on the precipitation provided by western disturbances. The lack of rainfall may lead to reduced yields and increased water scarcity in arid regions. Moreover, the changing climate could disrupt local ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and livelihoods.
Urgency of Climate Action
The events of November 2024 serve as a critical reminder of the need for urgent climate action. The warming trend is not just a regional issue; it reflects a global crisis that requires immediate attention. Addressing climate change is essential to protect ecosystems, ensure food security, and sustain livelihoods.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in India.
- Discuss the role of western disturbances in shaping India’s winter climate and their significance for agriculture.
- Critically discuss the implications of global warming for sea ice levels in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
- With suitable examples, discuss how changes in climate patterns can affect biodiversity and ecosystems.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of climate change on agricultural productivity in India.
- Climate change leads to unpredictable weather patterns, affecting crop cycles and yields.
- Increasing temperatures can cause heat stress on crops, especially during critical growth periods.
- Reduced rainfall and erratic monsoon patterns threaten water availability for irrigation.
- Shifts in pest and disease dynamics can adversely affect crop health and productivity.
- Regions reliant on specific climatic conditions for crop growth face increased vulnerability and potential food insecurity.
2. Discuss the role of western disturbances in shaping India’s winter climate and their significance for agriculture.
- Western disturbances bring essential winter precipitation, particularly to northwestern India.
- They contribute (about 30%) to the winter rainfall crucial for rabi crops like wheat and mustard.
- These disturbances help maintain snowpack in the Himalayas, which is vital for water resources in warmer months.
- Absence of strong western disturbances can lead to warm conditions and reduced agricultural yields.
- They also influence local weather patterns, affecting temperature and humidity levels across regions.
3. Critically discuss the implications of global warming for sea ice levels in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
- Global warming leads to rising temperatures, resulting in accelerated melting of polar ice caps.
- Arctic sea ice extent has reached record lows, impacting marine ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
- Melting Antarctic ice contributes to rising sea levels, posing risks to coastal communities worldwide.
- Reduced sea ice affects climate regulation, altering ocean currents and weather patterns globally.
- Loss of ice cover can disrupt the food chain in polar regions, threatening biodiversity and indigenous livelihoods.
4. With suitable examples, discuss how changes in climate patterns can affect biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Shifts in temperature and precipitation can alter habitat ranges for various species, leading to migration or extinction.
- Coral bleaching events, exacerbated by rising sea temperatures, threaten marine biodiversity in ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef.
- Changes in seasonal cycles can disrupt breeding and feeding patterns for wildlife, such as migratory birds.
- Increased frequency of extreme weather events can destroy habitats and lead to loss of species, as seen in forest fires.
- Altered ecosystems can result in invasions by non-native species, further threatening local biodiversity.
