Climate Change: Causes, Effects, and Government Initiatives

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January 2025 marked an unprecedented milestone as the hottest January ever recorded globally, according to the latest data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This alarming record highlights the growing urgency of addressing climate change, a phenomenon that has significant global and local impacts.

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What is Meant by Climate Change?

Climate Change refers to long-term changes in global or regional climate patterns, primarily driven by both natural processes and human activities. The term is most commonly associated with rising global temperatures, changes in weather patterns, and an increase in the frequency of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, storms, and floods.

Causes of Climate Change

Natural Causes

  1. Volcanic Eruptions: Large eruptions release dust and gases such as sulfur dioxide, which temporarily cool the Earth by blocking sunlight.

  2. Solar Variability: Changes in the amount of solar radiation that reaches Earth can influence climate cycles over centuries.

  3. Ocean Currents: Natural phenomena like El Niño and La Niña significantly impact global temperatures and weather patterns.

  4. Earth’s Orbital Changes (Milankovitch Cycles): Variations in Earth’s orbit and tilt lead to long-term climate changes.

  5. Natural Greenhouse Effect: Water vapor and naturally occurring CO₂ contribute to keeping the Earth warm, though fluctuations can happen over time.

Human-Induced Causes

  1. Burning Fossil Fuels: The combustion of coal, oil, and gas releases CO₂, intensifying the greenhouse effect and leading to global warming.

  2. Deforestation: Cutting down forests reduces the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO₂, further increasing its concentration in the atmosphere.

  3. Industrial and Agricultural Activities: Factories emit carbon emissions, and livestock farming produces methane (CH₄), another potent greenhouse gas.

  4. Urbanization and Land Use Changes: The expansion of cities and reduced vegetation contribute to the urban heat island effect, which increases local temperatures.

  5. Pollution and Waste: Landfills release methane, and plastic pollution disrupts ecosystems, contributing to climate change.

Effects of Climate Change

Global Effects

  1. Rising Global Temperatures: Increased greenhouse gas concentrations have caused a significant rise in global surface temperatures. For instance, 2024 has been confirmed as the warmest year on record, with average global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

  2. Agriculture: Climate change disrupts water availability for irrigation, increases pest attacks, and alters growing seasons, affecting crop growth and productivity. A 2°C rise by 2100 could severely disrupt farming systems worldwide.

  3. Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, hurricanes, and heatwaves due to shifting rainfall patterns.

  4. Livestock Production: Higher temperatures impact livestock productivity, with altered availability of fodder, disease management, and water.

  5. Water Resources: Rising water temperatures and evaporation rates contribute to the shrinking of water bodies, exacerbating water scarcity.

  6. Sea-Level Rise: Melting glaciers and thermal expansion of oceans are causing sea levels to rise, threatening infrastructure, salinating freshwater resources, and damaging agriculture. Since 1880, global average sea levels have risen by about 21–24 cm.

  7. Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Climate change leads to habitat shifts, species extinction, and increased ocean acidification, negatively affecting biodiversity and marine life.

  8. Human Health: Climate change is a threat to human health, causing an increase in heat-related illnesses and the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue. According to the World Health Organization, climate change may lead to 250,000 additional deaths per year by 2050 due to heat stress, malnutrition, diarrhea, and malaria.

Effects on India

  1. Extreme Weather Events: India is experiencing more frequent and severe heatwaves, floods, droughts, and cyclones. For example, the 2023 monsoon floods in Himachal Pradesh caused extensive casualties and damage to infrastructure.

  2. Rising Temperatures and Heatwaves: Heatwaves are becoming more prolonged and intense. Delhi recorded its highest-ever temperature of 52.9°C in 2024.

  3. Agricultural Disruptions: Unpredictable monsoons, desertification, and soil erosion are disrupting crop yields. Punjab’s wheat production was notably impacted by heat stress in 2023.

  4. Water Scarcity: Approximately 54% of India faces high-to-extreme water stress, with shrinking Himalayan glaciers threatening river water supply.

  5. Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Erosion: Coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are at risk from rising sea levels, while the Sundarbans are losing landmass, affecting local communities.

  6. Health Hazards: India is witnessing increased outbreaks of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, aggravated by higher temperatures and fluctuating rainfall.

International Efforts to Combat Climate Change

Key International Organisations

  1. UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC): Provides a platform for global negotiations on climate action.

  2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Offers scientific assessments to guide climate policies.

Major International Agreements

  1. Paris Agreement (2015): Aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.

  2. Kyoto Protocol (1997): Established legally binding emission reduction commitments for developed nations.

Global Climate Programs

  1. REDD & REDD+: Market-based mechanisms designed to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation.

  2. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM): Encourages developed nations to invest in emission reduction projects in developing countries.

  3. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG-13 specifically focuses on climate action and resilience.

Other International Initiatives

  1. Technological Innovations: Advancements in renewable energy, carbon capture, and green infrastructure.

  2. Public Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives like Earth Hour promote climate consciousness.

Indian Government Initiatives to Tackle Climate Change

Policy and Action Plans

  1. National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Includes eight missions, such as the National Solar Mission, National Water Mission, and Green India Mission.

  2. State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs): Tailored strategies at the state level for climate adaptation and mitigation.

Heatwave Management & Disaster Preparedness

  1. Heat Action Plans (HAPs): Over 250 HAPs developed across urban and rural areas with early warning systems, cooling shelters, and modified working hours.

  2. National Framework for Heatwave Mitigation and Management (2024): Long-term strategy for preparedness and mitigation.

Water Management Initiatives

  1. Jal Jeevan Mission: Aims to provide piped drinking water to every rural household.

  2. Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Focuses on urban water conservation.

  3. Catch the Rain Campaign: Promotes rooftop rainwater harvesting.

Renewable Energy & Emission Reduction

  1. National Solar Mission: Targets 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

  2. Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME): Encourages EVs to reduce carbon emissions.

  3. Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) Scheme: Encourages industries to reduce energy consumption.

Ecosystem & Biodiversity Conservation

  1. National Adaptation Fund for Climate Change (NAFCC): Supports projects in agriculture, forestry, and water resources.

  2. Afforestation Projects: The Green India Mission and CAMPA focus on increasing forest cover and carbon sequestration.

Climate Change Important Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between weather and climate?
Ans: Weather describes short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a particular time, while climate refers to the long-term average of weather patterns over decades or more in a particular region.

Q2: How do human activities contribute to climate change?
Ans: Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation, increase greenhouse gas emissions, leading to enhanced global warming.

Q3: What are some observable impacts of climate change?
Ans: These include rising temperatures, melting ice, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruption.

Q4: What is the significance of the 1.5°C warming threshold?
Ans: The 1.5°C threshold, set by the Paris Agreement, aims to limit global warming and avoid severe impacts like extreme weather, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss.

Q5: How can individuals contribute to mitigating climate change?
Ans: Individuals can reduce energy consumption, switch to renewable energy, use sustainable transportation, support reforestation, and advocate for policy changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

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