Maharashtra & Climate Change

In News

  • Recently released  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) ‘s Synthesis report paints a dull picture for Maharashtra.

About

  • The Synthesis Report integrates the main findings of the Sixth Assessment Report based on contributions from the three Working Groups, and the three Special Reports.
  • The report highlights that Maharashtra will be one of the worst affected states due to global warming.
  • The  report has warned that the state of Maharashtra could face the following problems
    • Being  located on the Arabian Sea coast,the state  is likely to face the twin challenges of high temperatures as well as water scarcity and large-scale flooding due to rapid climate change.The report also warns of an increase in the frequency of flooding.
    • Higher temperatures could lead to heat waves, which could pose a significant health risk to the state.
    •  Being a major agricultural state, changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can have a significant impact on crop yields and food security.

Specific Recommendations of the report:

  • The report suggests the following measures for mitigation
    • It calls the state to build resilience in the economy, infrastructure and social systems to cope with the effects of climate change.
    • It also  suggests  to act on achieving renewable energy targets, improving public transport, electrifying the transport system, and strengthening the energy sector through emissions reductions
    • It says that Maharashtra should Stop the conversion of natural ecosystems (terrestrial, coastal and marine) and enhance restoration and encourage reforestation.

IPCC

  • The IPCC is the UN body for assessing the science related to climate change.
  • It was set up in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and United Nations Environment Programme to provide policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate change, its impacts and future risks, and options for adaptation and mitigation.

Source:TH