Q.3 - Climate Change Effects & NAPCC

3 16 Marks

What are the various effects of climate change and global warming? Write about India's National Action Plan on Climate Change.

Answer: Climate Change Effects & India's NAPCC

Part A: Effects of Climate Change and Global Warming (8 Marks)

Global Warming is the long-term increase in Earth's average temperature due to enhanced greenhouse effect from human emissions. Climate Change encompasses all resulting changes in weather patterns, precipitation, sea levels, and extreme events. Global temperature has risen ~1.1°C since pre-industrial times.

1. Temperature Rise and Heat Waves

Global average temperature increased by 1.1°C since 1850
More frequent and intense heat waves
2023 was hottest year on record
India experienced severe heat waves (2022: wheat crop affected)
Projected: 1.5-4.5°C additional rise by 2100

2. Changes in Precipitation

Erratic monsoons: Delayed onset, early withdrawal, uneven distribution
Increased intensity of rainfall events (cloud bursts)
More severe droughts in some regions
Flooding in others (Kerala 2018, 2019)
Changes in snowfall patterns

3. Sea Level Rise

Global sea level rising at 3.7 mm/year (accelerating)
Thermal expansion of oceans + ice melt
Threatens coastal cities: Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata
Coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion
Low-lying island nations at existential risk

4. Melting Ice and Glaciers

Arctic sea ice: 40% decline since 1979
Himalayan glaciers: Retreating rapidly (Gangotri, Pindari)
Threatens water supply to 1.9 billion people in Asia
Permafrost thawing: Releases stored methane
Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) risk

5. Extreme Weather Events

Intense cyclones: Amphan (2020), Tauktae (2021), Biparjoy (2023)
Floods: Uttarakhand, Kerala, Assam recurring events
Wildfires: Australia, California, Mediterranean
Hailstorms: Damage to crops
Events becoming more frequent and severe

6. Impact on Agriculture

Crop yield reductions: Wheat (-4-6%/°C), Rice (-6-8%/°C)
Shifted growing seasons and crop calendars
Increased pest and disease incidence
Water scarcity for irrigation
Threatens food security

7. Biodiversity and Ecosystem Impacts

Coral bleaching: 50%+ of Great Barrier Reef affected
Species migration toward poles and higher altitudes
Ocean acidification: Harms marine ecosystems
Increased extinction risk for vulnerable species
Ecosystem services disruption

8. Human Health Impacts

Heat-related illness and mortality
Expansion of vector-borne diseases (dengue, malaria)
Air quality degradation (ozone, wildfires)
Mental health impacts from disasters
Malnutrition from agricultural disruption

Part B: India's National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) (8 Marks)

The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) was launched on June 30, 2008 by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. It outlines India's strategy for climate change mitigation and adaptation through 8 National Missions.

Objectives of NAPCC

Achieve sustainable development while addressing climate change
Protect poor and vulnerable sections from climate impacts
Maintain high economic growth while managing GHG emissions
Deploy appropriate technologies for adaptation and mitigation

The 8 National Missions

Mission	Focus Area	Key Objectives
1. National Solar Mission (JNNSM)	Solar Energy	Originally 20 GW by 2022; revised to 100 GW, now targeting 280 GW by 2030
2. National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE)	Energy Efficiency	PAT scheme, ESCO, market-based mechanisms to save 23 million TOE
3. National Mission on Sustainable Habitat (NMSH)	Urban Sustainability	Green buildings (ECBC), urban transport, waste management
4. National Water Mission (NWM)	Water Conservation	20% water use efficiency, integrated water resource management
5. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE)	Himalayan Conservation	Protect glaciers, biodiversity, forest cover in Himalayan states
6. National Mission for a Green India (GIM)	Forests & Carbon Sink	Increase forest cover, additional 2.5-3 billion tonnes CO2 sink
7. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)	Climate-Resilient Agriculture	Drought-resistant varieties, water-efficient practices, soil health
8. National Mission on Strategic Knowledge for Climate Change (NMSKCC)	Research & Knowledge	Climate research, modeling, vulnerability assessment, capacity building

Implementation Structure

Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change: Apex body for oversight
Ministry of Environment: Nodal ministry for coordination
State Action Plans (SAPCCs): Each state develops own action plan
Sectoral Ministries: Implement respective missions

India's Updated Climate Targets (COP26): 500 GW non-fossil capacity by 2030 | 50% electricity from renewables | 45% emission intensity reduction | 1 billion tonnes additional carbon sink | Net-Zero by 2070

Conclusion

Climate change and global warming are causing widespread impacts including temperature rise, altered precipitation, sea level rise, glacier melt, extreme weather, agricultural disruption, biodiversity loss, and health impacts. India's NAPCC provides a comprehensive framework through 8 national missions addressing solar energy, efficiency, habitat, water, Himalayas, forests, agriculture, and research. State-level action plans operationalize these at regional levels. With enhanced targets announced at COP26, India is demonstrating leadership in climate action while pursuing sustainable development and protecting vulnerable communities.

Sources: Module 1 & 4 Notes | NAPCC Document | MoEFCC | IPCC AR6