EVIDENCES OF CLIMATE CHANGE

According to IPCC "on average the temperatures in Northern Hemisphere during the second half of the twentieth century were very likely higher than in the past 500 years ".
• The IPCC has pointed out that "atmospheric concentrations of CO2 exceed by far the natural range over the last 650,000 years."
• Cryosphere continues to shrink: The rate of Antarctica ice mass loss has tripled in the last decade. Global sea level rose about 8 inches in the last century.
• Ocean acidification - The amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by the upper layer of the oceans is increasing by about 2 billion tons per year.
• According to the State of Global Climate Report 2017, atmospheric methane reached a new high and is now 257% of the pre-industrial level.
• Global Warming is affecting nearly all terrestrial and marine ecosystems: Recently scientists discovered that the Bramble Cay Melomys – an Australian rat-like rodent – went extinct (it was last seen in 2007) due to rising seas inundating its tiny coral island. It’s the first mammal confirmed to be pushed to extinction entirely due to climate change.

IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE:

Environment

• Rise in extreme weather events- Rising global temperature is accompanied by the changes in weather and climate, like changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, or intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. Changes in precipitation patterns will also be more pronounced.
• Accelerated Sea Level Rise: Global sea level has risen by about 8 inches since 1880. As a result of added water from melting ice and expansion of seawater as it warms, sea level is projected to rise another 1 to 4 feet by 2100.
• Ocean Acidification- The planet's oceans and glaciers have also experienced some big changes - oceans are warming and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising.
• Changing Landscapes - The Arctic Ocean is expected to become essentially ice free in summer before mid-century.
• Ecosystems at Risk - Increased temperatures are changing weather and vegetation patterns across the globe, forcing animal species to migrate to new, cooler areas in order to survive. Plant and animal ranges have shifted and trees are flowering sooner.
• Threat to species survival- The rapid change of climate change is likely to exceed the ability of many species to migrate or adjust. Experts predict that one-fourth of Earth’s species will be headed for extinction by 2050 if the warming trend continues at its current rate.

Human Health
• Illnesses - In 2018, for example, extreme heat waves caused more than 1,500 deaths in India.
• Spread of infectious diseases, mainly because warmer temperatures allow disease-carrying insects, animals and microbes to survive in areas where they were once blocked by cold weather.
• Spread of diseases to new regions: Diseases and pests that were once limited to the tropics — such as mosquitoes that carry malaria may find hospitable conditions in new areas that were once too cold to
support them.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that climate change may have caused more than 150,000 deaths in the year 2000 alone, with an increase in deaths likely in the future.

Economic Losses
• If no action is taken to curtail the global carbon emissions, climate change could cost around 5 to 20 percent of the annual global gross domestic product, in comparison, it would take 1 percent of GDP to
lessen the most damaging effects of climate change.
• A recent report of the World Bank found that climate change could effectively negate economic progress, pushing 45 million Indians into extreme poverty over the next 15 years.
• Climate change may significantly alter shoreline habitats and cost millions for the relocation of ports and shore infrastructure.
• Globally, more intense hurricanes and downpours could cause billions of dollars in damage to property and infrastructure.
• High sea temperatures also threaten the survival of coral reefs, which generate an estimated $375 billion per year in goods and services.

Agriculture Productivity/Food Security
• Agricultural productivity is sensitive to two broad classes of climate-induced effects. The first one is its direct effect due to changes in temperature, precipitation and carbon dioxide concentrations; and the other is the indirect effect through changes in soil moisture and the distribution and frequency of infestation by pests and diseases.
• Nutritional Security: Rising levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide reduce the concentrations of protein and essential minerals in most plant species, including wheat, soybeans, and rice.
• Impacts on fisheries: Changes in temperature and seasons can affect the timing of reproduction and migration. Some marine disease outbreaks have also been linked with changing climate.

Gandhiji had said, "The Earth has enough for everyone's needs, but not everyone’s greed.' With the entire world coming together to secure the future and pass on the legacy of the earth to our forthcominggenerations we can hope to create resources to satisfy everyone's needs.  Integrated look at industrial growth, good agriculture management and agro-forestry practices are the need of the hour.