Global warming will affect agriculture, biodiversity: Experts

The Pioneer , Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Correspondent : Poonam Batth
Yet another study predicts global warming will adversely affect agriculture, biodiversity, disease pattern and water availability in India.

Simulated climate change models predict increase in rainfall and temperature over India in the next few decades. While warming will be more pronounced in northern India, more rains will occur in central India.

A climate model developed jointly by Pune-based Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology and UK's Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research predicted that temperature increase by as much as three to four degrees in parts of northern India and increase in rainfall by 10 per cent to 30 per cent will affect rain- based agriculture. The study said there would be a general increase in surface water availability over all three basins - Ganga, Krishna, and Godavari

Plant and animal species will have to adapt to changing climate or move to habitats that are more conducive. The report noted that forest biomes are highly vulnerable to projected change in climate in a relatively short span of about 50 years. Animal species dependent on the forests will also be affected due to the changes.

"About 70 per cent of the vegetation in India is likely to find itself less optimally adapted to its existing location, making it more vulnerable to the adverse climatic conditions as well as to the biotic stresses. Biodiversity is likely to be adversely impacted due to this," the report noted.

Global warming and melting of the polar caps of the Arctic and Antarctic will cause sea levels to rise. The study predicted a 5 cm rise in 50 years, more frequent high surges and increasing occurrence of cyclones post-monsoon.

Warmer temperature and humidity will mean more opportunity for mosquitoes to proliferate, if vector control programme slacks. The climate is favourable for "transmission window" for malaria to stay open for longer duration. Malaria will also spread to non-endemic areas.

The climate change study was released by Environment Minister A Raja and UK Trade Minister Ian Pearson. The information will help India and neighbouring countries plan for future and account for climate change.

* Wheat & rice crop may not withstand increase in temperature

* Droughts could last longer, floods more frequent

* More cases of malaria, could spread to other non-endemic regions

* Coastal infrastructure will battle rise in sea level

* Species unable to adapt to climate change will dwindle

 
SOURCE : The Pioneer, Friday, September 09, 2005
 


Back to pevious page



The NetworkAbout Us  |  Our Partners  |  Concepts   
Resources :  Databases  |  Publications  |  Media Guide  |  Suggested Links
Happenings :  News  |  Events  |  Opinion Polls  |  Case Studies
Contact :  Guest Book  |  FAQs |  Email Us