Indian Express Editorial Summary

Topic-1 : A Warming Asia (World Meteorological Organisation’s State of the Climate Asia Report)

GS-2 or GS-3 : Economy or  Environment

Revision Notes 

 

Question : Evaluate the challenges faced by countries like India and China in their efforts to transition to renewable energy amidst climate-related challenges such as droughts. How do these challenges impact energy security and hinder progress towards climate goals?

Findings

• Asia faced the most disasters globally in 2023: 79 extreme weather events impacted over 9 million people.
• India was severely affected by heatwaves, floods, and landslides.
• The report warns of rising sea levels, receding glaciers, and droughts.

Warnings for Asia

• Limit temperature rise to avoid catastrophes.
• Prepare for receding glaciers, rising sea levels, and droughts.
• Develop mechanisms for regional cooperation on climate resilience.
• Natural disasters transcend national boundaries.
• The Hindu Kush, Himalayas, and southwest China all suffered droughts in 2023.

Climate Change and Renewable Energy

• Asia has energy security concerns.
• India and China’s renewable energy efforts are challenged by droughts.
• Droughts force reliance on coal, threatening energy security and climate goals.
• Historical conflicts hinder energy diplomacy between India and China.
• The subcontinent lacks a collaboration mechanism like ASEAN.

What Asia Can Do

• Adaptation:
  • Early warning systems
  • Climate-resilient infrastructure (seawalls, levees)
  • Nature-based solutions (mangroves, coral reefs, forests)
  • Disaster preparedness (education, drills)
• Mitigation:
  • Renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal, hydropower)
  • Energy efficiency (appliances, buildings, industry)
  • Sustainable agriculture (crop rotation, cover crops, reduced water usage)
  • Sustainable forestry (logging practices, tree planting)
• Collaboration:
  • Share knowledge and best practices between countries.
  • International cooperation for funding and technological advancements.

Conclusion

• The report highlights the need for regional cooperation to address climate change.

 

 

 

Indian Express Editorial Summary

Topic-2 : Health on a Hot Planet

GS-2 or GS-3 : Health or Environment

Revision Notes 

Question : Evaluate the specific challenges posed by heatwaves in the Indian subcontinent, considering factors. How do these factors contribute to the severity of heat-related health issues in the region?

Climate Change and Human Health

• Consensus: 2023 was the hottest year on record. Climate models predict even hotter years in the future.
• Urbanization and deforestation will worsen heat and humidity in cities.

Impact of Climate Change on Health

• Heat exposure
• Extreme weather events
• Water scarcity
• Vector-borne and water-borne diseases
• Non-communicable diseases (strokes, heart attacks, diabetes, respiratory diseases, cancers)
• Mental health disorders
• Food and nutrition insecurity

Heatwaves in the Indian Subcontinent

• Heatwaves are a major concern during summers.
• Heatwaves are defined by absolute temperatures and relative rise compared to seasonal averages.
• High humidity amplifies the impact of heat on the human body.
• India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports a 30% increase in “moist heat” stress between 1980 and 2020.

Effects of Heatwaves on Human Health

• Dehydration and heatstroke
  • Inability to cool the body through sweat
  • Thickened blood with increased risk of blood clots
  • Air pollution worsens the effects on lungs and blood vessels
  • Infants, young children, elderly, people with disabilities, and those with comorbidities are more vulnerable.
  • Women are more vulnerable than men.
• Prolonged exposure and non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
  • Heat stress can worsen NCDs like stroke, heart attacks, and kidney damage.
  • NCDs already contribute to 65% of deaths in India.
• Rise in brain strokes and heart attacks
  • Heat increases the risk of strokes and heart attacks by promoting blood clot formation.
  • Exercising in hot weather can be dangerous.
  • A 2022 study linked heatwaves to an 11.7% increase in mortality.
• Threat to nutrition security
  • Heat stress, water stress, and increased CO2 levels threaten food security.
  • Crops grown in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are nearing their heat tolerance limits.
  • Higher temperatures will reduce crop yield and nutrient content.
  • Rising temperatures will harm access to fruits, vegetables, fish, and wild foods.

Comprehensive Plan Against Heat Stress

• Mitigation: Reduce greenhouse gas emissions to slow down climate change.
• Adaptation: Develop plans to cope with the effects of heat stress.
  • Heat action plans for urban and rural areas
  • Climate-smart and resilient food and healthcare systems
  • Educate public and healthcare providers
  • Increase green spaces in urban areas
  • Personal protection measures: light clothes, hats, umbrellas, and staying hydrated

Conclusion

• A hotter planet will lead to more health problems. We need a comprehensive plan to adapt to the adverse effects of climate change on human health and biodiversity