According to a study conducted by researchers at NASA and California Institute of Technology “By 2100, global climate change will modify plant communities covering almost half of Earth's land surface and will drive the conversion of nearly 40 percent of land-based ecosystems from one major ecological community type — such as forest, grassland or tundra — toward another.” Some regions are predicted to get wetter while some are predicted to get drier at an increasingly rapid rate. Ecologically sensitive spots are expected to be worst hit. All these changes will force humans and animals to adapt and often relocate to safer habitats (Buis).

India has already begun experiencing these changes. While Mumbai, a city in Maharashtra, experienced the highest June rainfall breaking all records set in the past fifty years, some other parts of Maharashtra like Solapur and Latur have witnessed one of the worst droughts experienced in the region. A report by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) warned that by the end of 2100, frequency of summer heat waves over India (April-June) is expected to be 3 to 4 times higher and its duration is projected to get approximately doubled! During 1951-2015, the sea surface temperature of the tropical Indian Ocean has also risen by one degree Celsius, on average which is higher than the global average warming of 0.7 degree Celsius over the same period (Aggrawal). The rising land and water temperatures have resulted in melting of glaciers at Himalayas and has induced a huge stress over the water, food and energy security in India. The rising water temperatures also increase the intensity of cyclones experienced by the country.

The report by MoES also states a way to mitigate these risks. It highlights that forests and urban green spaces can deliver substantial economic benefit to the country and at the same time are the safest and most reliable way to realize several sustainable development goals set up by India.

During the lockdown, citizens in Delhi (capital of India) have been able to see the Himalayan ranges for the first time. Hence, some might believe that the outbreak of the pandemic has allowed the ecosystem to heal completely. However, it must be noticed that these changes are temporary in nature. Once human activities get resumed, India might again fall back to its dangerous standards of development. Therefore, it is essential to educate Indian citizens about the importance of a green economy and provide an impetus for people to set up green institutions. 

Works Cited

Aggarwal, Mayank. “Protect India’s forests and urban green spaces, says India’s climate change report.” Mongabay, 19 June 2020, https://india.mongabay.com/2020/06/protect-indias-forests-and-urban-green-spaces-says-indias-climate-change-report/

Buis, Alan. “Climate change may bring big ecosystem changes.” NASA, 13 December 2011, https://climate.nasa.gov/news/645/climate-change-may-bring-big-ecosystem-changes/