Q14.Mention the global occurrence of volcanic eruptions in 2021 and their impact on regional environment

The year 2021 witnessed significant global volcanic activity, causing widespread regional environmental and socio-economic disruptions across various continents.

Key Eruptions

• Cumbre Vieja (La Palma, Spain): Prolonged effusive eruption.
• Mount Semeru (Indonesia): Explosive eruption with pyroclastic flows.
• Mount Nyiragongo (DR Congo): Lava flows impacting Goma city.
• Fagradalsfjall (Iceland): Tourist-attracting effusive eruption.

Regional Environmental and Socio-economic Impacts

• Ashfall from eruptions like Semeru led to poor air quality, respiratory issues, and aviation disruptions.
• Lava flows, notably from Cumbre Vieja and Nyiragongo, destroyed infrastructure, agricultural land, and natural habitats.
• Volcanic gases caused acid rain, contaminating water sources and damaging vegetation in affected areas.
• Pyroclastic flows and lahars posed immediate threats to life and property, as seen with Mount Semeru.
• Localized atmospheric changes and temporary cooling occurred due to aerosols, impacting regional climate.

These 2021 eruptions underscored the critical need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies to safeguard vulnerable populations and ecosystems.