Q4.The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts a global sea level rise of approximately one metre by 2100. This poses an existential threat to India and other low-lying coastal nations across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Coastal Inundation and Displacement

Significant land loss and displacement of populations are expected in low-lying areas and deltas like India's Sunderbans, Maldives, and Bangladesh, leading to climate refugees.

Food and Water Security

Salinization of freshwater sources, agricultural lands, and groundwater will severely compromise food and water security for millions.

Extreme Weather and Erosion

Increased frequency and intensity of storm surges, accelerated coastal erosion, and more extreme weather events will devastate coastal infrastructure and communities.

Infrastructure Vulnerability

Critical infrastructure, including major ports, coastal cities, industrial zones, and vital transport networks, faces severe damage and disruption.

Ecosystem Degradation

Degradation of vital marine and coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands will impact biodiversity, fisheries, and natural coastal protection.

Livelihood Disruption

Livelihoods of coastal communities reliant on fishing, agriculture, and tourism will be severely disrupted, leading to economic instability and increased poverty.

Addressing this grave challenge necessitates urgent regional cooperation, robust adaptation strategies, and global mitigation efforts to safeguard vulnerable populations and ecosystems.