1. Impacts of global warming on India

2. Facts and Figures zThe mean surface temperature in India has increased by 0.4ºC in the past 100 years. zIn 1998 heat waves claimed at least 1350 lives. zClimate models suggest that both winter and summer rainfall will decline in the Indian subcontinent with increased potential for drought. zIf smaller volumes of rainfall are delivered in more regular bursts, India could experience more flooding and more drought.

3. Climatic impacts on India in 1998 zCyclone 05B devastated the state of Orissa with heavy rains and torrential flooding. zBy spring 2000 drought had gripped several Indian states and there were threats of famine. zThousands of people struggled for daily supply of water as over 70% of the state’s dams were dry. zFears of landslides if it rained. zSevere heat waves and 20 death reports by the end of April in Orissa.

4. Flooding The village of Nuagarh has built a temporary dam in an attempt to stem the tide and protect their houses but their land is still becoming submerged with salt water.

5. Climatic impacts on India

6. Alarm Bells z60 per cent of India’s share of GHG (greenhouse gases) emissions are mainly from coal and oil-based industries. zIndia’s share to global GHGs risen to 5per cent. zIn the Deccan basin, for instance, groundwater levels have already decline in about 0.34m sq km. zAt a projected 1.6b population by 2050, a 20ºC increase in temperatures and a 7 per cent increase in average rainfall will reduce net revenues from agricultural crops by 12.3 per cent for the country as a whole.

7. Impacts on India’s economy zCrop yields will decrease. zChanges in forest ecosystems could have profound implications for traditional livelihood, industry, biodiversity, soil and water resources, and hence, agricultural productivity.  India has a low-lying densely populated coastline with 27 countries that are most vulnerable to sea level rise,with paddy fields that are highly vulnerable to inundation and salinization. zCoastal infrastructure, tourist actitivites, and onshore oil exploration are also at risk.  Limits on water availability.