April breaks records, Becomes hottest since 1940

Currently, 23 states, primarily those regions including plains and coastal areas, find themselves particularly vulnerable to the wide ranging impacts of rising temperatures. Yet, even regions settled amidst hills aren’t immune to this escalating heat. While their maximum temperatures may not soar to the scorching heat wave thresholds of 45 degrees Celsius, still inhabitants are experiencing elevated temperatures compared to preceding decades. This underscores the pervasive nature of the warming trend, transcending geographical boundaries and threatening communities across India.

Continuing our global weather report, the European Union’s climate change monitoring service has issued an unforeseen revelation. Since June 2023, each passing month has marked a new chapter in the records of heat, with Wednesday’s (May 8) bulletin marking yet another milestone. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), April’s temperatures have fixed Earth’s path into an uncharted territory, clinching the title for the hottest 12-month period on record.

But how much hotter are we talking about? Brace yourself: a staggering 1.61 degrees Celsius above the average during the pre-industrial era of 1850-1900. These aren’t just numbers; but a reflecting reminder of our planet’s feverish plight, speaking about the urgent need for concerted global action against climate change.

Cracking the Climate Code

Most prominent culprit is the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) from human activities. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in India reported that as of 2019, the country’s CO2 emissions stood at approximately 2.65 billion metric tons, with a notable portion originating from the burning of fossil fuels for energy production, industrial processes, and transportation.

The conversion of forests makes the problem worse by reducing the Earth’s capacity to absorb CO2. The Ministry of Earth Sciences in India noted that deforestation and changes in land use accounted for nearly 23% of global CO2 emissions from 2007 to 2016.

Industries contribute considerably to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly through energy-intensive processes and the release of potent pollutants. According to data from the European Environment Agency, industrial activities accounted for approximately 19% of total GHG emissions in the European Union in 2020.

The transportation sector is also a significant contributor, primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles. The International Energy Agency reported that in 2020, the global transportation sector accounted for around 24% of total energy-related CO2 emissions.

To lessen the adverse impacts of climate change and to prevent rising temperatures, concerted efforts on a global scale are of vital importance. Governments, industries, communities, and individuals must work jointly to implement sustainable practices and policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering overcoming practices to climate impacts.

By paying attention to the insights provided by ministries and scientific institutions and implementing proactive measures, we can strive towards a sustainable future resilient to the impacts of climate change. However, urgent and decisive action is paramount to restrain the escalating temperatures and safeguard the planet for future generations.