(a) whether the eco-system is shrinking because of global warming;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any study for ascertaining the impact of climate change on human beings, plants and animals; and
(d) if so, the outcome thereof and the action taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) and (b) As per the fifth Assessment report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in 2014, climate change have caused impact on natural system among all continents and across the oceans. In many regions, changing precipitation or melting snow and ice are altering hydrological systems, affecting water resources in terms of quantity and quality. Many terrestrial, freshwater, and marine species have shifted their geographic ranges, seasonal activities, migration patterns, abundances and species interactions in response to ongoing climate change.
(c) and (d) Government has conducted a scientific study titled “Climate Change and India: 4X4 Assessment - A Sectoral and Regional Analysis for 2030s” published in 2010. The study projects an overall warming, increase in precipitation, change in the composition of the forests and agricultural productivity, spread of malaria transmission in new areas, which are likely to cause adverse impact on human beings.
Government has released National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) on June 30, 2008. Four amongst the eight National Missions i.e. Green India Mission, National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture, National Water Mission, National Mission for Himalayan Ecosystem, are addressing these issues.