(a) whether the global warming is having an adverse impact on daily life of human beings;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has conducted any study in this regard;
(d) if so, the outcome thereof;
(e) the number of deaths reported during the last three years in the country due to direct
impact of global warming, State-wise; and
(f) the funds allocated to combat global warming in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)
(a) & (b) The Fourth Assessment Report of the Inter Governmental Panel on Climate Change
published in the year 2007 indicates increased risk of more intense, more frequent and
longer lasting heat waves, summer dryness and greater risk of drought and floods. Further
the Report has also projected adverse impacts of climate change on agriculture, food
production and increase of the incidence of Vector Borne Diseases which are likely to
cause adverse impacts on daily life of human beings.
(c) & (d) The Expert Committee on Impact of Climate Change set up by the Ministry of Environment
& Forests in June 2007 assessed the impact of anthropogenic climate change on six areas
including health. The Report indicates that climate variability and vector-borne diseases
likes Malaria are closely associated.
(e) There is no data available for India regarding the number of deaths due to direct impact
of global warming.
(f) Large population of India depends on climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and
forestry for livelihoods. India is already spending almost 2.5 percent of the Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) for programmes relating to adaptation to climate variability, in the areas of
agriculture, water resources, health and sanitation, forests and coastal zone infrastructure.