Question : IMPACT OF GLOBAL WARMING ON INDIA

(a) whether the Government of India has conducted any survey/study on the impact of Global warming on India;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the remedial measures taken/proposed to be taken in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) & (b) A preliminary assessment of impacts and vulnerability due to projected climate change in key sectors such as water, agriculture, forestry, ecosystems, coastal zones, health, energy and infrastructure has been undertaken. The projected climate change scenarios indicate increase in and variable trend of both rainfall and temperature into 21st century. It is projected that quantity of surface run off due to climate change would reduce and vary across the various river basins. The initial analysis has revealed that climate change may have adverse effects in terms of severity of droughts and intensity of floods in various parts of the country. Increase in CO2 concentration; increase in temperature and variable distribution of rainfall show a mixed projection of yields of various crops across the regions. No definite trends have yet been established. Forest types in India seem to be vulnerable to the projected changes in climate. Coastal areas are also vulnerable to climate variability in varying degrees.

© The Government of India is seized of the various concerns that may arise due to climate change. The existing legislative and policy framework in various sectors of concern, together with programmes which target conservation of rivers, improvement of urban air quality, enhanced forestation, promote renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency etc. contribute to addressing climate change issues. Moreover, India has had, over the last 55 years of economic development, undertaken major programs addressing climate variability concerns. These include cyclone warning and protection, coastal protection, floods and drought control and relief, major and minor irrigation projects, control of malaria, food security measures and research on drought resistant crops.