The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects a significant global sea level rise of approximately one metre by 2100, posing severe threats to coastal regions. In India and other countries in the Indian Ocean region, this rise could lead to increased flooding, loss of habitat, and economic challenges.

Q.18 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region?

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a United Nations body responsible for assessing the science related to climate change. It provides policymakers with regular scientific assessments on climate change, its implications, and potential future risks. The recent IPCC report predicts a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100, primarily due to melting ice sheets and thermal expansion of seawater.

Body

A one-metre rise in sea level would have profound impacts on India and other countries in the Indian Ocean region:

• Increased Coastal Flooding: Coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata in India, along with other major cities in the Indian Ocean region such as Male (Maldives) and Colombo (Sri Lanka), would experience more frequent and severe flooding.
• Loss of Land: Low-lying areas, including the Sundarbans in India and Bangladesh, and the Maldives, are at risk of significant land loss due to submergence. This could lead to the disappearance of entire islands.
• Displacement of Populations: Millions of people living in coastal regions would be displaced, leading to large-scale migration and potential humanitarian crises. For instance, the coastal population of Bangladesh is highly vulnerable.

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The economic consequences of sea level rise would be substantial:

• Damage to Infrastructure: Coastal infrastructure, including ports, roads, and buildings, would suffer extensive damage. The cost of repairing and reinforcing infrastructure would be enormous.
• Loss of Agricultural Land: Fertile coastal agricultural lands would be inundated, affecting food production and leading to economic losses for farmers.
• Impact on Fisheries and Tourism: Rising sea levels would disrupt marine ecosystems, affecting fisheries. Coastal tourism, a significant revenue source for countries like the Maldives and Sri Lanka, would also be adversely impacted.

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Countries in the Indian Ocean region are taking various measures to adapt to rising sea levels:

• Construction of Sea Walls: India and other countries are investing in sea walls and other coastal defences to protect against flooding.
• Mangrove Restoration: Mangroves act as natural barriers against storm surges and erosion. Restoration projects are underway in India and Bangladesh.
• Early Warning Systems: Improved early warning systems for storms and floods are being implemented to reduce the impact on human lives and property.

Conclusion

In summary, the potential threats posed by global sea level rise in India and other countries in the Indian Ocean region are severe, affecting millions of people and causing significant economic damage. Collaborative efforts among nations are essential to mitigate these impacts, including sharing technology, knowledge, and resources to build resilience against rising sea levels.

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