MUMBAI: The analysis of an intergovernmental panel on climate change's (IPCC) sixth assessment report has warned that Maharashtra will see a heat wave in the coming months followed by water scarcity and heavy flooding which may pose risk to life as well as crops. According to it the state, like many other regions, is expected to face significant challenges as the planet warms.
"The state relies heavily on rainfall, and any changes in precipitation patterns could have a significant impact on agriculture and the availability of water for households and industries," the analysis by Asar Social Impact Advisors Pvt. Ltd, a research-based consulting and capacity building initiative on environment, said. The report, said the analysis, also suggested that some crops could become more difficult to grow, while others may benefit from a warmer climate.
The IPCC report's analysis by Asar Social Impact Advisors Pvt. Ltd researchers underscores the urgent need to take action on climate change. "Maharashtra, like many other regions, will need to adapt to the changing climate and take steps to mitigate its impact. This may include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing new technologies to address climate change, and investing in infrastructure to protect against extreme weather events," the analysis has suggested.
Increased temperatures: The extract of the report prepared by Asar Social Impact Advisors Pvt. Ltd keeping Maharashtra in mind predicts that temperatures will continue to rise globally, and this will have an impact on Maharashtra. Higher temperatures could lead to more heat waves, which could pose a significant health risk to the state. With regards to agriculture, the report said Maharashtra is a major agricultural state, and changes in temperature and precipitation patterns could have significant implications for crop yields and food security.
On the water scarcity front, the analysis highlights the risk of droughts in many parts of the world due to climate change, and Maharashtra has already experienced water scarcity in recent years. The extract from the IPCC findings also suggested an increased risk of flooding in many regions due to climate change. Maharashtra has already experienced severe flooding in recent years, and this could become more common in the future, it adds.
"Maharashtra has a long coastline, and rising sea levels could threaten coastal communities and infrastructure. The report warns that sea levels could rise by up to 1.1 meters by the end of the century, leading to increased flooding and erosion along the coast," the analysis indicated. The report highlights the need for policymakers to prioritize investments in disaster risk reduction, including early warning systems, evacuation plans, and infrastructure development to protect vulnerable populations.
