What is climate change? Discuss the impact of climate change on agriculture and health in India.

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in global or regional climate patterns, particularly those arising from increased levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrialization. The impacts are already visible through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, glacial retreat, and sea-level rise.

Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture in India:

Agriculture is highly climate-sensitive and forms the backbone of India’s economy and livelihoods, especially in rural areas.

1. Reduced Crop Yields:
   1. Changes in monsoon timing and intensity affect sowing patterns.
   1. Heatwaves during flowering stages (e.g., in wheat) drastically lower productivity.
2. Increased Pests and Diseases:
   1. Warmer temperatures lead to an expansion of pest ranges and crop diseases (e.g., stem borers, fungal infections).
3. Water Scarcity:
   1. Melting glaciers and erratic monsoons threaten water availability for irrigation.
   1. Groundwater depletion is worsened by inefficient water use and climate-induced stress.
4. Crop Failures and Food Insecurity:
   1. Frequent droughts and floods damage standing crops, particularly rice, wheat, pulses, and vegetables.
   1. Subsistence farmers face higher risks, leading to distress and even migration.
5. Impact on Livestock:
   1. Reduced fodder availability, heat stress, and disease outbreaks affect dairy production and animal health.

Example: The 2009 drought affected over 300 districts and resulted in a sharp decline in rice output, showing how monsoon dependency exacerbates vulnerability.

Impacts on Health in India:

1. Heat Stress and Mortality:
   1. Intensifying heatwaves, especially in northern and central India, lead to deaths and cardiovascular strain.
   1. Vulnerable populations include the elderly, children, and outdoor laborers.
2. Vector-Borne Diseases:
   1. Rising temperatures and erratic rainfall expand the breeding grounds of mosquitoes, increasing incidence of malaria, dengue, and chikungunya.
3. Water-Borne Illnesses:
   1. Flooding and poor sanitation contribute to outbreaks of cholera, diarrhea, and hepatitis, particularly in urban slums.
4. Air Pollution and Respiratory Issues:
   1. Climate change worsens air quality by increasing ground-level ozone and particulate matter, leading to asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
5. Malnutrition:
   1. Crop failures and food inflation reduce access to nutrition, especially in children and pregnant women.
6. Mental Health:
   1. Displacement, loss of livelihoods, and disaster exposure (e.g., floods, cyclones) contribute to stress, depression, and anxiety.

Conclusion: Climate change poses systemic risks to India’s food systems and public health. It demands integrated adaptation strategies including climate-resilient agriculture, early warning systems, and strengthened healthcare infrastructure.