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Questions and Answers
How do the Himalayan mountains influence the climate of the Indian subcontinent?
What are some extreme weather events that India is prone to?
How does climate change affect India's coastal areas?
What target has India set regarding greenhouse gas emissions?
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What is one major criticism of India's efforts to address climate change according to the text?
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What is the primary influence on India's climate?
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What weather phenomena brings about increased variability in India's monsoon season due to climate change?
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Which factor plays a significant role in causing hot summers in India?
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Why do western coastal areas of India receive heavier rainfall compared to eastern parts?
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What impact does climate change have on India's average annual temperatures?
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Study Notes
Climate of India: Monsoons, Temperature Variations, Geographical Impacts, Extreme Weather Events, and Climate Change
India's climate is characterized by a wide range of geographical features, resulting in diverse weather patterns and microclimates. This article covers the monsoon season, temperature variations, geographical influences, extreme weather events, and the impact of climate change on India.
Monsoon Season
India's climate is primarily influenced by the monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall from June to September. This period accounts for about 80% of India's annual rainfall, making it crucial for agriculture and freshwater availability. Climate change is affecting the monsoon season, with shifts in rainfall patterns and increased variability, leading to both droughts and floods in certain regions.
Temperature Variations
India experiences hot summers due to its location in the Northern Hemisphere and its proximity to the Arabian Sea. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F) in many places, while winter temperatures drop below freezing in the northernmost regions. Climate change is causing an upward trend in average annual temperatures across India.
Geographical Impacts
India's vast territory and varied geography result in different regional climate conditions. For instance, the western coastal areas experience heavier rainfall due to the Western Ghats mountain range, while the eastern parts receive less rainfall. The Himalayan mountains influence the entire climate of the Indian subcontinent, with their snow cover controlling the local atmosphere's moisture and temperature.
Extreme Weather Events
India is prone to several types of extreme weather events due to its geographical location and climate. These include heatwaves, cyclones, heavy rainfall, and floods. These events pose significant risks to human health, infrastructure, and agricultural productivity.
Impact of Climate Change
Climate change affects India in several ways, including rising sea levels, increased coastal erosion, and changes in precipitation patterns. Warmer temperatures lead to increased evaporation, exacerbating drought conditions in some regions. Additionally, rising sea levels threaten India's densely populated coastal areas and the country's major ports.
In response to these challenges, India has set a target of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2070. The government is working on policies to expand renewable energy capacity, promote clean cooking fuels, reduce plastic waste, and make railways more sustainable.
Still, India's progress in addressing climate change remains debatable. While the country ranks among the top nations in terms of low emissions per capita compared to other major economies, critics argue that India needs to do more to address deforestation and curtail its reliance on coal power.
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Description
Test your knowledge on India's diverse climate, covering topics such as the monsoon season, temperature variations, geographical influences, extreme weather events, and the impact of climate change. Explore how these factors shape India's weather patterns and microclimates.
