Maharashtra & Climate Change

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• Recently released  Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) ‘s Synthesis report paints a dull picture for Maharashtra.

About

• The Synthesis Report integrates the main findings of the Sixth Assessment Report based on contributions from the three Working Groups, and the three Special Reports.
• The report highlights that Maharashtra will be one of the worst affected states due to global warming.
• The  report has warned that the state of Maharashtra could face the following problems
  • Being  located on the Arabian Sea coast,the state  is likely to face the twin challenges of high temperatures as well as water scarcity and large-scale flooding due to rapid climate change.The report also warns of an increase in the frequency of flooding.
  • Higher temperatures could lead to heat waves, which could pose a significant health risk to the state.
  •  Being a major agricultural state, changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can have a significant impact on crop yields and food security.

Specific Recommendations of the report:

• The report suggests the following measures for mitigation
  • It calls the state to build resilience in the economy, infrastructure and social systems to cope with the effects of climate change.
  • It also  suggests  to act on achieving renewable energy targets, improving public transport, electrifying the transport system, and strengthening the energy sector through emissions reductions. 
  • It says that Maharashtra should Stop the conversion of natural ecosystems (terrestrial, coastal and marine) and enhance restoration and encourage reforestation.

Source:TH