Q1. “The Indian subcontinent is increasingly vulnerable to both coastal and glacial climate risks.” Examine in the light of the WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report.

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• Quote the WMO 2024 report briefly: India facing above-average sea level rise and glacial melt.

• Define what “coastal and glacial risks” mean.

Body:

1. Coastal Risks:

   • Faster SLR in Arabian Sea (3.9 mm/yr) and Bay of Bengal (4.0 mm/yr).

   • Risks to cities like Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata.

   • Livelihood loss (fisherfolk, tourism), infrastructure damage, migration.

2. Glacial Risks:

   • 23/24 glaciers in Central Himalayas retreating.

   • Rise in GLOFs → downstream flooding in Himalayan states.

   • Impacts on hydropower, mountain communities, and agriculture.

3. Vulnerable Populations:

   • Poor urban dwellers in coastal slums.

   • Indigenous Himalayan populations.

Conclusion:

• India must integrate coastal regulation with Himalayan environmental policies.

• Community participation and scientific monitoring should be enhanced.

Q2. Discuss the multi-dimensional impact of sea level rise on India, with reference to the WMO’s 2024 report. Suggest measures to build coastal resilience.

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• Reference WMO’s report: India’s sea level rise is faster than global average.

• Sea level rise = slow-onset but high-impact disaster.

Body:

1. Impacts of SLR:

   • Erosion: Loss of land along coasts (Odisha, Kerala).

   • Livelihood: Loss of fishing/agriculture income.

   • Infrastructure Damage: Ports, refineries, SEZs at risk.

   • Migration: Influx into urban centers → urban pressure.

   • Salinization: Agricultural land & groundwater affected.

2. Coastal Resilience Measures:

   • Mangrove restoration (e.g., Sundarbans).

   • Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) – strict enforcement.

   • Early warning systems, hazard zoning.

   • Sustainable tourism & development policies.

Conclusion:

• Coastal resilience must combine ecological restoration, technological solutions, and community participation.

Q3. “Glacial retreat is no longer just an environmental concern, but a developmental challenge for India.” Elucidate.

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• Highlight WMO 2024: Rapid Himalayan glacier retreat.

• Link it to water security, energy, and development.

Body:

1. Environmental Aspects:

   • Loss of glacier mass → GLOFs.

   • Biodiversity impact in fragile Himalayan ecosystems.

2. Developmental Challenges:

   • Hydropower at risk (e.g., Tapovan disaster, 2021).

   • Threats to transport (roads, bridges).

   • Irrigation systems fed by glacial rivers affected.

   • GLOF-induced floods damaging villages/towns.

3. Policy & Planning Concerns:

   • Inadequate monitoring.

   • Lack of transboundary cooperation on glacier studies.

   • Poor early warning systems.

Conclusion:

• Glacial management must become a development priority, not just a climate concern.

Q4. Heatwaves and lightning are becoming silent killers in India’s climate discourse. Analyse their growing threat and suggest mitigation strategies.

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• Mention 450+ deaths due to heatwaves, 1300 due to lightning in 2024 (WMO report).

Body:

1. Growing Threat:

   • Urban heat islands amplifying heatwaves.

   • Lightning events increasing due to convection & moisture variability.

   • Poor housing and lack of awareness in rural areas.

   • Impact on elderly, outdoor workers.

2. Impacts:

   • Health: Stroke, dehydration, vector diseases.

   • Economy: Loss of productivity, damage to crops/electric infrastructure.

   • Inequity: Marginalized communities hit hardest.

3. Mitigation Strategies:

   • City-level Heat Action Plans (e.g., Ahmedabad model).

   • Early warning systems for lightning (e.g., DAMINI app).

   • Passive cooling architecture in rural housing.

   • Tree cover and green spaces.

Conclusion:

• Silent climate risks must be integrated into disaster planning and national climate missions.

🖋️ Essay Paper

Q5. “The geography of climate risk is shifting fast – from ice to ocean, and cities to villages.” Critically analyse in the context of Asia’s climate challenges.

Answer Framework:

Introduction:

• Reflect on how WMO’s report paints a dynamic picture of climate risk across ecosystems.

Body:

• From Glaciers:

  • Melting glaciers causing floods → mountain insecurity.

• To Oceans:

  • SLR displacing millions, affecting mega cities and islands.

• From Urban:

  • Cities face heatwaves, infrastructure burden.

• To Rural:

  • Farmers face erratic rainfall, drought, lightning strikes.

Conclusion:

• Climate is not just a future problem; it’s a here-and-now geography of inequity, requiring resilient and decentralized solutions.