The United Nations defines Climate change as a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods. Adverse effects of climate change mean changes in the physical environment or biota resulting from climate change, which have significant deleterious effects on the composition, resilience, or productivity of natural and managed ecosystems. Let’s see how India’s Green Shift has impacted what is climate change.
Rise in Temperatures
Since 1880, average global temperatures have increased by about 1 degree Celsius (1.7° Fahrenheit). Global temperature is projected to warm by about 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7° Fahrenheit) by 2050 and 2-4 degrees Celsius (3.6-7.2 ° Fahrenheit) by 2100. This is alarming, as the world becoming warmer has several adverse impacts on our health and the planet’s functioning.
Long-Term Effects
Seasonal temperatures have also changed. Spring temperatures have increased by 1.7 degrees Fahrenheit with the onset of spring (defined as the date when daily temperatures have reached 50 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 days in a row) coming three to 10 days earlier since 1950.
What is Climate Change: Impacts of Global Warming
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services considers climate change such as increasing temperature, humidity, precipitation and extreme weather. One of the top public health threats of our time. Extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. than any other weather-related disaster and can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations such as elderly, socially isolated people and those with chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease.
Nature is Suffering
Climate change has an increasingly large impact on the environment. Deserts are expanding, while heat waves and wildfires are becoming more common. Amplified warming in the Arctic has contributed to thawing permafrost, retreat of glaciers, and sea ice decline. Higher temperatures are also causing more intense storms, droughts, and other weather extremes.
What’s at Stake
Rapid environmental change in mountains, coral reefs, and the Arctic is forcing many species to relocate or become extinct. Even if efforts to minimize future warming are successful, some effects will continue for centuries. These include ocean heating, ocean acidification, and sea level rise.
Water, Water Everywhere: But Is it Really a Boon?
Heavy rains and flooding can overwhelm sewer and stormwater systems and increase polluted runoff to lakes and streams. Changes in temperature and precipitation can also impact disease-carrying insects such as ticks and mosquitoes. Wisconsin’s reported incidence of Lyme disease, a disease transmitted by ticks, is among the highest in the country. The rate of disease has doubled in the past decade.
What is Climate Change: The Real-Time Numbers
Let’s have a look at recent data that points to climate change being a terrifying reality.
| Year | Global Avg. Temperature Anomaly (°C) | CO₂ Concentration (ppm) | Global Sea Level Rise (mm) | Arctic Sea Ice Extent (Sep, million s.q. km) |
| 2000 | +0.42 | 369.4 | 0 | 6.29 |
| 2005 | +0.55 | 379.8 | 15.2 | 5.56 |
| 2010 | +0.70 | 389.9 | 32.1 | 4.87 |
| 2015 | +0.90 | 400.8 | 49.3 | 4.63 |
| 2020 | +1.02 | 414.2 | 67.8 | 3.92 |
| 2023 | +1.26 | 419.3 | 75.6 | 3.55 |
| 2025 | +1.30 (projected) | 421.5 (projected) | 81.4 (projected) | 3.40 (projected) |
INCREASING CARBON DIOXIDE: LINK WITH HUMAN ACTIVITY
Scientists understand the source of CO2 in the atmosphere from several lines of evidence, including measurements of Antarctic ice cores that go back 800,000 years. Antarctic ice cores contain our atmosphere’s history in bubbles of air that were trapped hundreds of thousands of years ago when the ice was first formed.
The Science of Climate Change
Scientists can analyze these bubbles to determine how CO2 levels have changed over time. The cores show that for the last 800,000 years, until about 1900, CO2 levels were relatively stable, fluctuating between about 150 and 280 ppm. Today, only 120 years later, CO2 levels are 40 percent higher than they were before the Industrial Revolution.
The Role of Greenhouse Gases in Glacial-Interglacial Cycles
From the air in our oldest Antarctic ice core, we can see that CO2 changed in a remarkably similar way to the Antarctic climate, with low concentrations during cold times and high concentrations during warm periods. This is entirely consistent with the idea that temperature and CO2 are intimately linked, and each acts to amplify changes in the other (what we call positive feedback).
- It is believed that the warmings out of glacial periods are paced by changes in Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
- But these small changes in climate are amplified, mainly by the resulting increase in CO2, and by the retreat of sea ice and ice sheets (which leads to less sunlight being reflected away).
A Precarious Balance: Each Climate Degree Matters
Ice cores provide direct information about how greenhouse gas concentrations have changed in the past, and they also provide direct evidence that the climate can change abruptly under some circumstances. However, they provide no direct analogue for the future because the ice core era contains no periods with concentrations of CO2 comparable to those of the next century.
People’s Nonchalance May Be Deadly
We all know it, but we feign apathy. This change is so great that it can swallow our ecosystem whole, and eventually even wipe out hundreds of species. People’s mindset when it comes to climate change has been stronger since the past few years, especially on social media. That one is thanks to one Greta Thunberg. But not everyone cares the same.
Does Politics Affect How We View What Climate Change Is?
While the share of people who don’t believe in climate change has declined, understanding what causes these beliefs is important to addressing complex issues that may arise in the future. One major reason for climate change denial is distrust in governments and scientists, which can mean that conspiracy theories about climate change, which often involve corrupt scientists and lies by those in power, become much easier for people to accept.
How does India’s Green Shift Affect Global Warming?
In a world bound to the grip of fossil fuels, India has taken steps toward a different path.
- With a bold net-zero target set for 2070, the nation is reimagining its approach to energy. As noted by the Asian Development Bank in its recent Asia-Pacific Climate Report, India is shifting its focus from an unsustainable dependence on fossil fuel subsidies to fostering clean energy.
- Guided by a “remove, target, and shift” strategy, India steadily whittled down its fossil fuel support, opening doors to new investments in solar power, electric vehicles, and a stronger energy grid.
- India’s resolve in reforming fuel subsidies has proven transformative, slashing subsidies by a striking margin between 2014 and 2018.
- This shift was no small feat. It was achieved through careful steps, including the gradual phasing out of petrol and diesel subsidies from 2010 to 2014, followed by measured tax hikes on these fuels up to 2017.
What is India’s Contribution Towards Fighting Climate Change?
These moves, though bold, were made to create fiscal breathing room for renewable projects, allowing the government to channel funds into clean energy initiatives at an unprecedented scale. With subsidies rising for:
- Solar parks.
- Distributed energy solutions.
- State-owned enterprises.
India’s path forward reflects its purpose and commitment to clean power, setting a strong example for others looking to shift toward a more resilient energy future.
Major Government Schemes and Programmes
India is advancing toward a sustainable energy future with initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM scheme, and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. These programs aim to boost renewable energy production, enhance energy access, and empower farmers while reducing dependency on fossil fuels. Together, they signify India’s commitment to a cleaner energy landscape.
Is There Hope?
Government schemes like the National Green Hydrogen Mission and PM-KUSUM are empowering farmers, decentralizing energy access, and paving the way for a future less reliant on carbon-heavy sources. These efforts place India at the forefront of climate action in the Global South, setting an example for other nations to follow. If climate change is the defining challenge of our time, then green transitions like India’s are the path forward. But time is short. Only through collective will and continued innovation can the tide truly be turned.
The Bottom Line: 2050 Climate Change is Approaching
Climate change is no longer a distant threat. It is a crisis unfolding before our eyes. From rising global temperatures to melting Arctic ice and increasing sea levels, the evidence is undeniable. Human activity, especially the burning of fossil fuels, has pushed atmospheric CO₂ levels to historic highs. While some continue to debate or downplay the issue, the science is clear: our climate is changing, and it’s changing fast. Against this backdrop, India’s Green Shift offers a ray of hope. Rather than clinging to traditional energy models, India has embraced clean energy with purpose and precision.
FAQs
1. What is climate change, and how is it caused?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. While natural processes can influence climate, human activities—especially burning fossil fuels—have significantly accelerated the process by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
2. How does climate change impact human health?
Rising temperatures, extreme heat, and increased humidity can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Vulnerable populations, such as the older one and those with chronic illnesses, are at higher risk. It also leads to the spread of diseases through vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.
3. What are the key environmental consequences of climate change?
Climate change leads to glacial retreat, sea level rise, intense droughts, stronger storms, and habitat loss. Ecosystems are disrupted, forcing wildlife to migrate or face extinction. Coral reefs, mountain ecosystems, and polar regions are especially threatened.
4. What is India’s Green Shift?
India’s Green Shift refers to its strategic move away from fossil fuel reliance toward clean energy solutions. It involves phasing out fuel subsidies, investing in solar energy, electric vehicles, and strengthening renewable infrastructure.
5. How is India tackling climate change through government initiatives?
India has launched various programs like the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PM-KUSUM, and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. These aim to boost renewable energy, support farmers, and promote sustainable energy use.
6. Why is India’s approach to climate change significant globally?
As one of the world’s most populous and fastest-growing economies, India’s commitment to clean energy sets a strong example for developing nations. Its progress proves that sustainable growth is achievable without sacrificing development.
7. Can individual action contribute to reducing climate change?
Absolutely. Individuals can reduce their carbon footprint by conserving energy, using public transport, adopting plant-based diets, and supporting sustainable brands. Collective small changes lead to a significant impact.
Sources and References
- https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature [exit DNR]
- https://www.northland.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/CRC-ClimateChangeAdaptationGuide.pdf [exit DNR]
- https://www.bas.ac.uk/data/our-data/publication/ice-cores-and-climate-change
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