TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: A recent study, published in the International Journal of Water Resources Development, delves into the intricate relationship between climate variability and its effects on crop yield in India.

EXPLANATION:

• The study offers critical insights into the challenges faced by the agricultural sector, particularly concerning water risks.
• Here, we will explore the nuanced findings and their implications for informed policy decisions.

Climate Variability and Crop Yield Analysis

• Seasonal Impact on Crop Yield:
  • The study highlights the significant influence of climate variables like rainfall, evapotranspiration, temperature, and windspeed across different seasons on crop yields.
  • Each crop exhibits varying degrees of sensitivity to these climate elements, impacting both the expected yield and yield variability.
• Crop-Specific Responses:
  • Crops such as bajra, chickpea, groundnut, rice, and sugarcane demonstrate unique relationships with climate variables.
  • For instance, the optimal levels of rainfall and temperature vary for different crops, influencing their yields positively or negatively.
• Risk Assessment and Water Elements:
  • Extremes in rainfall, temperature, evapotranspiration, and windspeed are associated with increased yield risks for specific crops.
  • Moreover, the study identifies how low or high values of these climatic factors affect crop yield variability.

Water Management Implications and Policy Considerations

• Water Availability and Crop Production:
  • Changes in water availability due to climate variations significantly impact crop production.
  • To mitigate adverse effects, the study suggests strategies such as diverting surplus water for storage to meet higher water demands during dry seasons.
• Addressing Extreme Climate Events:
  • Flooding and droughts caused by extreme rainfall and temperature pose challenges.
  • Effective drainage systems and reallocation of water to crops benefiting from irrigation expansion or tolerant to extremes are recommended for better water management.
• Adaptive Strategies:
  • The study emphasizes the need for seasonal adaptations and crop-specific measures to sustain long-term water availability.
  • It suggests identifying high-tolerant crops and optimizing irrigation diversification based on climate effects.

Policy Implications and Future Directions

• Enhancing Water Management Policies:
  • Policy re-evaluation is essential to address the impact of climate change on farm water management.
  • Decision-makers need to consider strategies like predictive techniques, diversification of irrigation, and climate-smart agriculture for sustainable outcomes.
• Incorporating Scientific Techniques:
  • Implementing modern irrigation techniques and utilizing rainwater effectively can alleviate pressure on groundwater resources.
  • Precision farming, scientific water management, and climate-smart agricultural practices are advocated for resilient crop production.
• Inclusive Governance and Farmer Participation:
  • Encouraging farmer involvement in water management and aligning policies with region-specific sustainable agricultural practices can yield efficient, equitable, and economically viable outcomes.

Conclusion

• Understanding the intricate effects of climate variability on crop yield and water security is paramount for reevaluating agricultural policies in India.
• This study underscores the need for adaptive strategies, scientific water management, and climate-resilient agriculture to mitigate risks associated with climate change.
• Policy interventions that prioritize sustainable water use and empower local governance can pave the way for resilient agricultural practices and long-term food security in India.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/blog/agriculture/understanding-climate-effect-on-crop-yield-and-associated-risks-to-water-security-in-india-is-crucial-93393

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Antarctic glacier has moved eight kms after being stable for 50 years.

EXPLANATION:

• The recent observation of significant movement and collapse of the Cadman Glacier’s ice shelf in Antarctica has raised concerns about the vulnerability of polar ice dynamics to climate change.
• This event, characterized by an accelerated retreat of the glacier after decades of stability, highlights the potential repercussions of warming oceans on Antarctic glaciers.

SCIENTIFIC INSIGHTS:

• Utilizing information from nine satellite missions, including ESA’s CryoSat and Copernicus Sentinel-1, researchers were able to analyze the changes in the ice shelf and glacier.
• The study revealed that between November 2018 and May 2021, the Cadman Glacier retreated an astonishing eight kilometers after being stable for almost 50 years.
• The rapid retreat is attributed to ocean water temperatures that were up to 2°C warmer than average during 2018–2019 around the west Antarctic Peninsula.

RESEARCH FINDINGS AND CAUSES:

• Researchers pointed out that warmer waters began undermining the Cadman Ice Shelf as early as the 1970s, with noticeable effects becoming pronounced by the early 2000s.
• The warm water not only affected the surface but also penetrated deeper layers of the ocean, potentially reaching the point where the ice shelf grounded on the seafloor.
• This bottom-up melting was detected through satellite observations.

IMPACT OF ICE SHELF LOSS:

• The collapse of ice shelves like the Cadman Ice Shelf plays a pivotal role in glacier stability.
• These shelves act as a barrier, floating on the ocean surface and anchoring to the ocean floor, which slows down the flow of glacial ice towards the sea.
• With the loss of the Cadman Ice Shelf, this crucial support has been removed, leading to increased discharge of ice into the ocean at an alarming rate.

IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION:

• This research underscores the vulnerability of Antarctic glaciers to changes in oceanic temperatures, emphasizing the potential for rapid ice loss due to climate change.
• As global leaders prepare for discussions on climate action, the situation in Antarctica serves as a compelling call to address warming oceans.
• It poses threats not only to polar regions but also to global sea levels and ecosystems.

SOURCE: https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/antarctic-glacier-dramatically-moves-eight-kms-after-being-stable-for-50-years-2469116-2023-11-29