Mon Nov 18 05:25:53 UTC 2024: ## India Faces Significant Temperature and Precipitation Changes by 2040s: New Climate Report
**Bengaluru, November 19, 2024** – A new climate data set from Azim Premji University paints a stark picture of India’s future climate, projecting significant temperature increases and altered precipitation patterns by the 2040s. The report, “Climate Change Projections for India (2021-40),” examines two Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) scenarios: a moderate emissions scenario (SSP2-4.5) and a high-emissions scenario fueled by fossil fuels (SSP5-8.5).
Under the moderate scenario, India’s average annual maximum temperature is expected to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2057, while the average summer maximum temperature will increase by the same amount by 2043. The high-emissions scenario accelerates these changes, predicting a 1.5-degree Celsius increase in annual maximum temperatures by 2047 and a similar rise in summer maximum temperatures by 2041. The report also highlights significant regional variations, with Leh projected to experience the most dramatic temperature increases.
Precipitation patterns are also set to shift dramatically. Arid states like Gujarat and Rajasthan are projected to see a 20% to 40% increase in annual precipitation under the moderate scenario and a 20% to 50% increase under the high-emissions scenario. Conversely, many districts in eastern and northeastern India will likely experience less rainfall. The report warns that 24 to 25 districts, primarily along coastal areas and the eastern Himalayas, could face dangerously high summer wet-bulb temperatures exceeding 31 degrees Celsius, posing severe health risks.
The study emphasizes the urgency of mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimize the projected impacts of climate change on India. The findings underscore the need for immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build resilience to the inevitable changes ahead.
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