Sea also rises: On understanding the Indian Ocean’s local impact

Sea also rises: On understanding the Indian Ocean’s local impact

Subject: Environment

Sec: Climate change

Tags: Ocean warming , Climate change impact on ocean

Impact of Global Warming on the Indian Ocean

• A study led by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune and other global institutions has examined the effects of projected carbon emissions on the Indian Ocean.

Increase in Temp: The Indian Ocean’s temperature has increased by 1.2°C and is expected to rise further by 1.7°C to 3.8°C from 2020 to 2100.

 Marine Heatwaves: The frequency of marine heatwaves is predicted to significantly increase, rising from an average of 20 days per year to 220-250 days per year, potentially pushing the tropical Indian Ocean into a near-permanent heatwave state.

Coral Bleaching: It accelerates coral bleaching and adversely affect the fisheries sector.

• The oceanic thermal energy stored in the Indian Ocean, measured from the surface down to 2,000 meters, is increasing.
• It currently rises at a rate of 4.5 zetta-joules per decade, with future rates projected between 16 and 22 zetta-joules per decade.

Broader Implications for India:

• The warming ocean is linked to more frequent and severe cyclones and an erratic monsoon pattern in India, characterized by long droughts interrupted by heavy rains and flooding.

Global Warming and Policy Response:

• Anthropogenic activities, notably fossil fuel combustion, are major contributors to global warming and consequent oceanic changes.
• Current international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are deemed insufficient to significantly alter the trajectory of oceanic warming.
• India is urged to enhance its collaboration with other Indian Ocean-bordering nations to improve data collection and projections.
• This collaborative effort should aim at better preparing for and mitigating the effects of climate change on infrastructure and populations.

Source: TH