Cyclone Michaung&nbsp;is right in the spotlight as it barrels through Southern Indian states, prompting&nbsp;large-scale rescue operations in cities now inundated.&nbsp;This&nbsp;adds to the alarming tally of climate catastrophes this year in India.&nbsp;

The country saw an intense onslaught of extreme weather events in the first nine months of this year, impacting a staggering 86 per cent&nbsp;of days, as detailed in a <a href="file:///C:/Users/sneha.swaminathan/Downloads/http___cdn.cseindia.org_attachments_0.44877000_1701166658_extreme-weather-events-2023%20(2).pdf">report by the Centre for Science and Environment</a> (CSE).&nbsp;The aftermath was severe, with 2,923 lives lost, nearly two million hectares of crops wiped out, 80,000 homes destroyed, and over 92,000 animals perished.&nbsp;

Unveiling what's termed the 'new normal,' the CSE's report, named "India 2023: An Assessment of Extreme Weather Events," sheds light on a transformative shift in the country's climate landscape.

In a global context, research points to a surge in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide, primarily linked to climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels.

Despite the 2015 Paris Agreement's call to limit the average temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, current reports hint at a significant departure. This necessitates significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to counteract global warming.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/data-lab-india-feels-the-heat-what-happens-if-the-current-warming-trend-continues-600497">Also read |&nbsp;Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues?</a>

The CSE's report delves into regional disparities within India. Madhya Pradesh topped the charts in recording extreme weather events, while Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh witnessed the highest human casualties. Punjab witnessed the highest animal deaths, and Himachal Pradesh reported maximum damage to homes. Down south, Kerala faced the brunt with the highest count of extreme weather days and deaths, while Telangana encountered substantial agricultural losses.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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*Note : This is an immersive map. Please hover over it for the latest data*

Vulnerability echoes across regions, with Uttar Pradesh facing the most extreme weather days in northwest India. In the east and northeast, Assam witnessed a substantial number of extreme weather events, underscoring the varied challenges each region grapples with.

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*Note : This is an immersive graph. Please hover over it for the latest data*

Analysing month by month, the CSE's scrutiny brought to the fore notable temperature anomalies.

January was slightly warmer than average, and February shattered records as the warmest in 122 years.

India experienced its driest August and the sixth driest February in over a century. Lightning and storms dominated, claiming lives, predominantly in Bihar.

However, the most substantial devastation resulted from heavy rains, floods, and landslides, causing over 1,900 casualties.

"This worrying trend is mainly due to global warming and climate change. The increasing heat is causing more droughts, affecting our water supply and food. Also, our oceans are getting warmer, which leads to stronger cyclones with more rain. These heatwaves are not just uncomfortable; they're dangerous, especially for our elderly and children. India, with its long coastline, will face more cyclones, and our inland areas will suffer from more heatwaves. This is a big problem that needs immediate action," Shivang Agarwal, PhD scholar specialising in climate change at Johns Hopkins University, told WION.&nbsp;

"The country's future outlook hinges on both national and international efforts to address these challenges, emphasising the need for robust resilience systems and international cooperation in climate finance and policy reform," he adds.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is important to note that India, in the past ten years has significantly committed resources to enhance its capabilities in predicting storms. These initiatives allow for prompt evaluations of cyclone formation and characteristics, enabling the timely dissemination of warnings to both the government and the public, says Nimish Singh, Associate Fellow at The Energy Research Institute (TERI), New Delhi.

"Establishing a similar early warning system for other extreme events is imperative, and sharing this information with the public will strengthen India's resilience infrastructure. Furthermore, providing incentives such as monetary risk coverage for farmers and start-up entrepreneurs can mitigate the compounded effects of these calamities on the general public," he adds.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/global-rankings-predict-high-risk-to-indian-states-due-to-climate-change-564342">Also read |&nbsp;Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change</a>

<h2>2023 on track to be the hottest year on record</h2>

With just a month left in the year, 2023 is hurtling towards a global warming milestone, set to surpass 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, creating what the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) describes as a "deafening cacophony" of shattered climate records.

The WMO's early assessment in the provisional State of the Global Climate report leaves no room for doubt – 2023 is destined to become the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous 2016 benchmark when the world was roughly 1.2°C warmer than the preindustrial average.

This revelation intensifies the sense of urgency gripping world leaders grappling with the monumental task of phasing out fossil fuels, a central theme at the United Nations' annual climate summit COP28 being held&nbsp;in Dubai. As COP28 unfolds, the world watches eagerly, awaiting the outcomes and anticipating the climate agenda it will set for the pivotal year of 2024.

The significance of COP28 lies not just in the immediate decisions it may produce but in the trajectory it sets for the collective climate efforts moving forward.

Will it set a climate agenda for 2024 with no room for complacency? All we know is that the climate agenda for 2024 cannot be something about which we can be lax.

&nbsp;

Cyclone Michaung is right in the spotlight as it barrels through Southern Indian states, prompting large-scale rescue operations in cities now inundated. This adds to the alarming tally of climate catastrophes this year in India.

Cyclone Michaung is right in the spotlight as it barrels through Southern Indian states, prompting large-scale rescue operations in cities now inundated. This adds to the alarming tally of climate catastrophes this year in India. The country saw an intense onslaught of extreme weather events in the first nine months of this year, impacting a staggering 86 per cent of days, as detailed in a report by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE). The aftermath was severe, with 2,923 lives lost, nearly two million hectares of crops wiped out, 80,000 homes destroyed, and over 92,000 animals perished. Unveiling what's termed the 'new normal,' the CSE's report, named "India 2023: An Assessment of Extreme Weather Events," sheds light on a transformative shift in the country's climate landscape. In a global context, research points to a surge in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events worldwide, primarily linked to climate change driven by the burning of fossil fuels. Despite the 2015 Paris Agreement's call to limit the average temperature rise to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C, current reports hint at a significant departure. This necessitates significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions to counteract global warming. Also read | Data Lab | India feels the heat: What happens if the current heatwave trend continues? The CSE's report delves into regional disparities within India. Madhya Pradesh topped the charts in recording extreme weather events, while Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh witnessed the highest human casualties. Punjab witnessed the highest animal deaths, and Himachal Pradesh reported maximum damage to homes. Down south, Kerala faced the brunt with the highest count of extreme weather days and deaths, while Telangana encountered substantial agricultural losses. × *Note : This is an immersive map. Please hover over it for the latest data* Vulnerability echoes across regions, with Uttar Pradesh facing the most extreme weather days in northwest India. In the east and northeast, Assam witnessed a substantial number of extreme weather events, underscoring the varied challenges each region grapples with. × *Note : This is an immersive graph. Please hover over it for the latest data* Analysing month by month, the CSE's scrutiny brought to the fore notable temperature anomalies. January was slightly warmer than average, and February shattered records as the warmest in 122 years. India experienced its driest August and the sixth driest February in over a century. Lightning and storms dominated, claiming lives, predominantly in Bihar. However, the most substantial devastation resulted from heavy rains, floods, and landslides, causing over 1,900 casualties. "This worrying trend is mainly due to global warming and climate change. The increasing heat is causing more droughts, affecting our water supply and food. Also, our oceans are getting warmer, which leads to stronger cyclones with more rain. These heatwaves are not just uncomfortable; they're dangerous, especially for our elderly and children. India, with its long coastline, will face more cyclones, and our inland areas will suffer from more heatwaves. This is a big problem that needs immediate action," Shivang Agarwal, PhD scholar specialising in climate change at Johns Hopkins University, told WION. "The country's future outlook hinges on both national and international efforts to address these challenges, emphasising the need for robust resilience systems and international cooperation in climate finance and policy reform," he adds. It is important to note that India, in the past ten years has significantly committed resources to enhance its capabilities in predicting storms. These initiatives allow for prompt evaluations of cyclone formation and characteristics, enabling the timely dissemination of warnings to both the government and the public, says Nimish Singh, Associate Fellow at The Energy Research Institute (TERI), New Delhi. "Establishing a similar early warning system for other extreme events is imperative, and sharing this information with the public will strengthen India's resilience infrastructure. Furthermore, providing incentives such as monetary risk coverage for farmers and start-up entrepreneurs can mitigate the compounded effects of these calamities on the general public," he adds. Also read | Global rankings predict high risk to Indian states due to climate change 2023 on track to be the hottest year on record With just a month left in the year, 2023 is hurtling towards a global warming milestone, set to surpass 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 Fahrenheit) above preindustrial levels, creating what the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) describes as a "deafening cacophony" of shattered climate records. The WMO's early assessment in the provisional State of the Global Climate report leaves no room for doubt – 2023 is destined to become the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous 2016 benchmark when the world was roughly 1.2°C warmer than the preindustrial average. This revelation intensifies the sense of urgency gripping world leaders grappling with the monumental task of phasing out fossil fuels, a central theme at the United Nations' annual climate summit COP28 being held in Dubai. As COP28 unfolds, the world watches eagerly, awaiting the outcomes and anticipating the climate agenda it will set for the pivotal year of 2024. The significance of COP28 lies not just in the immediate decisions it may produce but in the trajectory it sets for the collective climate efforts moving forward. Will it set a climate agenda for 2024 with no room for complacency? All we know is that the climate agenda for 2024 cannot be something about which we can be lax.

Data lab: India saw at least one major weather event each day in 2023. Cyclone Michaung adds to the tally

India is already experiencing a warming climate. Around the globe, countries are experiencing unusual and unprecedented aftermaths of climate change. The question arises: In what ways the climate change could impact India?

From heatwaves to erratic monsoons, 10 ways climate change will impact India

Afghanistan, India and Pakistan were among the 11 countries singled out by US intelligence agencies as being ‘countries of concern’ with regards to their ability to prepare for and respond to environmental and societal crises caused by climate change

According to National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) report, prepared by the intelligence officials and scientists, these countries will bear the brunt of global warming that could include intensifying and more frequent heat waves and droughts and water and power scarcity.

The other countries on the list are Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Nicaragua, Colombia, Myanmar and North Korea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-us-extreme-weather-conditions-associated-to-arctic-warming-410374">Climate change: US extreme weather conditions associated to Arctic warming</a>

The NIE on climate was put together by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversee 16 intelligence agencies on Thursday

“The IC (Intelligence Community) identified 11 countries and two regions of concern from the threat from climate change,” the report said, adding, “Building resilience in these countries and region would probably be especially helpful in mitigating future risks to US interests.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-vital-signs-are-worsening-due-to-climate-change-scientists-warn-401135">Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn</a>

The report said the intelligence community assessed that these countries are likely to face “warming temperatures, more extreme weather, and disruption to ocean patterns that will threaten their energy, food, water, and health security”.

The report recommends a range of steps: doing more to monitor for floods or other disasters likely to create climate refugees, targeting US aid that can allow people to ride out droughts or storms in their own countries, and working with Congress to consider humanitarian visas and other protections for people displaced by extreme weather.

The US intelligence community also names other countries that are “comparatively more exposed and have fewer resources to adapt to climate change effects”. These countries are China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-change-is-a-hammer-hitting-us-on-the-head-developing-nations-say-405011">Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say</a>

In a separate fact-sheet, the White House said, “Climate change will increasingly exacerbate a number of risks to US national security interests, from physical impacts that could cascade into security challenges, to how countries respond to the climate challenge. While the IC judges that all of these risks will increase and that no country will be spared from challenges directly related to climate change.”

It also urges the creation of a task force to coordinate US&nbsp;management of climate change and migration across government, from climate scientists to aid and security officials.

Each year, hurricanes, the failure of seasonal rains and other sudden natural disasters force an average of 21.5 million people from their homes around the world, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees says.

(With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan, India and Pakistan were among the 11 countries singled out by US intelligence agencies as being ‘countries of concern’ with regards to their ability to prepare for and respond to environmental and societal crises caused by climate change According to National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) report, prepared by the intelligence officials and scientists, these countries will bear the brunt of global warming that could include intensifying and more frequent heat waves and droughts and water and power scarcity.

Afghanistan, India and Pakistan were among the 11 countries singled out by US intelligence agencies as being ‘countries of concern’ with regards to their ability to prepare for and respond to environmental and societal crises caused by climate change According to National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) report, prepared by the intelligence officials and scientists, these countries will bear the brunt of global warming that could include intensifying and more frequent heat waves and droughts and water and power scarcity. The other countries on the list are Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Nicaragua, Colombia, Myanmar and North Korea. Also read | Climate change: US extreme weather conditions associated to Arctic warming The NIE on climate was put together by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence, which oversee 16 intelligence agencies on Thursday “The IC (Intelligence Community) identified 11 countries and two regions of concern from the threat from climate change,” the report said, adding, “Building resilience in these countries and region would probably be especially helpful in mitigating future risks to US interests.” Also read | Earth's 'vital signs' are worsening due to climate change, scientists warn The report said the intelligence community assessed that these countries are likely to face “warming temperatures, more extreme weather, and disruption to ocean patterns that will threaten their energy, food, water, and health security”. The report recommends a range of steps: doing more to monitor for floods or other disasters likely to create climate refugees, targeting US aid that can allow people to ride out droughts or storms in their own countries, and working with Congress to consider humanitarian visas and other protections for people displaced by extreme weather. The US intelligence community also names other countries that are “comparatively more exposed and have fewer resources to adapt to climate change effects”. These countries are China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Also read | Climate change is a ‘hammer hitting us on the head,’ developing nations say In a separate fact-sheet, the White House said, “Climate change will increasingly exacerbate a number of risks to US national security interests, from physical impacts that could cascade into security challenges, to how countries respond to the climate challenge. While the IC judges that all of these risks will increase and that no country will be spared from challenges directly related to climate change.” It also urges the creation of a task force to coordinate US management of climate change and migration across government, from climate scientists to aid and security officials. Each year, hurricanes, the failure of seasonal rains and other sudden natural disasters force an average of 21.5 million people from their homes around the world, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees says. (With inputs from agencies)

India among 11 named on US ‘countries of concern’ list on climate change

Rapid changes in India’s climate will put stress on ecosystems, agricultural output and freshwater resources, and also cause damage to infrastructure.

India get its first climate change assessment report