Five biggest environmental issues in India in 2023 | WION Climate Tracker
Summary
India is facing severe environmental challenges due to rising temperatures caused by greenhouse gases, leading to extreme weather events and vulnerability to disasters like floods and droughts. The country also grapples with significant air pollution issues, with 63 out of the 100 most polluted cities globally, including New Delhi. Water pollution is another pressing concern, as 70% of surface water resources are polluted due to untreated wastewater entering rivers, impacting GDP and leading to food and water shortages. Additionally, waste management is a critical issue, with only 5% of Municipal Solid Waste properly managed, posing challenges due to rapid urbanization. India's major biodiversity hotspots such as the Himalayas and Western Ghats are threatened by human habitation, endangering various animal and plant species.
Climate Change Impact in India
India's average temperature has risen due to greenhouse gases, leading to extreme weather events and vulnerability to disasters like floods and droughts.
Air Pollution
India faces severe air pollution issues with 63 of the 100 most polluted cities, including New Delhi. PM 2.5 concentrations exceed WHO guidelines in 48% of cities, and India is the world's third-largest carbon dioxide emitter.
Water Pollution
About 70% of India's surface water resources are polluted due to untreated wastewater entering rivers. Water pollution can lead to significant GDP loss in middle-income countries like India.
Food and Water Shortages
India faces food and water shortages due to the impact of the climate crisis, including unprecedented heatwaves. March 2022 recorded the hottest and driest month in 120 years.
Waste Management
By 2030, India's Municipal Solid Waste is estimated to reach 387.8 million tons, doubling by 2050. Only 5% of waste is properly managed, with the rest dumped in landfills, posing a significant challenge due to rapid urbanization.
Biodiversity Laws
India is home to major biodiversity hotspots threatened by human habitation, such as the Himalayas and Western Ghats. These regions have high levels of threatened animal and plant species.
FAQ
Q: What are the impacts of rising average temperatures in India?
A: Rising average temperatures in India have led to extreme weather events, vulnerability to disasters like floods and droughts, and severe air pollution issues.
Q: How does water pollution affect India's surface water resources?
A: About 70% of India's surface water resources are polluted due to untreated wastewater entering rivers, which can lead to significant GDP loss.
Q: What is the status of air pollution in India?
A: India faces severe air pollution issues, with 63 of the 100 most polluted cities, including New Delhi. PM 2.5 concentrations exceed WHO guidelines in 48% of cities.
Q: What are the projections for Municipal Solid Waste in India by 2050?
A: By 2030, India's Municipal Solid Waste is estimated to reach 387.8 million tons, doubling by 2050. Only 5% of waste is properly managed.
Q: How is rapid urbanization posing a waste management challenge in India?
A: Rapid urbanization in India has led to a significant challenge in waste management, with most waste being dumped in landfills due to only 5% being properly managed.
Q: What are some of the major biodiversity hotspots in India?
A: India is home to major biodiversity hotspots threatened by human habitation, such as the Himalayas and Western Ghats, which have high levels of threatened animal and plant species.
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