Climate change is a matter of concern. A long-duration shift in weather patterns and temperature causes climate change. It is a global level issue. The impact of climate change is increasing temperature, extreme heat, air pollution, health issues and problems, environmental degradation, water, and food supply impacts, and impact on water quality. Delhi is also experiencing climate change due to global warming. Delhi has an extreme climate and is very hot in summer. With the increase in temperature, the maximum temperature in Delhi was 49.2 degrees Celsius, making a record. The summer of 2022 has broken all records in the last many years as it recorded the highest temperature this year. The summer season began in March this year and the temperature is very high. Every other day is unbearably hot and humid in the capital. Delhi has also recorded the highest temperature compared to last many years. Delhi seems to have recorded a record-breaking temperature in 2022. Delhi is experiencing temperature, weather, prolonged and unprecedented heat waves, damage to wildlife and agriculture, and an increase in the number of hospitalizations. An orange alert was also imposed in Delhi warning people against the extreme heat wave in Delhi. The temperature increased in Delhi day by day and the winds have also been dusty in Delhi and NCR areas which will further increase the temperature. Delhi is suffering from an extreme heat wave and scorching heat. Due to climate change, Delhi also records extreme cold weather in winters. Delhi is a dry city and also receives less rainfall.
Climate change is a matter of concern. The major reason for climate change in Delhi is its location. It lies in the landlocked Northern Plains of the Indian Subcontinent. The climate of the capital is majorly influenced because of its proximity to the Thar Desert and the Himalayas. Delhi also has a large number of vehicle populations that emits harmful greenhouse gases. A large number of trees are being cut down in the capital which is reducing the green cover and can help people from the ill effects of global warming. There are many health problems caused by climate change such as premature deaths due to extreme weather changes, malaria, dengue, cholera, respiratory diseases and allergies, cardiovascular diseases such as asthma, injury, infectious diseases, changes in the geographical distribution of food, and impact on mental health.
In 2019, the government of Delhi in the center submitted the plan to combat climate change but it remained mainly on paper and was not implemented properly. Government officials have said that they will implement a 10-year action plan by the end of 2022 in Delhi to combat climate change. The central government also made a national action plan on climate change in 2009. The Centre also asked other states to prepare their action plans in which Delhi was the last state to do so. The plan could not be implemented properly and expired in 2020. The plan focused on six areas mainly such as an increase in heavy rainfall, a decrease in cold days and nights in Delhi, energy transport, green cover, and urban development. For the new plan, a knowledge partner will be introduced. A German agency will be appointed as a knowledge partner. The new plan will focus on the activities causing an increase in the emission of greenhouse gases.
The people of Delhi on an individual level can take some steps to reduce the climate change issue. Educating and encouraging people to reduce carbon pollution, buying seasonal food will reduce the emission of fossil fuels associated with transport, planting more trees, more use of public transport, use of solar energy to reduce the dependence on coal-fired electricity, reducing water waste, recycling more and more, and following pollution control measures.
Anisha Sharma
BA (honours) Mathematics
Ambedkar University Delhi
