Day 27 – Q. 3. The rapid melting of Arctic ice is no longer a remote environmental concern. Analyze its cascading effects on global climate patterns and India’s environmental security. (150 words, 10 marks)

Q. 3. The rapid melting of Arctic ice is no longer a remote environmental concern. Analyze its cascading effects on global climate patterns and India’s environmental security. (150 words, 10 marks)

Introduction 

According to IPCC AR6 (2023), Arctic sea ice has declined by over 40% since 1979. This ongoing  crisis has far-reaching consequences, disrupting global climate systems and posing direct risks to  India’s environment and long-term security.  

Body  

Cascading Effects on Global Climate Patterns 

1. Jet Stream Distortion: Arctic warming weakens the polar jet stream, leading to extreme  weather shifts across continents.  Example: 2021 Texas cold wave, 2022 European heatwave – WMO reports.
2. Acceleration of Warming: Melting ice reduces the Earth’s albedo, amplifying global heat  absorption and feedback loops.  (NASA, 2021: Arctic reflects 80% less sunlight than before)
3. Disruption of Ocean Currents: Meltwater may slow the Atlantic Meridional Overturning  Circulation (AMOC), altering global rainfall and temperatures.  (IPCC, 2019: Disruption is threat to thermohaline balance)
4. Methane Emissions from Permafrost: Thawing tundra is releasing methane, a potent  greenhouse gas accelerating global warming.  (UNEP, 2020: Tundra stores 1,500 billion tons of carbon)

Implications for India’s Environmental Security 

1. Monsoon Disruptions: Arctic-induced circulation changes impact the strength and  timing of Indian monsoons.  Example: 2022 monsoon onset delays and uneven rainfall (IITM, Pune).
2. Coastal Threats from Sea-Level Rise: Rising seas endanger low-lying regions and  ecosystems like the Sundarbans.  Example: Frequent saline ingress in coastal West Bengal (CWC, 2021).
3. Glacial Retreat in Himalayas: Teleconnections from Arctic shifts destabilize Himalayan  cryosphere.  Example: Rapid melt in Gangotri and Zemu glaciers.
4. Increase in Extreme Events: Warmer oceans increase frequency and intensity of  cyclones, floods, and heatwaves. Example: Cyclone Amphan (2020) intensified by elevated Bay of Bengal SSTs (IMD).

Steps Taken So Far 

1. Observer Status in Arctic Council: India has been an observer since 2013, enhancing  diplomatic and research presence.  
2. National Arctic Policy (2022): Lays out vision for scientific research, climate impact study,  and strategic engagement.  
3. Himadri Research Station: India’s permanent base in Svalbard, Norway, conducts vital  polar climate research. 
4. International Collaborations: Working with WMO, IPCC, SAON for Arctic data integration  and climate modelling.  

Recommendations 

1. Strengthen Arctic Research Capacity: Expand NCPOR funding, launch indigenous polar  expeditions, and link findings to domestic climate models.  
2. Integrate Arctic Signals in National Plans: Ensure Arctic impacts are reflected in SAPCCs,  coastal regulations, and disaster planning.  
3. Enhance Coastal Resilience: Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, early warning  systems, and mangrove restoration.  
4. Public Education and Policy Awareness: Introduce polar climate modules in higher  education and government training programs.  
5. Adopt Global Best Practices: Learn from Norway’s Arctic preparedness planning and  Canada’s Indigenous-led environmental monitoring.  

Conclusion 

Arctic ice loss contributes to unpredictable weather, rising seas, and glacier retreat, threatening  India’s environmental security. Urgent response to this cryosphere crisis is essential to align with UNFCCC goals and protect our ecological and economic future.