Mains Practice Question

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Topic

What is El Nino? Explain why is India particularly vulnerable to the impacts of El Nino on food and energy prices. (250 Words)
 
Introduction
 
Start your answer by explaining what El Niño is
 
 El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. It has significant impacts on weather patterns globally and can have particularly adverse effects on countries like India.  
 
Body
 
In the body of the answer write why India is vulnerable to its impacts, focusing on food and energy prices.

Impacts on India:

Monsoon Variability: El Niño influences the Indian monsoon, leading to below-average rainfall. The warming of the Pacific disrupts the normal monsoon circulation, resulting in reduced precipitation in India. This can lead to droughts, water scarcity, and a decline in agricultural productivity.

Crop Failure and Food Prices: India heavily relies on monsoon rains for its agriculture sector. A weak monsoon due to El Niño can result in crop failures and reduced agricultural yields. This leads to a decrease in food supply, increased food prices, and food insecurity, particularly affecting vulnerable populations.

Energy Sector: El Niño also impacts energy prices in India. Lower rainfall and reduced hydropower generation during weak monsoons result in increased dependence on thermal power generation. This leads to higher demand for coal and other fossil fuels, causing a rise in energy prices.

Conclusion

Conclude your answer in a short and crisp by writing all the aspects as per the demand of the question

India is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of El Niño due to its heavy reliance on monsoon rains for agriculture, energy generation, and water resources. Weak monsoons resulting from El Niño can lead to crop failures, food price inflation, increased energy prices, water stress, and health concerns. To mitigate these impacts, it is crucial for India to focus on climate change adaptation strategies, such as improving water management systems, diversifying agricultural practices, and enhancing disaster preparedness. 

17-Jun 2023
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