Climate Change Impact In Lakshadweep
Source : PIB
GS III : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Approach “Climate Change Impact In Lakshadweep” : Mains and Prelims

1. About the study
2. Impact of Sea-Level Rise
3. About Lakshadweep

Why in News ?

Sea-level will rise around the Lakshadweep Islands in the range between 0.4 mm/year to 0.9 mm/year, says a study conducted projecting different greenhouse gas scenarios.

• Research that was published in the journal ‘Regional Studies in Marine Science, Elsevier.

Key Facts

• The study highlights that the worst possible scenarios projected for Lakshadweep Islands are almost similar under different emission scenarios projected.
• All the islands in the archipelago would be vulnerable to impact from sea-level rise.
• One of the major threats in the coming years is rising sea level and its significant impact on small islands.
• This is for the first time that climate model projections were used to assess the potential areas of inundation over the archipelago of Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
• Details of the Study
  • The study estimated that smaller islands Chetlat and Amini are expected to have major land-loss.
  • Projection mapping indicated that about 60%-70% of existing shoreline would experience land-loss in Amini and about 70%-80% in Chetlat.
  • The present work highlights that larger islands Minicoy and the capital Kavaratti are also vulnerable to sea-level rise and expected to experience land-loss along 60% of the existing shoreline.
  • Sea-level rise effects are seen to have the least impact on Androth Island under all emission scenarios.
• Impact of Sea Level Rise
  • The coastal inundation could have wide socio-economic impact.
  • Sea-level rise can impact the islanders as residential areas are quite close to the present coastline.
  • Also, the only airport in the archipelago is located at the southern tip of Agatti Island, and has a high likelihood of damage due to inundation from sea-level rise.

What can be done?

• To have appropriate coastal protection measures and best-practices to formulate planning guidelines.
• Putting an end to deforestation, reducing one’s reliance on fossil fuels, implementing rainwater harvesting, enforcing renewable energy sources, and managing waste.
• Also pressure corporations to address climate-related risks, improve local community inclusion in policymaking with representation, and hold the government accountable.

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Also read : Lakshadweep Changes and Issues