Rain on Monday brought a momentary relief to the Valley with temperatures dipping a bit from their record highs. Hopefully from hereon, the heatwave may subside. In July, the Valley experienced the highest recorded temperatures. On Sunday, Srinagar city recorded a high of 36.2 degrees Celsius, hottest July day since July 9, 1999, when the mercury had settled at 37 degree Celsius. Historically, the hottest day was recorded on July 10, 1946 when the day temperature rose to 38.3 degree Celsius.
The ongoing heatwave in the Valley and elsewhere in the world, according to environmentalists, owes itself to climate change. And with recurrent heatwaves sweeping the once one of the picturesque regions of the world, the consequences of the changing weather are becoming starker by the day. Agriculture and horticulture have borne the brunt of the water scarcity and drought-like conditions. The potable water supply too has been badly affected due the depleting discharge in river Jhelum, and other major water bodies. Also, this year, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a 27 percent deficiency in rainfall this year.
Although climate change is a global phenomenon, Kashmir has become its microcosm. It is mirrored in the fragile ecosystem of the region. From erratic weather patterns to heatwaves, Kashmir has been experiencing the same changes as on the global level. The changes are not mere aberrations but harbingers of a dire future if immediate actions are not taken.
For example, one of the victims of climate change has been the Valley’s apple and saffron production, which have suffered irreparable damage due to soaring temperatures, causing significant economic repercussions.
On a bigger scale and which has consequences beyond the boundaries of Jammu and Kashmir, the rising temperatures have led to a rapid retreat of glaciers. Over the past six decades, Jammu and Kashmir has seen a staggering 25 percent reduction in glacier size, a trend exacerbated by the looming threat of climate change. If left unchecked, 48 percent of these vital sources of water could vanish by the end of the century.
While the immediate focus is on dealing with the imminent heatwave, it is also essential to recognize the broader implications of such extreme weather events in the context of climate change. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves are a stark reminder of the urgent need to take decisive global action to mitigate the effects of climate change. We also need to recognize its impact on the vulnerable regions like Kashmir. But it may take decades before the world is able to sufficiently reign in the factors which are contributing to the disruption in the climate. As continuing heatwaves show, the world needs to quickly get its act together before it is too late. And at a smaller level in our region, the authorities have to take steps to ensure that our fragile environment is protected from the increasing human encroachment.
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