International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 11 Issue: 01 | Jan 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON COASTAL COMMUNITIES OF INDIA (EASTERN COAST) Kumar Mangalam1, Dr. Indrani Chakraborty2, Dr. Subhrajit Banerjee3 1Kumar Mangalam, Student, Faculty of Architecture and Planning AKTU, Lucknow 2 Dr. Indrani Chakraborty, Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Planning AKTU, Lucknow 3 Dr. Subhrajit Banerjee, Professor, Faculty of Architecture and Planning AKTU, Lucknow
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Abstract - This study provides an in-depth exploration of
the tangible impacts of climate change on the Eastern coastal communities of India, emphasizing environmental consequences without delving into mitigation strategies. The region, characterized by its vulnerability to rising sea levels, altered weather patterns, and heightened frequency of extreme climatic events, experiences multifaceted challenges that significantly affect the socio-economic fabric of its inhabitants.
Indian coastline runs for about 7516km. and is inhabited by densely populated human agglomeration, climate change and climate variability induced impact posed alarming challenges to this ecosystem making them more vulnerable and risk prone. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate change (IPCC), defined climate change as a change in the long-term state of the climate that can be identified (e.g., using statistical tests) by changes in the mean and/or the variability of its properties. In another definition, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC, 2011), refers to climate change as, a climate change that is directly or indirectly attributed by human activity resulting in an alteration in global atmospheric composition and that is an addition in natural climate variability for a long period. In their 6th Assessment Report (AR6) 2021, IPCC clearly mentioned that Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the main driver of climate change, (AR6), since 2011 (measurement report AR5), concentrations have continued to increase and it reached 410 ppm for CO2, 1866 ppb for methane (CH4), and 332 ppb for nitrous oxide (N2O) annually in 2019 which resulted in serious global warming. In the same report (AR6) IPCC has mentioned that each of the last four decades has been successively warmer than any other decades since 1850, and global surface temperature of last two decades (2001-2020) of 21st century was 0.99 °C higher than 1850-1900. This incontrovertible change in climate is not only changing the land and sea surface.
The research investigates the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on the Eastern coastal communities, with a particular focus on disruptions in agriculture, fisheries, and traditional livelihoods. Rising temperatures and unpredictable precipitation patterns contribute to immediate threats to food security and economic stability. The study uncovers the vulnerabilities of coastal populations, emphasizing the disparities in their ability to adapt and withstand these environmental changes. Furthermore, the research delves into the environmental consequences of climate change, encompassing coastal erosion, loss of biodiversity, and alterations in ecosystems. The geographical scope of the study encompasses selected coastal districts in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry. These regions were chosen based on their vulnerability to climate change, considering factors such as sea-level rise, historical cyclone events, and population density. In conclusion, this research contributes to a nuanced understanding of the impacts of climate change on the Eastern coastal communities of India, underscoring the urgency of addressing these challenges. By focusing solely on the environmental consequences, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and local stakeholders seeking to develop targeted strategies that enhance resilience in the face of an evolving climate landscape.
The East Coast of India, renowned for its vibrant communities, rich biodiversity, and economic vitality, is presently at the forefront of formidable challenges stemming from the intricate interplay of climate change, human activities, and population growth. Rapid urbanization, particularly observed in megacities such as Kolkata and Chennai, has exacerbated the vulnerability of these coastal regions to an array of environmental threats, including rising sea levels, cyclonic surges, and unpredictable weather patterns.
Key Words: Climate Change, Eastern Coastal Communities, Vulnerability, Rising Sea Levels, Altered Weather Patterns, Agriculture Disruptions, Fisheries Impact, Traditional Livelihoods, Food Security Adaptation, Coastal Populations, Precipitation Patterns, Coastal Erosion, Biodiversity Loss, Ecosystem Alterations, Resilience, Mitigation Exclusion.
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Impact Factor value: 8.226
This research embarks on a critical exploration of how climate change is reshaping the dynamics of life along the Eastern coast. The escalating impacts of these environmental changes extend beyond the immediate concerns of
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