Drastic Weather Changes in Kerala: IPCC Warns of Unpredictable Rain and Extreme Summers

The weather in Kerala is experiencing a significant shift, marked by unpredictable rain and extreme hot weather, according to a report prepared by the International Protocols of Climate Change (IPCC) based on various global studies. The coastal state is facing drastic changes, including the potential for rogue seas, unpredictable rains at any time or month, and extreme summer conditions. IPCC emphasizes that climate change, driven by increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, is a global concern, and the effects are expected to intensify over the next decade. Studies from the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) indicate that the current pattern of frequent rains and sudden atmospheric temperature rises aligns with these global climate shifts. The rise in carbon dioxide levels, which has surpassed the safe threshold of 300 parts per million (ppm) and currently stands at 412 ppm, contributes to temperature increases, altered pH levels in water bodies, reduced oxygen, and the release of methane gas and nitrous oxide into the atmosphere, exacerbating the impact, as revealed by the CUSAT research.

The CUSAT study, led by Dr. Abhilash, Dr. Bijoy Nandan, and Dr. Shaju SS, warns that the increased acidity in water bodies due to rising carbon dioxide levels is ten times more detrimental than the increase in carbon dioxide alone. Cyclones, which were once infrequent in the Arabian Sea, are now becoming more common, reflecting changes in sea patterns, as evidenced by a study from Gorakhpur IIT. The impact of climate change extends to agriculture practices, tourism, and overall environmental stability in Kerala. Conservation efforts for wetland ecosystems are deemed crucial, as they play a role in carbon sequestration. The study suggests the importance of adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing coal usage, increasing reliance on solar energy, and implementing energy-efficient devices, to mitigate the environmental impact. The upcoming Climate Summit (COPE) in the UAE is expected to address strategies to reduce carbon dioxide levels globally and combat climate change.