Mains Daily Question
Dec. 26, 2023
Q3. While La Nina is welcomed in India, El Nino triggers anxiety. Discuss. (10M, 150W)
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Approach for the answer Understanding the question: The question is about the two different weather phenomena in the Southern Pacific Ocean which have an impact on the Indian monsoon as well as climatic conditions. The first part talks about the positives of La Nina while the second part talks about the negative impacts of El Nino. Introduction: We can introduce the question by giving linkage of the El Nino and La Nina with the climate of Indian subcontinent. You can also provide the definition of both the terms. We can also link the question to recent developments. Body: Since the directive is discuss, we need to first explain why La Nina is welcomed (explain here positive impact) in India by providing some examples. And then in the second section explain why El Nino triggers anxiety in India (explain here the negative impact of the El Nino on India) with examples and recent events. Conclusion: Conclude the answer by mentioning why El Nino is unwelcomed in India. |
Answer: The weather phenomenon El Niño and La Niña are closely linked to the climate conditions in the Indian subcontinent, and their effects are often felt quite acutely.
El Niño is a weather pattern characterized by the warming of the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of South America, while La Niña is the opposite.
La Niña is a climate phenomenon that is welcomed in India because:
- Increased Rainfall: La Niña typically brings an increase in rainfall for India and can help alleviate drought conditions. This increase in rainfall is beneficial for Indian agriculture, as it helps to replenish soil moisture, increases crop yields, and improves water resources.
- Cooler temperature: La Niña also tends to bring cooler temperatures, which can be beneficial in helping to reduce the effects of heat waves.
- Water security: La Niña reduces the risk of droughts and water shortages, which can be devastating to India’s agricultural sector.
El Nino triggers anxiety in India because:
- Decrease rainfall: El Niño typically brings a decrease in rainfall for India, which can lead to drought conditions. This can have serious implications for Indian agriculture, as it can lead to reduced crop yields and shortages of water resources.
- For example, data shows a 60% probability of drought in India in an El Nino year, with a 30% chance of below-normal rain and only a 10% chance of normal rain.
- Increased temperature: El Niño also tends to bring higher temperatures, which can exacerbate heat waves and lead to increased health risks. For these reasons, El Niño triggers anxiety in India.
- Extreme weather events: El Nino can lead to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as cyclones and floods, which can cause destruction of homes and property. This can lead to financial hardship and insecurity, which can cause anxiety.
- Incidence of diseases: El Nino can lead to an increase in the incidence of vector-borne diseases, such as malaria and dengue, as well as water-borne diseases, such as cholera. This can lead to fear and anxiety as people worry about their health and the health of their families.
Hence, La Nina is welcomed in India while El Nino triggers anxiety due to the potential negative impacts it can have on the climate and weather patterns in the country.
