Q.18. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one metre by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? [UPSC 2023 GS P-3]

The projected global sea level rise of approximately one meter by AD 2100 has significant implications for India and other countries in the Indian Ocean region. Let’s explore the potential impacts on:

• India:
  • Coastal Cities at Risk: India’s extensive coastline is home to millions of people. Rising sea levels pose a direct threat to coastal cities, including Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi, and Visakhapatnam. These cities could be submerged by nearly three feet by the end of the century.
  • Erosion and Inundation: Gradual erosion of coastlines, subsidence, and inundation of deltas are long-term concerns. Coastal communities may face displacement due to loss of habitable land.
  • Tropical Cyclones: The combined impact of tropical cyclones and sea-level rise exacerbates flooding. Storm surges during cyclones, along with higher tides, can intensify flooding and make it challenging to manage.
• Other Countries in the Indian Ocean Region:
  • Bangladesh: A neighboring country, Bangladesh, is highly vulnerable due to its low-lying deltaic terrain. Sea-level rise threatens densely populated areas, agricultural land, and infrastructure.
  • Maldives: The Maldives, an archipelago of low-lying islands, faces an existential threat. Even a modest sea-level rise could submerge large portions of the country.
  • Sri Lanka: Coastal regions of Sri Lanka are susceptible to erosion, saltwater intrusion, and loss of livelihoods.
  • Indonesia: As an island nation, Indonesia is at risk of losing land, especially in regions like Jakarta, which already experiences subsidence.
  • East African Coast: Countries along the east coast of Africa, such as Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, are also vulnerable to sea-level rise and coastal erosion.
• Common Challenges:
  • Infrastructure: Critical infrastructure (ports, airports, roads, and utilities) near coastlines will face damage or disruption.
  • Biodiversity: Coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands, will be affected. Loss of habitat threatens marine biodiversity.
  • Saltwater Intrusion: Rising sea levels can contaminate freshwater sources, impacting agriculture and drinking water availability.
• Adaptation Strategies:
  • Elevated Infrastructure: Constructing buildings and infrastructure at higher elevations can mitigate risks.
  • Natural Barriers: Restoring and conserving mangroves, dunes, and coral reefs act as natural buffers against sea-level rise.
  • Early Warning Systems: Implementing robust systems to predict and manage extreme events like storm surges.
  • Community Resilience: Empowering coastal communities with adaptive practices and livelihood diversification.

In summary, addressing sea-level rise requires global cooperation, sustainable development, and proactive adaptation measures to protect vulnerable regions in the Indian Ocean basin.