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?

Q18. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a global sea level rise of about one meter by AD 2100. What would be its impact in India and the other countries in the Indian Ocean region? (15m) Environment

Introduction

The IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report, indicating a potential global mean sea level rise of 0.45 to 0.82 metres by 2100 in a low-emissions scenario and 0.62 to 2.13 metres in a high-emissions scenario, underscores sea level rise as a pressing global concern.

Body

Impacts of sea level rise in India and the other countries in the Indian ocean

Environmental Impact

• Coastal Erosion: For example, in Mumbai, the iconic Versova Beach has experienced significant erosion due to rising sea levels.
• Wetland Degradation: For example, the Ennore Creek in Chennai has suffered habitat loss due to land reclamation and sea level rise.
• Habitat Loss and Species Impact: For example, The Sundarbans mangrove forests are vulnerable to sea level rise. 
• Saltwater Intrusion: For example, in Chennai, groundwater sources are at risk of contamination
• Coral Bleaching: For example, coral reefs in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are threatened by bleaching due to warmer waters and sea level rise. 

Economic impacts

• Property Damage and Infrastructure Costs: For example: United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Report (UNDRRR) estimated that by 2100, the potential cost of property damage due to sea level rise could be in the hundreds of billions of dollars.

• Increased Infrastructure Maintenance Costs: For example, cities like Mumbai are investing in infrastructure projects to protect against sea level rise and storm surges.

• Loss of Productivity and Livelihoods: For example, in Bangladesh, sea level rise and increased salinity have affected rice and shrimp farming.

Social Impact

• Displacement (Climate Refugees): For example, Rising sea levels in Bangladesh could displace over 1.3 million people by 2050.
• Relocation: For example, Low-lying island nations like the Maldives are already grappling with the need for planned relocations due to sea level rise.

Political Impact

• Submergence of small island countries: E.g., several low-lying islands in the archipelago of Maldives.
• Maritime disputes: Sea-level rise can alter maritime baselines used in UNCLOS-defined zones, potentially shifting outer boundaries landward and sparking maritime disputes.

Measures Taken in India

1. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019
2. Integrated Coastal Zone Management project (ICZMP)
3. Coastal Management Information System (CMIS)
4. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
5. Airborne Lidar Terrain Mapping (ALTM) elevation data:
6. Coastal Management Information System (CMIS)

Conclusion

A comprehensive approach to coastal protection and resilience, encompassing innovative infrastructure, Beach Nourishment and Restoration, nature-based solutions, sustainable planning, international cooperation, and public awareness, is crucial to address the growing threat of sea-level rise.

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