Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Talks About Climate Change and Wayanad Landslide
Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], August 17: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has identified climate change as the main cause of the Wayanad landslide disaster. Speaking at the Farmers’ Day celebrations, he highlighted the severe impact of climate change on agriculture.
Vijayan noted that experts predict a significant decrease in rain-dependent rice yields by 20% by 2050 and 47% by 2080. Similarly, wheat yields could drop by 19.3% by 2050 and 40% by 2080. These projections underscore the urgent need to address climate change’s effects on agriculture.
A study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) found that the heavy rainfall triggering the Wayanad landslide was a ‘once in a 50-year event’ intensified by human-caused climate change. The study, conducted by 24 researchers from various countries, calls for rigorous landslide risk assessments and improved early warning systems in northern Kerala.
The study also highlights the role of deforestation and quarrying in increasing landslide risks. It suggests that minimizing these activities, along with enhancing early warning and evacuation systems, can help protect people from future landslides and floods.
According to the study, single-day heavy rainfall events in Kerala are becoming more frequent due to climate change. These events, previously rare, are now expected to occur roughly once every 50 years due to global warming.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Chief Minister -: A Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. They are responsible for making important decisions and running the state.
Pinarayi Vijayan -: Pinarayi Vijayan is the current Chief Minister of Kerala. He is a leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Climate Change -: Climate change refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns. It is mainly caused by human activities like burning fossil fuels.
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in Kerala known for its hills, forests, and wildlife. It is a popular tourist destination.
Landslide -: A landslide is when a large amount of earth, rocks, and debris suddenly slides down a slope. It can be very dangerous and cause a lot of damage.
Agriculture -: Agriculture is the practice of growing crops and raising animals for food and other products. It is very important for providing food to people.
Rice and Wheat Yields -: Rice and wheat yields refer to the amount of rice and wheat that can be harvested from a field. Higher yields mean more food.
World Weather Attribution -: World Weather Attribution is a group of scientists who study how climate change affects extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and heatwaves.
Deforestation -: Deforestation is the cutting down of trees in forests. It can lead to many problems like loss of wildlife and increased risk of landslides.
Quarrying -: Quarrying is the process of extracting stones and minerals from the earth. It can cause environmental damage and increase the risk of landslides.