Hindu Editorial Analysis : 20-May-2023

The World Meteorological Organization has recently released the State of the Global Climate 2022 report, providing valuable insights into the current state of the planet’s climate. The report focuses on key climate indicators, including greenhouse gases, temperatures, sea level rise, ocean heat and acidification, sea ice, and glaciers. It also sheds light on the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events.

Greenhouse Gases and Rising Temperature

The report highlights the alarming planetary-scale changes occurring due to record levels of heat-trapping greenhouse gases. It warns that there is a high likelihood that at least one of the next four years could be 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than the pre-industrial average. Key findings from the report include:

  1. Increase in Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) emissions:
    • Global GHG emissions continued to rise in 2022.
    • Carbon dioxide levels reached 149% of pre-industrial levels.
    • Methane levels reached 262% of pre-industrial levels, with the largest annual increase on record.
    • Nitrous oxide levels reached 124% of pre-industrial levels.
  2. High Global Mean Temperature:
    • In 2022, the planet was 1.15 ± 0.13 degrees Celsius warmer than the pre-industrial average.
    • The past eight years have been the warmest on record, despite the cooling La Niña conditions.
    • 2022 was the 5th or 6th warmest year globally.
  3. Above Normal Precipitation:
    • In 2022, several regions experienced above normal precipitation, including parts of Asia, the Pacific, South America, Africa, and Europe.
    • However, other regions, such as Europe, Northwest Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Africa and the Americas, faced rainfall deficits.
  4. Ocean Heat Content:
    • As greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere, both land and ocean temperatures rise.
    • The report predicts that ocean warming will continue well into the future, with irreversible changes on centennial to millennial timescales.
    • In 2022, 58% of the ocean surface experienced at least one marine heatwave event, and 25% experienced at least one marine cold spell.
  5. Rise in Sea Level:
    • Global mean sea level continued to rise in 2022, with an average increase of approximately 3.4 ± 0.3 mm per year over the past 30 years.
  6. Extreme Events:
    • Rising global temperatures have led to more frequent and severe extreme weather events worldwide, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and storms.
Impacts and Observations

Although the report does not provide country-specific trends, some noteworthy impacts and observations were recorded globally:

  1. IMO’s Record for India:
    • The India Meteorological Organisation noted 2022 as the fifth warmest year on record since 2021, with the last decade being the hottest 10 years in India’s history.
  2. Worldwide Impacts:
    • The Indian monsoon arrived earlier than usual and withdrew before its normal date.
    • Northeast India experienced floods in June and a dry spell in July and August.
    • Pakistan faced devastating floods, causing significant loss of life and affecting millions of people.
    • Europe witnessed record-breaking temperatures, leading to droughts and reduced river flows.
    • North America experienced its warmest August, with widespread forest fires in the United States and Australia.
Why In News

The World Meteorological Organization has released the highly anticipated State of the Global Climate 2022 report, providing crucial insights into the current state of our planet’s climate. This comprehensive report offers a comprehensive overview of key climate trends, highlighting the urgency of collective action to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.

MCQs about State of the Global Climate 2022

  1. What is one of the key findings mentioned in the State of the Global Climate 2022 report regarding greenhouse gases (GHGs)?
    A. GHG emissions have decreased in 2022.
    B. Carbon dioxide levels are lower than pre-industrial levels.
    C. Methane levels have remained stable over the years.
    D. Nitrous oxide levels have increased to 124% of pre-industrial levels.
    Correct Answer: D. Nitrous oxide levels have increased to 124% of pre-industrial levels.
    Explanation: The global GHG emissions have continued to increase, and nitrous oxide levels specifically have reached 124% of pre-industrial levels.
  2. Which region experienced above normal precipitation in 2022, according to the State of the Global Climate 2022 report?
    A. Europe and North America.
    B. Asia and the Pacific.
    C. Middle East and Africa.
    D. South America and Australia.
    Correct Answer: B. Asia and the Pacific.
    Explanation: large areas with above normal precipitation included large parts of Asia and the southwest Pacific.
  3. How have rising global temperatures contributed to extreme weather events?
    A. By reducing the frequency of heatwaves and droughts.
    B. By increasing rainfall and preventing floods.
    C. By intensifying heatwaves, floods, and storms.
    D. By stabilizing weather patterns and reducing storms.
    Correct Answer: C. By intensifying heatwaves, floods, and storms.
    Explanation: The rising global temperatures have contributed to more frequent and severe extreme weather events worldwide, including heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and storms.

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