THE EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING ON ANDHRA PARDESH

&

 PUNJAB 





 Introduction: What Is Global Warming?


Global warming is the gradual increase in Earth’s average temperature due to greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from burning fossil fuels. While it's a global issue, its effects are strongly felt at the local level — including in Indian states like Andhra Pradesh and Punjab.

🌾 Impact on Agriculture

Andhra Pradesh:

  • Changing rainfall patterns have led to droughts in Rayalaseema and floods in Coastal Andhra.

  • Traditional crops like paddy and groundnut are suffering due to unpredictable monsoons.

  • Heat stress affects cattle and poultry, reducing milk and egg production.



Punjab:

  • Wheat and rice yields are dropping due to increasing temperatures and shorter winter durations.

  • Overuse of groundwater for irrigation is worsening due to declining rainfall.

  • Crop diseases and pests are becoming more common due to the warmer climate.





🌊 Rising Sea Levels and Floods




Andhra Pradesh:

  • Coastal regions like Krishna, Guntur, and Visakhapatnam are at risk of sea-level rise, causing salinity in groundwater and soil.

  • Cyclones and coastal floods have increased in frequency and intensity (e.g., Cyclone Hudhud in 2014).

Punjab:

  • While Punjab is landlocked, flash floods caused by cloudbursts and unseasonal heavy rains are becoming common.

  • Urban flooding in cities like Ludhiana and Amritsar is increasing due to poor drainage and heavy rains.





🌡️ Heatwaves and Health Effects



  • Both states are witnessing longer and more intense heatwaves.

  • In Andhra Pradesh, cities like Vijayawada and Tirupati have recorded temperatures above 45°C.

  • In Punjab, extreme heat has led to heat stroke cases, especially among farm workers and the elderly.


🌀 Natural Disasters Are Getting Worse



Andhra Pradesh:

  • The Bay of Bengal is heating up, increasing cyclone frequency. Cyclones like Phailin (2013), Hudhud (2014), Titli (2018) caused massive damage to lives, crops, and property.

  • Coastal erosion is affecting livelihoods of fisherfolk in Nellore, Visakhapatnam, and Srikakulam.

Punjab:

  • Unseasonal rain and hailstorms during harvest season are damaging crops.

  • Shifting weather patterns are leading to delayed sowing and harvesting, especially for Basmati rice and wheat.

🚰 Water Crisis


Andhra Pradesh:

  • Rayalaseema region suffers from chronic drought; rainfall has reduced over the years.

  • Over-dependence on the Krishna and Godavari rivers is not sustainable due to climate pressure.

Punjab:

  • Overdrawing of groundwater for paddy farming has led to the water table dropping by 1 meter per year in some areas.

  • Reduced snowfall in the Himalayas means lesser water in rivers like Sutlej and Beas in the long term.

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