Lightning Linked to Climate Change
TerraGreen|August - September 2023
Climate change impacts are transforming the already-terrifying phenomenon of lightning into a more deadly climate hazard than it was before. In this article, Athar Parvaiz casts light on a recent spike in deaths due to lightning in the country, along with suggesting probable mitigation tactics.
Athar Parvaiz
Lightning Linked to Climate Change

Kills Thousands in India

It has been two months since a lightning strike killed four villagers in Budgam and Pulwama districts of Kashmir in two separate incidents—two of them were killed while herding their sheep in a pasture, while a young couple succumbed to the lightning strike in their farm. People in the Budgam village hit by these lethal strikes on May 6, 2023 were scared out of their skins as they “have never seen someone getting killed by lightning in and around their villages.”

As many as 2863 extreme weather events in J&K have killed 552 people, between 2010 and 2022, besides causing heavy damage to infrastructure and livestock, says a study ‘Extreme Weather Events induced mortalities in Jammu and Kashmir, India during 2010–2022’, published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction.

Interestingly, out of the total extreme weather events, 1942 are the lightning events—forming the bulk of the overall extreme weather events—followed by 409 heavy rainfall events, 186 landslides, 168 flash floods, 48 heat waves, 42 heavy snowfall events, 37 cold waves, and 31 windstorms in the time period analysed in the study.

Mukhtar Ahmed, lead author of the aforementioned study, said that there has been an increase in extreme weather events, especially lightning, over the past two decades, which is seen as a manifestation of global warming and human-caused climate change.

Ahmed said that deaths due to extreme weather events have also increased over the years. He, however, added that despite the increase in extreme weather events, deaths due to heavy rain and snow have decreased, which is mainly attributed to better early warning, weather forecasts and improved disaster management. “Otherwise, such mortalities would have been manifold,” Ahmed said.

This story is from the August - September 2023 edition of TerraGreen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August - September 2023 edition of TerraGreen.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TERRAGREENView All
Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce The Rise of Vocational Education in India
TerraGreen

Empowering Tomorrow's Workforce The Rise of Vocational Education in India

The young population in India presents both opportunities and challenges, as the workforce needs practical skills that conventional education often lacks. Vocational education and training VET) is essential to provide job-specific expertise, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and industry demands. In this article, Amarpreet Kaur and Vidhi Rani highlight that vocational education and training serve as a cornerstone in India’s efforts to propel economic growth and empower its burgeoning workforce. Vocational education and training are a fundamental component of modern education systems, addressing a pressing need in society. The alignment of VET with the G20 objectives emphasizes its crucial role in inclusive growth, employment, and human capital development.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
Eco-conscious and Sustainability-focused Brand Kheoni Paving the Way for a Greener Future
TerraGreen

Eco-conscious and Sustainability-focused Brand Kheoni Paving the Way for a Greener Future

\"If you really, truly are into sustainability, you cannot operate in isolation. You need to be transparent.\" -Khayal Garg, Green Warrior

time-read
4 mins  |
May 2024
Water Sustainability Flexible approaches for managing and conserving water resources
TerraGreen

Water Sustainability Flexible approaches for managing and conserving water resources

In this article, Vijeta Thakur and Dr S K Bhardwaj discuss innovative technologies for water conservation along with urban water management solutions. They also explore policy and governance approaches regarding water conservation. Implementing Integrated Water Resource Management IWRM) helps coordinate the management of water resources across different sectors and stakeholders, balancing competing demands and ensuring sustainable use. Developing transparent and equitable water allocation systems, coupled with appropriate pricing mechanisms that reflect the true value of water, can incentivize conservation and efficient use while ensuring access for all.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
Lady Banks' Rose A Lady's Shady Rose
TerraGreen

Lady Banks' Rose A Lady's Shady Rose

The world may have been having an irate look towards China, cursing her for COVID-19 virus, assertions in South China Sea, and her alleged expansionist policies and so on. Whether she really deserves these insinuations may be a matter of academic discussions; there however, is no denying to the fact that the old Dragon has bestowed the world with things beautiful enough to capture anybody's attention

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
The Vanishing Bristled Grassbird
TerraGreen

The Vanishing Bristled Grassbird

In this article, Dr Surya Prakash tells us about the bristled grassbird, known scientifically as Chaetornis striatus. Endemic to the Indian subcontinent, the bristled grassbird finds itself perilously perched on the brink of endangerment, classified as a‘Vulnerable Species’ by the IUCN since 2010. The relentless decline in its population can be attributed primarily to habitat loss. Keep reading to know more...

time-read
2 mins  |
May 2024
Embracing Climate Disclosure Governance India's Banking Sector's Resilient Step
TerraGreen

Embracing Climate Disclosure Governance India's Banking Sector's Resilient Step

With the introduction of the Disclosure Framework on Climate-related Financial Risks 2024)’ by RBI, it is quite apparent that the banking sector is continuously striving towards sustainability and climate sensitization. The new framework evolves the narrative, acknowledging the inevitability of climate change affecting these entities and, consequently, the broader financial stability. The framework not only acts as a means to inform the various stakeholders about climate-related issues but also to develop a narrative of financial resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges related to climate risks. Naman Mishra and Dr Megha Jain say that the framework is built upon four main pillars—Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics Targets. Keep reading to know more...

time-read
3 mins  |
May 2024
India's Carbon Market On the Verge of Reality
TerraGreen

India's Carbon Market On the Verge of Reality

In this article, Yukta Anand and Prof. Asheesh Pandey throw light on carbon market, which is soon going to be a reality for India.

time-read
6 mins  |
May 2024
Water Equation India and the Nordics
TerraGreen

Water Equation India and the Nordics

The Nordic countries, known for their commitment to sustainable development and environmental protection, offer invaluable knowledge and technologies to improve water management practices. From state-of-the-art water purification systems to sustainable irrigation techniques, Nordic expertise provides crucial tools to mitigate the effects of climate change on water resources. In this thought-provoking article, Biba Jasmine discusses that by utilizing the expertise and cutting-edge technologies from the Nordic region, Indian industries can enhance their water management systems, reduce pollution, and increase resource efficiency.

time-read
10 mins  |
May 2024
Charging towards Sustainability The Circular Revolution of EV Battery Recycling
TerraGreen

Charging towards Sustainability The Circular Revolution of EV Battery Recycling

Ankit Sharma is the Co-Founder & Director, Vidyuta Materials Pvt. Ltd., which stands at the forefront of innovation in the energy storage industry, pioneering the manufacturing of cutting-edge battery materials for the batteries used in energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVS), mobiles, laptops, etc.

time-read
5 mins  |
May 2024
The Magic of Traditional Indian Barbeque Strengthening local economy and sustainability
TerraGreen

The Magic of Traditional Indian Barbeque Strengthening local economy and sustainability

Manu Shrivastava's article highlights the traditional dishes of South Gujarat and Maharashtra's Konkan region-ubadiyu, undhiyu, and popti.

time-read
7 mins  |
May 2024