Climate change is causing profound alterations in ecosystems, triggering cascading impacts on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human livelihoods, which demands integrated approaches to conservation and climate adaptation. Analyse.

Impact of climate change: (1) It has led to alteration in ecosystem → Arctic melting aggravated leading to positive feedback loop. → Antarctic expected to be ice free by 2100. → Presence of green cover found in Antarctica. (2) Land degradation, desertification (e.g. 25% of India's land resource undergoing land degradation). (3) Reduction in coral reefs due to bleaching (e.g. 90-100% of corals herself will be lost by 2035 [IPCC Report]). (4) Alteration in migratory patterns in animals (e.g. Olive ridley turtles along Ganjam's sanctuary). (5) Reduction in productivity of ecosystem → Pressure on cape carrying capacity of habitat (e.g. Glacial melting affecting himalayan). (6) Extreme weather events increased by 45 times (e.g. Delhi heat waves). (7) Loss of 40% of labour productivity, 8°/. of working hours slue due to climate change (WEF Report). (8) 436 million women and girls will be pushed in poverty, hunger by 2035. (UN Women Report) → Creation of climate refugee → migration → Reduction in crop productivity, food security threat.

Approach towards climate change: (1) Prioritisation of sustainable development and implementation of NDCs under Paris Agreement. (2) Global transition towards clean energy (e.g. PICA under Green Grid Initiative-OSOWOG). (3) Bottom up approach to tackle climate change (e.g. Mission LIFE). (4) Environmental preservation by measures like community afforestation. (5) Rainwater harvesting through integrated development projects. (6) Promotion of Blue-Green Infrastructure. (7) Penetration of climate-smart agriculture (e.g. Zero Budget Natural Farming, Organic farming; SDG 19-climate action concerted, comprehensive efforts are needed to tackle climate change and avoid the 'tipping point' ahead).

— ANKITA ANIL PATIL · AIR 140