Introduction The Himalayas, often referred to as the “Third Pole”, host the largest concentration of glaciers outside the polar regions. They are the lifeline of several major rivers in South Asia, including the Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra, and their tributaries, which support over 1.5 billion people. In recent decades, these glaciers have been shrinking at an…
Introduction The cryosphere refers to the portion of the Earth’s surface where water exists in solid form, including ice caps, glaciers, sea ice, snow cover, permafrost, and frozen ground. It plays a critical role in regulating global climate, influencing atmospheric temperatures, ocean circulation, sea levels, and the hydrological cycle. Covering approximately 9% of Earth’s land…
Introduction Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” are among the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. They provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for nearly one-quarter of all marine species, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. Beyond biodiversity, coral ecosystems contribute to human societies by…
Introduction Climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality, reshaping coastlines, ecosystems, and human settlements worldwide. Among the most vulnerable regions are India’s vast coastal zones, stretching over 7,500 kilometers. In particular, the Sundarbans — the world’s largest mangrove forest — and Mumbai — India’s financial capital — stand at the…
Introduction Earth’s climate system is a complex interaction of various atmospheric, oceanic, and terrestrial processes. Among the most influential natural climatic phenomena that disrupt this balance are El Niño and La Niña, collectively known as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO). These irregular periodic variations in sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and wind patterns in the central…
Introduction In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of natural disasters have escalated dramatically across the globe. These disasters—ranging from cyclones, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and droughts—are increasingly linked to the growing impacts of climate change. Rising global temperatures, melting glaciers, erratic rainfall, and rising sea levels are not only environmental challenges but also catalysts for…
Introduction Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century, with its effects disproportionately impacting developing countries. Despite contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions, these nations bear the highest burden of climate-related disasters such as rising temperatures, extreme weather events, sea-level rise, water scarcity, and agricultural disruptions. Developing countries,…
Introduction The Indian Ocean, the third-largest ocean in the world, is a critical resource for many countries bordering its vast expanse. It provides significant ecological, economic, and strategic benefits. The exploitation of resources from the Indian Ocean, including fishing, oil and gas extraction, deep-sea mining, and shipping activities, has led to various ecological problems. These…