Human-Caused Climate Change Intensifies Rainfall in Nepal, Study Indicates
A recent study by World Weather Attribution reveals that human-induced climate change has intensified rainfall in Nepal by ten percent, leading to severe floods in September that claimed over 240 lives. The analysis highlights the urgent need for Nepal to restrict development in flood-prone areas and improve disaster preparedness to mitigate future risks. Scientists underscore the critical connection between fossil fuel emissions and intensified weather events, suggesting immediate action towards renewable energy transitions.
A recent analysis conducted by the World Weather Attribution (WWA) has determined that human-induced climate change has exacerbated the intensity of rainfall in Nepal by approximately ten percent, contributing to the devastating floods that occurred in late September and resulted in over 240 fatalities. The floods, prompted by three consecutive days of extreme precipitation beginning September 26, have caused significant destruction, particularly in central and eastern Nepal, where some areas recorded rainfall exceeding 320 mm on September 28. The adverse weather effects, marking unprecedented flooding events in the Kathmandu Valley, have highlighted the urgent need for Nepal to reduce its developmental activities in flood-prone areas, particularly along riversides, to safeguard the population against future disasters. The WWA analysis is supported by a consortium of international scientists focused on assessing the link between climate change and extreme meteorological phenomena. Their findings emphasize that continued reliance on fossil fuels poses significant risks for future weather patterns, with the potential for even more severe flooding unless a transition to renewable energy is undertaken. Kathmandu, which has expanded rapidly over the decades, is particularly vulnerable due to its geographical positioning within a bowl-shaped valley around the Bagmati River. The WWA researchers advocate for the implementation of stringent regulations on development in areas at high risk for flooding. They further recommend the enhancement of early warning systems and prompt disaster response measures as critical steps towards mitigating risks associated with future flood events. The study, involving twenty researchers from esteemed institutions across several countries, reiterates the urgent message surrounding climate change. Mariam Zachariah from the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London stated, “If the atmosphere wasn’t overloaded with fossil fuel emissions, these floods would have been less intense, less destructive and less deadly.” Additionally, Roshan Jha from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay noted, “Clearly, climate change is no longer a distant threat in Asia,” citing the increased moisture capacity of a warming atmosphere as a key factor leading to more intense precipitation and resultant flooding.
This report underscores the increasing impact of climate change on extreme weather events, particularly in vulnerable regions such as Asia. The WWA has been actively engaged in researching the link between anthropogenic climate change and the frequency and intensity of disasters such as floods, storms, and droughts. Given the region’s susceptibility to such weather extremes, these findings call for immediate action in urban development and emergency preparedness to protect communities. Nepal’s recent floods serve as a crucial case study demonstrating the tangible effects of climate change driven by fossil fuel consumption and the urgent need for systemic changes in energy use and land development practices.
In summary, the analysis by World Weather Attribution has established a direct correlation between human activities contributing to climate change and the intensification of rainfall experienced in Nepal, which had catastrophic consequences in terms of loss of life and property. The findings advocate for necessary reforms in urban planning and adapted strategies aimed at disaster risk reduction, particularly in areas susceptible to flooding. Urgent action towards transitioning to renewable energy sources is emphasized as a critical measure to alleviate the escalating threat of such extreme weather events in the future.
Original Source: theprint.in
