Context:
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released State of Global Climate Report 2023.
Key Findings:
- 2023 was the warmest year on record, keeping in line with the pattern observed between 2015 and 2023 – the 9 warmest years on record.
- Atmospheric concentration of 3 major greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide – reached record highs in 2022.
- Oceans have absorbed around 25% of annual man-made carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.
- Ocean heat content in 2023 was the highest on record.
- Most disaster-impacted region last year – Asia and the Pacific
- Floods and storms were the leading cause of death by natural hazards in Asia in 2023, affecting India, Pakistan, and Yemen the worst.
Status of India:
- India experienced a record-high monthly mean temperature and exceptional rainfall deficit, which can be linked to El Nino
- Tropical cyclone activity over the North Indian Ocean was slightly above average, such as the Cyclone Michaung that made landfall in Andhra Pradesh.
- Glacial Lake Outburst Flood in Sikkim led to the collapse of the Teesta III hydroelectric dam
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the:
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(a) Food and Agriculture Organization
(b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
(c) World Trade Organisation
(d) United Nations Environment Programme
Answer: (c)
