Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
1. Examine the potential threat of a “wet-bulb summer” in India. Is India prepared to handle such extreme events? What measures must be taken in order to mitigate the effects of extreme heat?
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
India this year experienced its warmest February since 1877, and in November last year, the World Bank warned that India could become one of the first places in the world where wet-bulb temperatures could increase beyond the survivability threshold of 35°C.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the wet-bulb summer, threats posed it and potential ways to mitigate it.
Directive word:
Examine – When asked to ‘Examine’, we must investigate the topic (content words) in detail, inspect it, investigate it and establish the key facts and issues related to the topic in question. While doing so we should explain why these facts and issues are important and their implications.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by the concept of wet bulb summer.
Body:
First, write about the potential Hazards of a wet bulb summer – health, animals, agriculture and infrastructure etc. wet-bulb summer are becoming increasingly relevant due to the effects of climate change
Write about the potential mitigation strategies – improving urban planning, increasing access to cooling technologies, and promoting public awareness and education.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing a way forward.
