Topic: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc., geographical features and their location-changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes.
1. Examine the reasons for the increasing incidence of heatwaves in different parts of the country, and to what extent is climate change responsible for this trend? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
Around 350 million Indians were exposed to strong heat stress between April and May 2022. Between 1990 and 2019, summer temperatures on average rose by 0.5-0.9°C across districts in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Rajasthan; about 54% of India’s districts have also seen a similar rise in winter temperatures.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about heat waves and causes of heat wave conditions and role of climate change on 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:
Start by defining a heat wave.
Body:
In the first part of the body, start by mentioning the criteria for a heat wave: in temperature for plains, coastal areas and hilly areas. The criteria for a severe heat wave.
In the next part, mention the causes behind heat waves in India. Write about the ways in which climate change impacts heatwaves in India and to what extent.
Conclusion:
Conclude by writing about measures that must be taken to tackle heatwaves in India.
