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. The world’s glaciers are shrinking at a faster rate than before. Discuss in detail the impact of glacial melt across the World. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: The Hindu
Why the question:
The World Meteorological Organization’s recent report, The Global Climate 2011-2020, gives a broad view of the planet’s response to greenhouse gas emissions. In the section on the state of glacier health, it points out that, on average, the world’s glaciers thinned by approximately a metre a year from 2011 to 2020.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the causes and impact of glacial melt across the World.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context.
Body:
First, write about the major causes leading to glacier melt. Cite statistics to substantiate.
Next, write about the impact of glacial melt – Altered River flows, Impact on economic activities, Impact on weather pattern, Impact on humans and wildlife etc.
Next, write about the various measures that need to be taken.
Conclusion:
Conclude with a way forward.
