El Nino Impact on Food Security: FAO
Why in news ?
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently forecast that El Nino may fuel more extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires and droughts.
El Niño and IOD:
- An El Niño phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was intensifying, which can adversely affect the southwest monsoon.
- While not all El Niño events negatively impact the monsoon due to its complexity, the dynamics between El Niño and the monsoon are evolving.
- The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) can balance the adverse impact of the El Nino on the South West Monsoon.
Formation of El Niño
El Niño results from a complex interplay between oceanic and atmospheric forces. The primary catalyst is the weakening of the east-to-west trade winds that typically prevail across the tropical Pacific Ocean.
This weakened wind pattern enables warm water from the western Pacific to flow back to the eastern Pacific, causing a rise in sea surface temperatures.
Impact of El Niño on Global Regions
Oceanic and Atmospheric Effects: El Niño influences ocean temperatures, currents, coastal fisheries, and local weather patterns spanning from Australia to South America and beyond. Warmer ocean surface waters lead to increased rainfall due to the ascent of warm air.
Regional Weather Patterns: South America experiences heightened rainfall, contributing to coastal floods and erosion. Conversely, Indonesia and Australia face dry conditions, resulting in reservoir depletion and reduced river flow, posing risks to water-dependent agriculture.
How are the Emerging Climate Hotspots in India Impacted by Declining Monsoon Precipitation?
Water Stress in Central India:
Certain regions in Central India are emerging as climate change hotspots with critical implications for water, food, and ecological security.
Persistent water stress and urban centers facing water shortages pose challenges.
Declining Monsoon Precipitation:
Monsoon precipitation has been declining since the 1950s, potentially due to reduced land-sea thermal gradients due to the warming of the seas.
Source – The Hindu
