Warming Monsoon Warning

Winter in Kohima may be bitterly cold, but it is making headlines for quite the opposite reason. Recently, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) and Down to Earth revealed in its report that Kohima recorded higher-than-normal minimum temperatures on 98% of monsoon days between June and September, making it the highest among 34 state capitals assessed, followed by Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu at 91 per cent. The report went on to say that the state capital recorded 53 days of extreme weather events and eight deaths between January and September this year, against 46 days of excessive weather in 2024 (26 deaths), 19 days in 2023 (17 deaths) and 15 days in 2022 (10 deaths). With winter and the festive season here, the report has failed to spark interest for discussion. However, the changing weather pattern, which is evident in the rise of extreme weather events such as heatwaves, cloudbursts, droughts, flash floods, etc., over the years, should serve as a warning of a potential increase in such events and with more intensity. It is a matter of grave concern that requires attention because the cost of ignoring this change can be heavy, affecting everything from food to public health to water.

A rise in temperature during monsoon can result in erratic weather conditions, including floods and droughts, which will in turn increase the risk of crop failures, heat-related illnesses and waterborne diseases, as well as natural calamities like landslides. For a state like Nagaland, where agriculture and allied activities are the backbone of the economy, with a significant majority of the population still depending on it for livelihood. Many farmers continue to practise traditional methods of farming, particularly jhuming and terrace cultivation. They rely on monsoon rains to grow crops. So, any change in the monsoon pattern can have a detrimental impact on food production and subsequently cause a food crisis. This calls for the need to build resilience against climate change. Strategies such as adapting to the risks posed by extreme weather events, transitioning from traditional to more profitable farming methods, and implementing early warning systems can help mitigate damage. The government should address climate change by implementing climate-friendly policies, such as transitioning to renewable energy, adopting sustainable transportation practices, and safeguarding the environment. The implications of a warmer monsoon should not be underestimated.