Syllabus: GS –III & V: Climate Change

Why in the news?

The winter of 2025–26 in Assam has shown abnormal warmth, absence of rainfall, and shrinking cold spells, as confirmed by data from the India Meteorological Department. These anomalies point towards an accelerating climate crisis in one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions.

What exactly happened this winter?

• December recorded higher-than-normal temperatures across most districts.
• Guwahati had only six days of normal maximum temperature, while North Lakhimpur experienced appreciably above-normal temperatures for 23 days.
• Dibrugarh, Dhubri, and Silchar also saw persistent warmth, both in daytime and night temperatures.
• No rainfall was recorded in December, an unusual feature even for Assam’s relatively dry winter.
• A brief cold spell with dense fog in late December temporarily reduced daytime temperatures but quickly faded.
• January 2026 saw maximum temperatures between 25 to 28 degree Celsius, remaining 3 degree Celsius or more above normal for over ten consecutive days.

This pattern signals that winter itself is weakening in Assam.

Why is this alarming?

• Assam and the Northeast region are climate hotspots, due to fragile ecosystems, high forest dependence, and rainfall-driven agriculture.
• Scientific studies show a long-term warming trend and decline in annual rainfall across Northeast and eastern India.
• Urban centres in Assam, Manipur, and Tripura are warming faster due to urban heat island effects, loss of green cover, and unplanned expansion.
• Reduced winter rainfall affects soil moisture, groundwater recharge, and rabi crops, increasing livelihood insecurity.

Key climate impacts already visible

• Agriculture:
  • Crop stress, pest outbreaks, and uncertainty in sowing cycles.
• Water security:
  • Drying springs and falling groundwater levels, especially in hill and foothill regions.
• Disasters:
  • Higher risk of drought-like conditions, followed by flash floods during intense rainfall events.
• Forests and biodiversity:
  • Forest cover loss weakens Assam’s natural climate buffer, reducing resilience to heat and floods.

Important terms explained 

• Climate anomaly: A departure from long-term average weather conditions.
• Urban heat island: Cities becoming hotter than surrounding rural areas due to concrete surfaces and low vegetation.
• Climate resilience: The ability of communities and ecosystems to absorb climate shocks and recover.
• Erratic monsoon: Unpredictable rainfall timing and intensity.
• Circular economy: A system focused on reuse and minimal waste to reduce environmental pressure.
• Adaptation strategies: Measures taken to adjust to climate impacts rather than only reducing emissions.

Policy and institutional response

• Assam aligns with the National Action Plan on Climate Change, especially missions on sustainable agriculture, water, and Himalayan ecosystems.
• State-level efforts include flood management programmes, forest conservation initiatives, and climate-resilient farming models.
• However, experts stress the need for region-specific climate adaptation, not one-size-fits-all policies.

What must be done urgently?

• Strengthen climate-resilient agriculture, including crop diversification and drought-resistant varieties.
• Protect forests, wetlands, and water bodies, especially floodplains of the Brahmaputra.
• Urban climate planning, with green spaces and heat mitigation strategies.
• Integrated disaster management, linking drought, flood, and heat preparedness.
• Community-based adaptation, involving farmers, indigenous groups, and local institutions.

Conclusion

The abnormal winter in Assam is not an isolated event, but part of a dangerous climatic pattern. As temperatures rise and rainfall becomes unreliable, the climate crisis threatens livelihoods, ecosystems, and social stability. Timely, coordinated, and region-sensitive action is no longer optional—it is essential.

Exam Hook

Key Takeaways:

• Assam is witnessing warming winters and declining rainfall.
• Climate change impacts are already visible in agriculture, water, and disaster patterns.
• The Northeast requires customised climate adaptation strategies.

Mains Question:
“Discuss the emerging climate anomalies in Assam and examine the need for region-specific climate adaptation strategies in the Northeast.”

SOURCE