Delhi has shattered previous records by reaching an unprecedented temperature of 52.3 degrees Celsius this year, highlighting the severe impacts of climate change. Rising global temperatures, driven primarily by human activities such as burning fossil fuels, are leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, storms, droughts, and floods. These changes disrupt ecosystems, agriculture, water resources, and human health.
A new interactive map created by the University of Maryland’s spatial ecologist Matthew Fitzpatrick, titled “Future Urban Planets,” reveals how climate change is transforming our planet. This map uses complex data analysis to project the future climate of thousands of cities, towns, and suburbs worldwide, offering a glimpse of what urban areas might experience in 60 years.
“In 50 years, northern hemisphere cities will become more like cities further south, with climate conditions moving towards the equator,” said Fitzpatrick. This forecast paints a grim picture for 2080, with data from over 40,000 locations worldwide indicating significant temperature increases.
For New Delhi, the map projects that by 2080, summer temperatures could rise by 4.5 degrees Celsius and become 1.4 percent drier. Winter temperatures are expected to increase by 4.9 degrees Celsius.
Mumbai, another major city, faces a future with summers 3.4 degrees Celsius warmer and 7.4 percent wetter, while winters are expected to be 4.5 degrees Celsius warmer and 5.8 percent wetter. Recently, Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall, disrupting train services and flights, with some areas receiving more than 300 mm of rain in just six hours.
Even popular winter destinations are not spared. Srinagar, for instance, is projected to be 5.4 degrees Celsius warmer by 2080, making winter temperatures uncomfortably high.
The “Future Urban Planets” map underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate the effects of climate change. By highlighting the dramatic changes cities will face, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing sustainable practices to protect our planet for future generations.
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