15 Districts of Karnataka Vulnerable to Climate Extremes Including Flood, Drought: Study

15 districts of Karnataka have been found vulnerable to climate change; topping the leaderboard is Bagalkot, followed by Bengaluru Urban and Bengaluru Rural, as per a report published by a study by a Benguluru-based Institute for Social and Economic Changes. This was first reported by Deccan Herald.

The study also discussed a range of data, including historical rainfall figures, socioeconomics, gross domestic product, demography, and per capita income (PCI) of the districts to develop exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability, which helped to make the final vulnerability index of the districts.

As per the study, Kodgau, Uttara Kanadda, Chikkamagaluru, and Shivamogga in western ghats are among eight districts highly exposed to climate extremes.

The study also finds eight more districs exposed to climate risks like floods and droughts, with Udupi on top of the list, followed by Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, and Yadgir.

The regions in the Ghats with an average yearly precipitation of around 4,000 mm are at risk because any variation in the rainfall patterns could lead to flooding.

Researchers Karnika A and professor Krishna Raj aimed to analyse the climate vulnerability levels of 30 districts (including undivided Bellari) and understand the status of various socio-economic groups via the study.

The vulnerability is determined by a mix of variables. An example is Bengaluru, which has high per capita income but also high pollution levels. Raj explains in the study that both Bengaluru urban and rural districts are extremely vulnerable due to increasing air pollution, lack of clean water, health risks, inadequate housing access, and exposure of unorganised workers.

The sensitivity index ranks Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Ballari, Davangere, Chitradurga, and Tumakuru based on how well they will cope up with climate extremes and the size and length of such events.

However, the vulnerability of a district is not solely determined by the exposure index but rather by its ability to withstand and bounce back from the event considering its exposure and sensitivity.

The research also reportedly suggests implementing extended programmes and strategies in addition to the adaptation strategies in agriculture, horticulture, and other areas to address the challenges brought by climate change.