As the Bay of Bengal braces for Cyclone Remal, the first of this year’s pre-monsoon season, set to hit the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh by May 26 evening, concerns deepen beyond the immediate meteorological impact. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Remal could intensify to severe status with winds reaching up to 102 kilometers per hour, accompanied by very heavy rainfall affecting regions including West Bengal, north Odisha, and parts of the Northeast. The IMD’s warnings reflect a troubling trend: cyclonic storms in the region are not only becoming more frequent but are also intensifying rapidly, retaining their potency over longer periods. This change is linked directly to the increasing sea surface temperatures in the Indian Ocean, a direct consequence of climate change. With the oceans absorbing the bulk of excess heat generated from greenhouse gas emissions, the last three decades have seen the highest sea surface temperatures since records began in 1880. This scenario presents a dual challenge. On the immediate front, there is a pressing need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Fisherfolk have been advised to return to shore, and coastal communities must be on high alert. However, the broader, more daunting challenge lies in addressing the root cause: the relentless warming of our planet. Cyclones are natural phenomena, but their altered behavior is a clear signal from our environment — a signal that cannot be ignored. Madhavan Rajeevan, former secretary of the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences, points out that while the atmospheric conditions such as vertical wind shear also play a critical role, the fundamental driver of cyclone intensity — the oceanic temperature — is alarmingly high. While models suggest that Cyclone Remal might not impede the progress of the monsoon, the long-term implications of such cyclonic activities on seasonal weather patterns and agriculture are significant and warrant close monitoring. As we face these immediate threats, the call to action becomes clearer. Global efforts to combat climate change must be intensified. Regional cooperation for better prediction and management of such natural disasters needs to be strengthened, and above all, a concerted global push towards sustainable environmental practices is imperative. Cyclone Remal is not just a storm; it is a stark reminder of our warming world’s rising fury. We must heed this warning and act decisively

By Vishal Parihar Sir

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