Climatic Regions and Climate Change Notes Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Kerala Syllabus Questions and Answers

Students often refer to SCERT Class 10 Social Science Notes Kerala Syllabus and Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Climatic Regions and Climate Change Notes Questions and Answers English Medium that include all exercises in the prescribed syllabus.

SSLC Geography Chapter 2 Notes Pdf English Medium Climatic Regions and Climate Change

SCERT Class 10 Social Science Geography Chapter 2 Climatic Regions and Climate Change Notes Question Answer Kerala Syllabus

Class 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes Kerala Syllabus Climatic Regions and Climate Change

Question 1.
Didn’t you know that the Indian subcontinent, of which our country is a part, receives rain mostly during the monsoon season?
Answer:
The Indian subcontinent, comprising countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and SriLanka, gets most of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season, which typically spans from June to September. This is due to the Southwest Monsoon, a seasonal wind that brings moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean. As this air moves inland and meets the Western Ghats, the Himalayas, and other elevated terrain, it rises, cools, and releases heavy rainfall. In fact, in many parts of India, more than 70% – 80% of the yearly rainfall happens during this period. It’s a huge part of life in the region; agriculture, water supply, and even the economy relies heavily on a good monsoon.

Question 2.
Is monsoon climate experienced only in the Indian subcontinent?
Answer:
No, the monsoon climate is not only in the Indian subcontinent but also occurs in Southeast Asia, East Asia, West Africa, Northern Australia, and parts of South America.

Question 3.
Some other regions of the world also experience similar climatic conditions. Observe the map given below and the atlas and list the regions experiencing a monsoon climate.

Answer:
Based on the map provided, the regions of the world that experience a monsoon climate include:

1. South Asia: India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and surrounding areas.
2. Southeast Asia: Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
3. East Asia: Southern parts of China and parts of Japan.
4. West Africa: Coastal regions including Nigeria, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.
5. East Africa: Areas like Tanzania and Mozambique.
6. Northern Australia
7. Northeastern South America: Northern Brazil and nearby regions.
8. Parts of Central America and the Caribbean: Some coastal zones in southern Mexico and surrounding areas.

Question 4.
Does convectional rainfall occur in the monsoon climatic region?
Answer:
Yes, convectional rainfall occurs in monsoon climatic regions, especially during the hot summer months. In monsoon regions, convectional rainfall happens when the land heats up due to the sun, causing the air above it to become warm and rise. As this warm, moist air rises, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and resulting in heavy, short-duration rainfall, often with thunder and lightning. This type of rain is common in the afternoons and contributes to the overall rainfall during the monsoon season. So, while the majority of rainfall in these regions comes from monsoon winds, convectional rainfall also plays an important role, especially at the beginning of the rainy season.

Question 5.
With the help of ICT, collect images of plants and animals found in monsoon forests and create a digital album of the same. Caption them.
Answer:
(Hints)

Question 6.
Why are crops like jute, sugarcane, rice, etc are called tropical crops?
Answer:
These crops are called tropical crops because they are grown mainly in tropical regions, which lie between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. These areas have:

• Warm temperatures throughout the year
• High humidity
• Heavy rainfall, especially during the monsoon season

Such climatic conditions are ideal for the growth of crops like rice, sugarcane, cotton, tea, coffee, and bananas, which thrive in hot and moist environments typical of the tropics.

Question 7.
Shifting cultivation has different names in different countries of the monsoon region. Find these names.
Answer:

Country/Region	Local name for shifting cultivation
India (Northeast)	Jhum
Myanmar (Burma)	Taungya
Thailand	Chena or Ray
Indonesia	Ladang or Huma
Philippines	Kaingin
Sri Lanka	Chena
Central and West Africa	Milpa or Swidden (varies locally)

Question 8.
With the help of map given below and atlas, identify the countries in which tropical grasslands are found.

Answer:
Based on the map provided and using an atlas, tropical grasslands (also known as Savannas) are found in the following countries:

Africa (Savanna)

• Kenya
• Tanzania
• Nigeria
• Sudan
• South Sudan
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe
• Angola
• Botswana
• Democratic Republic of Congo

South America (Llanos & Campos)

• Venezuela (Llanos region)
• Brazil (Campos region)
• Argentina
• Colombia (Llanos region)
• Paraguay

Australia
Northern Australia

Question 9.
Observe the map given below and atlas, identify the continents where hot deserts are located.

Answer:
Hot deserts are located in the following continents:

• Africa: Contains the Sahara Desert, Kalahari Desert, and Namib Desert.
• Asia: Contains the Arabian Desert.
• Australia: Contains the Australian Desert.
• North America: Includes parts of the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts.
• South America: Contains the Atacama Desert.

So, the continents with hot deserts are:

• Africa
• Asia
• Australia
• North America
• South America

Question 10.
Locate hot deserts in the outline map and include in ‘My Own Atlas’.
Answer:

Question 11.
What are oases?
Answer:
Oases (plural of oasis) are fertile areas in a desert where water is available. They are like natural “green spots” in the middle of dry, arid surroundings.

Key Features of Oases:

• Water Source: They usually have water from underground springs or aquifers.
• Vegetation: Plants like date palms, grasses, and shrubs grow there.
• Habitation: People often settle near oases due to access to water and the ability to grow crops.
• Importance: They serve as rest stops for travellers and trade routes in desert areas.

Question 12.
Identify and list the animals found in hot deserts. Collect their pictures with the help of ICT and prepare a digital album.
Answer:
(Hints: based on the list of animals given below, collect their images and prepare a digital album)

Animal	Common Desert Habitat
Camel (Dromedary)	Sahara, Arabian
Fennec Fox	Sahara
Sidewinder Snake	Mojave, Sonoran (North America)
Desert Lizard (Agama)	Sahara, Arabian
Meerkat	Kalahari
Jerboa	Arabian, Sahara

Question 13.
Observe the map given below and atlas, identify the areas included in the Mediterranean climatic region. Depict them on the world map and add to My Own Atlas.

Answer:
Regions to Include on the World Map:

• Europe: Coastal areas around the Mediterranean Sea (e.g., Spain, Italy, Greece, southern France)
• North Africa: Northern coastal parts of countries like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia
• West Asia: Parts of Turkey, Lebanon, and Israel
• North America: California (central and southern coastal areas)
• South America: Central Chile (coastal region)
• South Africa: Southwestern Cape region (around Cape Town)
• Australia: Southwestern coast (around Perth)

Question 14.
Observe the map given below. Find out the continents where grasslands are located and complete the table below.

Answer:

Continents	Name of the Grassland
North America	Prairies
South America	Pampas
Europe	Steppes
Asia	Steppes
Africa	Veld
Australia	Downs

Question 15.
Observe the map given below to identify the continents where Taiga region is located, and include it in My Own Atlas.

Answer:
Based on the map of the Taiga Region, the Taiga (also known as Boreal Forest) is located in the Northern Hemisphere, primarily between 50° and 661/2° N latitude.

Continent	Presence of Taiga Region
North America	Yes
Europe	Yes
Asia	Yes
Africa	No
South America	No
Australia	No

Question 16.
Lumbering is more industrialised in the Taiga region than in the equatorial region. Why?
Answer:
Lumbering is more industrialised in the Taiga region than in the equatorial region because the trees in the Taiga are tall, straight, and grow close together, making them easy to cut with machines. The cold climate and frozen ground allow machines to work better. Also, Taiga regions are in developed countries like Canada and Russia, which have good roads and modern technology. On the other hand, equatorial forests are very thick, hot, and wet, with uneven trees and poor transport, which makes cutting and moving the wood difficult.

Question 17.
Haven’t you understood the different climatic regions of the world and their characteristics? Complete the table given below, based on their characteristics.
Answer:

Climatic Region	Location	Climate	Vegetation	Human Activities
Equatorial	0° to 10° North and South latitudes	Hot and humid all year; heavy rainfall	Dense evergreen rainforests	Shifting cultivation, hunting, tourism
Tropical Desert	Around 20° to 30° N and S latitudes	Very hot days, cool nights; very little rainfall	Very sparse vegetation – cactus, shrubs	Nomadic herding, limited farming near oases
Monsoon (Tropical Wet and Dry)	10° to 30° N and S (mainly in Asia)	Hot summers, mild winters, heavy seasonal rain	Deciduous trees, tall grasses	Rice and wheat farming, fishing, and animal husbandry
Mediterranean	30° to 45° N and S on west coasts	Warm, dry summers; mild, wet winters	Bushes, shrubs, olive and citrus trees	Farming (grapes, olives), tourism, wine industry
Temperate Grasslands	40° to 50° N and S (interior continents)	Warm summers, cold winters, moderate rainfall	Grasses, a few trees	Mechanised farming, cattle rearing
Taiga	50° to 661/2° N latitude	Long cold winters, short cool summers	Coniferous forests (pine, spruce)	Lumbering, fur hunting
Tundra	Near the Arctic Circle (around 661/2° N)	Extremely cold; snow for most of the year	Mosses, lichens, no trees	Reindeer herding, fishing, limited hunting

Question 18.
Below are some of the activities that cause climate change. Find more of them and classify them as natural and anthropogenic causes.
■ Deforestation
■ Oil mining
■ Industrialisation
■ Volcanic eruption
■ Ocean currents
Answer:

Natural Causes	Anthropogenic (Human-made) Causes
Volcanic eruption	Deforestation
Ocean currents	Oil mining
Solar radiation changes	Industrialisation
Natural forest fires	Burning fossil fuels (coal, petrol, etc.)
Earth’s orbital changes	Transportation (vehicles, airplanes)
–	Agriculture (especially livestock)
–	Use of aerosols and CFCs

Question 19.
How does climate change affect human life?
Answer:
Climate change affects human life in many serious ways. It causes more extreme weather events like heavy rainfall, floods, droughts, storms, and heatwaves. These events can destroy homes, farms, and roads, making it hard for people to live and work. Rising temperatures can lead to health issues such as heatstroke, breathing problems, and the spread of diseases like malaria and dengue. Sea levels are rising because of melting ice, which can flood coastal cities and force people to leave their homes. Climate change also makes farming harder by affecting rainfall and soil, which can lead to food shortages and higher prices. Overall, climate change is a big challenge that affects our health, safety, and daily life.

Question 20.
Identity how climate change affects climatic regions, and prepare a note.
Answer:
Climate change affects all climatic regions of the world in different ways:

Equatorial Region:

• More frequent and intense rainfall or droughts.
• Forests may dry out, leading to loss of biodiversity.

Tropical Deserts:

• Hotter temperatures and longer dry periods.
• Water scarcity becomes worse.

Monsoon Regions:

• Irregular and unpredictable rainfall.
• Floods and droughts affect farming and water supply.

Temperate Regions:

• Warmer winters and hotter summers.
• Increased risk of wildfires and storms.

Taiga Region:

• Melting snow and frozen ground (permafrost).
• Forests may catch fire more easily.

Tundra Region:

• Rapid warming leads to melting of ice and snow.
• Animal habitats are disturbed and some species may go extinct.

Polar Regions:

• Ice sheets and glaciers are melting quickly.
• Sea levels are rising, and wildlife like polar bears are at risk.

Std 10 Geography Chapter 2 Notes Kerala Syllabus – Extended Activities

Question 1.
Compare the climate and life of people in different climatic regions and prepare a note. For this, information about climate and life of people in different regions of world can be collected with the help of IT.
Answer:
1. Equatorial Region
Climate: Hot and humid throughout the year with heavy rainfall. No distinct seasons.
Life of People: People live in small communities, often depending on hunting, gathering, fishing, and shifting cultivation. Dense forests and frequent rains make transport and modem development difficult.

2. Tropical Desert Region
Climate: Very hot during the day, cold at night. Very little rainfall and dry air.
Life of People: Life is hard due to water scarcity. People live a nomadic life, rearing animals like camels and goats. In some areas, oases allow farming. Modem cities like Dubai have adapted with technology.

3. Monsoon Region (Tropical Wet and Dry)
Climate: Hot summers, mild winters, and heavy seasonal rainfall (monsoons).
Life of People: Most people are farmers, growing crops like rice, wheat, and pulses. Monsoon rains are vital for farming, but too much or too little rain can cause problems like floods or droughts.

4. Temperate Grasslands
Climate: Warm summers and cold winters. Moderate rainfall.
Life of People: Known for large-scale farming of wheat and maize using machines. Animal husbandry is also common. People live in developed rural and urban areas.

5. Mediterranean Region
Climate: Warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
Life of People: Agriculture focuses on fruits like grapes, olives, and citrus. People live in modem towns and cities, with tourism being a major source of income.

6. Taiga Region (Boreal Forest)
Climate: Very cold winters, short summers. Moderate to low rainfall.
Life of People: Sparse population. People are engaged in lumbering, fur trade, and hunting. Life is simple and adapted to the cold.

7. Tundra Region
Climate: Extremely cold with snow and ice most of the year. Very short summers.
Life of People: People like the Inuit live in harsh conditions, depending on fishing, hunting, and herding reindeer. Houses are built to protect from cold, and modem life is limited.

Question 2.
Collect indigenous climate knowledge by interviewing senior citizens in different areas. Prepare a questionnaire for this. Find out, changes that have taken place in the current climate.
Answer:

1. What changes have you noticed in the climate compared to your childhood?
2. Was the rainfall pattern different in the past? If yes, how?
3. Have summers and winters changed in terms of temperature or duration?
4. Were there more or fewer natural disasters (floods, droughts, storms) in the past?
5. Did the flowering or fruiting seasons of trees happen at a fixed time in the past? Has that changed?
6. How was farming affected by the old climate patterns? And now?
7. Have you observed any changes in the behaviour of birds or animals over the years?
8. Do you think people’s health is more affected by the weather now than before?
9. What traditional methods did people use to predict the weather?
10. Do you believe that human activities are causing climate change? Why or why not?

Climatic Regions and Climate Change Class 10 Notes Pdf

• Our Earth is enriched with diverse climates.
• Some places experience severe cold and snowfall, whereas it will be extremely hot and arid elsewhere. There are also areas with moderate temperature and humidity.
• Based on the fluctuations in elements of weather such as temperature and precipitation, the world can be divided into different climatic regions.
• Major climatic regions of the world are given below:
  • Equatorial climatic region
  • Monsoon climatic region
  • Savanna climatic region
  • Hot deserts
  • Temperate grasslands
  • Mediterranean climatic region
  • Taiga region
  • Tundra region
• A climatic region is an extensive geographical area in which similar climate characteristics are observed.
• Hot deserts are regions with very little rainfall.
• Tropical deserts are the hottest regions on earth with an average annual temperature of 30°C.
• The highest recorded temperature in A1 Aziziya in the Sahara Desert is 58° C.
• The areas about mediterranean sea are the area of the mediterranean region. It is a region that
  experiences dry summers and humid winters. Temperature of around 20 – 25° C is experienced in summer.
• The Mediterranean countries are the world’s leading producers of wine.
• About 70 precent of citrus fruit export comes from the Mediterranean countries.
• The grasslands are located in both the hemispheres at a latitude between 40° and 50° and are known by different names in different regions.
• Taiga is the Russian word for ‘coniferous trees’.
• Taiga is a cold region located between latitudes of 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Tundra region is the extreme cold zone extending from north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Canada,
  Greenland, and the Arctic coasts of Europe and Asia.
• UN defines ‘climate change’ as a long-term shift in weather patterns and temperatures that is caused by human activity or natural variability.
• Natural climate change resulting from endogenic earth processes cannot be controlled by human efforts.
• Activities such as industrialisation, land use change, and urbanisation are some of the human interventions that lead to climate change.
• Atmospheric temperature, pressure, winds, precipitation and humidity are the elements of climate.
• Climate change can be classified into two categories as natural and anthropogenic.

INTRODUCTION

This chapter “Climatic Regions and Climate Change” provides an overview of the various climatic zones found around the world and how they affect life and the environment. It begins by explaining the concept of climatic regions, which are classified based on temperature, rainfall, and seasonal patterns. Key regions discussed include hot deserts, known for their extreme heat and dry conditions; the Mediterranean region, which has hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters; and temperate grasslands, characterised by moderate rainfall and wide temperature ranges, making them ideal for farming. The chapter also covers cold regions, such as tundras and polar areas, where long, harsh winters and limited vegetation dominate. Lastly, it addresses the pressing issue of climatic change, focusing on global warming, its human and natural causes, and its significant impact on weather patterns, ecosystems, and human societies.

Climatic Region

• Our Earth is enriched with diverse climates.
• Some places experience severe cold and snowfall, whereas it will be extremely hot and arid elsewhere. There are also areas with moderate temperature and humidity.
• Based on the fluctuations in elements of weather such as temperature and precipitation, the world can be divided into different climatic regions.
• Major climatic regions of the world are given below:
  • Equatorial climatic region
  • Monsoon climatic region
  • Savanna climatic region
  • Hot deserts
  • Temperate grasslands
  • Mediterranean climatic region
  • Taiga region
  • Tundra region
• A climatic region is an extensive geographical area in which similar climate characteristics are observed.
• Each climatic region has its own unique climate, and flora and fauna develop according to it.
• Equatorial climatic region extends up to 10° North and South of the equator.

Hot deserts

• Hot deserts are regions with very little rainfall.
• Tropical deserts are the hottest regions on earth with an average annual temperature of 30°C.
• The highest recorded temperature in A1 Aziziya in the Sahara Desert is 58° C.
• Annual rainfall in desert areas is generally less than 25 cm, and in some places, it may not rain for several years.
• Western margins of continents remain dry throughout the year. This is the main reason for the formation of deserts on the western margins of continents.
• Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main means of livelihood in deserts.
• Another factor that promotes human life in desert is the presence of economically valuable minerals.

Mediterranean climatic region

• The areas about mediterranean sea is the area of the mediterranean region.
• It is a region that experiences dry summers and humid winters. Temperature of around 20 – 25° C is experienced in summer.
• Highest temperature during winter is 10° C to 16° C.
• Winter rainfall of 30 to 75 cm distinguishes this region from other climatic regions.
• Rains during the winter are beneficial to the winter crops.
• The Mediterranean countries are the world’s leading producers of wine.
• About 70 precent of citrus fruit export comes from the Mediterranean countries.

Temperate grasslands

• The grasslands are located in both the hemispheres at a latitude between 40° and 50° and are known by different names in different regions.
• Though temperate grasslands are found in different parts of the world, their climate characteristics are almost the same.
• Rainfall here ranges from 25 cm to 60 cm Fluctuations in the rainfall availability is reflected in vegetation also.
• The flora and fauna and the life of the people of each region are formed according to the climate characteristics.
• Commercial mechanised grain farming and animal husbandry are increasing day by day in this region.
• Average winter temperature ranges from 2° to 13° C.

Cold region

• Taiga region
  • It is a cold region located between latitudes of 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Short summers and long winters are experienced there. Summer temperature is from 15° C to 20° C while winter temperature drops up to -13° C to -25 ° C.
  • This region receives an annual rainfall of 50 cm to 70 cm. In winter, precipitation is in the form of snowfall.
  • Taiga is the Russian word for ‘coniferous trees’.
• Tundra region
  • Tundra region is the extreme cold zone extending from north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic coasts of Europe and Asia.
  • Here winter temperature ranges from -25°C to -40°C and the summer temperature rises up to 10°C. Precipitation is mainly in the form of snowfall.

Climatic Changes

• UN defines ‘climate change’ as a long-term shift in weather patterns and temperatures that is caused by human activity or natural variability.
• Global sea level is estimated to rise by 0.42 cm per year as a result of climate change.
• Earth’s climate has not always been the same; climate has undergone cyclic changes throughout the Earth’s history.
• Natural climate change resulting from endogenic earth processes cannot be controlled by human efforts.
• Activities such as industrialisation, land use change, and urbanisation are some of the human interventions that lead to climate change.
• Atmospheric temperature, pressure, winds, precipitation and humidity are the elements of climate.
• Climate change can be classified into two categories as natural and anthropogenic.

CLIMATIC REGION

• Our Earth is enriched with diverse climates.
• Some places experience severe cold and snowfall, whereas it will be extremely hot and arid elsewhere. There are also areas with moderate temperature and humidity.
• Based on the fluctuations in elements of weather such as temperature and precipitation, the world can be divided into different climatic regions.
• A climatic region is an extensive geographical area in which similar climate characteristics are observed.
• Each climatic region has its own unique climate, and flora and fauna develop according to it.

Major climatic regions of the world are given below:

• Equatorial climatic region
• Monsoon climatic region
• Savanna climatic region
• Hot deserts
• Temperate grasslands
• Mediterranean climatic region
• Taiga region
• Tundra region

EQUATORIAL CLIMATIC REGION

• This climatic region extends up to 10° North and South of the equator.
• Evergreen forests are abundant in the equatorial climatic region due to high temperatures and high rainfall.

The equatorial climatic region is characterised by high temperatures and high rainfall throughout the year. This climatic region is hotter because sun’s rays fall almost vertically throughout the year. This results in higher air convection and convectional precipitation. These areas receive rainfall every day in the afternoon.

MONSOON CLIMATIC REGION

• Monsoons are the seasonal reversal of wind system.
• These winds blow from sea to land in summer and get reversed from land to sea in winter.
• This region is known as a monsoon climatic region because of the decisive influence of monsoon winds.

Monsoon climate is characterised by long and humid summer and short dry winter. In monsoon climatic regions, diurnal range of temperature is very low in coastal areas and very high in the interiors. Depending on the factors like physiography, direction of wind, and distance from the coast, rainfall distribution also varies in the monsoon regions. Regions with as little as 50 cm of rainfall to areas receiving over 1000 cm of annual rainfall can be found in this region.

• Luxuriant growth of vegetation due to the high temperature and rainfall helps forests in this region to become dense.
• Evergreen and deciduous trees are generally found here.
• Monsoon forests, also known as tropical deciduous forests, have a mixture of different types of trees depending on the amount of rainfall received.

Monsoon region is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. High rainfall and availability of labour keep the monsoon climatic region an important agricultural region. Tropical crops like rice, sugarcane, jute, cotton, tea and coffee, are cultivated here.

• Intensive subsistence agriculture is prevailing in this region.
• In rare areas, shifting cultivation, a primitive subsistence agriculture, also exists.

With the variations in the availability of rainfall, the type, height and diversity of flora also vary. Diversity is evident in fauna also.

SAVANNA CLIMATIC REGION

• Savannas are tropical grasslands found between 10° and 30° latitudes in both the hemispheres.
• Tropical grasslands have hot and humid summers and cool and dry winters.

These grasslands are known by different names in different regions. It is known as Savanna in Africa, Campos in Southern Brazil and Llanos in Venezuela. The annual average temperature here is between 21°.C and 32° C, and it also receives annual rainfall of 25 cm to 125 cm.

Deciduous trees and tall grasses are the dominant vegetation of this region. As we move closer to the deserts, short bushes and thorny forests are seen. The forests and grasslands here provide a favourable habitat for wild animals. Herbivorous animals like giraffes and zebras abound in these grasslands. Carnivorous animals like lion and tiger are also found here.

• Soil found here is relatively fertile, due to low rainfall, ‘dry fanning’ that requires less amount of water, is adopted.
• Animal husbandry and agriculture are the means of livelihood of the people. Population density is generally low in the savanna region. Maasai, an indigenous tribe of the African savanna, leads a pastoral life.
• Cash crops are cultivated extensively in the savanna areas of former European colonies. Cotton cultivation in Sudan and coffee cultivation in Brazil are example.
• The western margins of tropical grasslands, height of the trees gradually decreases with the decrease in rainfall. This is followed by desert vegetation.

HOT DESERTS

• Hot deserts are regions with very little rainfall.
• Tropical deserts are the hottest regions on earth with an average annual temperature of 30°C.
• The highest recorded temperature in A1 Aziziya in the Sahara Desert is 58° C.
• Annual rainfall in desert areas is generally less than 25 cm, and in some places, it may not rain for several years.
• Western margins of continents remain dry throughout the year. This is the main reason for the formation of deserts on the western margins of continents.
• Agriculture and animal husbandry are the main means of livelihood in deserts.

High diurnal range of temperature makes desert climate very difficult. Annual rainfall in desert areas is generally less than 25 cm, and in some places, it may not rain for several years. In the tropical region, hot deserts are located mostly on the western margins of continents. As the trade winds travel across the continents and reach the western margins, the wind loss its moisture and becomes dry. Therefore, the western margins of continents remain dry throughout the year. This is the main reason for the formation of deserts on the western margins of continents. Plants adapted to low rainfall climate such as cactus, shrubs and palms are mostly found here. Oases are formed in places where water sources are found. Oases (plural of oasis) are fertile areas in a desert where water is available. They are like natural “green spots” in the middle of dry, arid surroundings.

• These areas are sparsely populated due to the unfavourable climate and other factors.
• However, there are indigenous tribal communities who have adapted to the adverse conditions in most of the desert regions. The Bushmen of Kalahari Desert are an example for this.

Another factor that promotes human life in desert is the presence of economically valuable minerals. Gold mining in Australia and copper in the Atacama Desert are examples of this. Discovery of petroleum deposits and the starting of oil mining in the Sahara and Arabian deserts have changed the very face of these regions.

MEDITERRANEAN CLIMATIC REGION

• The areas about mediterranean sea is the area of the mediterranean region.
• It is a region that experiences dry summers and humid winters. Temperature of around 20 – 25° C is experienced in summer.
• Highest temperature during winter is 10° C to 16° C.
• Winter rainfall of 30 to 75 cm distinguishes this region from other climatic regions.
• Rains during the winter are beneficial to the winter crops.
• The Mediterranean countries are the world’s leading producers of wine.

Apart from the coasts of Mediterranean Sea, some other regions lying between 30° and 45° latitudes also experience the same climate. All these regions are collectively known as the Mediterranean climatic regions. Westerlies are responsible for winter rainfall in the Mediterranean region. Dense forests are not found due to low rainfall. Tall evergreen trees such as oak and sequoia, evergreen conifers such as pine and fir, and shrubs are found here. Fruits and vegetables are the major produces of this region. Cereals and pulses are also cultivated wherever possible. Agricultural practices developed according to the climate conditions and related activities make the Mediterranean region an area of great economic importance. As in the tropics, in the interior of the subtropical zone, the maritime influence is minimal and treeless grasslands are found. These are the temperate grasslands.

• The Mediterranean countries are the world’s leading producers of wine.
• About 70 precent of citrus fruit export comes from the Mediterranean countries.
• As in the tropics, in the interior of the subtropical zone, the maritime influence is minimal and treeless grasslands are found. These are the temperate grasslands.

TEMPERATE GRASSLANDS

• These grasslands are located in both the hemispheres at a latitude between 40° and 50° and are known by different names in different regions.
• Though temperate grasslands are found in different parts of the world, their climate characteristics are almost the same.
• Rainfall here ranges from 25 cm to 60 cm Fluctuations in the rainfall availability is reflected in vegetation also.
• The flora and fauna and the life of the people of each region are formed according to the climate characteristics.
• Commercial mechanised grain farming and animal husbandry are increasing day by day in this region.

Though temperate grasslands are found in different parts of the world, their climate characteristics are almost the same. Short summers and long winters are the characteristics of temperate grasslands. These regions experience high temperature in summer as they are located at the interior of the continents. Average winter temperature ranges from 2° to 13° C.

Rainfall here ranges from 25 cm to 60 cm. Fluctuations in the rainfall availability are also reflected in vegetation. Due to less rain, trees are also few. Varieties of grass are generally found. Since temperate grasslands are natural grazing lands, most of the inhabitants are shepherds.

Nowadays, grasslands are widely converted into agricultural lands. Commercial mechanised grain farming and animal husbandry are increasing day by day in this region. The flora and fauna and the life of the people of each region are formed according to the climate characteristics. However, as part of the technological progress achieved over time, humans are changing the natural features of many areas.

Efforts to utilise all possible areas of the world will continue as long as there is ever-increasing population and human needs.

Prairie – The Granary of the World
The prairies, the temperate grasslands of North America, are often referred to as the world’s granary. Nearly two million acres of this vast grasslands, spread across the United States and Canada, are under commercial grain cultivation today. Wheat is the main crop. Moderate temperature, rainfall availability and fertile soil make this is region highly suitable for wheat cultivation. The large-scale production of wheat earned the prairies the title of the world’s granary.

COLD REGION

• Taiga region: It is a cold region located between latitudes of 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Tundra region: Tundra region is the extreme cold zone extending from north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic coasts of Europe and Asia.

TAIGA REGION

• It is a cold region located between latitudes of 55° and 70° in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Short summers and long winters are experienced there. Summer temperature is from 15° C to 20° C while winter temperature drops up to -13° C to -25 ° C.
• This region receives an annual rainfall of 50 cm to 70 cm. In winter, precipitation is in the form of snowfall.
• Taiga is the Russian word for ‘coniferous trees’.

Taiga climatic region is absent in high latitudes of Southern Hemisphere because the extent of landmass is generally less. This region is dominated by sub-Arctic coniferous evergreen trees. Taiga is the Russian word for ‘coniferous trees’. This region is named as Taiga because of the abundance of such coniferous trees. Coniferous trees such as pine, fir and spruce are the main vegetation types.

• Most of the crops cannot be grown in sub-Arctic climates. Hence, the cultivation is very less in this region.
• Lumbering and wool industry are the main economic activities. Lumbering industry is very popular in Canadian Taiga region.
• As we move from the Taiga region to the polar region, the height of vegetation decreases and becomes sparse and less in number. Only frigid vegetation such as shrubs and mosses can be found in regions close to the Poles.

TUNDRA REGION

• Tundra region is the extreme cold zone extending from north of the Arctic Circle in Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the Arctic coasts of Europe and Asia.
• Here winter temperature ranges from -25°C to -40°C and the summer temperature rises up to 10°C. Precipitation is mainly in the form of snowfall.

Only a few plants can survive in the harsh climatic conditions of the Tundra region. Plants grow only in summer. Due to the very short growing season available, short shrubs and mosses are the main plants found here. The native people of this region such as Eskimo, and Lappas lead a semi nomadic life. Arctics are the regions with relatively little human intervention. Scientists and explorers are continuing their studies in this region in search of future possibilities for mankind.

CLIMATIC CHANGE

• UN defines ‘climate change’ as a long-term shift in weather patterns and temperatures that is caused by human activity or natural variability.
• Global sea level is estimated to rise by 0.42 cm per year as a result of climate change.
• Earth’s climate has not always been the same; climate has undergone cyclic changes throughout the Earth’s history.
• Natural climate change resulting from endogenic earth processes cannot be controlled by human efforts.
• Activities such as industrialisation, land use change, and urbanisation are some of the human interventions that lead to climate change.
• Atmospheric temperature, pressure, winds, precipitation and humidity are the elements of climate.
• Climate change can be classified into two categories as natural and anthropogenic.

The timescale of climate change may range from a few years to millions of years. It affects ecosystems severely.

The first picture shows a cabinet meeting held at Mt. Everest, in Nepal, a country that belongs to the Himalayas, which is the highest point in the world. The second picture is of a cabinet meeting held underwater by Maldives, an island nation with an average elevation of just one and a half meters above the mean sea level.

These cabinet meetings were organised in a different manner to draw attention of the world nations to the problems of climate change. The mountain country of Nepal and the island nation of Maldives are among the countries most affected by global climate change. It is estimated that the Himalayan glaciers are melting at a rate of 12 to 20 meters per year as a result of global climate change. The increase in global temperature is causing rapid melting of glaciers and undesirable changes in ecosystem.

If the sea level rises by two and a half meters, the Maldives will be completely submerged in the sea. Global sea level is estimated to rise by 0.42 cm per year as a result of climate change. Atmospheric temperature, pressure, winds, precipitation and humidity are the elements of climate. Climate change results from the shift in quantity, distribution pattern, and seasonal pattern of these elements. It may affect a specific region or the whole world.

Earth’s climate has not always been the same; climate has undergone cyclic changes throughout the Earth’s history. Ice ages- and interglacial periods are examples of Earth’s natural climate change. Along with natural climate changes, human intervention also causes changes in the world’s climate. Therefore, climate change can be classified into two categories as natural and anthropogenic.

• Natural climate change resulting from endogenic earth processes cannot be controlled by human efforts. Climate change affects nature and human life in various ways.
• Human interventions often aggravate climate change. Climate change does not affect just one region alone, but it creates multi-faceted implications globally.
• Changes resulting from global climate change can be seen in the different climate zones of the world and their unique climatic characteristics. If this continues, it will destabilise the climate zones and adversely affect the ecological balance.

Greenhouse Effect and Global Warming
Certain gases in the atmosphere are capable of trapping solar energy (insolation) in the atmosphere. Such gases like carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are known as Greenhouse Gases. Greenhouse gases allow sunlight to pass into the earth’s surface and keep the atmosphere warm by intercepting terrestrial radiation returning from the Earth’s surface. This process is known as the Greenhouse Effect of the Atmosphere. Some human activities result in excess production of greenhouse gases. Due to this, the greenhouse effect of the atmosphere becomes stronger and the temperature increases. This increase in atmospheric temperature is called Global warming. Burning of fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum, industrial effluents and solid waste are the sources of excess greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Global warming accelerates climate change.

Activities such as industrialisation, land use change, and urbanisation are some of the human interventions that lead to climate change. International initiatives to protect the climate and environment have begun ever since it was noted that their activation may harmfully affect the climate and environment.

International initiatives	Year	Place	Interventions
Establishment of World Meteorological Organisation	1950	Geneva	Organises world climate conferences
Stockholm Conference	1972	Stockholm	Environmental conservation and development.
Earth Summit	1992	Rio de Janeiro	Prepared UN Agenda 21 to promote environment friendly development.
Kyoto Protocol	1997	Kyoto	Reduce the amount of Green House gases in the atmosphere.
Montreal Protocol	1987	Montreal	Reduce the production and consumption of ozone depleting substances.
Paris Agreement	2015	Paris	Reduce Global warming, helping world nations to cope up with the harmful effects of climate change.
G 20 Summit	2023	New Delhi	One earth, one family, one future. Green development, climate finance, overall development

Climate change cannot be completely prevented. But human intervention that induces climate change can be controlled.

Climate Refugees
Many people are being forcibly displaced by the impacts of climate change-induced disasters such as droughts, floods, desertification, sea-level rise, and sea inundation. They are forced to migrate to other regions or countries. Such migrations are called climate migration. UN figures indicate that around 50 million people have been displaced due to climate-related events. Those who have to leave their homes and livelihood due to climate-related phenomena are called climate refugees.

Millions of people of the world’s ever-increasing population depend on the climate for their livelihoods. Even a small change in climaig can affect the lives of people adversely. Therefore, it is essential to control activities that cause climate change. Since climate change is not a problem that affects only one region or country, it is essential for all the nations to work together for the sustainable existence of human life.

Information from study reports conducted by international agencies on the effect of climate change are given below. Based on these, gather more information and organise a discussion on the challenges of climate change.

1. Average sea level rise over 10 to 20 mm per year.
   IPCC Sealevel Rise Report 20
2. The polar ice caps, which had an area of 7.5 million square kilometres in 1978, have shrunk to 3.74 million square kilometres by 2019.
   NASA Global Climate Change Report 2020
3. About 135 million people are at risk of being displaced by desertification.
   UN Convention to Combat Desertification.
4. Global surface temperature in 2011 – 2020 showed a rise of 1.1° C compared to that in 1850-1900.
   IPCC Climate Change 2023 Report
5. The studies during 1985 – 2019 reveal the nature of the monsoon. Rain has changed from lasting for a few months to torrential rain persisting for several days.
   IPCC Sixth Assesment Report