How Climate Change Is Disrupting India’s Seasonal Cycle

Understanding Climate Change and Greenhouse Gases

Climate change refers to the long-term shift in temperatures and weather patterns, mainly caused by human activities. The Earth’s natural climate is being destabilized by excessive emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), which trap heat in the atmosphere. These gases come primarily from burning fossil fuels, industrial pollution, deforestation, and agriculture. Although some greenhouse gases are natural and necessary for life, their rapid rise due to human activity has accelerated global warming. As a result, the Earth’s average surface temperature has risen, altering natural systems and disrupting the seasonal cycles we’ve known for centuries. India is especially vulnerable due to its large population, reliance on agriculture, and diverse climate zones.

How India’s Traditional Six Seasons Are Fading

India’s climate has historically been structured around six distinct seasons: spring (vasant), summer (grishma), monsoon (varsha), autumn (sharad), pre-winter (hemant), and winter (shishir). These seasons were deeply embedded in India’s agriculture, festivals, and rural life. However, in recent years, this structure has become blurred. What once were clearly defined seasons now overlap or disappear entirely. We now experience only two or three stable seasons, while others have become too short or erratic to recognize. This shift reflects a deep transformation in India’s climate, driven by global warming and atmospheric instability.

Local Observations from Himachal Pradesh

Since 2010, I have personally observed noticeable climate changes in Himachal Pradesh. Winters used to bring heavy, predictable snowfall. Now, snowfall has drastically declined, and in some years it is absent altogether. Summers are increasingly unpredictable—some unbearably hot, others interrupted by untimely rains. Monsoons no longer arrive steadily, sometimes flooding the region or disappearing entirely. This inconsistency severely impacts farming, which is the backbone of our local economy.

Impact on Agriculture and Crops

Climate change has reshaped what crops we can grow. Himachal was once known for apple orchards, which require cold winters and specific chilling hours. Warmer winters have caused apple production to decline drastically. Many farmers are now turning to stone fruits like plums, apricots, and peaches, which are more tolerant to heat. This not only shifts the crop pattern but also impacts the cultural identity and economic livelihood of local farmers. Rising temperatures and weather unpredictability have increased farming costs and reduced yields.

Scientific Proof from Global and National Reports

Scientific research confirms these observations. The IPCC reports that the Earth’s surface temperature has increased by 1.1°C since the 1800s. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has documented rising temperatures across India, including the Himalayas. Himachal Pradesh has seen significant warming and reduced snowfall. NASA and other studies confirm that the Indian Ocean is warming faster than the global average, disrupting monsoons. The World Meteorological Organization declared 2023 the hottest year on record globally. These facts show that climate change is a current crisis, not a distant threat.

Why This Crisis Matters for All of Us

Disrupted seasonal cycles have widespread consequences. Irregular rainfall leads to floods or droughts, impacting food production and prices. Warm winters and erratic rains threaten forests, biodiversity, and water supplies. Heatwaves are rising, affecting human health—especially among children and the elderly. Vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are spreading faster. Climate change is not just scientific; it's a humanitarian and ecological emergency that affects all of us.

What We Must Do to Adapt and Mitigate

We need both global and local action. Globally, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by shifting to renewable energy, protecting forests, and changing farming practices is essential. Locally, we must conserve water, reduce waste, and plant trees. Farmers should adopt climate-resilient crops and natural farming methods. Education and policy support are critical. Governments must invest in clean energy, enforce environmental laws, and support vulnerable communities.

Final Thoughts: Nature Is Warning Us—We Must Listen

From Himachal to the rest of India, the signs are clear—climate change is real and accelerating. Our seasons are breaking down. Apple orchards are drying, rain patterns are erratic, and extreme temperatures are common. These are not isolated incidents—they reflect a global shift. We must act now, before more is lost. Climate change is no longer coming—it is already here, and it’s time we listen to what nature is telling us.