Climate change affects urban settlements in many ways, causing fluctuations in temperature and rainfalls, high incidence of landslides, and rise in sea levels. The Climate Change Vulnerability in Sri Lanka report shows that, with the increase in temperature, the need for adequate cooling and ventilation will grow, leading to a rise in the demand for energy. Furthermore, the report asserts that, as a result of changes in rainfall regimes, the frequency and the intensity of natural disasters ...
Full Answer
What is the climate like in Sri Lanka?
The island nation of Sri Lanka possesses significant differences in climate across variations in topography. The Northwest region has an annual average rainfall of less than 1 metre, while the Southwest central hills above 5 m. And due to the seasonal variations and topography, Sri Lanka is divided into 3 zones: wet, moderate, and dry.
What is the future of the drought in Sri Lanka?
Near future estimates of drought conditions in Sri Lanka are highly uncertain (2030). As for the years surrounding 2050 an increased frequency and intensity of droughts are estimated: thus leading to reduced crop growth exasperated by increased temperatures and evaporation.
Will Sri Lanka become a climate hotspot by 2050?
Extreme weather events dominate the news but changing average weather patterns are proving equally devastating to poor and vulnerable people in climate hotspots across South Asia. About 19 million people in Sri Lanka today live in locations that would become moderate or severe hotspots by 2050.
How can we protect Sri Lanka's coastal areas from ocean surges?
"Island-wide coastal vulnerability assessment of Sri Lanka reveals that sand dunes, planted trees and natural vegetation may play a role as potential barriers against ocean surges". Global Ecology and Conservation. 12: 144–157. doi: 10.1016/j.gecco.2017.10.001.
How Sri Lanka is affected by climate change?
As a small island and a developing nation, Sri Lanka is highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of climate change. Consequences of climate change such as temperature rise, rainfall variability and sea level rise are critically affecting almost all economic sectors of the country.
How does climate affect settlement?
The most widespread direct risk to human settlements from climate change is flooding and landslides. Projected increases in rainfall intensity and, in coastal areas, sea-level rise will be the culprits. Cities on rivers and coasts are particularly at risk.
What are the factors affecting climate of Sri Lanka?
Regional differences observed in air temperature over sri lanka are mainly due to altitude, rather than to latitude. The mean monthly temperatures differs slightly depending on the seasonal movement of the sun, with some modified influence caused by rainfall.
How does weather and climate affect human settlement?
Climate change impacts on African human settlements arise from a number of climate change-related causes, notably sea level changes, impacts on water resources, extreme weather events, food security, increased health risks from vector home diseases, and temperature-related morbidity in urban environments.
What are the factors that affect settlement?
In order to better categorize which factors ultimately affect settlement, geographers have generally accepted four umbrella terms to describe these elements: climatic, economic, physical, and traditional.
What are the factors that influence human settlement?
Physical factors that influence the location of a settlement include ; Water suppy - settlements need water, Defence - building on high ground allowed people the chance to look out for enemies and Aspect & shelter and The economic factors include; Communications - settlements often located next to rivers that allowed ...
Why is Sri Lanka at risk from climate change?
However, official statistics suggest Sri Lanka's urban population is relatively low, reportedly 18.6% in 2019. Sri Lanka's high temperatures, unique and complex hydrological regime, and exposure to extreme climate events make it highly vulnerable to climate change.
What type of climate does Sri Lanka have?
tropicalSri Lanka's climate can be described as tropical, and quite hot. Its position between 5 and 10 north latitude endows the country with year-round warm weather, moderated by ocean winds and considerable moisture.
What is Sri Lanka climate like?
Sri Lanka's climate is tropical and consists of distinct wet and dry seasons. Generally speaking, the coastal areas of Sri Lanka enjoy temperatures averaging 28°C (82°F) while the upland areas are cooler and more temperate, with a yearly average around 16-20°C (60-68°F).
Why do settlements change?
Settlements develop and change due to variety of processes and their sustainability allows them to function successfully, affecting the identity of that location.
How does water affect settlement?
Historically we can see that people sell water so they could use it for transportation and agriculture. Water affects where people settle in that people tend to settle near bodies of water. People settle near water, because they use it as transportation, agriculture, and to sustain themselves and their communitites.
What are the climate factors?
Climate factorsGeographic latitude.Altitude.Land and water pattern.Relief.Vegetation cover (land use)Exposition.
Where is the best climate in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka's tropical climate brings temperatures around 27°C – 30°C (80 ºF – 90 ºF) to most regions of the island. The hill country in the central province is the coolest and the mildest place, where Nuwara Eliya tops the list with a mean average of 16°C.
Does Sri Lanka have 4 seasons?
Sri Lanka has no marked seasons. A special feature is that the hot and humid lowlands and the salubrious hill country are separated by a few hours motoring. Average mean temperature along the coast is 26.7º C (80 F) and 19.7º C (66.50 F) in the hill country.
What is the hottest country in the world?
Mali is the hottest country in the world, with an average yearly temperature of 83.89°F (28.83°C). Located in West Africa, Mali actually shares borders with both Burkina Faso and Senegal, which follow it on the list.
Which is the hottest place in Sri Lanka?
Pidurutalagala is the highest point at 2524 meters above sea level. Summers are hot in Sri Lanka, followed by heavy rain in the monsoon season and mild winters. April and May are the hottest months, with average high temperatures in the 32.2°C (90°F) to 35°C (95°F) range.
Why is education important in Sri Lanka?
To slow the process of global climate change, education and public awareness are important to reduce the overall consumption of natural resources and limit the amount of carbon dioxide we emit . Sri Lankan nonprofit organizations petition for a more sustainable environment for humans and other species. The Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society's (SLWCS) main purpose is to conserve the island's dwindling biodiversity. They have completed several conservation projects, including a wetland conservation project which involved a number of habitat restoration missions. The SLWCS has seven proposed projects they hope to undertake. According to its mission statement,
What is the main concern of Sri Lanka?
Climate change threatens both surface water and groundwater sources upon which Sri Lankans depend for domestic use, agriculture, energy generation and industry. The availability of drinking water is the main concern. Nevertheless, increased droughts along with salt water intrusion into coastal aquifers, are expected to seriously deplete freshwater availability. Due to the increased economic activity a high level of groundwater extraction and pollution of existing resources occurs.
How many bird species are there in Sri Lanka?
With 480 bird species on the island, their diversity includes (but is not limited to) waterfowl and migratory birds. Bird species of Sri Lanka are impacted by droughts, prolonged intense precipitation, sea-level rise, increased human interaction, and a lack of corridors which have led to a decline of habitat and range.
What are the three zones of Sri Lanka?
And due to the seasonal variations and topography, Sri Lanka is divided into 3 zones: wet, moderate, and dry. Even though rain helps in supporting the biodiversity of the dense forests covering around 30% of the country, however, the process of deforestation in wet areas contributes to erosion and dangerous landslides.
How many people have been affected by the drought in Sri Lanka?
More than 6 million people have been affected by the drought in the past 30 years. Ironically, in Sri lanka the number of consecutive wet days decrease while the number of consecutive dry days increased. The most drought vulnerable districts are: Moneragala, Nuwara Eliya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
What are the three main climate zones in Sri Lanka?
And due to the seasonal variations and topography, Sri Lanka is divided into 3 zones: wet, moderate, and dry. Even though rain helps in supporting the biodiversity of the dense forests covering around 30% of the country, however, the process of deforestation in wet areas contributes to erosion and dangerous landslides. Cyclical pattern of floods and droughts is prompting people to stress and making it difficult for them to cope with their lives . Heavy rain on the other hand, in western and southern regions, leads to major landslides thus killing more than 500 people and affecting 1. 3 million in 2016–2017. Water and vector-borne illnesses can be a direct effect of severe flooding, which can make it even more difficult to maintain sanitation. More than 6 million people have been affected by the drought in the past 30 years. Ironically, in Sri Lanka the number of consecutive wet days decrease while the number of consecutive dry days increased. The most drought vulnerable districts are: Moneragala, Nuwara Eliya, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. Near future estimates of drought conditions in Sri Lanka are highly uncertain (2030). As for the years surrounding 2050 an increased frequency and intensity of droughts are estimated: thus leading to reduced crop growth exasperated by increased temperatures and evaporation.
Why should the natural ecosystems of Sri Lanka be preserved?
According to Francoise Colters, director of World Bank country for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, natural ecosystems in Sri Lanka should be well managed and preserved, for they are responsible for contributing to natural economy through nature-based tourism. These ecosystems prevent natural disasters, poverty, and decreased productivity al caused by climate change. In April, 2016, the World Bank Broad approved a sum of $45 million to assist in protecting Sri Lanka's natural resources and habitats though the Eco-systems conservation and Management Project (ESCAMP). This project had the following achievements:
What is Sri Lanka's climate adaptation?
Sri Lanka is currently benefitting from the Climate Change Adaptation Project – II (CCAP – II), funded by the Adaptation Fund, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme, The World Food Programme and the Ministry of Mahaweli Development and Environment. CCAP – II, aids marginalized communities by facilitating the establishment of alternative, climate resilient livelihoods and through capacity development of the local government, extension officers to cope with the novel challenges they now face. Despite such adaptation and preventative work, our country has a long walk remaining towards climate resilience, and all Sri Lankans are required to persevere through this challenge. So, while we rejoice in the efforts of such adaptation work we must also remember, climate change is a problem with a deadline, and each day we’re edging closer to it with no plan of survival.
How does agriculture contribute to the economy?
Our agriculture sector, which consists of domestic and export sub-sectors, contributes to our economy in the forms of income, employment, foreign exchange, food and raw material along with the stimulation of the growth of the economy through its links to all the other sectors. In numbers, the agriculture sector, makes up nearly 7% of the contribution to the GDP, absorbs nearly 30% of the country’s labour force, is the livelihood to 70% of the rural population, utilizes 43% of the total land area of the country, provides nearly 80% of domestic food requirement and thus remains as the cornerstone of the Lankan economy. Climate change and the resultant erratic rain patterns, and extreme swings between droughts and rainfall, directly affects agricultural productivity, heavily. Simply put, the unreliability of their livelihood and thereby the limited water and food sources becomes a battle between life and death.
Is Sri Lanka a natural disaster?
Natural Hazards. With Sri Lanka being listed in the top of the most affected countries by extreme weather events in 2017 in the Global Climate Risk Index, by now the implications of such hazards are obvious. The masses that queued up for drought relief and the floods that affected the same masses in Northern region in December 2018, ...
Who is Anuradha Withanachchi?
Anuradha Withanachchi is a UN Youth Volunteer in Knowledge Management , as a part of the Climate Change Adaptation Project II at UNDP Sri Lanka.
Is Sri Lanka a middle income country?
Sri Lanka, as a lower middle-income country has been seeing growth at a steady rate of 5.8% since 2010. The island is already operating on a temperature above the optimal level, and that coupled with the increasing temperatures, will negatively affect the consumption expenditures.
How much will the average temperature in Sri Lanka rise in 2050?
Overall, the analysis concludes that Sri Lanka’s average annual temperatures could rise by 1.0°C to 1.5°C by 2050 - even if carbon emission reduction measures are taken as recommended by the Paris Agreement of 2015. If no measures are taken average temperatures in Sri Lanka could increase by up to 2.0°C.
What would happen if no measures were taken in Sri Lanka?
If no measures are taken average temperatures in Sri Lanka could increase by up to 2.0°C. Mani points out that this might not seem like a lot until you consider how just a two-week delay in monsoons can derail a farmer’s harvest, or how a scorching day can drain a construction worker laboring on a scaffolding.
How can Sri Lanka reduce its living standards?
By increasing non-agricultural jobs by 30 percent relative to current levels, Sri Lanka could reduce the living standards burden from −7.0 to 0.1 percent. Other initiatives like reducing the time to reach a market and increasing average education attainment could also reduce the overall severity of climate-related living standards impacts. The report emphasizes that if these interventions were implemented together, they would likely yield greater benefits than if implemented individually.
Where are the hotspots in Sri Lanka?
At the frontlines in Sri Lanka are those living in the island’s North, North Eastern and North Central districts, including Jaffna, Puttalam, Mannar, Kurunegalla, Trincomalee and Killinochchi, where the paddy seed processing center is located.
What is the projected decline in living standards in 2050?
The highly urbanized and densely populated Western Province, which includes Colombo, is also predicted to experience a living standards decline of 7.5 percent by 2050, compared with a situation without changes in average weather.
What is the difference between climate sensitive and carbon intensive?
He and his team analyzed two future climate scenarios — one that is “climate-sensitive,” in which some collective action is taken to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The other is “carbon-intensive,” in which no action is taken. Both scenarios show rising temperatures throughout the region in the coming decades but it’s no surprise that the carbon-intensive scenario is more worrying.
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Overview
Climate change in Sri Lanka is an important issue, and its effects threaten to impact both human and natural systems in Sri Lanka. Roughly 50 percent of its 22 million citizens live in low-lying coastal areas in the west, south, and south-west of the island, and are at risk of future sea level rise. Climate change also threatens the island's biodiversity, including its marine ecosystem and coastal c…
Impacts on the natural environment
Sri Lanka, an equatorial island nation of 65,610 square kilometres (25,330 sq mi) and 1,340 km of coastline, is a biodiversity hotspot. It has 480 bird species (25 endemic) and 121 amphibious species (88 endemic).
A general increase in temperature trends 0.16 C has been traced over the years of 1961–1990 with the highest increase of minimum temperature in Nuwara El…
Impacts on people
The main source of revenue of agriculture in Sri Lanka is smallholder farming in paddy and vegetable cultivation. This sector is crucial to the country's economy: comprising 7.8 percent of GDP and employing 28% of the labor force. However, climate change is taking a toll on domestic market, food security, and export potential. The main crops in Sri Lanka are particularly sensitive to variation in temperature and precipitation. Near-coastal areas like fertile strips of land that ar…
Mitigation and adaptation
To slow the process of global climate change, education and public awareness are important to reduce the overall consumption of natural resources and limit the amount of carbon dioxide we emit. Sri Lankan nonprofit organizations petition for a more sustainable environment for humans and other species. The Sri Lanka Wildlife Conservation Society's (SLWCS) main purpose is to conserve the island's dwindling biodiversity. They have completed several conservation projects…
Further reading
• Arjan Rajasuriya (1997). "5 Coral Reefs of Sri Lanka: Current Status and Resource Management". National Aquatic Resources, Research and Development Agency, Sri Lanka. Archived from the original on 7 March 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
• "How might global warming change hurricane intensity,frequency, and rainfall?". Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. 2007. Archived from the original on 20 August 2018. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
External links
• "The IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report: What's in it for South Asia". Climate and Development Knowledge Network. Retrieved 16 September 2018.
India
- The second largest brackish water lake in the world, Lake Chilika has been considered a success story in ecological restoration. However, the absence of a regulatory mechanism and clear decision-making structure for the lake has resulted in community livelihoods and well-being being compromised by encroachment, inequitable distribution of lake resources and inter and intra co…
Nepal
- The politicisation of climate-related impacts has fuelled political conflict in riverine communities in the hills and plains of Nepal. Key conflict drivers which climate and environment change will exacerbate are political uncertainties and transition; poor resource governance and mismanagement of environment and natural resources; poor access to basic services; poor livel…
Pakistan
- Two districts in the Sindh province in Pakistan with traditional resource governance systems i.e. the tribal system has been unable to cope with the increased stresses of climate change resulting in conflict and crisis. Moreover, unequal distribution of power and elite capture of resources alongside the increased frequency of natural disasters has resulted in the impoverishment of re…
Sri Lanka
- The key issue that climate change researchers must explore in Sri Lanka is to access conflict-affected sites to assess impacts of climate change on the highly vulnerable IDP communities so as to build their resilience through resettlement which is both sensitive and responsive to climate change. This will in turn significantly and positively affect...
Ministry of Environment
- The Ministry of Environment in 2011 conducted a vulnerability mapping exercise and produced a report which uses a composite sector-specific vulnerability index by combining three indices, namely, exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. The housing and urban development sector vulnerability to drought exposure is widespread in the island, but more concentrated in the Nort…
The Government Strategy
- The Government of Sri Lanka has formulated a comprehensive National Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (NCCAS) which lays out a prioritised framework for action and investment for the period 2011-2016. The NCCAS is structured into five Strategic Thrusts, namely: Mainstream Climate Change Adaptation into National Planning and Development; Enable Climate Resilient a…
The Recommendations
- Key recommendations for Sri Lanka in the agricultural sector were tabled as follows. Long-term adaptation strategies should include changes in land-use; Introduction of new technologies such as new land management techniques, water harvesting, artificial groundwater recharge, and water-use efficiency related techniques; Change in agronomic practices; Re-afforestation, fores…
The Consensus
- There exists consensus that supporting adaptation cannot be targeted on specific actions responding to specific threats; that adaptation means supporting resilience, which is part of how communities develop; and that enhancing the capacity to adapt will go far beyond supporting technical adaptation activities and will become part of the fabric of development aid.
The Challenge
- There remains the need to explore the following three aspects to enhance governance responses to climate change. First, a better understanding and plan around multiple motivations for investment and change. There is a strong need to incentivise integrated projects, with funds, certification schemes or prizes to drive integration. For example, projects proposed jointly by se…
Moving on
- As a country emerges from violent conflict, the management of the environment and natural resources has important implications for short-term peace-building and long-term stability, particularly if natural resources were a factor in the conflict, they play a major role in the national economy, or broadly support livelihoods. Only recently, however, have the assessment, harnessi…