Editorial : Extreme weather events a part of global warming

The sand(रेत/बालू) and thunder storms(गरज तूफान) that hit swathes of western and northern parts of the country on Wednesday proved particularly devastating(भयानक/हानिकारक) for Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.Excessive heating, availability of moisture(नमी/गीलापन) and instability(अस्थिरता) in the atmosphere were factors that contributed to storm(तूफान उठाना/आंधी). Given that the average global temperatures are rising, there is a likelihood such storms will recur(पुनरावृत्ति होना/दुबारा होना)with greater frequency and intensity(तीव्रता/मात्रा). The Indian Meteorological Department(मौसम विभाग) has

already projected that temperatures in India will be anywhere between 0.5 degrees and 1degree Centigrade higher than last year. The enhanced(बढ़ायाज़्यादा किया हुआ) likelihood ofdisaster(आपदा/विपत्ति) calls for greater resilience(लचीलाता/पलटाव) and a robust(मजबूत/तगड़ा)response mechanism.

More than 100 persons were killed, at least 200 injured, and property lost. Better planning of cities and towns could perhaps prevent some of these losses of human life and property. Local authorities have to be empowered and held accountable to ensure(सुनिश्चित/पक्का करना) that buildings and roads are planned and constructed(निर्माण) in a manner that take into account the factors that exacerbate(ख़राब करना/तीव्र करना) the impact of weather events. Areas that are prone to high-velocity winds must shun high-rise buildings and create wind-breaking barriers(बाधाओं). Road design must factor in wind directions and speeds.Town and city planning must take into account natural topography and protect wetlands(आर्द्रभूमि/झीलों). As average temperatures rise, so will the cooling demand of cities and towns. The increased use of cooling devices like air conditioners gives rise to urban heat islands — contributing to the excessive heating, a factor in convection currents that produce storms. Improved planning, appropriate materials for buildings and design interventions will improve urban resilience. Mandatory insurance will focus minds.

Important Vocabulary

1.Storms(गरज तूफान)
Synonyms: blast, blizzard, cyclone, disturbance, downpour
Antonyms calm, quiet, clearness, peace

2.Devastating(भयानक/हानिकारक)
Synonyms: calamitous, destructive, disastrous, overwhelming, annihilating
Antonyms: blessed, fortunate

3.Disaster(आपदा/विपत्ति)
Synonyms: calamity, catastrophe, collapse,, crash, debacle
Antonyms achievement, advantage, attainment, benefit, blessing

4.Exacerbate(ख़राब करना/तीव्र करना
Synonyms: aggravate, annoy, heighten, inflame, intensify
Antonyms aid, alleviate, appease, calm, delight

5.Barriers(बाधाओं)
Synonyms: barricade, blockade, boundary, fence, hurdle
Antonyms: assistance, help, opening, open

6.Resilience(लचीलाता/पलटाव)
Synonyms: flexibility, pliancy, recoil, snap