Rising Temperatures, Rising Concerns: Early Summer and Sustainable Development in National Capital Regions of India

This study scrutinizes the impact of an anomalous early summer Land Surface Temperature (LST) surge on food security, energy dynamics, and human health in India's National Capital Region (NCR), and its implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By analyzing MODIS images and employing Standard Anomaly (StA), monthly diurnal LST ranges were assessed. Results reveal March temperatures peaking from 23.11 to 41.57 °C, 3.5 °C above the average 21.78 to 39.41 °C range. Notably, contrary to conventional patterns, prolonged rain deficits drive this early summer warming rather than Sea Surface Temperature (SST). This warming adversely affects SDGs, significantly reducing crop yields, jeopardizing SDG-2's Zero Hunger target, impeding indicator SDG-2.4.1, and disrupting target 3.4.1 for health. Moreover, heightened energy consumption due to early summer warming disrupts SDG-6 on clean energy, directly impacting target 7.1 for electricity access. The findings underscore the urgency of addressing early summer warming's impact to progress toward achieving SDGs in India's NCR. Understanding and mitigating these effects are imperative for sustainable development initiatives in the region.