Global warming is one of the complex problems facing mankind today. This is evident from observations of increases in the global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread melting of snow and ice, and the rising global average sea level. It poses a variety of challenges with wide-ranging effects. It is projected to have significant impacts on conditions affecting agriculture, including temperature, precipitation and glacial run-off. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Indian economy and provides food and livelihood security to a substantial section of our population.

Global warming has resulted in decline in mountain glaciers and snow cover in both hemispheres and this is projected to accelerate throughout the 21st century. This will in turn lead to reducing water availability, hydropower potential, and would change the seasonal flow of rivers. Increasing flood pose challenges to society, physical infrastructure and water quality. Rising temperatures will further affect the physical, chemical and biological properties of fresh water lakes and rivers, with predominantly adverse impacts on marine life forms.