Are rainbows disappearing? Study says yes, in some parts of India

Rainbows are colorful arcs in the sky that bring joy, hope, and a beautiful smile to faces ever since childhood. But, surprisingly, like melting glaciers and rising sea levels, rainbows too are being affected by climate change.While they may seem timeless, rainbows depend on a fragile balance of sunlight and rain. Until now, we’ve mostly focused on climate change’s impact on weather disasters, ecosystems, and food systems. But research adds a shocking element to this aspect.And while the world is already losing many of its natural wonders, scientists now warn that some parts of the world, including some parts of India, may see fewer rainbows in the future.Climate change is quietly changing where rainbows appearA new study published in Global Environmental Change has revealed that climate change is altering when and where rainbows appear, possibly reducing the chances of spotting one in some populated regions like India.To reach this conclusion, scientists built a unique global database using rainbow photos submitted by people around the world. Then, they used a climate model to predict rainbow visibility based on rainfall, sunlight, and cloud cover.

This model was tested using current weather data and applied to three future climate scenarios.According to the study, the average land area on Earth today has about 117 rainbow-viewing days each year. That number could increase by 4–5% by the year 2100, depending on how much greenhouse gas emissions rise.

But, this increase would not happen everywhere

The researchers found that 21–34% of the world’s land may actually lose rainbow days, while 66–79% could gain them.

Cold and mountainous regions, like the Arctic and the Himalayas, may see more rainbows due to changing precipitation and clearer skies. But these areas are sparsely populated.

Densely populated areas might see fewer rainbows in the future!

Densely populated regions like parts of India may actually see fewer rainbows, as changing rainfall and cloud cover make the conditions less favorable.The study is a reminder of how we stand a chance of losing the most beautiful natural phenomena.

While rainbows don’t impact the economy or environment directly, they matter in a different way.

As the researchers wrote in their study, “Even non-tangible aspects of the environment—like the simple chance to spot a rainbow—are being reshaped by our changing climate” precipitation and clearer skies. But these areas are sparsely populated.

Densely populated areas might see fewer rainbows in future!

Densely populated regions like parts of India may actually see fewer rainbows, as changing rainfall and cloud cover make the conditions less favorable.The study is a reminder of how we stand a chance to lose the most beautiful natural phenomena. While rainbows don’t impact the economy or environment directly, they matter in a different way.As the researchers wrote in study, “Even non-tangible aspects of the environment—like the simple chance to spot a rainbow—are being reshaped by our changing climate”