Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 1st November 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic peak, has garnered attention as it remains snowless in November, marking the latest date for snow accumulation since records began 130 years ago. This unprecedented condition has raised concerns about the impact of rising temperatures and changing weather patterns, particularly following one of Japan's hottest summers on record. The absence of snow not only alters the landscape but also highlights the broader implications of climate change and its effects on natural and cultural heritage.

Japan recently faced one of its hottest summers on record, with average temperatures rising 1.76°C above normal. This warmth extended into September, largely influenced by the subtropical jet stream's position, which allowed warmer air from the south to dominate, inhibiting the colder conditions typically needed for snow formation on Mount Fuji.

Extreme heat days and their impact on Mount Fuji's snowfall

In September alone, Japan recorded nearly 1,500 "extremely hot" days, where temperatures reached or exceeded 35°C (95°F). While October provided slight relief, temperatures have remained above average, further delaying snow on Mount Fuji. The previous latest snowfall record was October 26, set in 1955 and again in 2016. Although climate change cannot be pinpointed as the cause of individual weather events, the current lack of snowfall is consistent with broader climate predictions, raising concerns about the effects of global warming on weather patterns.

Mount Fuji: A cultural and climatic landmark

Standing at 3,776 metres (12,460 feet), Mount Fuji is not only Japan's highest mountain but also a cultural icon depicted in numerous artworks. Typically, over 220,000 hikers attempt to summit during the peak season from July to September. However, this year saw a decrease in climbers due to new regulations designed to manage overtourism, including an entry fee and caps on visitor numbers.

These developments underscore the significant impact of climate trends on natural landmarks like Mount Fuji, highlighting the ongoing challenges in balancing tourism with environmental sustainability. As conditions change, there is an urgent need to address the relationship between human activity and climate health to preserve such iconic sites for future generations.

[Excerpt from TOI "Japan’s Mount Fuji remain snowless; breaks 130 years record amid extreme heat days and its impact on snowfall" Dated 1/11/24]

Q1: What is unusual about Mount Fuji’s snowfall in 2024? 
(a) It received the heaviest snowfall on record. 
(b) It has not received its first snowfall of the season yet. 
(c) It recorded the earliest snowfall since 1894. 
(d) It experienced snowfall twice in a single season.

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Q2: When does Mount Fuji typically experience its first snowfall? 
(a) September 15 
(b) October 2 
(c) November 1
(d) October 26

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Q3: What reason does forecaster Yutaka Katsuta give for the delayed snowfall on Mount Fuji this year? 
(a) Increased rainfall in September 
(b) The mountain's height preventing snowfall 
(c) Persistently high temperatures 
(d) Decreased volcanic activity

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Q4: Which measure was introduced to reduce overtourism on Mount Fuji? 
(a) Restricting access only to Japanese citizens 
(b) Introducing an entry fee and daily climber cap 
(c) Banning overnight stays on the mountain 
(d) Limiting access to climbers during winter months

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Q5: What role does snow play in Mount Fuji’s ecosystem? 
(a) It provides warmth to the flora and fauna.
(b) It limits tourism during winter. 
(c) It is essential for the mountain’s ecosystem.
(d) It promotes volcanic activity.

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