Effects of an Indo-Pakistan Nuclear War

A recently published study outlined the immense effects that even a limited nuclear war between India and Pakistan would have on the world.

Temperature Drop

The study hypothesised that a nuclear war between the two South Asian neighbour states would send 5 million tonnes of soot into the stratosphere. This would spread across the world. It would absorb sunlight and lower the global mean temperature by 1.8 degree Celsius and precipitation by 8%. This effect would last for atleast 5 years.

Effect on Food Production

The study said that the war would lead to a drastic reduction in crop production. It would adversely affect the 4 main cereal crops: maize, wheat, rice and soybeans. Production of these 4 crops would fall by 11%. It would affect the breadbasket areas in the north and the consumer areas in the south.

Global Famine

Such a war is also expected to lead to a global famine. 70 countries with a population of about 1.3 billion people will see a drop in food supplies by more than 20%. Countries like Yemen, Somalia, Syria and Rwanda would be adversely affected by the subsequent restriction imposed by developed states on their food exports.

Originally written on March 21, 2020 and last modified on February 20, 2022.
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