Will rainbows disappear? How climate change is changing our skies

A new study warns that climate change is altering rainfall and cloud patterns, putting even rainbows at risk.

Transcript

00:00Rainbows could soon vanish from parts of India.

00:03A new scientific study published in Global Environmental Change warns that climate change

00:07is altering rainfall and cloud patterns, and even the vibrant arcs of rainbows are at risk.

00:12On average, the world sees about 117 rainbow days a year, and by 2100, that number could

00:18rise, but not everywhere.

00:20Densely populated urban areas of India may actually see fewer rainbows due to altered

00:24weather patterns and light conditions.

00:26The biggest increases are expected in colder and mountainous regions such as the Arctic

00:30and the Himalayas, where fewer people live.

00:33Around 21-34% of the world's land areas are expected to lose rainbow days, while 66-79%

00:39could gain them.

00:41Rainbows form when sunlight passes through raindrops, so changes in rainfall can affect how often

00:45we see them.

00:46But culturally, their meaning goes beyond science.

00:49Traditionally in India, the rainbow or Indra Dhanush is the bow of Indra, the rain god, symbolising

00:54his weapon and control over rain and storms.

00:57In Hinduism, a rainbow or Indra Yudha symbolises beauty, hope and tranquility after a storm,

01:03reflecting the spiritual significance of light and colour in the universe.

01:07The rainbow's seven hues resonate with seven chakras in Indian philosophy, symbolising

01:11cosmic balance.

01:13In the Bible, the rainbow signifies God's covenant after the flood, while in Greek mythology,

01:18it is the celestial path of Iris, the messenger of the gods.

01:22Scientists know that even non-tangible parts of nature like the simple chance to see a rainbow

01:26are being reshaped by a changing climate.