# Kanhu Charan Pattnayak

Kanhu Charan Pattnayak (born 26 June 1981) is an Indian climate scientist at University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom. He works on the different aspects of Indian summer monsoon, Amazon climate and African Monsoon. He is the lead author of the popular book Indian Summer Monsoon Circulation in the Warming Atmosphere.
Pattnayak, an Odia scientist, achieved a significant milestone at NASA for his research on atmospheric and climate sciences. His work contributed to understanding climate change and extreme weather events. His achievements were recognized internationally, highlighting Odisha’s contribution to global scientific advancements.

## Research highlights

Kanhu Charan Pattnayak is among the Indian researchers who initiated the studies on the relationship between tropospheric temperature and the Indian monsoon. Most of the earlier studies were focused on the relationship of Indian summer monsoon with surface temperature. But Pattnayak found that tropospheric temperature is equally important to manifest the Indian summer monsoon. His contributions include one distinctive Research-level Books: “Indian Summer Monsoon Circulation in the Warming Atmosphere” (Lambert Academic Publishing). He is one who produced the future climate change information for the BIMSTEC countries.

## Publications
### Books

* Dr Kanhu Charan Pattnayak, Sushil Kumar Dash, Subrat Kumar Panda: Indian Summer Monsoon Circulation in the Warming Atmosphere: a reappraisal, LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing, 2016, ISBN 3659815748 (ISBN-10) and ISBN 9783659815744 (ISBN-13)

## Research Works
### Snow-Monsoon Relationship in a Warming Atmosphere

A study using the Hadley Centre Coupled Model version 3 (HadCM3) examined the inverse relationship between Eurasian snow cover and Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR) in a warming climate. The research utilized Perturbed Physics Ensemble (PPE) simulations and Climatic Research Unit (CRU) rainfall data for validation. Findings indicated that west Eurasian snow depth anomalies significantly alter mid-latitude circulation, impacting monsoon strength. The study confirmed that the inverse relationship between Eurasian snow and ISMR persists despite global warming, highlighting the crucial role of atmospheric circulations in monsoon variability.

### Impact of Amazon Deforestation on Precipitation Isotope Ratios

A study analyzed the effects of Amazon deforestation on precipitation oxygen isotope ratios (δ18Op) using climate models with a land-derived precipitation tracer. Results indicate that historical land cover changes have minimal impact on annual δ18Op but show a noticeable dry-season signal. The findings challenge prior interpretations of paleo-records, suggesting that past δ18Op changes may not solely result from alterations in continental water recycling.

### Fate of Rainfall Over North Indian States in 1.5 and 2°C Warming Scenarios

A study analyzed rainfall patterns in seven North Indian states under 1.5°C and 2°C global warming scenarios using CMIP5 climate models. Results indicate a decrease in precipitation under 1.5°C warming, while extreme rainfall events increase significantly under 2°C warming. The return period for intense rainfall is projected to triple in the 2°C scenario.

### Study on Amazon Rainfall and Climate Change

A research study published in *Science Advances* explores the impact of deforestation on Amazonian rainfall patterns. The study, co-authored by Dr. Kanhu Charan Pattnayak, investigates how large-scale land cover changes influence precipitation and hydrological cycles. Using climate models, the research highlights that deforestation significantly alters regional rainfall distribution, emphasizing the need for conservation efforts to mitigate climate change effects.

### UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment

The **UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment (CGFI)** was launched at **Nexus, University of Leeds**, to advance sustainable finance solutions. The center aims to provide financial institutions with data and analytics to assess climate-related risks and support green investment. It is part of the UK Government’s initiative to drive environmental sustainability in financial markets.

### Environmental Impact of Organic vs Conventional Farming in Northern India

A study published in Scientific Reports compares the environmental impact of organic and conventional tomato farming in northern India. The research highlights that organic farming reduces the global warming potential of tomato production by 35.04%, suggesting it as a more sustainable agricultural practice. The study advocates for minimizing pesticide and fertilizer use to reduce environmental harm.

## Awards & Recognition

* 2024 Climate Change Leadership Award