Mehak Gupta Grover
Climate change is one of the most serious public health threats facing the nation today. But what exactly is leading to such changes- Global warming? Global warming is an increase in the average temperature of earth’s atmosphere, enough to cause changes in the global climate. India exhibit a wide diversity of temperatures. Himalayas participates in warming by preventing the cold winds from blowing in and the Thar deserts attract the summer monsoon winds, which are responsible for making the majority of the monsoon season of India.
The effects of global warming on the climate of India is leading to climate disasters. India is a disaster prone area, with almost 27 out of 35 states being disaster prone! The process of global warming has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of these climatic disasters. According to the surveys, in 2007-08 , India ranked 3rd highest in the world regarding number of disasters. The anticipated increase in the melting of glaciers, expanding seas have the power to influence the Indian climate negatively, with an increase in the incidents of floods, storms and so on. It may also lead to threats to food security situation in India.
But are people even aware of this factual situation? Climate scientists agree that human activities are the primary cause of this warming. As we burn fossil fuels to power our homes, industries and transport systems, we add more and more carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases to the atmosphere. Unless the greenhouse gas emissions gas are reduced, the temperatures are projected to increase. If we are to live on a cool, healthy planet, we must move quickly to clean renewable energy sources that are not derived from fossil fuels.
The irony of climate change is that, countries that have contributed the least to it will be impacted most by it. India cannot afford to continue on its high carbon growth path- same as China ‘s “grow now, pay later” approach. India has become a make -or- break player when it comes to climate change.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being a sparkling light for India and it’s growth. Under his leadership, India is undergoing a rapid transition towards a low- pollution and climate resilient future. Modi government’s climate resilient development plan has the potential to deliver a variety of social, economic and environmental benefits. India must no longer be known as a country that is poor, old, unhealthy, unskilled, filthy and underdeveloped. We need to focus on this critical issue, not because of pressure from western countries but because of the potential damage warming could cause world wide and in India specially.
India has already made a climate change offer INDC ( Intended Nationally Determined Contribution). Under INDC, it will focus more on its renewable energy goal and its effecient use. Mr. Modi has brought a very aggressive sort of ambition to our solar target. Solar costs are declining. It is becoming very competitive and there is no reason why India cannot be the world leader in solar energy!
This climate change would surely have adverse effects on weather patterns and temperatures with more serious implications for Public Health. While isolated heat waves pose a major health risk, resent research shows a major complex relationship between temperature and public health- far more deaths occur in cold weather than in hot. India is already enduring summers that melts roads and kill people. 60% of the population make its living from agriculture, which will be particularly affected. Most farmers will be hit by drought while some will be flooded. A large portion of Indian population lives in coastal areas and low- lying islands. These areas will be subject to deeper flooding and consequent population displacement. Where is the country heading?
Very true Wordings of Modiji –
“ Climate has not changed. We have changed. Our habits have changed. Our habits have got spoiled!”
India is a rich cultured country which has been using its resources very effeciently. But with the changing lifestyle, the mindsets of people are also changing and more resources are leading to more wastage. It’s time that all the country people should raise hands in putting their best efforts to conserve the resources. We should and have to start taking steps to reduce our energy use, improve effeciency and help end global warming. We need to pay little attention and it can play drastic roles. If we use our home cooling, electricity and heating appliances more effeciently, gases would be reduced ultimately reducing global warming.
‘ Plant a tree’ – we have been learning this phrase since our childhood. Plants absorb carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide causes global warming. Plants are good!
If these basic gestures are taken seriously, We can make a big difference.
Buying a resource doesn’t mean we have the right to squander them !!
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