7/28/2019 aaditi_uk

1/3

CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUES IN INDIA

By Aaditi SinhaNational Climate champion -2008

Climate is the average pattern of weather for a particular region over along period of time. Climate Change refers to a significant variation ineither the mean state of the climate or in its variability, persisting foran extended period, typically, decades or longer. Burning of coal, oil,

and natural gas , deforestation, various agricultural and industrialpractices are altering the composition of the atmosphere andcontributing to it. These human activities have led to increasedatmospheric concentration of a number of greenhouse gases, includingcarbondioxide, methane, nitrousoxide, chlorofluorocarbons, andtropospheric ozone in the lower part of the atmosphere. India is highlyvulnerable to climate change as its economy depends mainly on theclimate-sensitive sectors like agriculture and forestry. Its low-lyingdensely populated coastal areas are threatened by a potential rise insea level.

In developing countries like India, climate change could spell anadditional stress on ecological and socio-economic systems which arealready facing tremendous pressures due to rapid urbanization,industrialization and economic development.A recent study done by me and my group members of Einstein Club,Rewari on various climate change and bio-diversity issues showsconcern of the local population.

7/28/2019 aaditi_uk

2/3

82% of population think that climate change,less rainfall, long dry spell are a big threat.

They opine that Government shouldbring out some legislation or measures tocurb the excessive use of natural resources

and materials responsible for adverse effecton climate. People and Organizations helping in protecting

environment should be properly rewarded.

Changes in India's annual monsoon are expected to result in severedroughts and intense flooding in many parts. Alterations in waterresources may affect human health, agriculture, forests and wildlife.

62% population believes that industries, SEZ,malls, housing societies etc. are disturbing

natural habitat and eco-system.

71% population believes that Govt. andNGOs should take initiative to protectclimate of the region.

Save Bio-Diversity and climate change projectin the area is not heard by anyone so far.

71% of population believes in life styleand attitude of consuming more and moreof natural resources .

Climate change studies undertaken reveal that everyone in communityshould be informed about climate change and action should be takento prevent long term damage to India's water cycle. This is essentialsince livelihood of a vast population in India depends on agriculture,forestry, wetlands and fisheries and land use in these areas is stronglyinfluenced by water-based ecosystems that depend on monsoon rains.Changes to the water cycle may also cause an increase in water bornediseases. Agriculture and allied activities constitute the single largestcomponent of Indias economy, contributing nearly 27% of the GDP.However, given that 62% of the cropped area is still dependent on

rainfall; climatic changes that affect rainfall pattern could have aprofound impact on production and fertility.

Forests make a considerable contribution to the Indian economy.Forests contribute 1.7% to the GDP of the country and non-timberforest products provide about 40% of total forest revenues and 55% offorest-based employment. Nearly 55 million people living in andaround forests in India depend upon non-timber forest products as a

7/28/2019 aaditi_uk

3/3

critical component for their sustenance. Hence common man should becommunicated about how to protect and sustain environment to checkclimate change.

The best ways to communicate about climate change to masses at

local and global level is by giving-: High priority and high interest by media

High focus and long term vision of government agencies in

protecting and promoting green technologies

Improving common man and science community communication

Strong political will to support clean environment issues

Translation and communication of these issues through

multimedia in all regional languages in India.

Highlighting good practices, glorifying achievements of people/

institutions in preserving climate on earth.

We should take immediate steps to slow down climate change for fastSocio- Economic development of the people on sustainable basis

We must ensure that whatever we do, as populations expandand lifestyles change, the world must be kept in good conditionin order to make available the same natural resources that wehave to the coming generations. Natural resources that include:fresh air, clean water, farmland, wildlife, forests, unpolluted seasand a stable climate.

Roads, factories and housing should not destroy habitats ofanimals and plants.

Bio-fuel development supported by new technologies need to beaccelerated, aided by policies that provide direct incentives to invest inthe most efficient bio-fuels. If we dont act now, we will leave a muchlarger problem to future generations. The good news is that, if we alljoin in to stop climate change, we can reduce its impact on our planetearth.