Climate Change Crisis in India

Note: The following article was written by me for a competition organised by the British Council, named 'Indian Climate Champion, 2008', an initiative to combat the crisis of climate change.

In an era of unabated and unplanned development, there is greatest possibility of the environment being irreversibly affected. One such crisis which has created a worldwide impact is global warming. With a sudden rise in temperatures throughout the world, climates have changed drastically, endangering the existence of each and every life form on earth. Here we look into climate change issues related to India.

Cause of the crisis- The primary cause of global warming is the increased emission of greenhouse gases particularly carbon dioxide and methane from automobiles, industries, burning of biomass etc. which has led to the depletion of ozone layer and has formed a ‘blanket’ for the outgoing ultraviolet rays causing a rise in temperature. In India, overpopulation and bursting fire crackers during Diwali are of major concern. More people mean more space to live in, which is supplemented by deforestation. As per the universally known fact that plants inhale carbon dioxide and release oxygen, it is easily understood that less number of trees means more carbon dioxide going to the atmosphere. Hence deforestation is another cause of climate change. From energy consumption to population explosion; virtually everything around us contributes a bit to global warming.

Impact on India- Rising temperatures throughout the world is being accompanied by the degradation of permafrost (the area covered by ice & snow). The most significant depletion is being observed in the polar regions posing a threat to Polar bears (among the first mammals to be recognized as endangered by IUCN because of global warming), several species of Penguins and the Red Knot (a critically endangered bird). Similar is the case with the Himalayan ranges. Melting of ice and Himalayan glaciers is a grave danger to the survival of Himalayan endemics (species with a range restricted to the Himalayas) and other life forms including human beings. Of all, the Snow leopard has been worst affected. Glaciers are an important source of perennial water supply. Melting of Himalayan glaciers will lead to acute water shortage, and lives of the people dwelling in the Ganges floodplains will be at risk. Glaciers like the Pindari glacier have already receded by over three-fourths of their original range. Like the increase in sea levels due to melting of polar ice caps, melting of Himalayan glaciers has caused a rise in water levels of inland drainage systems, which might submerge vast areas of land (for example, the Sunderbans delta is being threatened by rise in levels of the Ganges’ waters). Powerful floods along major river systems are an aftermath of the rise in water level. Heavy rains in western Maharashtra and contrastingly, poor rainfall in regions like Cherrapunji are similar symptoms. This suggests that the monsoon pattern in India itself is undergoing an erratic change.
The Indian coastline and island groups share the same plight as that of the Sunderbans and adjoining areas. It is estimated that by 2012, most of our coastal cities including Mumbai (already experienced a devastating flood off late) and Chennai (affected by the 2004 tsunami) will be submerged by the tremendous increase in sea levels.
Amphibian populations have reduced while an increase in the numbers of antigens and viruses has been observed. Amphibians breathe partially through their skin, hence any fluctuation in local environment affects local populations. On the other hand, rising temperatures provide a hospitable climate for antigens and viruses to perpetuate. This has led to a rise in diseases all over the world.

Role of NGOs- The role of Non-governmental Organizations in tackling global warming has been of great importance. The Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) enforced the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) instead of unleaded petrol in metropolitan cities like New Delhi to reduce vehicular pollution. Sanctuary magazine has played a major role in spreading awareness through interesting articles and through its ‘Kids for Tigers’ programme. It has also organized a Climate Change Photography Contest in association with Worldwide Fund for Wildlife (WWF), India, Hewlett-Packard and ABN-Amro Bank with the motive of spreading awareness, as photographs are considered to be an effective conservation tool. Greenpeace, Indian and Bombay Natural History Society have been instrumental in promoting the use of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which consume less energy compared to incandescent bulbs. Other local organizations are also working for the same cause at the grassroot level; for instance a Mumbai-based organization had recently organized an hour’s power cut in the city to reduce energy consumption.
The work of NGOs in tackling the crisis is commendable; but it may not have the required effects unless individuals support the cause and contribute their bit. At the grassroot level, we, as individuals can take small steps like conserving water, paper and electricity; supporting the use of renewable energy, replacing incandescent bulbs with CFLs, and most importantly- protecting our forests as they act as major carbon sinks. The 3 Rs- Reduce, Reuse and Recycle are also to be implemented. Such small steps by all of us can have a significant impact. Afterall, ‘if a lot of us do a little, a lot gets done’.