Climate change: It’s imperative to wage an evidence-based battle
For decades, climate scientists have been warning governments—and society at large—about the impact of climate change, especially the increased frequency and intensity of a range of nature-related disasters. Today, we are witnessing these unfold as news media headlines scream, almost on a daily basis, about how climate change has exacerbated disasters.
Be it wildfires across the world, including the horrific ones in Greece recently, or typhoon Gaemi that killed dozens across the Philippines, Taiwan and China, or incidents such as the water spout that resulted in the sinking of a luxury super yacht off Italy, or the several recent instances of air turbulence, climate change is touching every aspect of life as we know it, resulting in an ever-increasing sense of vulnerability. Here in India, we have witnessed a very severe summer with dire warnings for the future and are currently receiving ‘torrential’ rainfall in several states across the country.
The absence of snow on Om Parvat in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, for the first time ever is being bemoaned by all —and even though the jury is out on whether this is attributable more to climate change or excessive tourism, one can be sure that one will impact the other. The essence of the narrative above is that, while we may continue to debate historical responsibilities ad nauseum, India needs to adopt a much more aggressive stance on all aspects of the climate change challenge: from mitigation to adaptation and resilience building.
As the third largest emitter of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the world, and with a little over a sixth of the world’s population, India’s vulnerabilities are extreme. With increasing incomes, Indians are also being termed as a ‘goldmine’ of
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