INDIA AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS

 Way Forward And Sustainable Solutions 

Climate Change

The world is facing the huge crisis i.e., climate change.The change in the temperature is one of the most serious environmental concerns of

today's world.Climate change is not only a regional problem but a global issue. The California burning and the deep creatures coming out from deep sea is one of the biggest examples of climate change. According to some researchers, the average temperature of the world has increased by more than 1.2°C. The main culprit of climate change are human beings.The activities of human beings such as burning of fossil fuels, being the biggest factor. The burning of fossil fuels produce harmful gases such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, methane oxide, hydrofluorocarbons etc. These releases of gases lead to the increase of greenhouse gas emissions. (Greenhouse gases trap the Earth’s heat and make it more warmer.) This climate change is the biggest threat for the environment. According to the UN Environmental Programme report, greenhouse gas emissions are projected to increase by 3% by 2030, but still need to fall by 28% to meet the Paris Agreement 2°C pathway. Another report by the World Meteorological (WMO) confirms that 2023 is set to be the warmest year on record. Data until the end of October shows that the year was about 1.4°C above the pre industrial (1850–1900 baseline). Many countries are facing the climate change, especially regions plagued by ongoing violence, weak state institutions, and significant fragility. Even though developed countries are not immune to the challenges created by climate change. Kashmir, known for its vast vegetation and greenery, is facing the biggest challenge, i.e., climate change. Kashmir is also one of the victims of climate change. As Kashmir is the second leading saffron producer after Iran, its annual production is 11–12 tonnes. But it is also facing crises, and its production is weakening due to the enrollment of cement factories nearby emerges as the challenge for farmers nowadays. Dust particles, blackened plumes are experienced by saffron fields. Cement that is burnt contains harmful gases such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide. High concentration of cement dust also results in decreased chlorophyll in leaves, clogged stomata in leaves, and disrupted life absorption and gas diffusion, resulting in early leaf abscission, and resulting in stunted growth.

The second most alarming issue is the rapid melting of glaciers such as the Kolahoi Glacier, which has drastically reduced the water flow, especially in the Jhelum River. The Anchar Lake is one of the examples. Additionally, the region is Overpopulation and exploitation of resources, where Srinagar can be seen as the victim of climate change. Not just the rest part of India is also the victim of global warming, especially the

metropolitan cities. India is one of the vulnerable countries. The rising temperature,

irregular monsoons, glaciers melting (Kashmir, Uttarakhand), sea-level rise, and extreme

weather events are becoming more frequent.

Countries' average temperature has been increased by 0.7°C between 1901 to 2018. India's monsoon has now become unpredictable and uneven, leading to droughts in some areas and floods in others.Overpopulation and exploitation of resources where Srinagar can be seen as the victim of climate change. The rest part of India is also the victim of global warming, especially the metropolitan cities. India is one of the vulnerable countries. The rising temperature, irregular monsoons, glaciers melting (Kashmir,Uttarakhand), sea-level rise, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Countries' average temperature has been increased by 0.7°C between 1901 to 2018. India’s monsoon has now become unpredictable and uneven, leading to droughts in some areas and floods in others.

Due to the melting of glaciers, its impact has clearly been seen on rivers like Ganga,

Yamuna, and Brahmaputra. Coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata are at risk of flooding. Saltwater intrusion into freshwater and agricultural lands. Kerala flood (2018), Kashmir flood (2014), Cyclone Amphan (2020) — all are recent examples of the consequences of climate change.

Causes of Climate Change:

Deforestation

Trees are very important for the absorption of CO₂, but due to the cutting down of trees, it

leads to the increase of temperature. Let me know if you'd like this content formatted into a digital document or presentation. Overdependence on fossil fuels such as coal, diesel, and petrol, which release large amounts of greenhouse gases like CO₂ and methane into the atmosphere. Rapid and unplanned urbanization, along with heavy industrialization, leads to increased emissions from construction and factory operations. India's growing population further amplifies all problems, increasing the demand for energy,

transport, housing, and natural resources, often leading to unsustainable development.

Measures:

• National Action Plan for Climate Change

1. Launched in 2008, comprises 8 missions aimed at promoting sustainable development

while addressing climate change.

2. State Action Plans on Climate Change (SAPCCs)

3. International Commitments – Paris Agreement (2015): Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 33–35% by 2030.

4. Improved Disaster Warning Systems:

• Upgrading IMD technology for cyclone, heatwave, and flood alerts

• Use of GIS and satellites for early warning and planning

Climate change imposes serious challenges to India’s environment, economy, and lives. Initiatives like the National Action Plan on Climate Change, promotion ofrenewable energies, and global commitments such as the Paris Agreement show India’s proactive approach.

However, a collective effort from the government, industries, and citizens is essential to ensure a greener and climate-resilient future of India.

NIGHA IMTIYAZ MALIK

Journalist