The recently released Intergovernmental Panel Climate Change Report has unequivocally ascertained that human beings are the cause of rapid climate change. The report states that human influence is very likely the main driver of the global retreat of glaciers, increase of global mean sea level, frequent heatwaves (2020 was the second hottest year on record for the planet), heavy precipitation, agricultural and ecological drought, etc. which have resulted in an increase in the frequency and intensity of disasters like floods, droughts, cyclones, etc. The number of such disasters has tripled in the past 30 years and 20 million people every year have been forced to migrate from their homes due to the adverse conditions caused by the disasters. The UN estimates that 1.23 million have died and 4.2 billion have been affected by droughts, floods, and wildfires since 2000.
It is unfortunate to note that there was a drastic reduction in the budgetary allocation of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at Revised Estimates Stage in 2020-21 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. At a time when more allocation should be given for efficient research to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change, reductions are being done due to a cause which itself is a result of the human-environment conflict.
The Government of Maharashtra acknowledges the threat and is effectively raising awareness about climate emergencies and ensuring sustainable development of the state by being active in C40 Cities, Cities4Forests, U-2 Coalition along with other projects like solarisation of highways, mangrove conservation, Majhi Vasundhara (My Earth) which is the flagship program.
Climate change, however, has to be accompanied by a transition to a sustainable, greener economy. As the economy is recovering from the pandemic, now is the perfect time to head start the shift. As India heads to COP26, having achieved considerable success in its commitments to renewable energy goals — as it fights, rightly so, for climate justice and ensuring the financial commitments made by developed nations are made good, we also need to ensure adequate as well as ambitious action on climate change and transition to greener economy so as to move in tandem for the overall prosperity of our country. Investments in a greener economy will set the foundation for enhanced human well-being, opportunities for job creation, and sustained economic development for upcoming years. The concept of a green economy creates long-term priorities, enabling a shift from the present fuel-based economy to a sustainable one for improving levels of overall human well-being and impeding climate change.
- The threat of climate change is real and there is not enough time left to save the Earth. This alone should push us to pull up our socks and get on to save the planet.