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The ground below me crumbled. I tried to grab onto something, but the dirt continued to crumble. My body was covered in soil and my back was ripped by sediment. I was in a landslide, and was worried about my life.
As I slid down the Himalayan mountainside I realized the dire climate uncertainty faced by the residents. Climate change is already affecting these vulnerable communities through frequent droughts, extreme monsoon rains, and other factors. I was able to see the climate impacts even more clearly as I conducted my research in villages near Darjeeling.
Yet, despite this, widespread public supportWe are taking far too little action to address the climate crisis.
This crisis demonstrates the need to unite and organize. At a time of massive climate impacts, it is even more important. It is imperative to transform the public’s view of climate into concrete action at both regional and national levels.
South Asia is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. In the past few decades, India has been subject to repeated flooding episodes, droughts, as well as landslides. Climate change is affecting monsoon rains, making them stronger and more erratic. This results in huge damage to property, life, and agriculture. India is the most affected. 740,000 premature deathsEach year, climate change is responsible for a large portion of these deaths. India could see more global emissions if they continue at their current levels. one million premature deathsEvery year, climate change is a contributing factor.
The sixth assessment report was completed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeThis was published last year. It states that the world must reduce its carbon emissions by half by 2030 to limit global warming. Despite the widespread scientific consensus on climate catastrophes and the obvious need to reduce carbon emissions, we still rely heavily on fossil fuels.
Recently at COP26, the world’s most prominent climate conference, the Indian government refused to “phase out” coal usage. Instead, India, along with several developing countries, pushed for a “phase down” of coal usage. The difference is subtle, but it is profound. Both present a future that is sustainable and the other one shows a world in which we face climate catastrophes. With coal making up More than half of India’s energy production, it seems we are heading towards the latter.
With energy consumption expected to rise to DoubleIndia will endanger the safety and well being of its citizens if it continues to use oil-based fuels in the same manner as now. Otherwise, we risk losing biodiversity and richness in ecologically fragile places like Darjeeling.
File photo: Tea plantation.
(IANS)
It is crucial that we use an environmental justice lens to protect vulnerable communities who are most at risk, such as those in the Himalayas, which are now facing climate uncertainty. We must recognize the efforts of frontline communities and provide financial and other support. We must continue to engage elected officials and push them for stronger climate policies.
There is no economy on an uninhabited planet. As the future prospect of our world turns bleaker and bleaker, it’s on us to take action on the climate crisis and end the usage of fossil fuels.
Saad AmerHe is the cofounder of Plus1Vote (a non-profit organisation dedicated to mobilizing young people to vote on issues such as climate change, social justice, and voting rights). He was an expert examiner on the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Follow him on twitter: @itsSaadAmer
This article is a guest column reflecting the author’s opinions and does not necessarily represent the official views of The Weather Channel. The article has been edited in part to improve clarity.
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