Climate change- Is India Ready?

Words- 540 Time- 30 minutes

Climate change is the long-term change in the pattern of weather or modification in the
regular climate of a geographical location. It causes loss of human, physical, natural or even
financial assets around the world. Climate change is seen as the primary global crisis in the
world due to its wide-ranging impact on humans. The economic impact alone of climate change
is estimated about 5-7% of the GDP that the world produces every year. The changes that take
place in climate are caused mainly by the actions of mankind while some occur naturally.

Climate has been changing for millenniums naturally with time. The continental drift has
changed the climate overall around the world. Volcano eruptions are another natural event that
changes the climate of an area permanently. However, humans in the last few centuries have
caused unimaginable damage to the climate because of their greed and selfish traits. The more
production takes place due to increasing demand, the more pressure it exerts on resources.
Industrialization and urbanization have caused irreparable damage to water and air. Soil health
has deteriorated because of the use of excessive chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

India, compared to other developed nations, hasn't contributed to climate change as

much but still, it is suffering the effects of climate change. According to the Global Climate
Change Risks Index, India ranks 7th globally on the verge of risk due to climate change. Climate
change has impacted different dimensions of life over the years. Our environment is in grave
danger which is visible through global warming over the years, the melting of ice in the polar
regions or the emissions of greenhouse gases. The health of humans is impacted due to
heatwaves and the spread of diseases based on abruptly changing weather conditions.
Agriculture is also facing a crisis due to poor soil health and never-seen droughts/floods. The
natural ecosystem has deteriorated due to a decline in the quality of natural habitat, extinction of
many flora & fauna and depletion of natural resources.

The Indian government has taken certain praiseworthy steps to stop the further decline
in the quality of climate. India was one of the few countries that have included environment
conservation in their directive principles through the 42nd Amendment. 15th Finance
Commission brought forest cover in tax devolution, which is a welcome step as it would
encourage states to work against climate change. The government has also concentrated on
the health of the citizens impacted due to climate change and launched schemes like LiFe,
Ujjawala Yojana or Swachh Bharat Mission to safeguard the citizens against pollution. Even in
the financial sector, RBI has launched Green Bonds worth 16000 Crores to raise capital for the
government's green projects.

Environment Policy, 2006, was formulated to streamline the actions against climate
change but it is a long way to accept that India is ready to face the wide-scale impacts of climate
change soon. It is important to concentrate on reforestation and the use of renewable energy
sources to push to fight against climate change. Government, NGOs and corporations need to
unite and take collective actions for scalable restoration of climate. It is also important to
acknowledge that the participation of individuals needs to be assured so that India can become
ready for the next decade for the fight against climate change.