The unprecedented reality of climate change is an incontrovertible fact. It is a challenge that requires immediate and concerted action, as every moment of delay only exacerbates the impending disaster. The United Nations has warned that climate change is affecting the world’s most vulnerable populations at an alarming rate, exacerbating poverty and inequality. Yet, many world leaders continue to underestimate the devastating economic and human toll of this global crisis.
Climate scientists, such as James Hansen, have warned that the world is on a path towards “long-term disaster” if the two-degree warming threshold is exceeded. We cannot neglect this global challenge anymore and still expect to maintain our quality of life and standard of living. The cost of inaction is already apparent, with climate change causing displacement, hunger, unemployment, illness, and death. It is imperative that we understand the human dimension of the climate crisis as the impact is not solely environmental, but also deeply personal and societal.
The situation in India serves as a powerful reminder that the effects of climate change are felt by real people with real families and communities. Kerala suffered from the worst floods in a century in 2018, a direct result of the rapidly changing climate. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality index is becoming poorer and reaching dangerous levels every year, resulting in a range of health problems for its residents, including heart diseases and premature deaths. In India’s rural areas, small-scale farmers are grappling with the effects of shifting weather patterns and rising temperatures, leading to decreased crop yields and economic hardships.
In conclusion, the human cost of ignoring climate change is simply too high to ignore. We are in a race against time, and it is our shared responsibility to act now before it is too late and ensure a better future for the people of India and the world.