In particular it is important for countries of the global south to evolve creative responses that are in tune with their need for strengthening communities as well as their sustainable livelihoods (instead of getting trapped in big business driven false solutions that can be disruptive for communities and their livelihood base).

In this context a recent national dialogue organised in Delhi has raised hopes regarding some interesting and significant possibilities which if followed carefully and in the right spirit can help in evolving a climate response from India that is not only more in keeping with our needs and strengths (particularly in the context of rural areas) but in addition can evoke the interest of many other communities not just in the global south but perhaps also in the north.

This dialogue took place from January 7 to 9 at India Habitat Centre, Delhi, and was formally titled ‘Swaraj Samvad (Dialogue on Swaraj)—Integrating Traditional Knowledge to Enhance Resilience to Climate Change’. This dialogue was organized by Climate Rise Alliance and Vaagdhara, with participation from all over the country.

It is interesting that the dialogue made an effort to create a wider framework within which many aspects of climate response (mitigation as well as adaptation aspects) including agro-ecology, strengthening of rural communities, protection of biodiversity and seeds and traditional knowledge relating to health and nutrition etc. can be included in integrated ways. This framework is based on the concept of swaraj and related thinking, and so this concept needs to be explained in some detail, particularly as despite its Indian origin it is useful and interesting for rural communities in other countries as well.

The word swaraj is used rightly in dialogues like this to mean greater self-reliance for rural communities to use their capabilities in better ways for sustainable livelihoods and climate response in tune with local conditions in decentralized ways. However some information on historical context is also needed.

The word swaraj goes back to the freedom movement of India with its literal meaning of self-rule. Although this word was being widely used even before the advent of Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom movement, he imparted a much wider meaning to this concept which is more relevant to the present times.

Mahatma Gandhi thought not just about freedom from British rule but also a lot about how the Indian self-rule after freedom will be able to meet in much better ways the real needs and aspirations of people. To prepare for this, he involved millions and millions of people in a range of constructive activities which are partly based on reviving traditional wisdom and good practices but also partially based on resisting the very harmful burden of some traditional thinking such as that relating to social discrimination. The overall result of what he sought to achieve would be unity based on equality and dignity for all including particularly the women and weaker sections. An attempt would be made for people to be free of all intoxicants such as liquor and related problems to the extent possible. Such communities, Mahatma Gandhi believed, are best suited to take up self-rule in the sense of trying to be as self-reliant as possible in highly creative ways, recognizing the dignity of physical work as well as skills of farmers, workers and artisans, in tune with local conditions for highly decentralized and sustainable progress, emphasizing peace, social harmony, meeting needs of all, protective attitude towards environment and all forms of life. The related concept of khadi helps to advance this thinking by exploring and advancing industrial activity more as cottage and small-scale efforts to meet various daily needs, to the extent possible and practical, and avoiding the kind of excessive mechanization that destroys livelihoods.

This swaraj is seen as essentially a very creative task of peaceful cooperation among many people, but if this is stopped or hindered in unjust ways, then this must be resisted and opposed in non-violent ways.

Various aspects of swaraj were highlighted in the recently organised dialogue in Delhi. These included conceptualizing swaraj in terms of agro-ecology, seeds, water, health, energy, governance and other important contexts. There were several inspiring narratives of very useful work taken up in many villages in tune with the swaraj approach. Senior civil society leaders and grassroots activists provided many valuable insights which can be very helpful in taking this forward.

However the effort probably fell short of providing a holistic vision of swaraj and it also appeared that segmented projects devoid of a holistic understanding cannot go very far on their own. However the very fact that nearly 500 delegates from all parts of the country expressed their commitment broadly to the swaraj approach is a very encouraging sign, particularly in the context of relating the swaraj approach to climate response.

This dialogue was perhaps the first such national-level effort to look at climate response in terms of the swaraj approach. This makes it a very significant initiative.

In the post-independence years many activists and scholars have sought to take forward the swaraj concept in numerous ways, as seen in several social movements and a lot of very creative, constructive work. The efforts of linking swaraj to climate solutions must be seen as a significant step forward in this direction and this opens up many more creative possibilities. The concept of swaraj provides many more possibilities of reducing the burden of fossil fuels in village as well as for strengthening climate adaptation, with its emphasis on sustainable livelihoods and strengthening of rural communities.

The possibilities opened up by this dialogue must be carried forward carefully and in the right spirit.

(The author is Honorary Convener, Campaign to Save Earth Now. His recent books include Protecting Earth for Children, Planet in Peril, Man over Machine, and A Day in 2071)

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This article tries to examine what one of the most pivotal international frameworks on climate change has achieved in the last 5 years. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)f is the parent treaty of the Paris Agreement with 198 parties i.e., a universal membership. It also is the parent treaty of Kyoto protocol-a treaty on reduction in emissions.

The Paris Agreement signed in 2015 is a legally binding international treaty on climate change with the main aim of holding the global average temperature increase to well below 2° C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5° C above pre-industrial levels. There are Nationally Determined Contributions under the agreement which the countries submit and are reviewed. The Conference of Parties (COP) is the supreme decision-making body of the convention and all state parties i.e., countries are represented here; it meets on a yearly basis.

The COP 29 climate meeting in Baku concluded in November 2024 with a disappointing deal on climate finance. Developed nations agreed to mobilize a “new collective quantified goal” (NCQG) of only $300 billion per year for developing nations by 2035. This was criticized by developing countries as a “paltry sum” since it represents only a three-times increase over their current mandate of $100 billion and falls significantly short of the estimated $1 trillion, or even $1.3 trillion, that developing countries need to effectively address climate change. Some even viewed it as a “betrayal” and a continuation of the trend of developed countries “taking apart the climate system” over the years. The 2022 Adaptation Gap Report had noted that the international adaptation finance flows to developing countries are five to ten times below estimated needs and will need over US $300 Billion per year by 2030.

Outcomes of the Last Five COPs

The last five COPs have each sought to advance the goals of the Paris Agreement, but they have met with varying levels of success:

COP 25, Madrid

COP 25 in Madrid (2019) focused on finalizing the “Katowice Rulebook,” the guidelines for implementing the Paris Agreement. However, countries failed to reach a consensus on critical issues like the rules for international carbon markets (Article 6). Despite the setbacks, COP25 made some progress on other issues. For example, it strengthened the Warsaw International Mechanism for Loss and Damage by establishing the Santiago Network to offer technical assistance to vulnerable developing countries. It also adopted an enhanced gender action plan to promote gender-responsive climate action and climate finance.

COP 26, Glasgow

COP 26 in Glasgow (2021) was considered a pivotal moment for raising climate ambition and finalizing the Paris Rulebook. It achieved several notable outcomes, including the Glasgow Climate Pact, which called for countries to revisit and strengthen their emission reduction targets and accelerate the phase-down of unabated coal power and the phase-out of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. COP26 also finally completed the Paris Rulebook, including agreement on Article 6. Another key focus was adaptation. The Glasgow Pact called for doubling the amount of finance to support developing countries in adapting to climate impacts. COP26 also saw the launch of several significant initiatives, including the Global Methane Pledge and a pledge by over 100 countries to halt and reverse deforestation by 2030.

COP 27, Sharm El-Sheikh

COP 27 in Sharm El-Sheikh (2022) was dubbed the “implementation COP”. There was some progress on mitigation, adaptation, and finance, but many issues remained unresolved. A major breakthrough was the agreement to establish a fund to address loss and damage caused by climate change in developing countries. This was a long-standing demand from vulnerable nations and was widely seen as a significant step towards climate justice. However, the final agreement lacked strong commitments on phasing out all fossil fuels, including oil and gas. It also included weak language regarding “transitioning away from fossil fuels” that was at odds with the official global stocktake. COP27 also saw developed countries fail to deliver on their $100 billion per year climate finance pledge, which was due to be met by 2020.

COP 28, Dubai

COP 28 in Dubai (2023) was the biggest COP yet and marked the conclusion of the first ‘global stocktake’ of the world’s collective progress towards achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. The key outcome of COP 28 was an agreement signalling the “beginning of the end” of the fossil fuel era. This agreement called for a transition away from fossil fuels in a just and equitable manner. It also called for tripling renewable energy capacity globally by 2030 and doubling the average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements over the same period. However, much of the language surrounding these commitments remained vague and non-binding. COP28 also made progress on operationalizing the Loss and Damage fund established at COP27. This fund will support developing nations experiencing the worst effects of climate change, like severe flooding and prolonged drought. COP28 also saw unprecedented recognition of the need to link efforts to address climate change with nature conservation. By the time COP 28 ended, the commitments to the Loss and Damage Fund totalled to US$ 661 Million.

COP, Baku

COP 29 in Baku (2024) focused on finance and aimed to set a new climate finance goal to replace the $100 billion goal set in 2009. The meeting ended with developed nations agreeing to mobilize a new NCQG of $300 billion per year for developing nations by 2035. While this trebled the previous goal, it was widely criticized as being inadequate to address the needs of developing countries, especially given that previous goals were not met. It was also criticized for offering “false hope” to vulnerable communities and nations and essentially “abandoning” them.

Unresolved Issues

Several critical issues remain unaddressed or inadequately dealt with during recent COPs. The most prominent of these is the continued insufficiency of climate finance. The financial commitments agreed upon at COP29 fall far short of what developing countries need to mitigate emissions, adapt to climate impacts, and address loss and damage. This funding gap undermines trust and hinders progress, leaving vulnerable communities and nations struggling to cope with the effects of climate change. The lack of a clear roadmap for achieving the new finance goal also raises concerns about accountability and implementation. Another unresolved issue is the ambiguity surrounding the phasing out of fossil fuels. While COP28 saw an agreement to “transition away from fossil fuels”, much of the language surrounding this agreement is vague and non-binding. The lack of a firm commitment to a rapid and complete phase-out of all fossil fuels, including oil and gas, remains a major concern. Finally, adaptation measures have not received the same level of attention and financial support as mitigation efforts, even though developing countries are facing increasingly severe climate impacts. This imbalance needs to be addressed to ensure a more comprehensive and equitable approach to climate action.

Challenges faced by developing countries

Developing countries are disproportionately vulnerable to climate change impacts, even though they have contributed the least to global greenhouse gas emissions. This is largely due to their geographic locations and limited financial and technological resources, which often make it difficult for them to adapt to climate impacts. As a result, developing countries rely heavily on financial support from developed countries to achieve their climate goals. These challenges are further exacerbated by the historical inequity of climate change. Developed countries have historically emitted the vast majority of greenhouse gases, contributing to the current climate crisis. This historical responsibility creates an ethical obligation for developed countries to provide financial and technological support to developing countries.

Balancing the scales and avoiding a Climate Black Swan

A “Climate Black Swan” event refers to a catastrophic and unpredictable climate-related event with severe global consequences. To avoid such an event, the international community must take urgent and ambitious action. This requires going beyond incremental steps and embracing transformative changes in our energy systems, economies, and lifestyles. It is essential to recognize that climate change is a global issue that requires a collective and coordinated response, one that prioritizes equity, justice, and the needs of the most vulnerable.

To address the imbalance between developed and developing countries and to effectively combat climate change, several actions are crucial. First and foremost, developed countries must fulfill their existing climate finance commitments and significantly scale up their financial support to developing countries. This includes providing grants and concessional loans for mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage. Technology transfer and capacity-building are also essential. Developed countries should facilitate the transfer of clean technologies and provide capacity-building support to developing countries, empowering them to implement their climate plans and transition to sustainable development pathways. To ensure a just and equitable transition, the shift to a low-carbon economy must also consider the needs of workers and communities dependent on fossil fuels. This includes providing retraining opportunities, creating green jobs, and ensuring a fair distribution of the benefits and costs of the transition. Finally, all countries, especially major emitters, must set ambitious emission reduction targets aligned with the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal. This requires a rapid phase-out of all fossil fuels and a swift transition to renewable energy sources.

(The author is part of the legal research team)

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The post From Madrid to Baku: A chronicle of inadequate climate action at UN Conferences appeared first on SabrangIndia.

For instance, the case of Godavarman Thirumulpad vs. Union of India[1]– the order stopping non-forestry activity in forests to the case of Orissa Mining Corporation vs. Ministry of Environment and Forests[2] (as it was called then) that has often been deliberately mis-interpreted by the infamous Forest department officials to the more enlightened order declaring Gram Sabha as a body having a role in safeguarding customary and religious rights of the STs and other traditional forest dwellers, judiciary has been taking a sometimes conflicting, often proactive in taking a progressive view. At a time when the climate change crisis is showing its effects on the most marginalised sections- from heat waves to irregular rainfall-it becomes important to understand how one of the most important institutions of the country is viewing climate change, and its effects on people.

In Virender Gaur v. State of Haryana[3], the Supreme Court had recognised the right to a clean environment. And recently, a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice, D.Y. Chandrachud, in the case of MK Ranjitsinh vs. Union of India has delivered a judgement that will have significant implications for environmental law jurisprudence in the Country, in the decades to come.[4] The court declared that the right to be free from adverse effects of climate change is a fundamental right. In both Virender Gaur and MK Ranjitsinh, the opposing party was the government, wanting to do an act that petitioners opposed due to its effect on the environment. In this article, we will discuss the significance of MK Ranjitsinh v.  Union of India, and its implications for environmental jurisprudence in India.

In Virender Gaur, a public space belonging to the municipality was handed over for construction to a third party, by the government. The public opposed the government’s move claiming that the public space was left for the purpose of sanitation and maintenance of hygiene and to allot it to a third party would defeat the purpose for which it was demarcated. The Supreme Court stated as follows:

“Environmental, ecological, air, water, pollution, etc. should be regarded as amounting to violation of Article 21. Therefore, hygienic environment is an integral facet of right to healthy life and it would be impossible to live with human dignity without a humane and healthy environment.”

At the heart of this matter is land-a limited resource that the government wants to be used and the competing public interest which wants the land to be in status quo-as it is in the current state. In a way, the case of MK Ranjitsinh also stems from the same issue.

Facts in MK Ranjitsinh

Great Indian Bustard-the state bird of Rajasthan is on the verge of extinction. In a prior order by the Supreme Court in April 2021, directions were passed restricting the laying of overhead power transmission lines in about 99,000 square kilometres by solar power companies in the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat.[5] The court appointed a committee for assessing the feasibility of laying high voltage underground power lines, and stated that where the conversion of overhead power lines to underground power lines is feasible, such conversion be undertaken and completed within a year. While the court appointed committee implemented the directions of the court, various ministries of the government- Ministries of Environment, Forests and Climate Change; Power; New and Renewable Energy- approached the court to modify the order since the judgement covered more land than what is required for the protection of GIB and the technical impossibility of laying underground high voltage power lines.

In 2024, the court asked the government to file a comprehensive status report on the issue. The government in its updated affidavit stated that the reduction in population of GIBs is not related to power lines, that Union’s international commitments to reduce India’s Carbon footprint is tied to making sure that solar and renewable projects are carried on; transmission lines laid. The government also listed the conservation projects that are in place for the protection of the Great Indian Bustard.

What were the issues?

Simply put, on one side is the issue of conservation of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard and on the other side is the need to lay overhead power transmission lines as a part of realising the goals to mitigate climate change crisis.

In the April 2021 order, the court ordered a blanket restriction on the overhead transmission lines. The government pleaded for modification of this blanket restriction.

What did the Court say?

The court relied on Virender Gaur vs State of Haryana and on MC Mehta vs Kamal Nath[6] to arrive at articulating a right to be free from adverse effects of climate change. In MC Mehta vs. Kamalnath, the court said that Article 48A[a directive principle stating that the State shall endeavour to protect environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country] and Article 51-A(g)[A fundamental duty stating that it shall be duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures] have to be considered in the light of Article 21 of the Constitution. It had stated that any disturbance of the basic environment elements like air, water and soil would be hazardous to life within the meaning of Article 21 since those elements are necessary for life.

The court in MK Ranjitsinh stated that the right to equality under Article 14 and Right to Life under Article 21 must be appreciated in the context of decisions of the Supreme Court, the actions and commitments of the state on national and international level, the scientific consensus on climate change and its adverse effects. The court stated as follows in Para 24 of the judgement, recognising the right to be free from adverse effects of climate change:

“Despite a plethora of decisions on the right to a clean environment, some decisions which recognise climate change as a serious threat, and national policies which seek to combat climate change, it is yet to be articulated that the people have a right against the adverse effects of climate change. This is perhaps because this right and the right to a clean environment are two sides of the same coin. As the havoc caused by climate change increases year by year, it becomes necessary to articulate this as a distinct right. It is recognised by Articles 14 and 21.”

Having said this, the court also tried to arrive at a balance between two sustainable interests i.e., conservation of a species and renewable power generation and distribution. The court opined that it is necessary to adopt a holistic approach which does not sacrifice either of the two goals “at the altar of the other.”

While it relied on cases like MC Mehta and Virender Gaur to arrive at articulation of Right to be free from adverse effects of climate change, it relied on India’s international commitments such as the Paris Agreement related Nationally Determined Commitments to support the modification of the order, as requested by various minisries. One of India’s NDC is to achieve 50% of cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030. The court noted the importance of solar power as a renewable energy source.

The court therefore constituted a committee which will have the power to determine the scope, feasibility and extent of overhead and underground electric lines, in the areas identified by the Wildlife Institute of India in Rajasthan and Gujarat, Identification of conservation methods for GIBs in priority areas, Monitoring and Review the implementation etc.

Implications for environment related jurisprudence

The one major difference between Fundamental Rights and the Directive Principles of State Policy is that the former are enforceable, and the latter are not. Although the subject of the environment had only featured in the DPSP and Fundamental Duties, Indian people took the option of Public Interest Litigation to challenge any of the governments’ actions that would have a devastating impact on the environment. With the declaration that the right to be free from adverse effects of climate change is a fundamental right, individual climate change litigation could grow in High Courts and the Supreme Court. The court also acknowledged the climate change related litigation in other countries and stated that those cases indicate the type of cases that will travel to courts in the next few years.

The court also took the route of Articles 14 and 21 to spell out the right to be free from adverse effects of climate change. The court stated that right to equality may also be violated in ways that are more difficult to remedy. It stated as follows, in this context:

“For example, a person living in say, the Lakshadweep Islands, will be in a disadvantageous position compared to person living in say, Madhya Pradesh when sea levels rise and oceanic problems ensue. Similarly, forest dwellers or tribal and indigenous communities are at a high risk of losing not only their homes but also their culture, which is inextricably intertwined with the places they live in and the resources of that place. In India, the tribal population in the Nicobar islands continues to lead a traditional life which is unconnected to and separate from any other part of the country or world. Indigenous communities often lead traditional lives, whose dependence on the land is of a different character from the dependence which urban populations have on the land. Traditional activities such as fishing and hunting may be impacted by climate change, affecting the source of sustenance for such people. Further, the relationship that indigenous communities have with nature may be tied to their culture or religion. The destruction of their lands and forests or their displacement from their homes may result in a permanent loss of their unique culture. In these ways too, climate change may impact the constitutional guarantee of the right to equality”

Interestingly, both Lakshadweep and Nicobar islands have been points of discussion over government’s announcements of reforms and faced criticism over the environmental damage these projects could pose.

Coming back to the judgement, the court’s choice to read the right from both Articles 14 and 21 is a significant development from the last time a right like this was identified. In Virender Gaur, the Supreme Court identified the right to clean environment from Article 21 which guaranteed that no person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. In MC Mehta too, the emphasis was on how damage to environment is a violation of Article 21. The court in MK Ranjitsinh also emphasised on the fact that marginalised communities’ right to life and personal liberty is affected more due to climate change related health issues. Thus, this is an additional intersection that the court tried to do, between Environment and Article 14.

Conclusion

While the jurisprudence over this right to yet to develop, the court also noted the lack of a holistic climate change legislation in the country. The court stated, in this context, that a lack of law does not mean that people do not have a right to be free from adverse effects of climate change. This indicates the activist role played by the Supreme Court in one of the most pressing matters of the 21^st century.

The court was cautious to state that courts should be alive to other rights of affected communities such as the right to be free from displacement and allied rights while giving effect to the right to be free from adverse effects of climate change.

This caution indicates the type of cases that the court sees coming to it. Right to be Free from adverse effects of climate change is a universal right, and when juxtaposed against say, a person’s right to stay at their traditional dwelling place without having to relocate to make way for a solar park or to want compensation- the courts will have to take a balanced approach rather than siding with the climate change right.

The judgement also faced some criticism for its blanket acceptance of governments’ claims on energy transition, and for ignoring the jurisprudence on rights of nature and climate action led by indigenous peoples and other local communities. While the implications of this approach taken by the court deserves a separate examination and analysis, one thing is clear- climate change is now very much part of the emerging jurisprudence on environment and more accountability seeking petitions could emerge out of this fundamental right.

(The author is part of CJP’s legal research team)

[1] (1997) 2 SCC 267

[2] [2013] 6 SCR 881

[3] 1995 (2) SCC 577

[4] 2024 INSC 280

[5] I.A. NO.85618 OF 2020 in WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO.838 OF 2019

[6] (1997) 1 SCC 388

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The post SC: The right to be free from adverse effects of Climate Change is a fundamental right appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Climate change has led to increased temperatures, irregular rainfall, droughts, floods, and hailstorms. Among these, rising temperatures are the most critical issue. Higher temperatures have reduced crop yields and affected the quality of produce. Some crops cannot withstand the increased temperatures, leading to decreased production.

Irregular rainfall has become a major challenge for farmers. In some areas, there is a deficiency of rain, while in others, there is excessive rainfall. Low rainfall leads to insufficient soil moisture, causing crops to wither. On the other hand, excessive rainfall leads to floods, damaging crops. Both situations result in substantial losses for farmers.

Drought is another severe problem exacerbated by climate change. Droughts cause water shortages, making it difficult for farmers to irrigate their crops. As a result, crops dry up, leading to reduced yields. This causes economic losses for farmers and threatens their livelihoods.

Climate change has also intensified natural disasters like hailstorms and floods. These events cause significant damage to crops, reducing yields and causing financial losses for farmers. The impact of climate change on agriculture has become a significant challenge.

Changes in the monsoon patterns, with early or delayed rains, adversely affect farming. In recent years, farmers have faced uncertainty in crop production due to shifting climate patterns. The past decade has seen fluctuations in crop yields, sometimes leading to high production and at other times to low production. The damage caused by climate change is now evident.

According to a survey conducted by the Development Intelligence Unit (DIU) in collaboration with the Forum of Enterprises for Equitable Development (FED), approximately 43% of the farmers surveyed experienced at least half of their standing crops being damaged. Irregular rainfall has particularly affected crops like rice, vegetables, and pulses. The survey highlights that in some regions, excess water submerges rice seedlings for over a week, destroying newly planted crops.

Meanwhile, in states like Maharashtra, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and West Bengal, delayed sowing of rice, maize, cotton, soybeans, groundnuts, and various pulses has occurred due to insufficient rainfall.

In the last two to three years, high temperatures have affected crop growth in various states, including Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. In 2022, high temperatures impacted wheat production, reducing it from 109.59 million tons in 2021 to 107.7 million tons. This forced the country, the world’s second-largest wheat producer, to halt exports.

In 2023, high temperatures also affected wheat production, leading to a shortfall of about 3 million tons compared to the target. The adverse effects of climate change on agriculture need urgent attention. Farmers, already dissatisfied due to inconsistent incomes, might face increased despair if their earnings further decline. This could lead to various social issues, including food insecurity.

Survey results indicate that in the past five years, adverse weather events have caused crop losses for 80% of marginal farmers in India. The survey covered 6,615 farmers across 21 states, revealing that drought (41%) and irregular rainfall (32%) are the primary causes of crop damage.

Climate change is a global challenge with widespread impacts across various sectors, including agriculture. Millions of farmers are affected by its adverse effects. A recent survey highlights the significant impact of climate change on farming, showing that 80% of marginal farmers in India have suffered crop losses in the past five years.

Experts have long warned about the dangers of climate change, but the issue hasn’t received the seriousness it warrants

Experts have long warned about the dangers of climate change, but the issue hasn’t received the seriousness it warrants. While discussions on climate change have begun, substantial measures to address the problem are lacking. We all know that climate change is altering rainfall patterns, leading to either excessive rain or droughts, which affect crop production. In the past two to three years, high temperatures have hampered crop growth.

Many crops, like wheat, cannot tolerate extreme heat, resulting in reduced yields. High temperatures and humidity have also increased the prevalence of pests and diseases. In northern India’s cotton belt, pink bollworms have been destroying crops for several years. Managing known diseases has become challenging for the agriculture department.

Additionally, climate change might introduce new diseases that farmers are unprepared for. Experts say that climate change is causing significant damage to agriculture, including drought conditions in various parts of the country, leading to over-extraction of groundwater and a consequent decline in water levels. In areas with excessive rainfall, soil erosion reduces soil fertility, potentially leading to future food shortages.

The government must provide financial assistance and insurance protection to farmers. Immediate financial aid should be available for crop losses, and concessional loans should be accessible for farming. Research and development are needed to develop new technologies that help farmers adapt to climate change. Environmentally friendly technologies can help increase crop production.

In conclusion, climate change poses a severe threat to Indian agriculture. To overcome this challenge, collaborative efforts from farmers, the government, and the scientific community are essential.

Utilizing modern technology, raising awareness, and fostering cooperation are key to ensuring a bright future for Indian agriculture.

Author is Social worker and activist working for the rights of tribal and marginalized communities

Courtesy: CounterView

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It also underscore the urgent need for legal and policy reforms to secure land and socio-economic rights, empowering these communities to become stewards of the environment and leaders in climate resilience.

I. Impact of deforestation and land use changes

Land rights in forested areas are intrinsically linked to deforestation and land use changes, which contribute to climate change by increasing carbon emissions. In tribal regions, land use patterns have undergone significant changes driven by socio-economic, environmental, and policy-related factors, disproportionately affecting indigenous communities. Key drivers include:

1. Forest land conversion:

Since the 1990s, vast tracts of forest land in tribal areas have been converted for non-forest purposes. Projects like the Polavaram Irrigation Project displaced thousands of tribal families and led to the submergence of 94,357 acres of land, including 29,852 acres of poramboke land and 3,223 hectares of forest resources. Additionally, displaced tribals from neighboring Chhattisgarh, due to armed conflicts, have sought refuge in forest areas, further straining resources through land clearing for basic survival.

2. Industrial development and mining:

Industrial activities have significantly impacted forests in tribal areas of East Godavari District. Companies like ITC, Godavari Plywoods, and AP Paper Mills contributed to deforestation by establishing plantations and extracting raw materials. Mining operations for bauxite and other minerals further accelerated habitat destruction, exacerbating climate vulnerability through increased soil erosion and biodiversity loss.

3. Shifting cultivation and agriculture:

Traditional shifting cultivation (Podu) is being replaced by settled agriculture and monoculture plantations like cashew, coffee, and eucalyptus. These changes have led to declining soil fertility, increased ecological imbalance, and reduced carbon sequestration, all contributing to climate change. Government initiatives aimed at transitioning tribals to agroforestry practices have had limited success.

4. Land alienation and urbanization:

Despite legal protections, tribal land alienation persists. Non-tribals have acquired tribal lands illegally, with more than 50% of Scheduled Area land in AP held by non-tribals. Urbanization and migration to nearby towns and cities further alter traditional land use patterns, displacing tribal populations and increasing their dependence on forest lands.

II. Role of traditional knowledge in climate mitigation

Tribal communities in Eastern Ghats possess deep-rooted knowledge of sustainable land and forest management practices. However, modernization, displacement, and loss of land rights are eroding this traditional knowledge, with far-reaching implications for the environment and efforts to mitigate climate change. Key areas of traditional knowledge include:

1. Sustainable agricultural practices:

Historically, tribals practiced climate-resilient agriculture, such as agroforestry and drought-resistant crops like millets. These have been replaced by water-intensive commercial crops, exacerbating soil degradation and biodiversity loss. Revitalizing traditional agricultural methods could restore ecological balance and strengthen climate resilience.

2. Forest management and biodiversity conservation: 

Tribal knowledge plays a crucial role in forest ecosystem conservation. Practices like controlled burning, selective harvesting, and maintaining sacred groves contribute to forest regeneration and biodiversity preservation. The loss of these practices has increased forest fires, reduced forest cover, and weakened carbon sinks that mitigate climate change.

3. Water conservation techniques:

Tribals traditionally employed sustainable water conservation methods such as terracing and community-based management systems. The decline in these practices has worsened water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change. Reviving traditional water harvesting techniques could help address challenges like changing rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts.

4. Traditional weather prediction:

Tribals used natural indicators, such as animal behavior and plant flowering patterns, to predict weather changes. This knowledge helped them adapt to environmental changes. As these traditions fade, communities are less equipped to anticipate and cope with unpredictable climate impacts, such as erratic rainfall and temperature extremes.

III. Effects of land alienation on climate vulnerability

The lack of secure land rights for tribals in the Scheduled Area of Andhra Pradesh exacerbates their vulnerability to climate change. Displacement and land alienation deprive them of the resources and autonomy needed to manage their environment sustainably, weakening their resilience to climate shocks.

Irrigation projects like Polavaram displaced thousands of tribals,  submerged 94,357 acres, including 7,964 acres of forest resources

1. Deforestation and resource exploitation:

When tribals are displaced from their lands, environmental degradation becomes more prevalent. Commercial interests, such as mining and large-scale agriculture, often exploit tribal lands without regard for sustainability, resulting in higher carbon emissions and reduced biodiversity.

2. Loss of climate resilience:

Secure land tenure allows communities to invest in sustainable farming, soil conservation, and water management. Without land rights, tribals are less likely to engage in these practices, increasing their vulnerability to floods, droughts, and landslides.

3. Socio-economic exclusion:

Socio-economic marginalization further increases climate vulnerability. Tribals who lack access to healthcare, education, and markets are more vulnerable to climate impacts. Economic insecurity also limits their ability to invest in climate adaptation measures.

4. Exclusion from decision-making:

Tribals are often excluded from climate adaptation programs due to their lack of formal land rights and political marginalization. This exclusion weakens their adaptive capacity and undermines climate policy by disregarding the knowledge and practices that have sustained these ecosystems for centuries.

IV. Path forward: Securing land and socio-economic rights for climate resilience

Addressing the challenges faced by tribal communities in East Godavari requires legal, policy, and program interventions to secure land and socio-economic rights. Effective implementation of laws like Land Transfer Regulations 1 of 70, the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and the Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) is essential for empowering tribal communities as stewards of their environment.

1. Strengthening legal protections:

Strengthening the enforcement of laws that protect tribal land rights is crucial. Securing land tenure empowers tribals to continue their role in forest conservation and sustainable land management, mitigating climate change.

2. Integrating traditional knowledge into climate policy:

Recognizing and integrating traditional knowledge into modern climate strategies is key to building resilience in ecologically sensitive regions like the Eastern Ghats. Collaboration between tribal communities, governments, and NGOs can help preserve and revitalize traditional practices including health, enhancing biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.

3. Promoting inclusive economic development:

Ensuring access to socio-economic rights such as education, healthcare, and employment strengthens the adaptive capacity of tribal communities. Supporting sustainable livelihoods, like agroforestry and eco-tourism, can provide alternative income sources while preserving the environment.

4. Enhancing climate adaptation orograms:

Tribal involvement in climate adaptation programs ensures that strategies are locally relevant and culturally appropriate. Drawing on traditional knowledge and practices will enhance resilience to climate challenges.

Conclusion

The tribal communities of Eastern Ghats have long been custodians of their environment, maintaining a delicate balance between their livelihoods and the natural world. Securing their land rights and revitalizing traditional knowledge systems are not only essential for their survival but also critical in the fight against climate change. By empowering these communities, we can foster sustainable land use practices, enhance biodiversity conservation, and build resilience to future climate challenges.

Courtesy: CounterView

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According to data released by India Meteorological Department Wayanad district received as much as 7% of its entire seasonal rainfall in 24 hours (from Monday morning to Tuesday morning). The Mundakkai region received 572 mm of rainfall in the past 48 hours prior to the landslide. This clearly points to an extreme climate change-induced disaster.

Experts like Madhav Gadgil are saying that it was due to the environmental degradation that the disaster occurred. The fact of the matter is that the landslide happened inside a deep forest which was not affected by human intervention.

The disaster area belongs to the Western Ghats, a UNESCO world heritage site, which is a very fragile ecologically sensitive area. This is also a region prone to frequent landslides. The Western Ghats starting from the Southern tip of the Indian subcontinent to the Konkan region is home to about 50 million people. In the parts belonging Kerala alone at least 5 million people live. Human habitation has caused a lot of ecological damage to the region. After the liberalisation of Indian economy, tourism has become a major industry in the region. Lots of tourist resorts have come up in the last 30 years, leading to stone quarrying in a major way. The stones from Western Ghats are used to build new roads, bridges, houses even in the lower land area and even the Adani port in Vizhinjam, Trivandrum.

If you look at the history of the Kerala part of Western Ghats, it was the Britishers who started huge tea, coffee and rubber plantations starting from late 19^th century. It has caused huge environmental degradation in the region. Tata, Harrison Malayalam are the big planters now in the region. They behave like feudal lords, giving paltry sums as leases to the government and even encroaching government lands and planting monocrops. The landslide affected Mundakkai also is a tea estate area owned by Harrison Malayalam company.

The farmers migrated to Wayanad and other parts of the Western Ghats of Kerala during the independence period due to the acute famine of that time. The government also promoted the migration of farmers. It is the descendants of these farmers who are killed by the landslide. They are the unsuspecting victims of unchecked development model and climate change caused by the Global North.

No place can withstand the kind of rain that was received in the landslide area. Yes, of course, wrong development model and environmental degradation has contributed to the disaster but it is not the root cause. It is the climate change caused by global warming for which the Global North is primarily responsible.

Present CO2 level in the atmosphere is 421 parts per million (ppm), which is similar to the CO2 level of Pliocene Epoch was a period in Earth’s history that lasted from 5.333 million to 2.58 million years ago. During the Pliocene epoch, CO2 levels in the Earth’s atmosphere were between 380 and 420 (ppm) during the warmest period.  The global mean sea level during the early Pliocene Epoch was around 17.5 ± 6.4 meters which means that we are locked in for a sea level rise of at least 6.5 meters, 17 meters being the upper limit. Also CO2 levels in the atmosphere are rising 2.9 ppm per annum.   This also means that we are moving into an unchartered territory in the climate crisis.

Most of our coastal cities will be under water very soon. Kerala which has one third of the landmass very close to the sea will be submerged under water.  As the ocean warms more and more drastic climate events like Mundakkai will be a regular phenomenon. As Himalayan glaciers melt, the rivers originating from the Himalayas will dry up. Most of North India will be a desert. As the permafrost melts in the Arctic, Methane which is 28 times more potent than CO2 will be released into the atmosphere and we will lead to a feedback loop, meaning more and more CO2 will be released into atmosphere without any human intervention. Another dangerous scenario is that as the permafrost melts, viruses and bacteria buried millions of years ago will be released into the atmosphere causing pandemics like COVID. Forest fires will be a regular occurrence in the dry season.

Do you think that climate change would be just weather events? No. Not at all. It will spread into social relations and human relations. We might see water wars, famines, and even civil wars in the name of nationality, ethnicity, language etc. Do you think that the present population of 8 billion people will survive the coming climate catastrophe? I think it will not. Many researchers are saying that we are in the middle of the Sixth Great Extinction.  The sixth great extinction, also known as the Holocene extinction, is an ongoing mass extinction event that is caused by human activity. It is thought to be the sixth mass extinction event in Earth’s history, following the Ordovician–Silurian, Late Devonian, Permian–Triassic, Triassic–Jurassic, and Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction events.

In the beginning of the 20^th Century, the human population was only 2 Billion. Now we are 8 Billion. The huge spike in population growth that we saw recently is an aberration in human history. Nature will correct itself. That means we are going to see millions or even billions of deaths, if not in our lifetime, definitely in the lifetime of our children and our grandchildren. That means thousands of Mundakkai events will play in a loop in front of our eyes! What is most devastating is that there would be some of our dear and near ones too.

What happened in Mundakkai, Wayanad is not an aberration. It’s the new normal. It’s the beginning!

Binu Mathew is the Editor of Countercurrents.org. He can be reached at editor@countercurrents.org

Courtesy: Counter Currents

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In Assam, this took place after the weather suddenly changed with heavy rains starting in one part of the state and floods in the other part of the state. The damage is abundant to crops and animals. In some parts of Assam, the land in the hills began collapsing and, in some places, the river erosion has started. In the middle of this, there was also a mild earthquake.

Harrowing images showing submerged lands have been shared with Sabrang India.

Triggered by the Cyclone Remal, Assam has already been grappling with severe floods that have left four people dead and homeless, and above 42000 people and affected millions of people. All trains have been cancelled that pass through south Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Mizoram as the railway tracks have been flooded. Over 35,000 people have been moved to relief camps.

Video by Mominur Islam, CJP volunteer. South Salmara-Mankachar.

As per Sabrang India’s ground sources, two of the most affected areas are Cachar and Karimganj districts. The districts most severely impacted by the flooding include Nagaon, Hailakandi, Karbi Anglong, Karimganj, Cachar, Hojai, Golaghat, and West Karbi Anglong.

PTI has reported Cachar has seen over112,246 residents severely affected by the floods, with. 37,000 people affected in Karimganj, 22,058 in Hojai, and 14,308 in Hailakandi.

In Cachar Karimganj, Cachar and Hailakandi of the Barak Valley, the Barak River and its tributaries – Kushiara, Longai, Kushiara, Singla, and Katakhal, are all flowing above the danger levels. There have been several landslides in many villages in Cachar, Hailakandi and Dima Hasau. Similarly, heavy erosion has also been noted in Silchar and Udharbond under the Cachar District. The heavy pouring that continued the entire night has resulted in a sudden rise of water level which has been reportedly increasing at a rate of 1.5 metres every hour on average. Meanwhile the tributaries like Singla, Longai, Jatinga, Dhaleswari and Mathura have also been overflowing.

As of now, the water level of the Barak River has crossed the danger mark at Annapurna Ghat point. The danger level is 19.83 metres but it is continually rising now 21.54 metres as of May 31.

Harrowing visuals of the flood have come from Silchar. Sabrang India’s team spoke to Professor Seema Ghosh, who said that in 2022 the same spot had seen a flood. The state government showed that it spent a staggering Rs 65 crores on sluice gates (a type of gate to manage water flow) but this has not helped the people at all. “There is destruction everywhere.”

Video by Dr Sima Ghosh from Silchar.

During the nightmarish 2022 floods in Assam last year saw the highest water level recorded at in Silchar’s Annapurna Ghat at 21.59 metres. The floods two years ago had killed over 100 people in the state.

The Brahmaputra valley has witnessed heavy rains and cyclone rages after a sudden cyclone on May 27th and 28th caused heavy damage in various districts of Brahmaputra valley, 8 young school-going children have been reported dead so far. A young boy named Mintu Talukder who fell from a tree in Kamrup District died. In the same district, another child died while sleeping at home due to a landslide. Several school children were injured with even one death after a school bus was destroyed by falling trees at Dhekiajuli of Sonitpur District. Two more school children aged 5 and 7 died sunk in water in Barpeta District whose name were Md. Habib and Abul Hussain while they are going to school on May 30. Another accident took place when a student of class one died in a terrible accident while going to school with his mother at Bilsapara of Dhubri District. His mother survived but is in a critical condition.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in Chirang, Bongaigaon, Goalpara, Dhubri, Barpeta, South-Salmara, Cachar,Baksa, Karimganj Districts and some other parts of Assam.

The deadly Cyclone Remal has severely affected West Bengal, Bangladesh and Assam as well as other North Eastern states such as Tripura, Manipur and Mizoram. According to reports, 29 people have died in landslides in Mizoram and 5 more people are missing as search operations continue.

Related: 

 Narmada floods: Why no output at 1200 MW dam power house for 10 days? Asks SANDRP

Himachal Pradesh’s vulnerability to Floods and Landslides increasing

Floods wreak havoc in Assam’s Barak valley

CJP Assam Team perseveres despite heavy rains, floods and landslides

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Wangchuk, who is also part of the Leh-based Apex body that comprises social, religious and political organisations, said they believe in the Gandhian method of Satyagraha in their agitation, which is vital to safeguard the fragile environment of the region and the indigenous character of its population.

“We are followers of (Mahatma) Gandhi’s Satyagraha. We are demanding the fulfilment of the promises made to us by this (BJP) government through its manifestos which led its candidates to win parliamentary polls (in 2019) and hill council polls in Leh (2020),” he told a gathering here.

In November 2023, the Apex Body Leh, a coalition of various social groups, which was formed after  the abrogation of Article 370, had expressed several concerns regarding a newly introduced industrial policy by the regional administration. Now it appears that 4,000 acres has been given to an industrial house in incursive and intrusive measure that could be disastrous for the ecologically fragile region. The Apex Body of Leh has asserted that the policy was crafted without the involvement of local stakeholders and posed threats to the region’s delicate environment.  Following continuous protests, in January 2024 the Union Home Ministry had formed a high-level committee, led by Minister of State Rai, tasked with safeguarding land and employment opportunities for the residents of Ladakh, according to Live Mint. However, despite several rounds of talks, talks have clearly failed.

Historic Fast begins

For 21 days, Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer by profession, led a hunger strike in the highest plateau in India, Ladhakh (most of it is over 3,000 metres that is 9,800 feet). His demand was simple, he wanted administrative autonomy for his region. Yesterday, on March 26, he ended his hunger fast that he and his colleagues undertook out in the open sky at sub-zero (minus 12 degree Centigrade temperatures). The fast will now be held in relay by colleagues and other s groups, and will continue until the demands of citizens’ groups are met.

#SAVELADAKH #SAVEHIMALAYAS
Sonam Wangchuk appeals to the world to live simply,
starts #ClimateFast of 21 days (extendable till death)
Please watch full video in English here:https://t.co/XHkcIdQQ7b#ILiveSimply #MissionLiFE #ClimateActionNow pic.twitter.com/KQi5EMro9X

— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) March 6, 2024

Wangchuk’s announcement on his social media states that the hunger strike will now be taken up by a women’s group. He also stated in his video message, “We are trying to remind and awaken the conscience of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah to safeguard the fragile ecosystems of the Himalayan mountains of Ladakh and the unique indigenous tribal cultures that thrive here. We don’t want to think of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah as just politicians. We would rather like to think of them as statesmen but for that they will have to show some character and far-sightedness.”

END 21st Day OF MY #CLIMATEFAST
I'll be back…
7000 people gathered today.
It was the end of the 1st leg of my fast. Btw 21 days was the longest fast Gandhi ji kept.
From tomorrow women's groups of Ladakh will take it forward with a 10 Days fast, then the youth, then the… pic.twitter.com/pozNiuPvyS

— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) March 26, 2024

Wangchuk’s message was packed with emotion.

“End of 21^st day of my #ClimateFast. I’ll be back.. 7,000 people gathered today. It was the end of the 1^st leg of my fast. Btw 21 days was the longest fast Gandhiji kept. From tomorrow, women’s groups of Ladakh will take it forward with a 10 days fast, then the youth, the the monks, from monasteries…then me again..so on.. The journey has only started. But we still hope n trust we won’t have to do all this. Sooner rather than later a sense of responsible leadership will arise in the PM and HM. (Narendra Modi and Amit Shah).

After his hunger strike of 21 days, Wangchuk is currently  under observation at the Leh hospital.

Good that Sonam Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike for now. We need more people like him.

BTW the relay hunger strike is being carried on by other members in his team. Eventually he will take turns to fast again. pic.twitter.com/P1dbm8PWcg

— Anindita (@hatefreeworldX) March 28, 2024

Actor Prakash Raj, in an act of solidarity and substance, visited the protest site at Ladhakh where Sonam Wangchuk has been fasting out in the open sky at sub-zero temperatures (minus 12 degrees centigrade) with at least 100 other fellow Ladhakis. Raj spent his own birthday, March 26, the day of his visit, birthday with Wangchuk and the protestors.

Its my birthday today .. and i’m celebrating by showing solidarity with ⁦@Wangchuk66⁩ and the people of ladakh who are fighting for us .. our country .. our environment and our future . let’s stand by them #justasking pic.twitter.com/kUUdRakYrD

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) March 26, 2024

Speaking to Sabrang India, the next day, on March 27, Prakash Raj, was emotional and focussed, “This is our fight, our struggle; it is the duty of all Indians to fight for this. I have been in the midst of a very busy theatre festival schedule and the only day free was my birthday. There was no better way to celebrate my birthday then to go to Ladakh and express my deep solidarity with this amazing movement. Mr Sonam Wangchuk and his colleagues were already thinking of re-strategizing the rest of the protest and I had a very small part to play in persuading Sonam to call off his fast after 21 days, and for the women and youngsters to now start a relay fast. We are committed now to ensuring that this very fragile region in Ladakh, Leh, is not given over to rapacious development. Already 4000 acres have been given by the government, which doesn’t even care about the fragile climate, or the history and traditions of the Himalayas. We will continue this fight, and we will take it to the south, where I am from.”

Love heals.. love empowers. Love inspires.. thank you for all the love n warmth you showered on me .. keep #Ladakh in your prayers and your thoughts #justasking https://t.co/0npHVpZjEY

— Prakash Raj (@prakashraaj) March 27, 2024

Current protests

The protest by several civil society groups has been going on to raise the demand for Ladakh’s statehood and its inclusion into the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The Sixth Schedule, under Article 244 of the Constitution, grants constitutional protections to tribal communities and empowers them to establish autonomous development councils. The Sixth Schedule contains provisions related to the administration of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram through autonomous district councils.  These councils have the authority to enact laws relating to the land, public health, and agriculture.

The protestors have also been demanding the implementation of a job reservation policy within the local administration for Ladakhi residents, and the allocation of parliamentary seats for both the Leh and Kargil districts. The demand for statehood has been raised consistently since the abrogation of Article 370 made Ladakh a union territory on August 5, 2019

“The first phase of the hunger strike will be followed by a chain hunger strike by women, youths, religious leaders and elders. On April 7, we will launch a march to Changthang (in the east of Leh along the border with China) like Gandhi’s Dandi March under the Civil Disobedience Movement,” Wangchuk has now said.

He has told the media (reported in Kashmir Times and Deccan Herald) that the Leh-based Apex body will lead the march to highlight the ground realities of Ladakh. Wangchuk alleged that nomads were losing prime pasture land to huge industrial plants to the south and Chinese encroachments to the north.

“The Changthang grazers, famous for producing Pashmina wool, are being forced to sell their animals because over 20,000 acres of grazing land was taken by industrialists to set up their plants… we do not want solar energy at the cost of our people’s livelihood and dislocation,” he claimed.

“They are taking away our land because there are no safeguards available…,” Wangchuk alleged.

Wangchuk questioned the stance of the union government saying that, if the government has nothing to hide, “We will be allowed to proceed but if they stop us from undertaking the march, we will launch a ‘jail bharo andolan’ which will be followed by a non-cooperation movement.”

Stating that the ruling BJP had gone back on its promises to the people of Ladakh, Wangchuk said the representatives of the Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) were left shocked when the Union home ministry straightway rejected their demands on March 4.

“We are seeking our rights and fulfilment of the promises. Parliamentary polls have been announced and the BJP is again making various guarantees to the people but who is going to buy these promises this time,” he said, expressing hope that the government will reconsider its decision and announce statehood to Ladakh.

The Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), separate groupings of various political, social and religious organisations, are jointly spearheading the agitation to demand statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule, and have held five rounds of talks with the home ministry.

What are the climate issues that the fast is about?

Ladakh, known as one of the “water towers of the world” due to its vast glaciers. These glaciers are witnessing a concerning trend as they are rapidly receding. This poses a severe threat to the water supply of millions of people across India. The melting is happening quickly which is partly attributed to increased pollution. According to reports, this pollution is worsened by the increased militarization of the region. This militarisation has been further intensified by the ongoing military tensions between India and China since 2020. Ladhaki’s farmers have also been plagued by Chinese incursions. According to Wangchuk, the Chinese incursions have taken land that was used by shepherds.

A detailed report in Mongabay, Earth Scientist and glaciologist Shakil Ahmad Romshoo has underscored the far-reaching implications of dwindling glaciers. Romshoo has stated that the communities within the Indus basin, including the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as states such as Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and portions of Rajasthan, Haryana, along with the Union Territory of Chandigarh, are going to bear the brunt of these consequences.

Covering an extensive area of 3,21,289 square kilometres, which is equal to approximately 9.8% of the nation’s total geographical expanse, this basin hosts crucial rivers including the Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas, and Satluj. The Indus River system, positioned as the westernmost in the subcontinent, holds a great deal of importance for the region’s ecological balance and sustenance of numerous communities reliant on its waters.

An online petition inviting signatures, “Join #FriendsOfLadakh to safeguard Ladakh’s fragile ecology” has now been started by civil society actions to safeguard democracy in Ladakh.

It can be signed at :

Related:

Agitation Likely To Intensify In Ladakh: KDA Calls For Half-Day Strike In Kargil Today

In The Himalayas, Living The Crisis That The IPCC Report Warns Of

The Village Classroom: Rural Indian Women Can Teach About Climate Resilience, Fight For Survival

Global Risks 2024: misinformation and climate risks some of the biggest challenges of the coming decade

The post March to border, relay fast on climate change and demands for Ladhakh to continue as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ends hunger strike after 21 days appeared first on SabrangIndia.

New Delhi: The investments of 125 of the world’s richest billionaires yield an annual average of three million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions a year, more than a million times the average for someone in the bottom 90 per cent of humanity, according to a new report by non-profit group Oxfam.

These super rich people have a collective USD 2.4 trillion stake in 183 companies.

Their investments in polluting industries such as fossil fuels and cement are double the average for the Standard and Poor group of 500 companies, said the report titled “Carbon Billionaires: The investment emissions of the world’s richest people”.

Cumulatively, these 125 billionaires fund 393 million tonnes of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) per year, which is equal to the annual carbon emissions of France, a nation of 67 million people.

To put things into perspective, each of these billionaires would have to circumnavigate the world almost 16 million times in a private jet to create the same emissions, the report said.

It would take 1.8 million cows to emit the same levels of CO2e as each of the 125 billionaires. Almost four million people would have to go vegan to offset the emissions of each of the billionaires, it said.

“The major and growing responsibility of wealthy people for overall emissions is rarely discussed or considered in climate policy making. This has to change. These billionaire investors at the top of the corporate pyramid have huge responsibility for driving climate breakdown. They have escaped accountability for too long,” said Amitabh Behar, CEO of Oxfam India.

Often the high-profile commitments made by corporates do not stand up to scrutiny. The flurry of net zero goals that depend on offsetting are at best a distraction from the need to take short-term measures to reduce corporates’ emissions and have the potential to derail climate action, Oxfam said.

In 2021, Oxfam revealed that using land alone to remove the world’s carbon emissions to achieve net zero’ by 2050 would require at least 1.6 billion hectares of new forests, an area equivalent to five times the size of India.

“We need COP27 to expose and change the role that big corporates and their rich investors are playing in profiting from the pollution that is driving the global climate crisis.

“They can’t be allowed to hide or greenwash. We need governments to tackle this urgently by publishing emission figures for the richest people, regulating investors and corporates to slash carbon emissions and taxing wealth and polluting investments”, said Nafkote Dabi, Climate Change Lead at Oxfam International.

Oxfam also estimated that a wealth tax on the world’s super-rich could raise USD 1.4 trillion a year, vital resources that could help developing countries – those worst hit by the climate crisis – to adapt, address loss and damage and carry out a just transition to renewable energy.

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), adaptation costs for developing countries could rise to USD 300 billion per year by 2030. Africa alone will require USD 600 billion between 2020 to 2030.

Oxfam also called for steeply higher tax rates for investments in polluting industries to deter such investments.

“The super-rich need to be taxed and regulated away from polluting investments that are destroying the planet. Governments must also put in place ambitious regulations and policies that compel corporations to be more accountable and transparent in reporting and radically reducing their emissions,” said Behar.

The 27th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP) to UNFCCC opened Sunday at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. Negotiations are scheduled to come to a close on November 18.

Courtesy: The Daily Siasat

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Beijing: Climate change may increase the mortality rate due to excessive heat six times by the end of the century, according to a modelling study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal.

Researchers from the University of North Carolina, US noted that ambient heat during the night may interrupt the normal physiology of sleep.

Less sleep can then lead to immune system damage and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, chronic illnesses, inflammation and mental health conditions, they said.

The study found that the average intensity of hot night events will nearly double by 2090, from 20.4 degrees Celsius to 39.7 degrees Celsius across 28 cities from East Asia, increasing the burden of disease due to excessive heat that disrupts normal sleep.

The findings show that the burden of mortality could be significantly higher than estimated by average daily temperature increase.

The results suggest that warming from climate change could have a troubling impact, even under restrictions from the Paris Climate Agreement that aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels.

“The risks of increasing temperature at night were frequently neglected,” said study co-author Yuqiang Zhang, a climate scientist at the University of North Carolina.

“However, in our study, we found that the occurrences of hot night excess (HNE) are projected to occur more rapidly than the daily mean temperature changes,” Zhang said.

The study shows that the frequency and mean intensity of hot nights would increase more than 30% and 60% by the 2100s, respectively, compared with less than 20% increase for the daily mean temperature.

 The researchers estimated the mortality due to excess heat in 28 cities in China, South Korea and Japan between 1980 and 2015 and applied it to two climate change modelling scenarios that aligned with carbon-reduction scenarios adapted by the respective national governments.

The team was able to estimate that between 2016 and 2100, the risk of death from excessively hot nights would increase nearly by six-fold.  This prediction is much higher than the mortality risk from daily average warming suggested by climate change models.

“From our study, we highlight that in assessing the disease burden due to non-optimum temperature, governments and local policymakers should consider the extra health impacts of the disproportional intra-day temperature variations,” said Haidong Kan, a professor at Fudan University in China.

“A more complete health risk assessment of future climate change can help policymakers for better resource allocation and priority setting,” said Kan, the corresponding author of the study.

The researchers also found that regional differences in temperature accounted for many of the variances in night time temperature, and areas with the lowest average temperature were projected to have the largest warming potential.

 “To combat the health risk raised by the temperature increases from climate change, we should design efficient ways to help people adapt,” said Zhang.

“Locally, heat during the night should be taken into account when designing the future heat wave warning system, especially for vulnerable populations and low-income communities who may not be able to afford the additional expense of air conditioning,” the scientist said.

The researchers said stronger mitigation strategies, including global collaborations, should be considered to reduce future impacts of warming.

Courtesy: Newsclick

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