The Grim Reality of Climate Change: A Reflection on Human Inaction and an Urgent Call for Action11/28/2023 As a child, I was blissfully unaware of the looming threat of climate change during the release of the IPCC's first report in 1990. But by the time the fourth report was released in 2007, I was in my third semester of a master's program in environmental science, and it was then that I first learned about the gravity of the situation.
Humans, often touted as the most intelligent species on Earth, have, in recent times, started behaving more akin to predatory and invasive species. We have relentlessly hunted down wild and exotic species, pushing many to the brink of extinction. Our insatiable hunger for development has led us to occupy every corner of the biosphere, mercilessly exploiting its natural resources. Taking the year 1990 as a benchmark for climate change awareness, it is painfully evident that humanity has collectively failed till date to respond adequately to the impending disaster. To my parents' generation, I must pose a stark question: what legacy have you left me? A world plagued by water and food scarcity, rampant pollution, and entrenched poverty. Climate change is not a distant threat; it is a stark reality that is already inflicting havoc on our planet. Its impacts are being felt across the globe, from rising sea levels inundating coastal communities to intensifying heat waves and extreme weather events. The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires, have increased in recent decades. Glaciers around the world have also been shrinking, and many have disappeared entirely. The average global surface temperature has increased by about 1 degree Celsius since the late 19th century. Some species are already struggling to survive in a warming world, and others are at risk of extinction. In my own state, climate change is having a significant negative impact on rice and tea cultivation. Rice yield in some parts of Assam has decreased over the past 20 years which has been attributed as impact of climate change. Negative impact of climate change on rice yield is more pronounced in the rainfed rice growing areas of Assam. Further, climate change, particularly due to rising temperatures, poses a serious threat to tea yield in Assam The time for complacency is over. We, the current generation, stand at a critical juncture. With a life expectancy of around 70 years, many of us will not be there on this earth after another three decades. The burden of responsibility lies squarely on our shoulders to avert the catastrophic consequences of climate change. We must act now, with urgency and determination, to transition to a sustainable future. We must reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, embrace renewable energy sources, and adopt sustainable practices in all aspects of our lives. The task may seem daunting, but we must not succumb to despair. We possess the knowledge, the resources, and the ingenuity to overcome this challenge. It is time for us to rise to the occasion and demonstrate the true potential of humanity. The fate of not only our generation but also the generations to come hangs in the balance. Let us not fail them. Let us be the generation that heeded the warnings, took action, and secured a habitable planet for all.
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Democracy as a form of governance is essentially “by the people, of the people and for the people”. This simply implies “self-control” or “self-rule” - because without any control there cannot be any stability in the society, nor the integrity of the state; further yielding chaos and anarchy. Such a situation shall only result in the state losing its sovereignty to enemy forces. However, the question arises as to what the driving force behind the desire for self-rule is.
We find the answer to this question in our shared history of the struggle for “independence” from British rule. British colonial rule of the Indian subcontinent was nothing but the rule of oppressors. Under Imperial rule, people irrespective of caste, creed and religion were tortured in as many ways as possible, to bring both land and people under their direct control. This meant that every aspect of the lives of the people was controlled by the foreign rulers. Basic human necessities, which nowadays are termed “human rights”, were crushed by the rulers. The pain of being oppressed in one’s land and the strong will to get rid of such oppression led to the Indian’s struggle for independence and self-rule (or Swarajya). The basic essence of Indian democracy has been “Swaraj” or “self-rule” wherein the people of the state are adequately represented, can express their desires and work freely to achieve those desires. Thus, Swaraj or self-rule is required to exercise and protect the freedom of expression of thought/conscience/ freedom of speech/freedom of religion among others. Such civil liberties are recognised and protected in our own country by way of the inclusion of the “Fundamental Rights” in the Constitution. Since the first war of Indian Independence in 1857, innumerable lives were lost in India’s struggle for independence, which was finally achieved in 1947. With India's Independence, the people fulfilled their long-cherished dream of “Swaraj” by forming its first elected government in 1952, having adopted the Indian Constitution in 1949 which came into effect in 1950. As of now, India is celebrating 75 years of Independence with the tagline “Azadi ki Amrit Mahotsav”. As an Indian citizen, I feel the importance of such nationwide celebrations and the need to showcase national integrity. However, as a person born in the state of Assam in the mid-80s, I have developed a confined view of democracy in India. This is because, since my childhood, I have witnessed how the basic right to Freedom of Expression or Freedom of Speech has been suppressed now and then by the government machinery. Such undemocratic action on the part of the government has always been responsible for the fuelling of seditious sentiments among the masses, particularly the youth. It doesn't matter whether a person’s views on a particular public or state issue are aligned with or pitted against government policies. What matters most is the person's ability to express himself without any fear of any kind of oppression. In the absence of such safeguards in that direction, democracy cannot be felt to exist in a State. The survival of India as a nation shall always be dependent on the survival of Democracy; the better the democratic functioning of institutions, the better will be the progress of the country. There were and will always be differences between individuals and among groups of people on issues of politics, economy, religion, social justice, civil rights etc. But it is only our shared history of struggle for freedom, the longing for “Swaraj” and the Constitution of India that binds us together irrespective of our religion, caste, creed or gender. Survival of democracy in India will depend on how the citizens exercise his or her ability to think independently. As of 2011 census data, India's average literacy rate stands at 73%. Illiterate persons and less educated people will always remain vulnerable to manipulation by political establishments and particularly career-oriented politicians. Getting swayed away by political dialogues and election promises is a common scenario in India. Such illiterate people can only echo the same thoughts that the so-called public figures have preached them at political rallies. However, it is quite astonishing to see that even people with higher intellectual capacity also “behave like parrots - repeating the words uttered by established guardians without paying much thought to the meaning and the implications”. In this regard, it would be wise to remember C. Rajagopalachari who had stated that – “if subservient and slavish adulation takes the place of independent thinking and criticism is never resorted to but with fear and trepidation, the atmosphere quickly breeds the political diseases peculiar to democracy”. In our country itself, we have seen the outcomes of such subservient and slavish adulation on the part of elected representatives and even the common voters. The most visible outcome of such a practice is the transfer of absolute majoritarian power to a single entity in the elections. The country has suffered in the past for such blunders and shall probably keep suffering in the future, unless corrective measures are adopted. India follows the system of parliamentary democracy having multiple parties. Under such a system the democratic foundations of the nation depend upon free and fair elections, a free Press and the free movement of people and also ideas. However, in the past 75 years of India’s independent existence, there have been many instances where political parties have adopted unfair means to win elections. There have been many Andolans in different parts of the country protesting against people migrating from other states in search of jobs and livelihood. Media or the press is recognised as the fourth pillar of democracy. However, in India, the press can be hardly said to be free or fair nowadays. Again, there have been so many instances where journalists have been martyred while they were trying to establish the truth and were fighting for justice. Democracy is a powerful force that promotes equality, accountability, and citizen participation. It fosters a stable and predictable environment that is necessary for economic growth and development. By encouraging people to have a say in how their government is run, democracy creates a more engaged and informed citizenry, leading to a healthy and vibrant society. While a strong centralized government may seem like a solution to chaos and anarchy, it can lead to abuse of power and corruption. Therefore, let us embrace democracy with an open mind as the best system of governance as prescribed by the Constitution because it promotes transparency, trust, and a brighter future for all. "Ageless Beauty: Farewell to Our Backyard Tree"
In our backyard, a tree of age untold, A century's wisdom in its branches hold. With every bloom, it casts a magic spell, Four generations 'neath its shade did dwell. Its vibrant blossoms, nature's art displayed, Where children's laughter and memories were made. Each joy and sorrow in its shelter found, A living sentinel, on hallowed ground. But now, a decision looms, a bitter fate, For progress, they say, it cannot wait. No more its beauty, no more birdsongs trill, In the name of man-made plans, we're still. My child, denied the tree's enchanting grace, Its loss, a void that time won't erase. For in this act, where's wisdom, can't you see? To fell a centenarian, a tragedy. "Nature's Steward: A Father's Pledge"
A man, a father, his heart full of cheer, As a little one arrives, the future draws near. Welcomed with celebrations, with joy he's beguiled, A smile so adorable, a precious, perfect child. Yet when tears fall, and the baby does cry, The father's heart trembles, the fear in his eye. For time marches on, and the child starts to grow, Worries bloom like flowers, concerns overflow. He frets for safety, for a world clean and bright, For the dearest child, in the softest moonlight. He longs to provide the purest of air, To safeguard the water, the food that is fair. Guilt weighs heavy, as he looks at the Earth, For not giving more, for what life is worth. He vows to protect, with a heart full of grace, To fight for a world, where his child can embrace. He starts with surroundings, his own little space, To keep it clean and sacred, a harmonious place. Convincing others, to protect and preserve, Rivers, streams, waters, the legacy we deserve. A battle begins, 'gainst the mighty and grand, For the hills, mountains, and rivers of the land. Nature's protector, a guardian with might, He strives to keep the world, in the softest moonlight. For nature's his religion, a sacred decree, To repent for past deeds, to set the Earth free. A promise to mend what the past generations mar, So the future can thrive, under a brighter, clearer star. In the end, he knows, it's a father's embrace, To gift his child a world, full of beauty and grace. With each act to protect, each step that he's taken, He's building a world, where love is unshaken. Comments, Suggestions and Objections on the Draft EIA 2020 Notification of MoEFCC, Govt. of India11/2/2023 As a responsible citizen of this country and referring to the fundamental duties enshrined in our Constitution vide Article 51-A (g), I felt it was my duty to raise concerns and place before appropriate authorities the objections with regards to the Draft EIA 2020 notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Govt. of India. The draft notification contains such provisions which shall certainly impede the Government’s ability to perform its duty towards protection and improvement of our country’s environment as mandated by the Article 48A of the Constitution of India. Comments and suggestions put forwarded by me are in coherence with the guidelines and recommendations of the National Environmental Policy, 2006 of India. The following link provides the softcopy of the letter written by me on 02.07.2022 to the Secretary, MoEFCC with regards to the issue:
letter_moefcc_02.08.2020.pdf The ministry received more than 2million responses with regards to the draft notification. Since the draft notification was not duly notified in time, so it lapsed and thereafter there has been no publicly known action on it on the part of the government. However, in recent times some news articles have emerged which claims the government of introducing measures through other means which reflects or mirrors those in EIA 2020 draft notification. (Recent environment rules mirror controversial draft | Latest News India - Hindustan Times) I still feel that the comments and suggestions made by me earlier still holds good even when new measures taken up or orders/circulars are passed with regards to the framing and modifications of EIA rules. |
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