Save Earth, Or Save Humans? | The Odd Angle

Save Earth, or Save Humans?

"If you really think that the environment is less important than the economy, try holding your breath while you count your money."

-Guy McPherson

For a long time the reactions of Earth to our human actions remained unnoticed, but in recent times, we are forced to view the consequences of our human action. The age is often defined in terms as anthropocene, the current geological age, viewed as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment. One must look at the manifestations of climate change in various ways including:

Extreme Weather Events: Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, landslides,flash floods and heatwaves have become more frequent and severe. We have witnessed Kerala Floods (2018): Unprecedented rainfall caused flash floods in Kerala. This resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and loss of lives. 

Rising Sea Levels: Coastal communities face threats from erosion and potential displacement. 

Biodiversity Loss: Many species are at risk of extinction due to changing ecosystems. India's four biodiversity hotspots and 90% of this area have been lost, according to the Centre for Science and Environment’s (CSE) new report entitled ‘State of India’s Environment in Figures 2021’. 

Agricultural Disruption: Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns often result in lower crop yields due to water scarcity caused by drought, heat waves and flooding. Every 1°C increase in temperature reduces wheat production by 4-5 million tons.

Human Health Risks: Increased temperatures can lead to heat-related illnesses and spread diseases. Temperature extremes most directly affect health by compromising the body’s ability to regulate its internal temperature. Loss of internal temperature control can result in various illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and hyperthermia from extreme heat events.

However we may point out that such an urgent issue is often sidelined from mainstream politics, the issue of Climate change still remains untouched politically. It seldom finds place in manifestos of political parties. Even parties who claim to be working for social justice ignore the issue though it might affect the indigenous communities the most. 

POLITICS is no longer about humans making decisions on their own and for themselves only, but has become an immensely more complex undertaking.New forms of citizenship and new types of attention and care for life forms are required to generate a common ground. As we approach elections, political parties are busy preaching their caste- religion based propagandas;the most unheard debate remains about the impact of climate change. We humans are more focused towards developing infrastructure, but at what cost – environment! This is totally alarming and disturbing at the same time.

Sustainable Development Goal-13: “Climate Action” is often ignored in a large and populous country like India. Sustainable Development discourse has been taken up by countries, who are having regular debates on climate change and they are forming policies to tackle that too; that's one of the reasons why India's energy future seems unclear. Further let us expose ourselves to the examples which teach us lessons about the seriousness of the issue.

Lessons from the past 

Joshimath: An Avoidable Disaster

Calamity struck the Himalayan town of Joshimath in Uttarakhand when torrents of water gushed out of its lower slope on the night of 2 January 2023. Perched on a hill at an altitude of 6,150 feet (1,875metres), parts of the town subsided, cracks appeared on buildings, and roads and fields and buildings tilted dangerously. 

The reason behind Joshimath's subsidence stems from several factors. Firstly, the region is naturally prone to geological instability due to its location on a seismic fault line and the steep, hilly terrain. Over the years, the town experienced rapid and unregulated urbanization, including the construction of large buildings and infrastructure projects without considering the fragile ecology of the area. Excessive groundwater extraction for domestic and commercial use further weakened the soil structure, increasing the risk of land subsidence.

Joshimath has already exceeded its carrying capacity and it should be declared as " no construction zone".

Case of Jakarta 

Jakarta is the capital city of Indonesia with a population of about 9 million people, inhabiting an area of about 660 kmsq. It has been reported for many years that several places in Jakarta are subsiding at different rates. Over the period of 1982–1997, subsidence ranging from 20 to 200 cm is evident in several places in Jakarta. There are four different types of land subsidence that can be expected to occur in the Jakarta basin, namely: subsidence due to groundwater extraction, subsidence induced by the load of constructions (i.e.,settlement of high compressibility soil), subsidence caused by natural consolidation of alluvial soil and tectonic subsidence. In the coastal areas of Jakarta, the combined effects of land subsidence and sea level rise also introduce other collateral hazards,namely the tidal flooding phenomena.

A third of the city is predicted to be submerged by 2050 due to uncontrolled groundwater extraction and rising sea levels linked to climate change.

Present Scenario 

Ladakh:Water crisis and ecology 

Ladakh is suffering from probably its worst water crisis. Ladakh’s climate is arid and cold, with low annual precipitation. The region relies primarily on snowmelt and glacier runoff for its water supply. But now variability in snowfall and increasing temperature due to climate change are reducing the amount of available resources. Here are some key aspects of the water crisis and ecological issues in Ladak,

Climate Change: Ladakh's glaciers are retreating due to rising temperatures, affecting the region's water supply. Glacial meltwater is the primary source of water for rivers and streams in Ladakh, so changes in glacial flow impact water availability.

Water Scarcity: The region's arid landscape and low precipitation levels make it reliant on glacial melt for water. This creates water scarcity during dry seasons and drought periods, affecting agriculture and drinking water supplies.

Population Growth and Tourism: An increase in population and tourism in Ladakh has placed additional stress on limited water resources. Infrastructure such as hotels and resorts consumes significant amounts of water, further straining the region's resources.

Ecological Impact: Changes in water availability affect local ecosystems and biodiversity. The shrinking of water sources can impact plant and animal life, disrupting habitats and endangering species.

Agricultural Impact: Changes in snowfall patterns and the availability of water can affect crop yields and agricultural practices. Farmers find it increasingly difficult to grow crops or rear livestock. Without the animals, the villagers lose their food supply and clothing.

Infrastructure and Technology: The rapid pace of infrastructure development in Ladakh, including the construction of bridges, roads, tunnels, railway lines, and solar projects, has disrupted the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. To address Ladakh's water crisis and ecological challenges, a multifaceted approach is needed. This includes sustainable water management, climate change adaptation, and community-based initiatives to preserve and protect water resources and most importantly giving Ladakh the status of 6th schedule .

Barmer, Rajasthan 

Barmer in Rajasthan is the 5th largest district of India.People of Barmer are struggling and facing water scarcity due to Thar desert 's heat.Water is found approximately 600 ft below the ground and is extremely saline.Fetching water is the main task for villagers living there .

Beris are the major source of drinking water.These structures are geo-specific i.e. can only be built in areas that have gypsum belts running under them. The impervious gypsum layer segregates the clean drinking water that is harvested from the saline groundwater of the area. These 12-14 feet deep structures are used to harvest Rajani Pani (Percolated water) by squeezing the moisture out of the sand.

Luni river which earlier used to supply water to people of Barmer, is currently so polluted that not even animals can consume it.This river emerges from Ajmer,passes through Pali and reaches Barmer. In recent years,the chemical and textile industry dumped their waste into this river making it unfit for human consumption. 

People of Barmer usually have yellowish - brown teeth because of polluted water.Presence of fluorides in water affects their bones and people bend earlier in their age.Women face many problems related to their reproductive system.

“Their day ends,but the struggle doesn't"

Water pipelines are not yet laid in the border areas of Barmer.We have reached the moon and made a mark in the world, but still people of Barmer are not getting water to drink.We must think about this very seriously. Approximately 14,000 kilometers - distance, a rural woman walks every year just to fetch water which is equivalent to the distance between India and America.Meanwhile,just 850 kilometers from Barmer,the national capital ,Delhi faced the worst flood in 45 years ( July 2023).

Bihar

Bihar is one of the most climate-sensitive states in India. Almost every year, north Bihar is swamped by floods, whereas south Bihar is struck by drought and chronic water stress.

The ‘Code Red’ report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that the average temperature of the earth could increase by 3°C by the end of this century. This temperature rise could also increase atmospheric moisture content and raise the proportion of high-intensity rainfall that causes flooding. Northern parts of Bihar could also be affected by glacier melt and runoff in trans-boundary rivers. All this could have severe repercussions for our state, particularly for the poorest and most marginalized communities with climate-sensitive and natural-resource-dependent livelihoods.

In agriculture, elevated temperature and rainfall variability will likely affect the growth and reproduction of crops, seed quality and nutrient content, the infestation of pests and weeds and crop yield. There could be short-term crop failures and long-term productivity decreases.

The state has limited forest resources, with only a few districts having more than 10% forest cover. This scarce resource is highly sensitive to climate change.

Preparing for the future 

Malda district, West Bengal 

Floods and river-bank erosion are the most frequent natural hazards in India, specifically in the deltaic regions. In West Bengal, floods and river-bank erosion predominantly affect Malda district as it is located in the moribund part of the Bengal delta. 

From the year 1973 to 2018, it has been observed that the River Ganga continues to shift eastwards and is eroding villages one after another.The inhabitants are constantly under the threat of losing their agricultural lands, horticulture farmlands, their lives, houses, and livestock. They frequently have to displace their households to other places, leaving behind their homeland, which creates social instabilities and leaves them reeling under psychological distress. Due to the loss of land and resources, their income and employment opportunities are also reduced. Displaced people are compelled to resettle in open spaces, embankments, patta lands, or other parts of the emerging chars or river-banks, making their lives and livelihood more vulnerable.

The floods and river-bank erosion have hazardous impacts on the Malda gap because of the low level of management and planning. Therefore, the Government needs to take more effective measures to reduce the impacts of floods and river-bank erosion. Besides taking preventive and protective measures, there should also be some rehabilitation and livelihood oriented measures, which would help the vulnerable people to find their way back to mainstream society. To tackle floods and river-bank erosion, there should be a proper rehabilitation and evacuation process developed for them on a priority basis.

Looking at Global situation

USA: The United States rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021 and set ambitious targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The country is investing in renewable energy sources and promoting electric vehicles. It also has a focus on environmental justice and protecting marginalized communities.USA created Critical Zone Observatory(CZO) in early 2007.While India created CZO in August 2016.That means we are nearly a decade behind them in taking such an important decision. 

A Critical Zone Observatory is an environmental laboratory, focused on the interconnected chemical, physical and biological processes shaping Earth's surface. 

Bhutan: Bhutan is one among the 196 nations that committed to the Paris Agreement during the UN Climate Change Conference focused on restricting global temperature increases to 1.5 degree Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Bhutan’s unique success of becoming the first nation to achieve net zero emissions is rooted in its population of 800,000 and its remarkable forest coverage of 70%. The nation prioritizes sustainable organic farming and forestry practices, accentuated by the reliance on hydropower and the prudent management of its main economic driver, tourism. Notably, Bhutan charges a $200 sustainable development fee per day to tourists, underscoring the value placed on eco-tourism and environmental projection.

Spain: Spain is committed to transitioning to renewable energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Spain has significantly moved from fossil fuels and is already quite advanced in the use of renewable energy. Just over 40% of electricity was generated in 2022 by renewable energy sources, the largest part being wind power.

Spain has Europe’s second-largest installed wind power (1,265 wind farms in 2021) after Germany and the fifth in the world.This country has also focused on biodiversity conservation and sustainable land management.

Switzerland: Switzerland is known for its strong environmental policies and commitment to sustainability. It has set ambitious targets for reducing emissions and increasing energy efficiency. The country invests heavily in renewable energy and green technology and focuses on conserving its natural landscapes and biodiversity.

There is an Urgent Need for Political Parties to Prioritize Climate Change in their manifestos. As the effects of climate change continue to intensify, it is crucial for political parties to place this global crisis at the forefront of their agendas. The choices made today will shape the future of India and ultimately our planet, and political leaders must take responsibility for driving meaningful change. To effectively combat climate change and its impact, parties must integrate comprehensive measures into their manifestos that address both mitigation and adaptation.

Starting points to Climate Action

Carbon Emission Reduction Targets: Parties should commit to clear, science-based targets for reducing carbon emissions, with a timeline for achieving them.

Transition to Renewable Energy: Encourage investment in and transition to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Energy Efficiency: Promote energy-efficient technologies in buildings, transportation, and industries to reduce overall energy consumption.

Conservation and Restoration: Support policies that protect and restore forests, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems that act as carbon sinks.

Climate Adaptation and Resilience: Outline strategies for helping communities and infrastructure adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Environmental Justice: Include measures to address the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized and vulnerable communities.

Research and Innovation: Support funding for climate research and innovation to develop new technologies and solutions for a sustainable future.

International Collaboration: Commit to global cooperation and agreements aimed at reducing emissions and tackling climate change collectively.

Sustainable Development: Avoid large scale infrastructure development in ecologically and geologically sensitive zones.

Authored by: Asmita kumari (Bsc. Hons. Geology, University of Delhi) 

Edited by: Jatin M.

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