The triple threats of climate change—intensity, insecurity, and inequality—are wreaking havoc on people’s lives Do you all feel this way?
We all agree that climate change is no longer a whisper in the wind. But an ugly and gory reality. The year 2023 provided a stark reminder.
The following factors prompted me to think about the triple threats along these lines:
Intensity:
A) India saw extreme climate events almost every day in 2023 — floods, cloudbursts, landslides, earth splits in hilly terrains, wildfires, unseasonal snowfall, heatwaves, unseasonal rainfall etc
B) Around 3000 climate deaths were reported in India in 2023. The numbers could be higher.
C) The intensity of climate change led to climate migration in many parts of the country.
Insecurity:
A) Loss of lives and livelihood
B) Nonawareness of climate events
C) Unpreparedness to tackle climate events
Inequality:
A) Loss of earnings
B) Food shortage
C) Resource crunch
These weren’t mere anomalies but stark reminders that climate change leads us toward a future shrouded in intensity, insecurity, and inequality.
So, I come back to the perennial question: How do we empower these communities to overcome the impact of these climate events?
Here are my suggestions:
Local preparedness: Equip local bodies with the knowledge, resources, and infrastructure to anticipate and mitigate climate events. Empower communities to participate in disaster risk reduction plans.
Sustainable rebuild: Move beyond mere rebuilding to resilient reconstruction. Invest in eco-friendly infrastructure and sustainable practices that can withstand future climate shocks.
Circular economy: Encourage a closed-loop system where waste is minimized and resources are reused and recycled. This can create local jobs, reduce environmental impact, and build community resilience.
These are just a few steps on a long but critical journey. Addressing climate change demands a collective effort – from individuals to governments, businesses to communities. By working together, we can build a future where intensity, insecurity, and inequality are not inevitable consequences, but challenges we can overcome, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and hope for future generations.
