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Tag: #ClimateChange

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Climate Change Roadblocking Real Progress

Climate Change Roadblocking Real Progress

Climate change is a looming crisis that threatens our very existence. It is as serious as it sounds and has become a significant barrier to progress across the globe, impacting everything from food security to economic stability. As we struggle with extreme weather events, rising sea levels and diminishing biodiversity, the repercussions are felt most acutely in vulnerable communities. In India, where millions rely on farming, the risks are especially significant. With climate-related disruptions becoming rampant, sustainable solutions are urgently needed. However, even with obvious dangers, political inaction and social inequalities often prevent effective action.

The Global Landscape: A Rising Tide of Challenges

Across the world, climate change manifests in various forms, but the underlying issue remains the same, i.e. an unsustainable model of development. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), there is over a 50% likelihood that global temperatures will rise to or exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) between 2021 and 2040. This threshold is critical; crossing it will exacerbate extreme weather patterns, leading to more frequent hurricanes, droughts, and floods.

Countries in the Global South bear the brunt of these changes despite contributing the least to greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, sub-Saharan Africa faces increasing drought and famine. This uneven impact underscores a fundamental injustice—those least responsible for climate change often suffer its worst consequences.

India’s Climate Reality

In India, the challenges posed by climate change are particularly stark. The country is home to over 1.4 billion people, with a significant portion relying on agriculture for their livelihoods. From 1950 to 2015, India experienced 268 flooding events that affected around 825 million people, resulting in 17 million homeless and 69,000 deaths. Many of these devastating events took place in central India, leading to significant loss of life, property, and agricultural damage. Moreover, rising temperatures have contributed to diminishing yields of staple crops like wheat and rice, threatening food security for the nation.

The intersection of climate change and socio-economic factors makes this situation even more dire. According to reports, climate change could drive over 100 million people into poverty by 2030 due to climate-related disruptions. In India, around 45 million people could fall back into poverty by the same time, mainly due to agriculture shocks and rising disease rates. The poorest communities are often the least equipped to adapt, lacking the resources and infrastructure to recover from disasters. 

Policy Gaps and Political Will

One of the primary roadblocks to progress in addressing climate change is the lack of effective policy implementation. While India has committed to the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, the path to achieving these goals remains fraught with challenges. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) has outlined strategies for mitigation and adaptation, but bureaucratic inefficiencies often need to be improved in meaningful action.

Furthermore, fossil fuel subsidies continue to drain resources that could otherwise be invested in renewable energy initiatives. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in 2022, global subsidies for fossil fuel consumption soared to over USD 1 trillion. Redirecting these funds towards green technologies could catalyse progress and create sustainable jobs, but political will remains inadequate.

The Role of Social Inequality

Social inequality also exacerbates the impact of climate change, creating a vicious cycle that stifles progress. Marginalised communities, including women, scheduled castes, and indigenous populations, are disproportionately affected by environmental changes. According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), women in India traditionally bear the responsibility of collecting water. Every day, they walk about six kilometres on average for this task, a situation common in many developing countries.  During droughts, when nearby water sources dry up, the time spent fetching water increases significantly.

Access to education and technology is crucial for addressing climate change, yet disparities hinder progress. According to a 2018 report by UNESCO, 258 million children lack access to education, limiting awareness of environmental issues. In regions with low education levels, communities often struggle to adopt sustainable practices. 

Furthermore, evidence shows that countries with better technology access are more equipped to implement climate solutions. For instance, nations investing in renewable energy technologies have seen significant reductions in emission rates. Without equal access to education and technology, many communities remain unable to contribute effectively to climate change mitigation, hindering meaningful progress.

The Power of Grassroots Movements

Despite the grim landscape, there is hope. Grassroots movements across India are taking the lead in advocating for sustainable practices and climate justice. From urban gardening initiatives in Delhi to water conservation projects in Rajasthan, communities are finding innovative ways to adapt to climate change. Besides addressing the immediate needs, these local solutions also serve as models for larger-scale implementation.

Additionally, youth-led movements like Fridays for Future are raising awareness and demanding action from governments. Young people are becoming increasingly vocal about climate change, urging leaders to prioritise environmental sustainability. Their passion and energy are driving change, and they will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Prioritising Climate

As we face the complex challenges posed by climate change, it’s increasingly evident that deep-rooted systemic issues and significant socio-economic disparities stand in the way of real progress. To tackle this crisis effectively, we must prioritise climate justice and implement robust policies that genuinely address the needs of all communities, especially those that have been marginalised. Investing in grassroots initiatives is essential; these programmes empower local voices and enable those most affected by climate issues to lead the way in crafting solutions. 

Climate change is an environmental concern which is deeply intertwined with social justice. The stakes are incredibly high and we can no longer afford to sit on the sidelines. If we aspire to build a sustainable future for everyone, immediate action is imperative. Our planet’s health and the well-being of future generations depend on the choices we make today. 

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Smile

Climate Change Hurting Incomes of the Poorest

Climate Change Hurting Incomes of the Poorest
Climate Change Hurting Incomes of the Poorest

In the early hours of July 30, 2024, a devastating series of landslides occurred in the hilly regions of Kerala’s Wayanad district. Tragically, it resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and several individuals sustaining injuries. Climate change has brought about a noticeable shift in monsoon patterns, resulting in unpredictable and irregular rainfall. According to a senior climate scientist, the previously pleasant and humid climate has transformed into one with drier, hotter summers and heavy monsoon rains due to climate change, raising the likelihood of landslides.

Climate change brings the risk of severe droughts, intensified storms, heavy rainfalls, scorching heat waves, rapid melting of glaciers contributing to sea-level rise, floods and declining biodiversity. However, these effects are not evenly distributed globally and those living in poverty are the most severely affected. 

Understanding Climate Change

Climate change presents a looming threat to all countries. The Earth’s average temperatures and weather conditions are undergoing a significant long-term shift.  

The natural greenhouse effect of Earth is being altered by human activities. The accumulation of an excessive amount of greenhouse gases can result in the Earth’s atmosphere retaining an unnatural and increasing amount of heat. The main sectors responsible for greenhouse gas emissions include energy, industry, transport, buildings, agriculture, and land use. 

Why the Poorest Are the Most Vulnerable

Unpredictable rainfall and severe weather have the potential to spark fierce competition for food and water, loss of livelihoods, risk of relocation and lack of access to healthcare. Millions could be driven further into poverty as environmental conditions deteriorate. Let us understand how the poorest are most vulnerable.

Loss of Livelihood

Agriculture, forestry, livestock and fisheries, account for a major source of livelihood in rural poor and forest-dwelling households. The significant changes in rainfall patterns and the disruption of the growing season caused by climate change result in destruction of crops and the loss of livestock. In contrast to people in affluent countries, farmers in low-income countries lack insurance, which facilitates disaster recovery. When climate change-related disasters force them to abandon their land that sustains them, they frequently descend further into poverty. 

Climate change also impacts fisheries. Fish populations migrate as the oceans warm up more rapidly than land, resulting in the destabilisation of marine ecosystems. 

Impact on Health

Forest fires are becoming more frequent and severe as a result of climate change, putting millions of people’s health at risk each year. Air pollution from industries and cars disproportionately affect disadvantaged people who live in densely populated regions near industrial facilities. Climate change affects people’s health in other ways as well. Deadly heat waves are growing increasingly regular in certain parts of the world, endangering persons in poverty who cannot afford air conditioners or protection from water scarcity. 

Rising temperatures are also causing climate-sensitive diseases, such as malaria. Water- and food-borne infections are also becoming more widespread as a result of increased flooding, which pollutes streams and farmlands. 

Climate Refugees

According to the World Bank’s Groundswell assessment, climate change may cause up to 216 million people in six global regions to relocate inside their respective countries by 2050. Over the last 30 years, sea levels have risen and the intensity of floods and hurricanes has increased, putting residents in coastal communities at risk. The majority of these are from poor developing countries and small island states. Floods devastate homes, water supplies, schools, hospitals, and livelihoods. It takes years for the area to recover and stabilise. Displacement can force a person into poverty by removing them from their home and being unable to transfer their previous wealth to their new environments. They struggle to find work and regain security. Drier weather conditions are also displacing farmers forced to evacuate their land due to terrible droughts in recent years. 

Food and Water Scarcity

According to WHO, drought might displace up to 700 million people by 2030. Crop yields vary from year to year, and climate change is a particularly disruptive factor that is changing global food supply, threatening people with poverty and food insecurity. Droughts have become devastatingly prolonged, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, resulting in widespread crop failures, animal mortality, food and water shortages and poverty. 

By 2025, half of the world’s population could be living in locations with limited access to clean water. Access to safe water for drinking and practicing basic hygiene is severely limited due to water scarcity. In situations where water is in short supply, the functioning of sewage systems can weaken, leading to an increased risk of diseases such as cholera. Access to water also gets expensive.

Mitigation Strategies

The struggle against climate change and poverty are inextricably linked. The way forward is to invest in resilience and coping strategies, such as better irrigation and the distribution of resilient and improved seed varieties, providing access to financing, grants, markets, telecommunications and data that can increase harvests. They can fund reforestation and coastal restoration initiatives to improve water security, protect people from natural calamities and generate economic possibilities. 

To effectively reduce the vulnerability of the poor to climate change, it is essential to implement strategies that focus on building resilience and providing access to essential resources. These strategies include investing in sustainable agricultural practices, improving access to clean water, and ensuring that vulnerable communities have the necessary infrastructure to withstand climate-related disasters. Furthermore, educating communities on climate-resilient practices and providing access to financial resources such as microloans and grants can empower the poor to adapt and thrive in changing environmental conditions.

Our efforts

Smile Foundation recognises the deep impact climate change has on impoverished communities and is actively working to mitigate these effects through various initiatives. Our programmes focus on enhancing the resilience of marginalised populations by providing education and resources to build sustainable livelihoods and reduce their vulnerability to the adverse effects of climate change. Through these efforts, we are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability and resilience.

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Climate Change affecting Human Health

Climate Change affecting Human Health
Climate Change affecting Human Health

Climate change is an undeniable reality that has been accelerated by human activities, leading to a myriad of environmental and health impacts. The rise in global temperatures, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels, has resulted in more intense heatwaves, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems worldwide. Effects pf climate change are not future projections – they are already manifesting in our present reality, with devastating consequences for both natural systems and human societies.

These events pose significant risks to human health, livelihoods, and infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable regions with limited resources to adapt. Moreover, climate change exacerbates existing inequalities, disproportionately impacting marginalised populations who lack access to essential services and resources.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is a complex phenomenon resulting from various human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) from burning fossil fuels. These emissions trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to a gradual increase in global temperatures.

The effects of climate change are already being felt around the world, with devastating impacts on both natural and human systems. For instance, coastal communities are facing increased flooding and erosion due to rising sea levels, while agricultural productivity is declining in many regions due to changing weather patterns and water scarcity. Moreover, vulnerable populations, such as the poor, elderly, and marginalised groups, are disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters and health risks.

What do the Scientists think about this?

The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. Scientists warn that without immediate and concerted action, the worst effects of climate change will become increasingly severe and irreversible. The scientific community has warned that time is running out to limit global warming to manageable levels and avoid catastrophic consequences. This urgency is underscored by the recent findings that global warming has exceeded 1.5°C, a critical threshold identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as necessary to avoid catastrophic impacts.

Efforts to mitigate climate change involve reducing greenhouse gas emissions through transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and adopting sustainable practices in sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and industry.

In addition to extreme weather events, climate change is also contributing to longer-term shifts in weather patterns and environmental conditions. This includes the rapid melting of glaciers and ice sheets, which is leading to rising sea levels and threatening coastal communities with inundation and displacement. Furthermore, the warming of the oceans is disrupting marine ecosystems, leading to coral bleaching, ocean acidification, and the loss of biodiversity.

The impacts of climate change extend beyond the environment to encompass human health and well-being. Rising temperatures exacerbate heat-related illnesses and can lead to heatstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular problems, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and outdoor workers. In addition, changes in precipitation patterns can influence the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, as well as waterborne illnesses such as cholera.

Rising Temperatures and Heat-Related Illnesses

One of the most visible manifestations of climate change is the rise in global temperatures. As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, the risk of heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration escalates. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly susceptible to these effects. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high temperatures can exacerbate cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, leading to increased hospitalisations and mortality rates.

Impact on Infectious Diseases

Climate change is also altering the distribution and transmission patterns of infectious diseases. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns create favourable conditions for the proliferation of disease vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and rodents. This has led to the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue fever, and Lyme disease into new geographic areas. Additionally, extreme weather events such as floods and hurricanes can disrupt sanitation infrastructure, leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid fever.

Air Pollution and Respiratory Health

Climate change exacerbates air pollution, further compromising respiratory health. Higher temperatures increase the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant that can trigger asthma attacks and exacerbate respiratory conditions. Wildfires, another consequence of climate change, release vast amounts of particulate matter and other pollutants into the air, posing significant risks to respiratory health. Long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with a range of respiratory illnesses, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer.

Impacts on Mental Health

Beyond physical health, climate change also takes a toll on mental well-being. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, natural disasters, and displacement due to climate-related factors can cause psychological distress, anxiety, and trauma. Furthermore, the uncertainty and unpredictability associated with climate change can exacerbate feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, leading to depression and other mental health disorders. Vulnerable populations, including indigenous communities, low-income individuals, and those living in climate-vulnerable regions, are disproportionately affected by these mental health impacts.

Addressing the Health Impacts of Climate Change

Addressing the health impacts of climate change requires a multifaceted and collaborative approach. Mitigation efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions are essential to prevent further warming and mitigate the severity of climate-related health risks. Additionally, adaptation measures such as improving public health infrastructure, enhancing disaster preparedness and response, and implementing early warning systems can help communities cope with the health impacts of climate change.

Moreover, prioritizing health equity and addressing underlying social determinants of health are crucial aspects of climate change adaptation and resilience-building efforts. By ensuring access to healthcare, social support services, and economic opportunities, we can mitigate the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable populations and promote health equity for all.

Addressing climate change requires concerted efforts at multiple levels, including government policies, business practices, and individual actions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable land use practices are essential steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience in communities. Moreover, investing in climate adaptation measures, such as early warning systems and infrastructure upgrades, can help protect vulnerable populations from the worst effects of climate change.

Collaboration and More Collaboration

At the international level, cooperation and collaboration are essential for addressing the global nature of climate change. Initiatives such as the Paris Agreement provide a framework for collective action and set targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, achieving these targets will require sustained political will and financial support from all countries, particularly those most affected by climate change.

Individuals also have a role to play in combating climate change through lifestyle choices and advocacy. Reducing energy consumption, conserving water, and supporting sustainable products and practices can all contribute to reducing carbon footprints and promoting environmental sustainability. Furthermore, raising awareness about the impacts of climate change and advocating for policy changes can help mobilise collective action and drive meaningful change.

Effects of Climate Change – The Biggest Concern of All

Climate change is a complex and urgent threat to human health, with far-reaching implications for individuals, communities, and societies. By understanding the interconnectedness of climate change and human health, we can develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate the health impacts of climate change and build resilient and sustainable communities. Through collective action and collaboration across sectors, we can safeguard public health and create a healthier and more sustainable future for generations to come.

The time to act is now, and the stakes could not be higher.

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