2018 ESSAY
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century, affecting ecosystems, economies, and human livelihoods across the globe. India, with its vast population, agrarian dependency, and geographical diversity, is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as erratic monsoons, rising sea levels, frequent floods, droughts, and extreme weather events. As Mahatma Gandhi wisely said, “The earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed.” The time has come for India to embrace alternative technologies that foster resilience, sustainability, and development in harmony with nature.
India faces multiple dimensions of climate vulnerability:
1.Agriculture: Dependence on monsoons exposes farmers to droughts, floods, and heatwaves, reducing crop yields and threatening food security.
2.Urbanization: Expanding cities suffer from heat islands, water scarcity, pollution, and unplanned infrastructure.
3.Water Stress: Glacial melting, erratic rainfall, and depleting groundwater exacerbate water insecurity.