Rain and snowfall have been seriously deficient this winter, particularly in January and ongoing February. The two main rivers, Ganga and Yamuna, which are glacially fed are going to feel the impact, particularly in the summer months. As has already been noticed by scientists, the glaciers are withdrawing at a concerning pace from the origins of these rivers. This is obviously the impact of climate change, with increased global temperatures impacting the environment around the world.
The challenge is a serious one and considering the fact that it has to be countered at the global level, it is difficult to convince people to adopt the necessary lifestyle changes at the individual and local community levels. This is simply because there are no immediate advantages witnessed from the effort. The matter is made worse by the climate change deniers that have become a major force in many developed countries and, as in the case of the US, come to power on this plank.
In parts of the world where conditions have always been dire, the severity of climate change is already being experienced in tragic ways. Famine, drought and deadly conflicts have been the consequences.
It is important, therefore, for sections of society in India and Uttarakhand, in particular, that are aware of this problem to make lifestyle changes that will, even if in small ways, help reduce the stress on the climate and the environment. It may seem as though the great rivers will continue to flow regardless of the changes, and that groundwater levels will be maintained by even the infrequent rains, but there is no such certainty anymore. Leaders of society must set an example in numerous ways to ensure sustainable practices are adopted in every aspect of life. Uttarakhand owes it not just to itself but also the rest of North India.
One needs only to look around to see how the better off section of society is most extravagant in the use of water. It expends energy and fuels far beyond the actual requirements. Their cars are getting larger, and few are changing over to electric vehicles, or even walking to nearby destinations. Space for public transport is getting increasingly diminished as a result. There is unnecessary concretisation of space that could be left green. Will people only come to a realisation of the danger when the changes have become irreversible? People must contribute now if there is to be a future worth living.
