By Sahibzada M. Usman, Ph.D.
India, a country of 1.3 billion people, is in the throes of a rapidly escalating environmental crisis exacerbated by climate change. From the bustling metropolises of Mumbai and Bengaluru to the rural landscapes of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the nation is grappling with the devastating repercussions of climate change, particularly the increasing prevalence of floods. Yet, despite the clear and present danger that climate change presents, there remains a pervasive trend of irresponsibility and inaction that is having serious consequences on India’s politics, economy, and security.
Climate change is no longer a distant threat for India but an increasingly alarming reality. Rising temperatures, fluctuating monsoon patterns, and escalating sea levels have accelerated the frequency of severe weather events. The sudden bouts of heavy rainfall are leading to devastating floods that cause massive loss of life, displacement, and destruction of property and infrastructure. Furthermore, rising temperatures are causing more frequent heatwaves that have already been linked to nearly 740,000 excess deaths in India annually.
Unfortunately, despite the dire warnings and the escalating human and economic toll, India’s response to this existential crisis has been marked by significant irresponsibility and a lack of preparation. As evident, the country’s rapid development, which is exacerbating environmental challenges like heavy rains and toxic smog, is not being sufficiently offset with sustainable practices and climate-proof infrastructure. One striking example is the lack of effective disaster management plans in many districts, as highlighted by a study on the region’s most vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
In the face of climate change-induced floods, the most affected are the nation’s poor. Vulnerable communities residing in high-risk districts bear the brunt of these catastrophes. For example, the resident of a Mumbai slum experienced the destruction of his home four times in three years due to monsoon floods. These communities are stuck in a vicious cycle of disaster, recovery, and relapse due to inadequate disaster management and lack of social and economic resilience.
Moreover, climate change’s impact extends beyond immediate disasters to long-term livelihood challenges. Decreased farming incomes due to frequent droughts and lower rainfall, along with water scarcity caused by the expansion of impermeable surfaces and groundwater depletion, further impoverish these vulnerable populations.
Politically, the lack of comprehensive disaster management plans in many districts is becoming increasingly apparent. The relentless flooding, aggravated by rapid urbanization, mismanagement of water resources, and inadequate infrastructure, is a testament to the irresponsibility of policymakers who have been slow to address climate change proactively. There is a growing expectation from citizens and international communities for India to demonstrate leadership in climate mitigation and adaptation.
The economic cost of India’s irresponsible behavior towards climate change is staggering. A decline in farm output due to unseasonal rains and droughts is affecting the agricultural sector, which contributes 16% to India’s GDP. Increased import costs and pollution-related healthcare expenses further strain the country’s economy.
Moreover, marginalized communities, who constitute a significant portion of India’s demographic, are bearing the brunt of the economic costs of climate change. The poor, particularly those dependent on agriculture, are disproportionately affected by reduced crop yields and water scarcity. The escalating costs of climate change could potentially undo decades of economic progress and exacerbate inequality nationwide.
From a security standpoint, the climate crisis in India is a ticking time bomb. The increased frequency and severity of floods and other extreme weather events pose severe risks to the country’s food and water security. The situation in Chennai, one of the world’s wettest cities, is a case in point. The city has been grappling with both water scarcity and flooding, underscoring the dual challenges brought about by climate change.
Erratic monsoons and long periods without rain followed by excessive rainfall result in not only devastating floods but also agricultural damage, affecting food production and prices. Also, inadequate access to clean water due to water scarcity can exacerbate social tensions, further threatening national security.
Furthermore, climate change-related disasters could lead to mass displacement of people, leading to a refugee crisis that may strain India’s social fabric and escalate regional tensions. The IPCC’s warning of more frequent and intense heatwaves, extreme rainfall events, and increased cyclonic activity serves as a sobering reminder of the country’s vulnerability.
In the face of these grim realities, the necessity for robust, responsible actions towards climate change is paramount. India’s approach to dealing with climate change and floods needs to be more strategic, incorporating long-term planning, sustainable practices, and inclusive policies. The Indian government must work cohesively with various stakeholders, including local communities, non-governmental organizations, and international bodies, to implement effective climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. The cost of irresponsibility is simply too high to ignore.
Courtesy: Modern Diplomacy
