Researcher, Environment & Climate Action, CAG
Mala Balaji, CAG writes about why systemic transformation and individual changes need to come together, if we are to come out winning, in our battle against climate change. This article highlights commendable practices and looks at areas needing improvement in fostering sustainability.
The effects of climate change know no boundaries, transcending borders and impacting every individual, community and nation. India ranks third among the top 50 nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Closer to home, this summer, Tamil Nadu witnessed sweltering heat waves, with the vulnerable facing the brunt of it.
This Impact Assessment Report highlights how the pilot phase of 'FOCUS' - the climate change curriculum textbook developed by CAG - was introduced in select schools in Chennai. It measures project outcomes, analysing positive shifts in both students and teachers. The report provides concrete evidence of heightened student awareness, engagement, and empowerment, as well as innovative teaching methods and renewed enthusiasm among educators.
Climate change is uprooting lives and communities in India, leaving behind a trail of destruction that is hard to ignore. The lush terrain that once sustained millions is now turning into barren wastelands, as climate change continues to ravage the country. The scorching heat waves, erratic rainfall patterns, and devastating floods are leaving no stone unturned in upending the lives of millions of people, particularly those in rural areas.
As humanity grapples with the urgent threat of climate change, there is a growing reliance on finding new and innovative solutions to tackle this existential crisis. Among the many available tools at our disposal, perhaps none holds as much promise as artificial intelligence (AI). With its remarkable ability to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions, AI is quickly emerging as a vital tool in the fight against climate change.
Climate change is a global phenomenon that is affecting every aspect of our lives. As we bear witness to its unprecedented and devastating impacts day in and day out, we must also grapple with the reality that our global economy is not immune to its effects. Inflation, the persistent increase in prices of goods and services over time, is an economic phenomenon that has long been studied and debated by economists and policymakers alike.
COP27 was a much-awaited climate summit as vulnerable developing countries and low-and middle-income countries were expecting definitive action to be taken in light of the growing visible impacts of climate change. Up until this year, COPs had a reputation of unkept promises and ambitions. But after the devastating impacts of climate change in the form of extreme weather events, the planet was awaiting real action by world leaders. COP27 was nicknamed the ‘implementation COP’ since the promises and expectations of yesteryear’s COPs were pending action.
Research on the correlation between climate change and mental health is a new but rapidly growing field.
We need to embrace ourselves for what our world is turning out to be. Of all the challenges faced by mankind, climate change remains the most threatening issue of all time with the survival of our very planet at stake. The world around us is reeling from the ill effects of a warming globe.