Embracing Nature’s Fury in 2025: Understanding Our Role in Climate Change

Relentless rains and cloudbursts have hit the northern parts of India hard, especially Uttarakhand, where five people have died and three are missing. Jammu and Kashmir has faced devastating floods and landslides, leading to 41 fatalities, while Himachal Pradesh has seen the Beas River overflow, swallowing roads and homes. Punjab’s farmlands are under water too.

Across the region, communities are stranded and rescue teams are racing against the clock. The impacts extend beyond India, affecting neighboring Pakistan and China.

These floods aren’t random. They reflect how human actions—like climate change, rapid urban growth, and over-tourism—are messing with nature. This mix is fueling extreme weather events, causing more frequent and intense flooding.

The Himalayas, known as the “Third Pole,” are particularly at risk. They feed ten major Asian rivers that support over 1.3 billion people. However, climate change is melting glaciers and thawing permafrost, which disrupts water flow and heightens flood risks.

In fact, temperatures in this area are rising faster than the global average. Erratic and heavy monsoon rains are becoming the norm, stressing an already fragile ecosystem.

Urbanization compounds the problem. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru are growing rapidly but without planning. Natural drainage systems are replaced with concrete, wetlands are encroached upon, and lakes are disappearing. Bengaluru has lost over 80% of its lakes, making flooding worse.

Over-tourism in the Himalayas also weakens the landscape. Unregulated development for tourism is destabilizing mountain slopes and increasing landslide risks. Deforestation for roads and energy projects is another concern, causing soil erosion and greater runoff.

A recent study revealed that around 28,000 heat-related deaths in tropical regions, including India, are tied to increased deforestation. Such environmental changes create conditions for more frequent climate-related disasters.

Climate change is not just one factor; it’s amplifying the effects of our choices. The rise in cloudbursts, sudden heavy rains, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) demonstrates how vulnerable areas are being overwhelmed.

We need integrated solutions now. This means pushing for strong climate action, sustainable urban planning, and stricter regulations on tourism and construction. Additionally, we should focus on improving disaster resilience.

If we don’t take immediate action, we’re facing dire consequences. These floods serve as a warning that our choices are creating disasters that threaten lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems.

The situation today is not just nature at work; it’s a result of human actions and their impact on our environment.

To truly tackle these challenges, we need to recognize our role in shaping a sustainable future for both people and the planet.



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