Urgent Climate Wake-Up Call: What You Need to Know Now – The Tribune

The recent southwest monsoon has caused significant chaos across many regions in India. Above-normal rainfall has brought severe weather events, especially affecting states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, as well as parts of Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. Southern states are also grappling with heavy storms, leading to devastating consequences.

Tragic loss of life from cloudbursts, flooding, and landslides has been reported. Many homes and essential infrastructure have been damaged or destroyed. Bridges have collapsed, national highways are washed away, and vital transport links have been disrupted, leading to a significant impact on agriculture.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) warns that this heavy rain isn’t over yet. The forecast suggests that September will likely see above-average rainfall, increasing the risk of more floods and transportation issues.

Climate change is a key player in this unpredictable monsoon behavior. Studies show that heavy rainfall events have intensified since the 1950s, largely due to human activities. The International Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) highlights this alarming trend, attributing it to rising sea temperatures and increased moisture in the atmosphere.

Experts explain that as temperatures rise, more moisture is evaporated from the ocean. This moisture leads to bigger rain clouds, causing heavier rainfall when the monsoon hits. The patterns we see today are not just natural; they are strongly influenced by climate change.

However, it’s crucial not to use this as an excuse for inaction. Climate change is largely human-made, driven by our emissions. Additionally, poorly designed public policies make the situation worse. Urbanization, destruction of natural land, and lack of proper river management amplify the impact of extreme weather.

To address this serious challenge, we need to rethink our approach. Public policies must align with climate realities. While the focus has mostly been on renewable energy, we need broader climate considerations in every sector, from water management to urban planning.

Current environmental assessments, like the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), need a serious overhaul. Many projects have found loopholes to avoid thorough scrutiny, often putting the environment at risk. For example, the Char Dham highway project broke down into smaller segments to evade EIA requirements, illustrating a concerning trend.

Recent court rulings have highlighted these issues, emphasizing the necessity of rigorous environmental checks. Neglecting ecological considerations has severe consequences, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Himalayas.

To safeguard our infrastructure, we require a comprehensive climate audit. This audit should examine existing structures—like bridges and highways—ensuring they can withstand future climate challenges. A proactive approach during project design can mitigate long-term risks.

The government should develop a framework for these audits, complete with standards and protocols to assess resilience against changing climate conditions. This must be a coordinated effort to ensure that our infrastructure can cope with the evolving environment.

The 2025 monsoon is a crucial time we should all prepare for. In emergency situations, it’s not just about rebuilding but building wisely to protect communities and minimize future harm.

For more insights on climate change impacts, visit the IPCC for detailed reports and assessments.

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