Perhaps there has not been such global closed-door discussions on a subject governed by science, well at least since the Montreal Protocol! However, unlike then, there seems no consensus on the need to unite and check the damage already done. From what news reports tell us, most nations are plotting on how best to protect their national interests of growth. Don’t ask us if there will be any nation without a liveable planet! Our policy makers and leaders seem to be missing that point somehow.
Who is to blame? The rich nations that are responsible for where we are now? Or the ones scrambling to do the same? Or both?
Indian prime minister claims that if the emission limits are imposed on the developing countries, they might not be able to address the issue of poverty alleviation and meet the basic needs of a large number of people. But the Economic Survey, 2009 has categorically stated that every year the nation loses lose 2.6 per cent of GDP to address the problems related to climate change. By further accelerating the carbon economy, the sufferings of those who are directly affected by climate change are bound to worsen. Urgent actions to mitigate these effects are needed and mere tokenism will not be enough.
Is the government serious about its national climate change plan? Is it enough to announce eight grand missions on one hand, and on the other continue with business-as-usual attitude? How does one reconcile with the ultra mega thermal plants of 4000 MW, and the carbon they will spew? Why are new plants being promised instead of improving the poor efficiency of the existing ones (less than 30 percent)?
Why is public transport so neglected? Given the large population and its needs, buses should have been given priority but it is the private automobile sector that is favoured, according to a CSE study.
Can we keep harping on our low per capita emission of India (1.5 tonnes compared to world average of 4.5 tonnes) when about 150 million Indians are stepping the accelerator on the lane of carbon-high lifestyles?
Will India and China accept binding emission cuts? Or will they walk out of Copenhagen as a protest against such demands? More important, will all of us sit up and start doing something about the carbon pile-up in the atmosphere? Can we walk out of this problem?
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We are still in state of denial despite all the studies. We will continue to be till calamity strikes. The tsunami kind, not the gradual kind where food production starts dipping, water receding, etc. Sad.
Why are we so eager to emulate the western model of growth with its mindless exploitation of natural resources? It is a pity that the land of spiritualism is craving for petty materialistic comforts. Washing machines, dish washers, microwave ovens, etc etc at a time when water is slipping out of reach and energy too. How many stop to think of all the water the washing machine just throws out? Instead of using that for toilets and washing cars, we use freshwater for those tasks! I wonder why nobody thinks of community living which will take a load of the planet?
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