Climate Change and India’s Ecological Balance

As rains batter India, triggering landslides in Western Ghats and cloudbursts in Himalayan regions, it’s clear that extreme weather events are becoming the new normal. But why are these disasters becoming more frequent, and what can we do about it?

Extreme events are on the rise

Extreme events are increasing in India, leading to very hot summers and excessively wet monsoons. The landslide in Wayanad has been the deadliest in its history, resulting in over 400 reported deaths. This tragedy is believed to have been caused by a combination of factors, including changes in land use, heavy rainfall induced by climate change, and the area’s fragile topography.

The Western Ghats and the Himalayas are crucial biodiversity hotspots in India, but they are increasingly vulnerable to damage from climate extremes. These fragile ecosystems have been devastated by events such as the 2013 Kedarnath floods, triggered by a glacial lake outburst, the 2014 Malin landslides, and the tragic 2024 Wayanad landslides. Most recently, the Teesta River floods and landslides in 2023 and 2024 further underscored this vulnerability. The landslide, triggered by relentless rainfall and unstable slopes, led to catastrophic flooding in the Teesta River, devastating communities in Sikkim and West Bengal. 

For generations, local communities in these regions have understood and maintained a delicate balance with their environment, recognizing the intricate connection between ecological health and their own safety. However, recent developmental activities, often prioritizing short-term gains, have exacerbated the climate change-induced vulnerabilities in these areas. This has created a tug-of-war between development, the safety of the communities living there, and the preservation of the ecological balance.

The increasing frequency and intensity of these disasters make it clear that this balance is tipping dangerously. It is now more critical than ever to integrate ecological considerations into development planning, ensuring that the long-term sustainability and safety of both people and the environment are prioritized. Recognizing these challenges, many government committees and panels have conducted extensive studies to address the complex interplay between development and ecology in these regions:

1. Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) - Gadgil Committee,
2. High-Level Working Group (HLWG) - Kasturirangan Committee,
3. National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE),
4. Expert Committee on Identification of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the Himalayas, and
5. Committee on Sustainable Urbanization in the Himalayan Region.

These committees focused on ecological conservation, sustainable development, climate change adaptation and mitigation, and understanding urbanization and its impacts. They have made several thematic recommendations:

1. Designation of eco-sensitive areas for strict protection and regulation against developmental activities
2. Promotion of sustainable practices in agriculture, construction, and industrial development
3. Regulation/prohibition of industrial and mining activities in eco-sensitive areas
4. Involvement of local communities in decision-making for environmental management
5. Establishment of monitoring frameworks for ecological changes related to climate change, biodiversity, and hydrology
6. Increased research in areas such as glacial dynamics, hydrology, and biodiversity for policy decisions and conservation strategies
7. Establishment of robust governance and policy frameworks to manage development, mitigate climate challenges, and protect biodiversity in these areas.

These committees and many other studies have recommended an integrated management approach in these regions, recognizing the interconnectedness of developmental activities, hydrology, biodiversity, and climate challenges in these regions.

The path to resolving these challenges involves three critical steps:

1. Recognizing interconnectedness: Acknowledging that development cannot occur in isolation from ecological impact. Understanding the deep connections between various environmental systems is crucial.
2. Risk Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments to identify high-risk zones and proactively avoid future disasters by guiding development away from these vulnerable areas.
3. Integration of ecological considerations while developing whether its urbanization, industrial projects or agricultural practices.

As I emphasized in a previous edition, efforts to tackle climate challenges and biodiversity conservation cannot be treated as separate endeavors. The solutions for both stem from fundamental concepts such as:

1. Nature-based solutions to manage ecosystem services such as water purification, flood regulation, biodiversity conservation, climate-smart agriculture, and maintaining soil fertility.
2. Sustainable land use practices focusing on urban planning and agricultural practices
3. Sustainable development: Adopting sustainable building practices, energy-efficient systems, and effective waste and water management strategies.
4. Community participation and preservation of Indigenous knowledge

HOW INDIVIDUALS CAN CONTRIBUTE

1. Engage with Nature: Develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature by spending more time in natural environments.
2. Community Gardens: Participate in or establish community gardens to grow native trees, plants, or vegetables, which helps restore local biodiversity.
3. Waste Management: Practice effective waste management at both individual and community levels to reduce environmental impact.
4. Talk about climate change more often with your peers, family, kids, and neighbors!

By recognizing the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and development, and by taking personal responsibility, we can begin to address the challenges of climate change. Let’s act now, before the next disaster strikes.