Changing weather patterns indicate colossal climate change
By: Mudasir Masoodi
The sudden increase and equally sudden drop in temperatures and unexpected hotness and dryness in the month of September followed by unusual drop in temperature in October is a clear indication that climate change is actually here. In November, we usually experienced drop in day as well as in night temperature along with short or long spells of rains. But against our expectations the hot and dry weather conditions impacted this year’s harvesting season. Streams in many ran almost dry, plants shed leaves prematurely, fruit size is also not desirable and scarcity of drinking as well as irrigating water is seen in many parts of the valley and also in other states of India.
The reason behind all this is the climate change that is often taken lightly. Climate change is the alterations in temperature and weather patterns of a place or simply climate transformation determined by the change in temperature, precipitation, wind, etc.
Our beautiful planet receives energy from Sun the energy received by the Earth depends on how much the sun emits and also the distance between both of these. Part of this energy is reflected directly back to space by the atmosphere, land, clouds, water surfaces, etc. The solar energy absorbed by the Earth is returned to space as infrared (heat radiations). During this whole process heat radiations interact with climate system including atmosphere, water bodies, land surface and other components of the system. The flow of these radiations, in the system, is very important in determining climate.
The main gases that make up the atmosphere, nitrogen and oxygen, do not interact with these infrared radiation and the gases present in small quantities such as CO2 absorb infrared radiation flowing upwards from the Earth’s surface and re- radiate in all directions; especially downwards. This results in increase in temperature on Earth- this is what we call Greenhouse effect.
Greenhouse effect is also caused by human activities. As we know that from about a century we are using new means of transport and communication and running various types of industries requiring huge amount of energy. For fulfilling energy requirements fossil fuels like coal, petroleum and natural gas are being extracted and used. Burning of these fossil fuels leads to the increase in gases like CO2 in the atmosphere along with aerosols which trap infrared radiation and redirect towards surface of the Earth resulting in the increase of temperature.
Scientists have found that parts of the upper atmosphere are gradually contracting in response to rising human made greenhouse gas emissions. World is about 1.2C° warmer when compared with the pre-industrial and pre modern era. 90% of the scientists who study Earth’s climate agree that planet is warming gradually and that human are the primary cause for this. It was reported that in June 2020 an area of Siberia recorded temperature of about 100 degree and in some areas of Australia it even exceed 120 degrees. September 2020 was considered to be the warmest month on record worldwide as per the reports. On 17t August last year our valley broke the record of about 39 years of highest ever temperature of August recorded 35.7C° day. Same is happening this year, in September temperature is beyond our expectations.
We must be aware of the studies done by Scholars of the Kashmir University and according to one of the report (11 model; three greenhouse gas emission scenarios) the average annual temperature is projected to increase by about 6.9C° for J&K which is very much higher than projected average rise in global temperature by the end of the Century. The study also states the gradual shrinking of the glaciers by about 80- 85% by the end of the Century. We must also remember that 1.5C° increase in global temperature is considered to be safe limit. If it goes beyond that, which is unfortunately expected to happen, then survival might be very hard.
Climate change has both short term and long term impact on our lives directly or indirectly.
American Psychological Association released an article which states that climate change can even induce anxiety, stress and depression. People with mental health conditions are more likely to be affected by extreme weather events. Psychiatric medication can interfere with person’s ability to regulate heat and their awareness that their body temperature is rising. Children are more impacted by disasters (floods, cloudbursts, etc.) caused mainly by climate change and are likely to have continued trauma related symptoms after a disaster. Joseph Reser a psychologist says “Climate change is an ongoing threat and the psychological implications are occurring here now”.
People are still ignoring the drying up of water bodies, desertification, droughts, floods, deficient rainfall reported this year by about 50% below normal. The heat related morbidity and mortality increase in vector borne disease (malaria, dengue fever, etc) and respiratory illness due to extreme weather events. WHO estimates an increase of about 250000 deaths between 2030-2050 due to impacts of climate change. Still we are showing carelessness and irresponsibility towards our duties. Trees are being cut down indiscriminately in front of our eyes; as the demand of timber for construction and other purpose is increasing day by day. The demand is estimated to be increased from 58 million cubic metres in 2005 to more than 150 million cubic metres in 2020.For fulfilling our greed and worldly desires we are toying with nature and not even paying no heed to it. We will have to pay the price for our ignorance and selfishness.
Often there are seminar, discussions and debates on the importance of maintaining ecological balance and role of afforestation and reforestation but all this seems to be limited to words only. We must be practical and act accordingly. Afforestation absorbs the carbon emissions which are major cause of greenhouse effect. It also creates arid lands and environments by converting areas which are barren and have virtually nonexistent species into lands filled with productive resources and reach biodiversity. Similarly there should be complete blanket ban on use of non-biodegradable plastic as they are already proven to be hazardous for our planet. Fortunately in 2017 National Green Tribunal (NGT) announced ban on the use of non-biodegradable plastic with fine of Rs 5000 on anyone who flouts the rule; but unfortunately still we see in every nook and corner of markets these materials being used in day light and law enforcement agencies doing nothing.
Same is the case with pollution causing Brick kilns, stone crusher and macadam plants in our valley. As per the rules of J&K Brick Kiln Regulations Act 2010, a Brick kiln cannot be established in agricultural land. Further securing no objection certificates (NOC’s) from departments such as agriculture, forest, health and education is must besides the permission from concerned deputy commissioner. But almost none of Brick kiln or stone crusher is following the guidelines laid down by the concerned authorities.
The Climate change must be taken seriously by every one of us weather a common man or any law enforcement agency or any third-party. We must be socially responsible and love and take care of our motherland. The law enforcement agencies, climate change groups need to curb the menace before the problem assumes horrendous proportions; or the changing climate will create havoc in future if the same trend continues.
The writer is a Tutor at New Era Teaching Institute Kunzer
