The good news is sea level will not rise if Arctic melts. Your soft drink full of ice cubes does not overflow for same reason. Instead of the Northwest and Northeast Passages will become navigable by regular ships for part of the year very soon and feeds economic and military interests.
International shipping routes between Asia and Europe will be reduced by thousands of miles. Canada could face worldwide demands on opening the Passage for international transit. The implications in terms of increased ship traffic, pollution and infrastructure development regarding Arctic’s fragile ecosystems are obviously.
Each year the Arctic undergoes the seasonal formation in winter and in summer an area of ice the size of Europe melts away to freeze again the following winter - usually.
20th September 2007 - the National Ice and Snow Data Center announced a historical arctic sea ice minimum: A loss of 4.61 million square kilometer. That means some square meters per terrestrial - compared against the 20 year average minimum. Your greenhouse gas emissions do count!
Due to the positive ice-albedo feedback effect Arctic sea ice is a sensitive tipping point in the Earth climate system. Without that ice, heat energy from the ocean would be transferred to warm the polar air. In fact, sea ice is so effective an insulator that its absence would warm the overlying air by between 20 and 40°C during winter.
Last year the September minimum did not break the latest record, on the other hand it was just a matter of a few days. What can we expect for 2009? An important factor is the thickness of the sea ice. Scientists distinguish between annual and multi-annual ice. The latter is thicker and less vulnerable to sun rays, warmer sea water or air.
Based on submarine measurements, the ice draft is reported to have thinned by 40% from the 1960s and 1970s to the 1990s. Latest satellite based analysis show Arctic is now literally on thin ice. Thicker ice, which survives two or more years, now comprises just 10 percent of wintertime ice cover, down from 30 to 40 percent.
Personally, I think Climate Change is lacking a powerful symbol. CO2 is invisible, so what can we print on T-shirts? Although measurements and graphs state a yearly sea level rise of millimeters, a temperature increase of fractions of a degree and a few ppm of CO2 molecules - does someone feels the daily impact?
The vanishing Arctic may serve as a symbol, but climate models estimate the Arctic might be completely ice free in summer in 20 or 30 years. This would be an irreversible result of uncontrolled greenhouse gas emissions and a lack of political action and responsibility. Not all aspects of the Arctic are already modeled - possibly you can book a tourist trip to North Pole much earlier. Until then you may like the idea to see and prove how Global Warming is already changing our planet.
Two NASA satellites called Aqua and Terra capture daily photos of the poles on their orbit. The MODIS Rapid Response System at NASA/GSFC combines them into a daily mosaic of the Arctic since 18th April 2009. Since a few days the mosaic from the day before is available using the Explorer here with geoLink 1650.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Geological Map of Arctic
Available from Natural Resources Canada is this detailed geological map of the Arctic. The map was completed in November 2008 as part of a two-year, seven-nation collaboration. Resources as minerals, gas and oil could be very often found in similar geological formations.
“The Europeans, the Russians, they’ve been at it much longer than we have in terms of mineral and energy exploration in their Arctic,” said Marc St-Onge, a research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada in an interview. “Knowing where they have their mineral deposits and gas and oil fields, we can use the geology of this consistent map … to see where else we should be looking Canada.”
The Arctic is continuously facing new claims by the surrounding countries. Russia placed a flag on the sea bed at the North Pole and recently Norway expanded its ambitions in the Barents Sea and gave a green light for a $4.2 billion project.
“Goliat is the first oil field in the Barents Sea that will be developed. Goliat is the biggest industrial project to ever be undertaken in northern Norway,” said Norway’s Oil And Energy Minister Terje Riis-Johansen in a statement.
Is there a need to model these kind of economic feedback effects on a melting Arctic? Or is the Arctic anyway ice-free , when the carbon found there is all burned?
“The Europeans, the Russians, they’ve been at it much longer than we have in terms of mineral and energy exploration in their Arctic,” said Marc St-Onge, a research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada in an interview. “Knowing where they have their mineral deposits and gas and oil fields, we can use the geology of this consistent map … to see where else we should be looking Canada.”
The Arctic is continuously facing new claims by the surrounding countries. Russia placed a flag on the sea bed at the North Pole and recently Norway expanded its ambitions in the Barents Sea and gave a green light for a $4.2 billion project.
“Goliat is the first oil field in the Barents Sea that will be developed. Goliat is the biggest industrial project to ever be undertaken in northern Norway,” said Norway’s Oil And Energy Minister Terje Riis-Johansen in a statement.
Is there a need to model these kind of economic feedback effects on a melting Arctic? Or is the Arctic anyway ice-free , when the carbon found there is all burned?
Climate change may have been one of the reasons of the downfall of the Indus Valley Civilization
In the 19th and 20th centuries, archaeologists discovered traces of India's earliest civilization, one that developed in the fertile Indus River Valley between 3000 and 1900 BCE. Larger than either the Egyptian or Mesopotamian civilizations of the same period, the population of the Indus Valley (or Harappan) Civilization is estimated at anywhere between two and five million people. Among the civilization's 2000 major settlements were the planned cities of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, trading and craft production centers where craftspeople and villages wrought pottery and intricate beads made of gold, copper, and ivory.
Archaeological evidence shows that after 700 years of stability, the civilization declined. Most of the Indus settlements had been abandoned or had shrunk in size by about 1800 BCE. Many factors contributed to the end of the Indus civilization, but climate change is emerging as a primary reason for its gradual demise. Geological evidence shows that the region's climate grew colder and drier, in part perhaps because of a weakened monsoon. By 1800 BCE, the Ghaggar-Hakra River, a river in the region that paralleled the Indus system and that some scholars suggest is the Saraswati, the lost sacred river of Rig Veda, was severely diminished. As a result, cities were abandoned and though some of the population remained, many migrated to more fertile lands in the east around the Ganges and Jumna River
Archaeological evidence shows that after 700 years of stability, the civilization declined. Most of the Indus settlements had been abandoned or had shrunk in size by about 1800 BCE. Many factors contributed to the end of the Indus civilization, but climate change is emerging as a primary reason for its gradual demise. Geological evidence shows that the region's climate grew colder and drier, in part perhaps because of a weakened monsoon. By 1800 BCE, the Ghaggar-Hakra River, a river in the region that paralleled the Indus system and that some scholars suggest is the Saraswati, the lost sacred river of Rig Veda, was severely diminished. As a result, cities were abandoned and though some of the population remained, many migrated to more fertile lands in the east around the Ganges and Jumna River
Vedic Management – Echoes of Corporate Social Responsibility in the Vedas
The great sages who delivered universal thoughts through the Vedas were concerned about unethical and profit driven human activities and its impact on society and the environment. This is echoed in several verses in the Vedas, especially in the Upanishads. What these great seers feared more than 5000 years ago have become a reality and we are already paying the price for such unethical and profit driven human activities. Today, many major companies around the world have realized the mistakes and there is more awareness and this has led to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Corporate Social Responsibility is a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment in all aspects of their operations. (Wikipedia)
In an article titled ‘Wisdom of the ages’ in ‘The CTO Forum’ Magazine, Dr. S. Kannan presents an overview of the Vedic vision especially with reference to the concept of ‘Corporate Social Responsibility.’
Some excerpts from the article...
Based on the Vedas, CSR can be looked at from three dimensions constituting the individual, social and cosmic perspectives.Individual Dimension
The individual dimension of CSR focuses on the concept of dharma (righteousness).The Vedas call upon one to speak the truth and follow the righteous path.One shall speak the truth. (Satyam Vada - Taittiriya Upanishad i-11)One shall follow the path of righteousness. (Dharmam cara - Taittiriya Upanishad i-11)One shall do what he speaks and what he thinks. (Taittiriya Aranyaka i-90)One shall not sin against his neighbor or a foreigner. (Rig Veda Samhita v-85-7)One who does not work is a social evil. (Rig Veda Samhita x-22-8)
Fair Means of Wealth Acquisition
The Vedas emphasize that wealth has to be earned only through fair means and one should put in his best efforts to acquire wealth through ethical and moral practices. One has to acquire wealth by ethical means.Wealth has to be won by deeds of glory. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-19-10)One shall be led by the fair path to riches. (Vajasaneya Samhita v-36)One should tread the sinless path and gather wealth. (Vajasaneya Samhita iv-9)A man shall strive to win wealth by the righteous path. (Rig Veda Samhita x-31-2)One who helps others wins wealth. (Rig Veda Samhita iv-50-9)One who gets up early morning gets the treasure. (Rig Veda Samhita i-125-1)Social Distribution of Wealth
The Vedas assert that there shall be proper distribution of wealth from the wealthy to the poor. They also condemn those who enjoy wealth without partaking it with others.One shall not be selfish and consume all by himself. (Rig Veda Sam x-117-6)Wealth accumulated through 100 hands should be distributed to 1000 hands. (Atharva Veda Samhita iii-24-5)One who eats alone is a sinner. (Rig Veda Samhita x-117-6)The leader is the distributor of wondrous wealth. (Vajasaneya Samhita xxx-4)Let the rich satisfy the poor with a broader vision. (Rig Veda Samhita x-117-5)Conservation of Resources
The Vedas advocate conservation of resources to take care of future requirements. They condemn poverty and give the clarion call to eradicate it.One shall produce fair wealth for today and tomorrow. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-71-6)Poverty should be banished. (Rig Veda Samhita x-76-4)Environment
The Vedas attach great importance to environmental protection and purity. They insist on safeguarding the habitation, proper afforestation and non-pollution.
Earth, atmosphere, sky, sun, moon, stars, waters, plants, trees, moving creatures, swimming creatures, creeping creatures all are hailed and offered oblations. (Taittiriya Samhita i-8-13)Habitation
One should protect the habitation. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-71-3)Waters as friends of man give full protection to his progenies. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-50-7)Animal welfare
One shall take care of quadrupeds. (Taittiriya Samhita iv-4-10)One shall be auspicious to animals. (Taittiriya Samhita ii-3-14)One shall not find fault with animals. (Chandogya Upanishad ii-18-2)Plant Life Welfare
The Vedas stress the need for protection and development of forests. Human beings have to safeguard the trees. They assert that the plants and trees are verily the treasures for generations.One should not destroy the trees. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-48-17)Plants are mothers and Goddesses. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-4)Trees are homes and mansions. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-5)Sacred grass has to be protected from man's exploitation (Rig Veda Samhita vii-75-8)Plants and waters are treasures for generations. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-70-4)Non-pollution
The Vedas give the clarion call for non-pollution of the environment. They condemn in unequivocal terms those who pollute and defile the environment. Waters are invoked to be friendly to humanity.Waters represent splendor. (Atharva Veda Samhita iii-13-5)Waters bear off all defilements and cleanse people. (Vajasaneya Samhita iv-2)Whoever injures the essence of food, kine or steeds is a robber who sinks both himself and his offspring into destruction. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-104-10)Offerings are dedicated to waters of wells, pools, clefts, holes, lakes
morasses, ponds, tanks, marshes, rains, rime, streams, rivers and ocean. (Taittiriya Samhita vii-4-13)There was only water in the beginning. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad v-5-1)Waters and herbs should have no poison. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-39-5)Waters are to be freed from defilement. (Atharva Veda Samhita x-5-24)Waters cleanse humanity from the evil of pollution committed by it. (Atharva Veda Samhita xii-2-40)Waters are healing and they strengthen one to see great joy. (Taittiriya Samhita vii-4-19)
Dr. S Kannan is a Chartered Accountant and Management Accountant, a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) as well as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, U.S.A
Corporate Social Responsibility is a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment in all aspects of their operations. (Wikipedia)
In an article titled ‘Wisdom of the ages’ in ‘The CTO Forum’ Magazine, Dr. S. Kannan presents an overview of the Vedic vision especially with reference to the concept of ‘Corporate Social Responsibility.’
Some excerpts from the article...
Based on the Vedas, CSR can be looked at from three dimensions constituting the individual, social and cosmic perspectives.Individual Dimension
The individual dimension of CSR focuses on the concept of dharma (righteousness).The Vedas call upon one to speak the truth and follow the righteous path.One shall speak the truth. (Satyam Vada - Taittiriya Upanishad i-11)One shall follow the path of righteousness. (Dharmam cara - Taittiriya Upanishad i-11)One shall do what he speaks and what he thinks. (Taittiriya Aranyaka i-90)One shall not sin against his neighbor or a foreigner. (Rig Veda Samhita v-85-7)One who does not work is a social evil. (Rig Veda Samhita x-22-8)
Fair Means of Wealth Acquisition
The Vedas emphasize that wealth has to be earned only through fair means and one should put in his best efforts to acquire wealth through ethical and moral practices. One has to acquire wealth by ethical means.Wealth has to be won by deeds of glory. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-19-10)One shall be led by the fair path to riches. (Vajasaneya Samhita v-36)One should tread the sinless path and gather wealth. (Vajasaneya Samhita iv-9)A man shall strive to win wealth by the righteous path. (Rig Veda Samhita x-31-2)One who helps others wins wealth. (Rig Veda Samhita iv-50-9)One who gets up early morning gets the treasure. (Rig Veda Samhita i-125-1)Social Distribution of Wealth
The Vedas assert that there shall be proper distribution of wealth from the wealthy to the poor. They also condemn those who enjoy wealth without partaking it with others.One shall not be selfish and consume all by himself. (Rig Veda Sam x-117-6)Wealth accumulated through 100 hands should be distributed to 1000 hands. (Atharva Veda Samhita iii-24-5)One who eats alone is a sinner. (Rig Veda Samhita x-117-6)The leader is the distributor of wondrous wealth. (Vajasaneya Samhita xxx-4)Let the rich satisfy the poor with a broader vision. (Rig Veda Samhita x-117-5)Conservation of Resources
The Vedas advocate conservation of resources to take care of future requirements. They condemn poverty and give the clarion call to eradicate it.One shall produce fair wealth for today and tomorrow. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-71-6)Poverty should be banished. (Rig Veda Samhita x-76-4)Environment
The Vedas attach great importance to environmental protection and purity. They insist on safeguarding the habitation, proper afforestation and non-pollution.
Earth, atmosphere, sky, sun, moon, stars, waters, plants, trees, moving creatures, swimming creatures, creeping creatures all are hailed and offered oblations. (Taittiriya Samhita i-8-13)Habitation
One should protect the habitation. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-71-3)Waters as friends of man give full protection to his progenies. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-50-7)Animal welfare
One shall take care of quadrupeds. (Taittiriya Samhita iv-4-10)One shall be auspicious to animals. (Taittiriya Samhita ii-3-14)One shall not find fault with animals. (Chandogya Upanishad ii-18-2)Plant Life Welfare
The Vedas stress the need for protection and development of forests. Human beings have to safeguard the trees. They assert that the plants and trees are verily the treasures for generations.One should not destroy the trees. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-48-17)Plants are mothers and Goddesses. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-4)Trees are homes and mansions. (Rig Veda Samhita x-97-5)Sacred grass has to be protected from man's exploitation (Rig Veda Samhita vii-75-8)Plants and waters are treasures for generations. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-70-4)Non-pollution
The Vedas give the clarion call for non-pollution of the environment. They condemn in unequivocal terms those who pollute and defile the environment. Waters are invoked to be friendly to humanity.Waters represent splendor. (Atharva Veda Samhita iii-13-5)Waters bear off all defilements and cleanse people. (Vajasaneya Samhita iv-2)Whoever injures the essence of food, kine or steeds is a robber who sinks both himself and his offspring into destruction. (Rig Veda Samhita vii-104-10)Offerings are dedicated to waters of wells, pools, clefts, holes, lakes
morasses, ponds, tanks, marshes, rains, rime, streams, rivers and ocean. (Taittiriya Samhita vii-4-13)There was only water in the beginning. (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad v-5-1)Waters and herbs should have no poison. (Rig Veda Samhita vi-39-5)Waters are to be freed from defilement. (Atharva Veda Samhita x-5-24)Waters cleanse humanity from the evil of pollution committed by it. (Atharva Veda Samhita xii-2-40)Waters are healing and they strengthen one to see great joy. (Taittiriya Samhita vii-4-19)
Dr. S Kannan is a Chartered Accountant and Management Accountant, a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) as well as Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) of Information Systems Audit and Control Association, U.S.A
VEDAS AND ENVIRONMENT
Human beings are never alone as a species in the Universe. They are also inter-connected with the Earth, Sun, Moon and other planets orbiting in their appointed domains. In the ultimate reality, nothing remains unconnected in the cosmos. Aligning one’s consciousness in line with the principles of natural law, he can march towards perfection and maximise his efficiency as well as effectiveness. Maintenance of natural order and pristine ecological balance is the sine qua non for ensuring human well-being.The Vedas specify four types of living beings, namely, andaja (born of eggs), jivaja (born of womb), svedaja (born of moisture) and udbhija (born of earth) and declare that these are impelled by Prajnanam (consciousness) .The Vedas deal exhaustively with the splendors of the cosmos in a wholesome manner. They unravel the mysteries of the vast and unexplored forests.The Vedas present picturesque, spectacular and diversified range of fauna and flora. They urge the human beings to protect, preserve, nurture and nourish the environment and natural habitation in its pristine glorious form.1.1 Environment managementThe Vedas attach great importance to environmental protection and purity. They insist on safeguarding the habitation, proper afforestation and non-pollution.For the welfare of all the humans and other beings, the Vedas seek a sweet and pleasant environment consisting of sweet breeze, sweet flowing rivers, sweet and beneficial herbs, sweet day and night, sweetness of earth particles, sweet fruit bearing trees, sweet and beneficial Sun and sweet bearing cows.1.1.1 HabitationThe Vedas insist that one shall protect the habitation.One should protect the habitation.There should be a fair and spacious habitation.Waters as friends of man give full protection to man's progenies.1.1.2 AfforestationThe Vedas stress the need for protection and development of forests. Human beings have to safeguard the trees. The Vedas assert that the plants and trees are verily the treasures for generations.1.1.2a Vedic quotes on afforestation1. One shall not destroy the trees.2. One shall delight in plants and waters.3. Plants are mothers and deities.4. Trees are homes and mansions.5. Gods delight themselves in plants and waters.6. Let plants be friendly to us.7. Speech is the voice of the trees, the voice that is heard in the drum, the lute and the flute.8. Trees are connected with Visnu.9. Plants and waters are treasures for generations.1.1.3 Non-PollutionThe Vedas give the clarion call for non-pollution of the environment. They condemn in unequivocal terms those who pollute and defile the environment. Waters are invoked to be friendly to humanity.1.1.3a Vedic quotes on Water1. This Universe was only water in the beginning.2. Waters and herbs should have no poison.3. Waters are to be freed from defilement.4. Waters cleanse humanity from the evil of pollution committed by it.5. Waters have satisfying savour of the honey-mixed with splendor.6. Waters bear off all defilements and cleanse people.7. Waters and plants shall be friendly to people.Vedas contain reference to a wide variety of animals and urge humanity to safeguard their well-being. Protection of animal welfare is considered important for proper human welfare. Three-fold divisions of animals are seen in the Vedas in terms of those of the air (vayavya), those of the jungle (aranya) and those of village (gramya).1.2a Vedic quotes on animals1. Let the animals of the earth and heaven, wild beasts of the forest and winged birds protect humanity from calamity.2. So many are animals, bipeds and quadrupeds.3. Prayers are offered for the welfare of animals and men.4. As haya (steed) it carries the gods, as arvan (courser) the asuras, as vajin (racer) the gandharvas and as asva (horse) the men.5. Homage is paid to the serpents on the earth, in the atmosphere in the sky, among the trees and in the wells and waters.6. Happiness is sought for quadrupeds.7. All bipeds and quadrupeds shall be free from disease.8. One shall not find fault with the animals.9. One shall increase the cattle wealth.1.3 Plant lifeThe Vedas call upon the human beings to safeguard and nourish plants and trees. The Vedas mention about plants and trees.1.3a Vedic quotes on Plant lifeThe Vedas hail the trees, the roots, the panicles, the corona, the branches, the leaves, the flowers and the fruits.Let plant and creepers grow upwards.One shall not damage the roots of the plant.Herbs have remedial powers.May fruit-bearing plants ripen.1.4 Panca bhutaThe Vedas specify the cosmic Panca bhutas ( five elements). These are akasah (space), vayuh (air), Agnih (fire), apah ( water) and Prithivi (earth).Earth, air, space, water and fire are the five great elements.The link between the Panca bhutas and men is clearly established by the following Vedic expression.From space, air.From air, fire.From fire, water.From water, earth .From earth, the herbs.From herbs, food.From food, man.1.4.1 SpaceThat which accommodates is space.Vedic quotes on Space1. Akasa is the body of the Brahman.2. This space is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this space.1.4.2 AirThe Vedas declare that air is sweet and pleasant . It has healing powers.Vedic quotes on Air1. This air is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this air.2. May wind blow pleasantly for us .3. Wind blows healing balm, blows all disease away.1.4.3 FireThe Vedas eulogise Agni (fire) in the form of an important cosmic force. Fire is considered to be the bestower of wealth. It is only through fire that all the oblations to the deities and forefathers are offered.Vedic quotes on Fire1. This fire is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this fire.2. Agni is worshipped for increase in wealth and riches.3. Riches, heroes, food, progeny and longevity are sought from Agni.4. Agni is worshipped for bliss.5. Agni slays the foes.6. Agni purifies one and drives ill-fortune far away.7. One shall be victorious through the victory of Agni.8. Agni is the Brahman.1.4.4 WaterThe Vedas declare that all that is seen is water and that they are the nectar conferring happiness to all. With a social objective, they emphasise that the waters are common resources to be used by all. Water is the essence of food.Vedic quotes on water1. This water is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this water.2. Water is mother.3. The divine water full of sweetness averts the diseases of men.4. Waters are the nectar.5. Waters are propitiated for being friendly.6. Waters are healing.7. Waters are verily bliss-conferring.8. Verily all this is water; All the created beings are waters; The vital breaths are waters; The quadrupeds are waters; Edible crops are waters; Ambrosia is water; The creator is water ; Man is water; Metres are waters; Vedic formulas are waters; Truth is water; All the desires are waters; Three worlds earth, sky and heaven are waters; Plants are waters.9. Water when drunk gets divided into three parts; The grossest ingredient is urine; The middling is blood; the subtlest is Prana.1.4.5 EarthThe Vedas glorify the earth as one’s mother and advise one not to cause injury to the earth. They proclaim that earth is the bestower of happiness, sustainer and supporter of all forms of life.Vedic quotes on Earth1. The Earth is the mother.2. The Earth makes one sharpened and brilliant3. The Earth is adorned with variegated things.4. The Earth is the giver of happiness, the sustainer of life and the supporter of all living beings5. This earth is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this earth.
Climate Change in India
ndia sits on both sides of the table in climate change negotiations. Already the world's 4th largest emitter of greenhouse gases, its emissions are projected to treble by 2050 at current rates – a new coal-fired power station is scheduled to come on stream almost every month for the next 10 years. The country has no obligations under the Kyoto protocol and has stipulated that it is unwilling to agree to any targets that deny its right to per capita use of energy on a par with that of the current major emitting countries. Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister, has said that social development is the first priority and that "the developing world cannot accept a freeze on global inequity". India's per capita carbon dioxide emissions are 1.1 tonnes per annum against 20 tonnes in the US. On the other hand, faultlines in India’s food security are deep enough already without the uncertain impact of climate change. With more than 60% of agriculture dependent on rain-fed crops, even modest alteration in the intensity, frequency and timing of rainfall should cause consternation. Greenpeace is striving to raise awareness by campaigning in India’s coastal cities where it says 50 million people are at risk from rising sea levels. Adaptation plans are conspicuous by their absence; the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Rajendra K. Pachauri, himself an Indian, has expressed the view that India is completely unprepared for the impact of climate change which he considers could lead to social unrest. Criticism of management of the 2008 monsoon floods which displaced 3 million people in Bihar alone, and which have been described as the worst for 50 years, may hold lessons for the future. Apart from rainfall patterns, water resources are threatened by theretreat of Himalayan glaciers which currently account for 85% of the source water of India’s 3 major rivers, in particular securing their flow in the summer months. Over 400 million people live in the catchment of the Ganges. Predictions that the glaciers could disappear within decades make a nonsense of the ambitious $200 billion River-Linking Project which aims to connect the apparently healthy rivers in the north to those in the drier south.
UK: CLIMATE CHANGE SET TO AFFECT INDIAN AGRICULTURE, HEALTH AND INFRASTRUCTURE, STUDY REVEALS
ndia sits on both sides of the table in climate change negotiations. Already the world's 4th largest emitter of greenhouse gases, its emissions are projected to treble by 2050 at current rates – a new coal-fired power station is scheduled to come on stream almost every month for the next 10 years. The country has no obligations under the Kyoto protocol and has stipulated that it is unwilling to agree to any targets that deny its right to per capita use of energy on a par with that of the current major emitting countries. Manmohan Singh, the Indian prime minister, has said that social development is the first priority and that "the developing world cannot accept a freeze on global inequity". India's per capita carbon dioxide emissions are 1.1 tonnes per annum against 20 tonnes in the US. On the other hand, faultlines in India’s food security are deep enough already without the uncertain impact of climate change. With more than 60% of agriculture dependent on rain-fed crops, even modest alteration in the intensity, frequency and timing of rainfall should cause consternation. Greenpeace is striving to raise awareness by campaigning in India’s coastal cities where it says 50 million people are at risk from rising sea levels. Adaptation plans are conspicuous by their absence; the Chair of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Rajendra K. Pachauri, himself an Indian, has expressed the view that India is completely unprepared for the impact of climate change which he considers could lead to social unrest. Criticism of management of the 2008 monsoon floods which displaced 3 million people in Bihar alone, and which have been described as the worst for 50 years, may hold lessons for the future. Apart from rainfall patterns, water resources are threatened by theretreat of Himalayan glaciers which currently account for 85% of the source water of India’s 3 major rivers, in particular securing their flow in the summer months. Over 400 million people live in the catchment of the Ganges. Predictions that the glaciers could disappear within decades make a nonsense of the ambitious $200 billion River-Linking Project which aims to connect the apparently healthy rivers in the north to those in the drier south.
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