The Kashmir Pulse

In the contemporary landscape, a looming and formidable issue has taken centre stage - climate change. While the discourse around this subject was limited some years ago, it now permeates every corner of our lives. It serves as a warning, urging us to swiftly alter our perspectives. The consequences of climate change are dire, and if nations, particularly the Western ones, fail to take concrete measures, we all stand to suffer.

The advent of the Industrial Revolution unleashed the power of climate change. Industries proliferated, driven by the allure of capital, leading to reckless exploitation akin to highway robbery. Wherever this unchecked pursuit of profit extended, it wreaked havoc. The impact manifested in environmental pollution, with a surge in global temperatures and a disturbing disruption of ecological balance.

It is a fact that the core of life lies in the oceans. Photosynthesis, a vital process, primarily occurs in water, making it essential for sustaining life. However, post the Industrial Revolution, marine life suffered contamination. The repercussions have cascaded onto terrestrial beings, as we are intricately connected through the food chain. Any disruption in this delicate balance poses a threat to all.

As the saying goes, "Where there was once sunlight, now there is frost." Land that was once lush and vibrant has transformed into arid wastelands. Water, once considered the elixir of life, has turned toxic. Similarly, the pure air that brought solace is now polluted. Forests are receding, deserts expanding, and diseases are on the rise. The number of pandemics has quadrupled.

Glaciers are melting, giving rise to hidden pathogens that pose a grave risk. If the ice of Antarctica were to melt, the entire world would be in jeopardy. The water released would converse with the waves of the ocean, communicating with the sky. Additionally, this century has witnessed the hottest years on record. This surge in temperature is a testament to worsening conditions. Many rivers have either dried up or are in the throes of devastating floods. Rain either does not fall or persists for years, disrupting life across every sector.

It is imperative that we address this issue promptly. Delay, even for a moment, can be costly. Everyone must play their part, from the government to experts. A fund must be established with the singular aim of providing a sustainable and effective solution to climate change. Bickering and blame games will yield no results. We must avoid needless environmental degradation.

Schools should provide environmental education to keep young minds sensitized to environmental issues from an early age. They should be encouraged to actively participate in environmental preservation. We should consider ourselves stewards of the environment, cherishing and protecting it. A heightened awareness should be cultivated, and foresight for the coming generations should be a priority.

Western nations, in particular, must introspect more deeply. They have largely contributed to the devastation. According to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, they bear more significant burdens. The extensive use of non-conventional resources, such as fuels from plants, can liberate us from the shackles of fossil fuels. The chant of sustainable agriculture should become a common refrain. Cultivate crops that are environmentally friendly. It's better to act late than never. The time to act is now.

PULWAMA — Prof. Raman Sukumar, Honorary Professor at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, delivered a captivating lecture today at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora.

With a focus on Climate Change and Sustainable Future, the esteemed expert emphasized the urgent need for collaborative global action to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of this pressing issue.

During his address, Prof. Sukumar highlighted the severity of climate change and described it as a global crisis with potentially catastrophic consequences. He called upon nations to join forces and take concerted action to alleviate its effects. Stressing the importance of collaboration, he urged the global community to work together to address the challenges posed by climate change.

Presiding over the event, Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice-Chancellor of IUST, expanded on the multilateral protocols and agreements that specifically target climate change issues. Prof. Romshoo also shed light on the detrimental effects of climate change on local resources and people's livelihoods, particularly emphasizing the impact on glaciers and water resources.

The program was coordinated by Prof. A H Moon, Dean of Research at IUST, and Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Qureshi, Coordinator of the Nature Interpretation Centre at the Biodiversity Park. Distinguished guests included Prof. Ayub Qadri, Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Fayaz Ahmad Lone, Librarian at IUST, and Mr. Sameer Wazir, Finance Officer.

Prof. Sukumar's insightful lecture, which garnered a notable presence of scholars and faculty members who attended the session with great interest, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts on a global scale to combat climate change.

As the world faces increasingly urgent environmental challenges, experts and institutions alike recognize the importance of concerted action and shared responsibility in shaping a sustainable future.

SRINAGAR — Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory figures at the bottom in the NITI Aayog's State Energy and Climate Index (SECI), which was released on Monday.

A cursory look at the report, titled State Energy and Climate Index, reveals that with an overall score of 29.3, Jammu & Kashmir is placed at the 32nd spot among states and UTs.

In the category of UTs, the report reveals that J-K figures at 6th rank. “Among Union Territories Chandigarh, Delhi and Daman & Diu/Darda & Nagar Haveli (both combined) are the top three performers, and Andaman & Nicobar, J&K and Lakshadweep are the bottom three performers,” reads the report, a copy of which is in possession of news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

It is worthwhile to mention that the states and UTs have been classified as larger states, smaller states and union territories for better comparison.

The data of Jammu & Kashmir UT includes Ladakh which is functioning as a separate UT since October 31, 2019.

“Due to the non-availability of separate data for two UTs (J-K and Ladakh), Ladakh is not shown as a separate UT in this index. However, from the next round of the index, the data for J-K and Ladakh will be collected and shown separately,” the report states.

The SECI ranks states and UTs on six parameters — discoms' performance; access affordability and reliability of energy; clean energy initiatives; energy efficiency; environmental sustainability; and new initiatives. The index is based on 2019–20 data.