Global warming calls for timely action

The Economic Times , Saturday, April 05, 2014
Correspondent :
The latest draft assessment report of the UN-mandated Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change — its fifth — is more forthcoming than ever on the "observed impacts, vulnerability and exposure" to global warming, particularly in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. It calls for sustained, proactive policy to manage the myriad adverse consequences of a warming planet — albeit in the tiny decimal points — which include more frequent extreme weather events, rising water scarcity, pollution and other ill-effects. It urges adaptation and mitigation measures to reduce the threat to the climate system.

Weather patterns are complex systems in which a tiny change in one parameter, say, average temperature, can mean large, unforeseen outcomes. The report reiterates that observed global warming from 1850-1900 to 1986-2005 is 0.61° C, and slated to rise. It calls upon governments, corporates and civil society to step up preparedness and early-warning systems for extreme weather events like flash floods and severe cyclones. In tandem, what's outlined is purposeful water management to cope with reduced precipitation and river flows.

We need widespread adoption of rainwater harvesting to boost storage and holding capacity. Also, the practice of extensive groundwater extraction for agriculture is unsustainable, and must be substituted by canal and drip-irrigation to arrest declining water tables. Also, as coal-fired thermal power means significant emission of CO2 and other gases that cause global warming, and given that our thermal plants use up to 50% more fuel than the more efficient generators abroad, we need to rev up their thermal efficiency levels. It would be green, environment-friendly and lower the cost of power. A graded tax on pollution to incentivise clean energy could be considered.

 
SOURCE : http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/editorial/global-warming-calls-for-timely-action/articleshow/33256415.cms
 


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