70 pc of Women Affected by Global Warming

The New Indian Express , Wednesday, April 08, 2015
Correspondent :
BENGALURU:The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board on Tuesday held a meeting with several women in the city as part of its action plan to mitigate effects of climate change.

The groundwork for the plan was launched in January in Mysuru wherein KSPCB announced that it would consult with stakeholders which includes urban and rural populations and industrialists to submit recommendations on pollution.

Women from different backgrounds and varied walks of life participated in the discussion on Tuesday. “At least 70 per cent women are affected by global warming and climate change,” said Ritu Kakkar, Director General, Environmental Management & Policy Research Institute (EMPRI). Kakkar, who inaugurated the session, spoke about women being the most vulnerable to the effects of pollution. “From something as basic as fuel wood smoke to polluted rivers, it is women who are generally the first to be affected and the most ignored too,” she said.

Similar meetings will be held in 11 cities in the state, including Mysuru, and the opinions of farmers, industrialists, power suppliers will be elicited.

Power policy analyst Shankar Sharma, who was handed the task of gathering feedback, said, “Of all the voices that have reached us, we have realised that people are worried about three major things -- material and energy consumption, industrialisation and urbanisation.” Talking about how progress comes at a high cost, he said, “A high GDP means we are growing in most areas like infrastructure, but what is constantly decreasing is our natural resources. Who is keeping count of that?” he said.

Increasing awareness about global warming, educating women about environment-friendly ways, dealing with Bengaluru’s drastic weather change were some of the recommendations made by women on ways to prevent climate change.

“Women should be made aware of more services available for agriculture. The implementation is done by women but they are unaware of what is the effect of their actions,” said Ulka Kelkar, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI).

Many also spoke about problems plaguing Bengaluru. “Our lakes are falling prey to hyacinth, garbage is not being segregated or disposed of properly leading to myriad health problems. The tree cover is nearly gone causing temperature to soar. Our city is the perfect example of what climate change can cause,” said a speaker.

KSPCB will compile the recommendations and submit a report to the state government, which will consider the same for its action plan.

 
SOURCE : http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/70-pc-of-Women-Affected-by-Global-Warming/2015/04/08/article2753218.ece
 


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