Lucas Flaherty
Industrialization and urbanization have led to an increase in carbon emissions and temperature. While developed nations contribute to this trend the most, the effects of the subsequent climate crisis are often felt most in developing areas. Some of these nations hardly contribute pollution to the atmosphere, while others have less of a choice as they must support a rising population. This is the case in many parts of India, a rapidly developing country where adverse climate conditions threaten its citizens.
India’s diverse topography renders it highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Considered the fifth most vulnerable country to climate change, India has spent increasing amounts of money in recent years fighting climate change’s dangerous effects (UNICEF, 2022). Estimates suggest that soon more than 600 million Indians, nearly half the population of the country, will face water shortages, an already prevalent issue due to falling groundwater levels (BBC, 2018). In addition, India has a large coastline, meaning that with global warming it will face intense cyclones and rising sea levels, all of which have the capacity to cause mass destruction and displace many.
Air pollution has also been at the forefront of India’s environmental catastrophes. Looking at any weather app, the country’s air quality sticks out like a sore thumb. Oftentimes, smoke, haze, and smog appear on the forecast, the AQI (Air Quality Index) at near toxic levels. The source of this pollution lies mainly in the city, where millions of residents contribute to the unhealthy air that plagues the city. The staggering heat in the spring months of May and June mixed with the smoke and haze lead to unbearable conditions, for not only does the smoke produce a stifling heat, but it also leads to health problems. Recently, the Ghazipur Landfill in New Delhi caught on fire, producing heavy smoke and haze throughout the city. The landfill, which extends higher than the Taj Mahal at some points, reached its capacity in 2002 but kept on receiving up to 2,000 pounds of waste per day (CNN, 2022). Many people living near the landfill reported having difficulty breathing, itchy eyes, and sore throats in the days following the fire. While this may seem like a rare occurrence, it is actually quite common; the Ghazipur landfill has caught on fire more than two dozen times since 2019, releasing large amounts of GHGs into the air each time. Ironically, in many other cities, the solution implemented to address their waste problems is to burn it, leading to more haze, more smoke and ultimately more health problems. While several environmental groups have been looking to solve these issues, the government has yet to act.
India is also plagued by heavy rains, which have led to severe flooding and deaths in regions such as Kerala and Uttarakhand. In October 2021, downpours over multiple days led to rivers being overrun with water, causing them to overflow. This left cars submerged underwater, houses being destroyed and landslides damaging everything else. Like the fires, these floods may seem uncommon; however, they are becoming more and more present as the threat of climate change looms. While the monsoon season does usually bring heavy rains and some flash flooding to the area, the rate at which floods are occurring has increased. In August 2018, rainstorms destroyed the area, leaving 324 people dead and more than 300,000 displaced (CNN, 2018). These rains were the worst the region had seen in over a century.
India is a prime example of the problems that will arise as a result of climate change. It is important to recognize that there are many countries suffering in a similar way. Solving climate change means changing our beliefs and becoming more selfless, allowing ourselves to understand others who experience the terrible effects of our actions. It is something we all must do if we hope to create a better world.
Works Cited
“Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability.” UNICEF India, https://www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/climate-change.
“India Facing the ‘Worst Water Crisis in Its History’.” BBC News, BBC, 15 June 2018, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-44492994.
Mogul, Rhea, et al. “At Least 27 People Killed after Torrential Rain in India’s Kerala State Triggers Landslides and Floods.” CNN, Cable News Network, 19 Oct. 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/18/india/kerala-rains-flooding-intl-hnk/index.html.
Mogul, Rhea. “Indian Firefighters Battle Delhi Landfill Blaze as Air Fills with Toxic Fumes.” CNN, Cable News Network, 30 Mar. 2022, https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/30/india/india-delhi-ghazipur-landfill-fire-intl-hnk/index.html.
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