Climate Change and Inequality in India

 By Alfina Jimmy George

Introduction: 

The word "Climate Change" is not a new word for us. It is one of the most important issues of this age .It's impact is seen on our economy environment , and society. India's diverse culture and it's large population is affected very badly by climate change. 

The impact :

When we discuss in detail the far reaching impact of climate change is on our day today lives is something very important. We have to discuss this issue  from up to the bottom.

Effect on agriculture :

In India, the agriculture sector is depending more on rainwater for irrigation. When we get unexpected rains, automatically the crops are getting destroyed . Also the rain not come on time, this also causes problem. This may cause food scarcity and food insecurity.This will lead to poverty.

Water issues :

Water scarcity can lead to droughts and this will badly affect both humans and animals  .This will lead to famine.

Spreading of diseases:

Climate changes can cause for the spread of different contagious diseases like Cholera dysentery etc. 

Forced migration ;

Climate changes can lead humans and animals to change their shelters. They may have to move towards other places for their livelihoods.In a way we can say that climate change is affecting everyone in one way or the other. The countries face with many issues. Their growth is affected very badly. The poorest communities are affected by climate change, with limited access to resources. The government have to give priorities to their citizens to adjust with the unexpected situations. The marginalized communities should be given with equitable access to resources. Climate  resistant infrastructures have to be promoted, such as flood resistand constructions, green roofs and warning system before natural calamities. The ruling systems, should promote sustainable livelihoods. 

Back ups: 

The people who live near the sea the fisherman and farmers face many challenges due to raising of sea levels. These sea shores are affected with cyclones and salt water intrusion Into fresh water sources. Those communities who live near the sea shores often lack adequate infrastructure, financial backups, and social services to make them more susceptible to climate related disasters. The cities are growing day by day. The concrete buildings in the cities and the roads also become causes of increasing temperatures. 

-Who is it is responsible for that? 

The high level of migration from the village to the cities also increasing day by day. When the population rate increase automatically the residential requirements also increase .As you know that the agricultural sector in India is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns. The increased frequency of extreme weather events affecting corps yields, soil health and water availability. The small agriculturist are affected  more badly because they don't have enough resources to support themselves. Climate related calamities like droughts, floods,crop failures' lack of irrigation facilities are mainly effect this section of farmers who is the majority in number. This leads to poverty and insecurity in the society. In This case, we may see that marginalized communities like Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes are affected mainly in the social structure. 

Inadequate steps :

The government's response to climate change towards agriculture is not adequate. No government in India have taken any adequate step to solve this problem. Even then there are some climate resilient practices, improving irrigation systems and enhancing farmers adaptive capacity. But these are not enough for the betterment of farmers. There should be more inclusive and equitable steps to address climate change. This can promote sustainable and climate resilient agriculture practices in India. 

Water scarcity :

Water scarcity is one of the growing concerns in India. Our country is facing many challenges like population growth and urbanization. People move to the towns and cities for better education and jobs. They think that they will get better life situations there. When they start living there in the towns they will get better wages , education and facilities. But they may not get clean water, clean air and gradually their bodies become  store houses of different diseases. The impact of water scarcity is far reaching with significant consequences for agricultural, food security, human health and economic development. Marginalized communities daily life is badly affected by this because they have limited access to water sources. The urban poor who live in slums also have a very poor accessibility to safe water sources .The groundwater level is decreasing gradually, it's a naked truth.For this ,people should be trained to save water and should be taught how to conserve water. In this situation I remember a famous quote "Jal He Kal Hai" government initiatives such as the Jai Jawan mission aims to improve water access and security. 

Rising Temperatures: 

Our country faces severe water scarcity, which effect our agriculture, food security and human wealth. Climate change affect our day to day life situations. Rising temperature and increased evaporation exacerbate water scarcity. Here also we can see inequality towards SC and ST communities. When they are not provided with proper water sources, in their daily life situations they have to comfront with  certain problems. People in the urban areas especially the poor people don't access to clean water. Water scarcity affect crop yields, soil health and food security. Poor water quality will cause for health issues and become a reason for contagious diseases. In this situation there should be some stern steps from the part of government so that people can lead a better life. Addressing water scarcity and in quality requires a comparison approach prioritising the needs of marginalized community, promoting sustainable water management practices and enhancing adaptive capacity. This includes improving water infrastructure, promoting water conservation and efficient use , and implementing policies and programmes that address the social and economic determinants of water insecurity. There are some governments initatives such as "Jal Jeevan mission" which aims to improve water access to every one. 

Decreasing water level :

Water scarcity is a big question mark? . It affects agriculture and lead to have turmoil in society. Climate change is more affected by SC and ST communities who live in the rural areas . The price hike is seen when agriculture is suffered because of climate change. The urban population get poor quality water sources in the town and cities. 

 As we have discussed before the groundwater sources are getting dried and water level is going down. If people consider this as common threat and try to conserve water and use water with responsibility, then the above said problems can be solved till and extent. 

Water conservation :

Only climate resilient agriculture practices can reduce water use and improve food security. Everyone should have a kind of moral responsibility to make awareness among people. Try to reuse water and dig water pits to store rain water. I have seen in the southern states people divert rainwater into wells and ponds. Water is not anyone's personal asset it is for all.So we have to use water only for our need not for our greed.Climate change is a common problem for every nation. Water  is a pressing issue in India. India's high rate of population growth is a big tention ,when the nation is not able to provide with the basic needs like clean water, food security and so on. When climate change affect us ,the whole picture get changed. It affect the coastal areas with rising sea water levels and the Himalayan glacial melt impacts river flows and badly affect down stream communities. India's droughts vulnerability is very high . In every year, our country faces unpredictable monsoons in different parts of the country. This causes floods and many agricultural lands go underwater and lakhs of people get displaced. These affected people have to leave behind all what they have. Many of them lost their houses and agricultural lands . When the climate warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe across India. Indian's have recently experienced extreme heat waves floods water storage and irregular monsoon patterns. 

Extreme weather conditions: 

Large majorities are worried about extreme weather or related impact harming their local areas. This phenomena affect not only humans but also all living things around us. We find that extreme weather events and related impacts are common and deeply worrisome for many in India. But for many these are not very important factors. They blindly think that these are not going to affect them in the near future. But it is a foolish notion, if one is affected in one way, automaticly the whole society is going to face in one way or the other.

Conclusion ;

Now the things are getting worse day by day. Have you ever thought that our Earth gave to face this much of problems? When we were moving  here and there  in our childhood, how the nature was and at present what is the change we see in it? . Climate change is one of the reason for inequality in India. It has severe impact on society ,agriculture, and environment. As you know agriculture is Indian's backbone. When agriculture is affected with climate change everything is affected badly. This is  a serious issue. As India is going to become a developed nation by 2047, the government should try to take some necessary and stern steps to solve this issues.

Reference :

-Sen Gupta (2024) on Climate Change an empirical investigation.

-Agrawal R(2021) Inapact of Climate Change shocks on household consumption.

-Mejien C (2021) linking climate change and inequality .