CLIMATE CHANGE NOT A BIG ISSUE EVEN IN HIMALAYAS

Many say “save Himalayas save the earth”, meaning that the highest mountain range’s have maximum climatic importance not only for the adjacent countries but also for the entire world. But when India went to elections and Prime Minister Narendra Modi formed a third Government with the presence of heads of states/governments of neighbouring Himalayan countries among others, the rapid effects of climate change in the Himalayas was not a major issue. 

These three countries share the maximum border with Himalayas and are most affected by any climate change along with all others including second most populous country China. In India alone more than 60 environmental and social organizations under the banner “People for Himalaya” campaign, issued a five-point charter of demand for all political parties during Lok Sabha polls to give priority to climate change when they come to power. They had called for a complete moratorium on all mega infrastructure projects in the region too.

Effects of climate change were visible during the four-month elections itself. Low voter turnout was attributed to ongoing extreme heat, with temperatures in New Delhi touching 50 degrees Celsius in many places. Let alone supporters or votes even party leaders became victims to such extreme heat.

Accounting for a 10th of global greenhouse gas emissions India is the world’s third highest emitter. But neither Modi’s BJP nor the opposition INDIA coalition led by Congress party leader Rahul Gandhi put forward any campaign commitments to tackle climate change. Party manifestos included a smattering of green targets mingled with infrastructure growth promises, but none took centre stage in the campaign speeches.

Meanwhile, reports are mixed on actual progress on climate action. India has to achieve net zero by 2070, in keeping with the commitment Modi made at C0P26 in 2021. The country, which recently applied for full membership of the International Energy Agency (1E4 overtook Japan to become the third- largest solar power generator, opens new tab in 2023. But clean energy still makes up only 22% of India’s electricity mix, and increasing demand due to extreme heat is being met by cheap and dirty coal.

But such grim pictures even never came out during the polls nor even on its aftermath. Direct relation between rising frequency of extreme weather events and their impact on livelihoods is lost amid the struggle for daily survival. Even prior to India, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan had also gone through election process in their countries for formation of Governments.

Climate change was not a big poll issues in any of the countries through all of them are affected to some extent or other with Pakistan affected most.

Source: Himalayan News Chronicle