Mercury rising
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: April 22, 2014 -

Not long ago, when summer used to mean just one of the four seasons we know of during which light cotton clothes are taken out from our almirahs to give room for keeping the woollen clothes of the winter, the talk about possible impact of climate change and its resultant global warming or the announcement of formation of an International Negotiating Committee (INC) of the Governing Council of United Nations Environment Programme during a meeting at Nairobi in February 2009 may have sound like ‘so western’ in concept.

But, regardless of what the sceptics and deniers of climate change, who constantly argue that warming of the earth is a natural occurrence, may say; climate change is become a reality everywhere today with no escape for even a State like Manipur which used to take pride over its salubrious climate throughout the year round.

From the fluctuation in the rainfall patterns to the recurring problem of drought affecting the agricultural production in the State and from the unprecedented rise in the mercury level that has hit an all time high of 35.6 degree Celsius to the fast drying up of almost all water sources in the state, leaving the people high and dry literally, who would be able to afford to remain in denial mode anymore?

With its once dense forest covers reduced and natural wetlands dotting every part of the State disappearing, Manipur is today no stranger to the impact of climate change and the people have already started feeling the heat of global warming.

Today, air conditioning is no longer a luxury item but a necessity. Around a couple of decades back, this was something which we could not have been able to imagine even in our wildest dreams.

But today it is very much a reality.

What is even more worrisome is the impact of climate change on the rich bio-diversity of the region and the environment.

Erratic rainfall patterns and drought like situation experienced over the years more often than not has led to low productivity, thus, giving a serious setback on the economic growth of the State which largely depends on agriculture and other allied activities.

In such a situation, it is high time for all of us to think over bringing some simple changes in our everyday lives in the manner we consume energy, use water and manage the waste generated, so as to help in slowing down the impact of climate change.

After all, we ourselves are to blame for the problem of climate change sweeping across the globe today.

Our thoughtless little actions over the years have built up this crisis, and its time to undo the wrongs bit by bit.