Climate change - what else ?

These are my own thoughts.

A lot is being said / written / seen / analysed & presented about this clear & present danger - CLIMATE CHANGE. There is almost an explosion of information and debate around this subject. However, if you ask a layperson about it, all that you get is a shrug. Why is there so much of contradiction ? On one hand, we have disastrous & unforeseen climatic events happening around the world and on the other, most of the general public is almost oblivious to the fact that if drastic measures are not taken without any delay, future is most likely - bleak.

I suppose one of the reasons for this lack of awareness/ sensitivity and growing feeling of confusion is due to the conflicting reports/ statements/ data/ conclusions put out by stake holders from both sides i.e. those who champion the cause and have loads of evidences ( tangible/intangible ) and also those who are directly in the line of fire and seriously affected e.g. the oil & gas industry, automotive industry to a large extent, power utilities etc.

This is no more a hypothetical problem. Extraordinary situations demand extraordinary decisions & actions. I think it finally dawned upon everyone and the Paris agreement on controlling the rise in global temperature below 2 degree C , has been signed by many stakeholders. But, committing to a cause and actually doing something about it are mutually exclusive. It is pointless on the part of developed nations to keep blaming developing ones for this problem and vis-a-versa. It's been going on for a while.

We have our back to the wall and are left with no choices but to act positively without seriously affecting the world order ( which is a difficult ask ). It is easy to say that we should have initiated actions when the red flags were up, but that is inconsequential. A lot of countries/ individuals/ activists / NGOs/ Engineers/ scientists and others are doing their bit to contribute and I think it it incumbent upon every individual to raise their hand and volunteer to help in whatever way he/she can.

The online platform created by UNFCCC wherein even an individual whose carbon footprint is higher that his/her country or global average, can purchase Certified Emission Reductions ( CER ) and get a certificate, is in my view a very good idea. There is a tool available on the website, using which, you can calculate your carbon footprint.

This problem has been created by human beings and fortunately, can also be solved by us. Data, information, knowledge, technology, resources, analytics, competence are also pretty much in our favour. We need to stop challenging nature and start respecting her because that is what will ensure a mutually beneficial relationship.

The sheer 'will' to consistently do it and prevent committing the same mistakes , is what is of paramount importance. It is about effectively dealing with extremely complex dynamics together and coming out victorious.