In a recent session of the Rajya Sabha, environmentalist and member of parliament Balbir Singh Seechewal brought the pressing issue of global warming to the forefront, urging the Union Government to take decisive action to protect the agriculture community, which is bearing the brunt of climate change impacts.
Widespread Impact Across Indian Districts
Citing a recent report, Seechewal highlighted the alarming reality that 310 districts across India have been adversely affected by climate change. Among these, nine districts in Punjab, including Jalandhar, Moga, Faridkot, Bathinda, and Gurdaspur, have experienced significant challenges due to shifting climate patterns. Additionally, he noted that 11 districts in Haryana and eight in Himachal Pradesh have also felt the impacts of climate change.
Drawing attention to international efforts to combat climate change, Seechewal reminded the House of the discussions held during the climate change summits in Copenhagen in 2009 and Paris in 2016. During the Paris summit, India made a commitment to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent.
However, Seechewal lamented that despite nearly 14 years passing since the Copenhagen summit, the government has yet to implement concrete measures to address the pressing issue.
Urgent Need for Government Action
Seechewal's impassioned plea underscores the urgent need for the Indian government to prioritize climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, particularly in vulnerable sectors like agriculture. With the livelihoods of millions at stake, concerted efforts must be made to implement sustainable practices, promote renewable energy, and strengthen resilience against the adverse effects of climate change.
Governments must respond to the call for action and strive towards a sustainable future, safeguarding both the environment and the livelihoods of communities affected by climate change.
ਜਲਵਾਯੂ ਦੀ ਮਾਰ ਹੇਠ ਆਏ ਦੇਸ਼ ਦੇ 310 ਜਿਲ੍ਹਿਆਂ ਦਾ ਮੁੱਦਾ ਸੰਸਦ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੱਖਿਆ ਗਿਆ। ਜਿਸਦੀਆਂ ਚੇਤਵਾਨੀਆਂ ਕੁਦਰਤ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਸਾਨੂੰ ਵਾਰ ਵਾਰ ਦਿੱਤੀਆਂ ਜਾ ਰਹੀਆਂ ਹਨ, ਕਿਉਂਕਿ ਹਵਾ, ਪਾਣੀ ਤੇ ਧਰਤੀ ਦੇ ਬਿਨਾਂ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਹੋਂਦ ਹੀ ਅਸੰਭਵ ਹੈ। pic.twitter.com/nMziXH2iSN
— Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal (@SantSeechewal63) February 10, 2024
