Preventing Climate Catastrophe

India has recently been hit by two severe cyclones. Both the Eastern and Western coast of the country have been badly affected by these cyclones which have caused huge loss of life and property. As per the preliminary estimate, cyclone Tauktae which affected four southern and western states of the country, damaged property worth INR 15 thousand crore, while the loss in the East due to Yaas is yet to be ascertained. It may also be mentioned here that India has had to withstand three cyclones during the last one year alone. Along with the ongoing pandemic, such natural disasters are playing havoc with the country’s economy. It is estimated that the cumulative impact of these natural calamities will be around $20 billion, which is one per cent of the country’s GDP.

As the forecast suggests more such natural disasters in the future, the situation is bound to worsen. Due to the warming of Indian Ocean, intense cyclones are increasing in the Arabian Sea. According to scientists, the number of cyclones in the Arabian Sea are directly proportional to the warming up of the ocean. If immediate measures are not taken to arrest the situation, there is every possibility that the West coast will become inhabitable. The coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha are most vulnerable to cyclones. Though cyclone preparedness in these areas have vastly improved since the Super Cyclone in 1999 and is now capable of saving human lives, it still has not been able to prevent property loss. In all, such natural calamities cause enormous distress to nearly 14 per cent of the Indian populace who live in coastal areas.

Experts have suggested many ways to mitigate the impact of such calamities. They harp on the need to climate-proof Indian cities, but the problem is that no single nation is capable of completing the task alone. The task requires Global support. So, instead of suffering silently India should urge other nations to come together to ward off the threat. The severity of the situation can be judged by the fact that between 2000 to 2019 the world on an average witnessed 185 natural calamities. The number suddenly touched new heights with 207 natural disasters reported during the first six months of 2020.

Thus, India should adopt an aggressive approach to warn the world regarding the impending danger. India may receive support from countries like the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia as these countries have already started negotiations on launching worldwide efforts to save coastal areas. At the same time, after a four-year lull US President Joe Biden has committed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half by the end of this decade. Also, the US administration is working towards about achieving the Paris targets regarding emissions and has promised to double climate finance. In such a situation, India should put pressure on other nations to translate the promises into reality in-order to prevent any further catastrophes.