Heramba Nath
(herambanath2222@gmail.com)
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, with far-reaching impacts on both nature and human life. The scientific consensus is clear: human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases, are significantly contributing to the warming of our planet. Rising global temperatures are causing disruptions in weather patterns, leading to more extreme weather events, altering ecosystems, and affecting biodiversity. In Assam, climate change is manifesting through increasing deforestation, rapid industrialisation, and environmental degradation, threatening both livelihoods and ecosystems.
Deforestation is one of the major contributors to climate change in Assam. The state, known for its rich biodiversity and dense forests, has witnessed large-scale deforestation due to agricultural expansion, urbanisation, and industrial activities. The loss of forest cover has led to increased carbon emissions, reduced rainfall, and rising temperatures. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO? from the atmosphere, but their destruction releases this stored carbon, exacerbating global warming.
The deforestation of Assam has also led to soil erosion, frequent landslides, and loss of habitat for many endangered species, such as the one-horned rhinoceros and golden langur. The destruction of forests also disrupts the natural water cycle, leading to reduced groundwater levels and increased surface runoff, which worsens flood conditions during the monsoon season. In addition, the clearing of forests for commercial plantations, timber logging, and infrastructure development has severely impacted indigenous communities that rely on forests for their livelihoods. With shrinking forest resources, these communities face economic hardships and are forced to migrate to urban areas, leading to overpopulation and increased strain on city resources.
Another significant factor worsening climate change in Assam is rapid industrialisation. As industries expand, air pollution from industrial zones is becoming a major concern. Factories, thermal power plants, and refineries release large amounts of carbon dioxide, methane, and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These emissions contribute to global warming and lead to poor air quality, which affects human health. Industrialisation also generates particulate matter and toxic pollutants, causing respiratory diseases among local populations.
In cities like Guwahati and other industrial hubs of Assam, smog and air pollution are becoming increasingly common due to unregulated emissions from factories and transportation networks. The lack of strict environmental regulations and monitoring allows industries to continue polluting without significant consequences. Additionally, industrial waste often contaminates rivers and water bodies, affecting aquatic life and making drinking water unsafe for local communities. The rapid increase in vehicular emissions, combined with industrial pollution, has made Assam one of the states facing a rising trend of air quality degradation, which, if left unchecked, could lead to severe health crises.
Climate change is exacerbating existing social and economic inequalities. The poor and vulnerable are often the most affected by climate-related disasters, as they lack the resources and infrastructure to adapt and recover. Indigenous communities in Assam that rely on forests for their livelihoods are facing increasing hardships due to deforestation and erratic weather conditions. The displacement of these communities due to floods and environmental degradation is a growing concern.
In rural Assam, frequent flooding destroys crops, homes, and infrastructure, leaving families in perpetual cycles of poverty and debt. The impact of industrialisation has further worsened their situation, as pollution from factories contaminates water bodies and agricultural lands, making it difficult for rural communities to sustain themselves. Many farmers are forced to abandon agriculture and seek low-paying jobs in urban areas, leading to increased unemployment and economic instability.
Climate change is also having significant impacts on human health. Warmer temperatures and altered weather patterns are increasing the spread of diseases, heat stress, and other health problems. In Assam, deforestation has created favourable conditions for the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue, as mosquitoes thrive in the warmer and wetter conditions that result from climate disruption. The increased frequency of floods has also contributed to the outbreak of waterborne diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea, putting additional strain on the healthcare system.
Additionally, industrial emissions have led to an increase in respiratory illnesses, particularly among children and the elderly, as air pollution weakens the immune system and aggravates conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. The rise in temperature has also resulted in an increase in heat-related illnesses such as heat strokes, dehydration, and cardiovascular diseases, affecting vulnerable populations the most. The healthcare infrastructure in Assam is already overburdened, and climate-induced health challenges are making it even more difficult to provide adequate medical services to affected communities.
The mental health and well-being of individuals and communities are also being affected by climate change. The trauma and stress caused by climate-related disasters, as well as the uncertainty and anxiety about the future, are taking a toll on mental health. In Assam, recurrent floods and the destruction of livelihoods due to deforestation are contributing to a rise in anxiety and depression, particularly among farmers and indigenous communities who depend on natural resources for survival.
The increasing industrialisation and environmental degradation have further added to their stress, as they witness their traditional ways of life being disrupted by pollution, deforestation, and land encroachments. The psychological impact of climate change often goes unnoticed, but it plays a crucial role in determining community resilience and overall well-being. Addressing mental health issues related to climate change is as important as addressing the physical and economic impacts.
The consequences of inaction are severe. Climate change has the potential to disrupt entire ecosystems, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the collapse of critical ecosystem services. It also has the potential to exacerbate social and economic inequalities, leading to increased poverty, hunger, and displacement. The destruction of Assam’s forests is an example of how local environmental degradation contributes to global climate change, creating a vicious cycle that affects millions.
However, there is still hope for mitigating these impacts and creating a more sustainable future. This requires immediate and collective action from governments, businesses, and individuals. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable land use practices are all critical steps in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and slowing the rate of climate change. Additionally, supporting climate change adaptation and resilience efforts, particularly in vulnerable communities, is essential for reducing the impacts of climate change on human life and nature.
In Assam, urgent measures are needed to curb deforestation, control industrial pollution, and restore the lost green cover. Reforestation programmes, afforestation initiatives, and strict enforcement of environmental regulations can help mitigate the damage. Community-driven conservation efforts, where local people are actively involved in protecting and restoring forests, can also play a crucial role. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as agroforestry and organic farming, can help reduce the pressure on forests while improving soil fertility and productivity.
The promotion of alternative livelihoods for communities that depend on forest resources can also help reduce deforestation rates. Furthermore, industries must adopt cleaner technologies, install pollution control measures, and transition to renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental impact. Governments must enforce strict environmental laws, invest in green technologies, and promote climate-resilient infrastructure to safeguard the environment and the people of Assam.
The urgency of the situation demands immediate action. By taking decisive steps today, we can protect the planet for future generations and ensure a healthier, more stable world for all.