Let’s not kiss global prosperity goodbye by ignoring climate change.
We face a dual storm of an economic recession and a climate crisis. The good news is, the solution to one lies in the solution to the other.
The global financial crisis is a turning point: the opportunity now exists to create economic rebuilding policies that can create low-carbon economies and create green-collar jobs.
“The current economic situation is an opportunity masquerading as a crisis.”
Economist and UK Government Adviser, Sir Nicholas Stern
Climate change is already costing large amounts of money. India’s agriculture is one of the industries most at risk. The recent cyclone Aila has already cost us a crippling Rs.200 crores. The Stern Report has stated that if we don’t dedicate 2% of our GDP to fighting climate change, we could end up losing a further 20% of our GDP.
It is clear that the way we deal with climate change will herald either future prosperity or future decline.
US President Barack Obama and other world leaders have put green investment and green-collar jobs at the heart of their economic stimulus packages. Other countries are doing the same as they realise that sustained future growth is only going to be possible if they tackle the climate change crisis by switching to low carbon, green economies.
“Climate change can disrupt our economy in several ways. Some of our coastal areas could be submerged. Our monsoon pattern may change. We need long-term solutions to such threats.”
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
India has some catching up to do. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has come up with a National Action Plan on Climate Change. But as an economist, he should know that mere notions aren’t enough, we need real action, and we need it real fast. Let’s put down a deposit on a smart, safe tomorrow. In this adverse economic climate, why would India let this business opportunity pass us by?
November 11th, 2009 at 9:25 am
What is required is not words but action.The climate change which is expected to be a very slow process is showing results quite strongly and should be dealt with as quickly as possible.Need an action plan before it is too late,the problem is that we act only after thunder strikes us but what is needed is a proactive approach to thwart the mishappening.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:49 pm
Its not only the job of world leaders, it is each and every individual’s duty to protect mother earth, you make money, property etc.. for kids is not the real gift you are giving to them
Fresh Air, Pure Water, Greenery is the real assets they should be provide by us
Once in a week we should stop our vehicles and use public transport, for small distance it would be better if we walk and upto 10 kms if it is cycling that will be good, great contribution of each and every individual to each every body’s future
December 1st, 2009 at 12:01 am
IMPHATIC NO TO CHEMICAL FARMING, ORGANIC FARMING AND ONLY YES TO ZERO BUDGET NATURAL FARMING RESEARCHED BY SUBHASH PALEKAR AND PRACTICED WITH ASTONISHING POSITIVE RESULTS TO SOIL AND WATER AND REAL HEALTHY FOOD GENERAED.www.palekarzerobudgetnaturalfarming.com
GET JOYS AND HAPPINESS FROM DANCE, MUSIC, POETRY, ALL THE ARTS RATHER THAN AMASSING ASSETS AND EXCESSIVE CONSUMERISM. eSPECIALLY CONSUME MINIMUM POWER AND WATER. USE PUBLIC CONVEYANCE AS MUCH.