KIRLOSKAR INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED

MANAGEMENT STUDIES

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT
(Assignment)

YOUTH FOR CLIMATE CHANGE

EFFECT CONSEQUENCES AND MITIGATION

GROUP-6

Submitte
d To – Submitted By-

Pf.C.Shanath Kumar Abhishek Sharma (05)

Nidhi Singh (54)

Shuchi Bhargava (84)

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 PREFACE

This report is made by us to look at the Environmental issues faces by the world in todays time.Our
purpose is to study what are the changes in the environment caused by the various human activities and
other factors and how the efforts of the young generation can help to maintain the equilibrium in the
environment and bring back the balance in the environment,

We like to thank all our group members for their valuable contribution in forming this report.

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

With an overwhelming sense of gratitude, we acknowledge the valuable guidance and consistent
encouragement extended to us by our mentor Pf.C.Shanath Kumar at Kirloskar Institute of Advanced
Management Studies. We are thankful to him for their guidance and support which enabled us to
accomplish this endeavour.

Their technical acumen and years of experience have provided us with crucial inputs at critical stage.

Table of contents
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• Introduction
• Changes and its effects

• Effect of climate change on India: Present and Future

• Mitigation

• 3 R’s theory

• Role of media

• Conclusion

• References

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 Introduction

Climate Change: “Change in the state of climate that can be identified (e.g. using statistical
tests) by changes in the mean or by the variability in its properties, and that persists for an
extended period, typically decades or longer. It refers to any change in climate over time,
whether due to natural variability or as a result of human activity”.

We, the fortunate ones have a life of luxury – a car for our travels, air‐conditioning for the heat and
cold, television for entertainment, cosmetics to look good and many such things. How many of us
realize that our fortitude is a bane for the environment and for the less privileged amongst us?

Such small activities that might look harmless to the user are, in fact, adding on to degrade the world
around us. Many of us have heard of changes in the weather patterns, natural disasters‐ hurricanes,
cyclones‐that have killed many. It wouldn’t be completely wrong to say our earth is undergoing a state
of such rapid climatic change over such short span of time that it hasn’t seen in years. One could argue,
by saying that the earth has been through various climatic changes for ages and that’s how the ages like
the ice, platonic etc. occurred. What is pertinent here is the span of time encompassed by them. One
occurred naturally and over millions of years whereas the other over a very short period in time.
The Climate change, as we know today has been observed and noted from the early 1990s. For
instance, the change in the mean temperature of the earth has been confirmed from studies on the
annual rings of tree trunks. The rings which are a pointer to the growth of the trees suggest higher
temperatures and increased moisture levels. For example, researchers studying trees in Mongolia have
found unusually high growth rates during the last century indicating that temperatures were higher in
this period. There are two reasons that contribute to the change in the climate. One being the natural
changes that include volcanic eruptions change in orbital inclination of the earth, energy received from
the sun and other such causes. The second is the anthropogenic or the man‐made causes which
comprise mainly of the emission of green-house gases (GHG) methane, nitrous oxide and carbon
dioxide to the atmosphere.

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 The Changes and its Effects
Carbon dioxide are emitted particularly by burning the fossil fuels whereas methane and nitrous
dioxide are mainly through agriculture.It is naturally not in our hands to undo or stop the natural
variables that affect the climate. But, what we can do to mitigate the effects of anthropogenic agents is
quiet varied. In order for policy makers, experts and students to understand scientifically and
theoretically the changes happening around us the Intergovernmental Panel For Climate Change
(IPCC) was established under the aegis of the world meteorological organization (WMO) and united
nations environment programme (UNEP).
Below shown table shows the changes due to excess GHG and their effects

Table 2.GHG and their amount in the atmosphere

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 GHG Amount in 2005 Amount in the past 65,000 years
Carbon dioxide 379 ppm 180‐300 ppm
Methane 1774 ppb 320‐790 ppb
Nitrous oxide 319 ppb 270 ppb

Data shown in Table 1 and 2 have had an overall negative effect on employment, health, social
security, economic development and other parameters of human development dependent on
geography.

Effects of climate change on India: The present and future

As seen already the three main categories of impacts include

• Rise in sea level
• Impact on agriculture and related resources
• Occurrence of extreme events.
According to the IPCC, the sea level in India is expected to rise at the rate of 2.4 mm per year. A quick
calculation tells us how that by 2050 the rise will be almost 38 cms. This would inundate low lying
areas, drown coastal marshes and wetlands, erode beaches, and increase salinity of bays, rivers and
groundwater. Changes to India's annual monsoon are expected to result in severe droughts in some areas
and intense flooding in other parts of India.
Another area of concern on account of adverse climatic changes are the quantity and quality of the
crops, the livestock productivity, affected by floods, droughts and abnormal rise in mercury. This has
resulted in huge losses to the concerned identified growth sectors. To cite a not so pleasant example, in
the recent past, the erratic monsoons have also lead to the suicide by farmers in the district of vidarbha
in Maharashtra.
Another area of major concern is Health, which this country has to tackle. With the growing population,
inadequate rural health centres, absence of dedicated Para medical staff apart from the inadequate
sewage system, the percentage of people living below poverty line, have either little or no means of
getting proper health care facility, available to them. And, in the case of areas which get flooded impact
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translates into the populace being affected by diseases like diarrhoea, malaria, leptosiclosis, to name a
few. Getting added to the list of misery, are the unpleasant effects of hot temperature, post floods, hitting

the workforce heavily due to heat stress, cramps, exhaustion and stroke. With possible in‐adequate or

lack of proper food, the populace would be devoid of required energy in their bodies / sturdy immune
systems, to fight deceases. And yes, this would also mean, chances of their contracting diseases viz.
respiratory problems and skin diseases due to UV radiations, would be high. Faunas and floras find it
difficult to adapt to the rapid change. From studies conducted by the central marine research institute

(CMFRI) it is found that as many as 19 algae blooms have been found in Indian waters in 1998‐2006,

which are quite toxic. This has caused mass mortality in fishes like the old saradines. In Orissa
(satyabhaya beach under gahir matha sanctuary) hundreds of olive ridley sea turtles were found dead.
The changing weather and climatic patterns affect the migration patterns of certain species of birds and
animals. Their fertility too is affected thus causing a decrease in their population. This ultimately, would
lead to the extinction of migratory birds!!

The foregoing was the statistics and the repercussions of the adverse climatic changes, on the humans
and the animal live-stock. Another sector which would get impacted directly, due to the foregoing,
would be the tourism industry!! Detailing further, the tourism industry which contributes heavily to the
GDP of the nation is already undergoing a setback, due to the world recession. And if such a negative
trend continues, there would be a loss of 1,963,500 crores of rupees by 2050. We might wonder as to
how tourism would be impacted by the climatic changes, across the globe!! Well, to put it simply, the
melting of snow has hampered winter/snow tourism in many places like the Himalayas coupled with the
increasing probability of avalanches (rock or otherwise). The natural disasters are affecting the
infrastructure, cultural heritage both tangible and intangible. E.g. the Taj Mahal is losing its sheen due to
the acid rain that is caused due to excessive amount of sulphur and carbon oxides in the atmosphere. The
damage to infrastructure like roads, railways due to landslides will also hamper mobility of goods, raw
materials, people etc. thus affecting production and growth. This has increased the level of run offs in
high tropical areas and has decreased in the low tropical regions.

Mitigation:

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Mitigation is the reduction of the GHG gases produced anthropogenically. The task ahead of us is not
only to reduce the present release of GHG’s but also stabilize the effect of gases that have been
accumulated through years. According to the stern review, it is seen that GHG emissions are directly
proportional to the GDP of the nation under consideration. Since, India being a developing nation its
GHG emission is extremely low compared to the developed countries. It is impossible to nullify the
effects of GHG gases or to reduce their release in the atmosphere to zero but what can be done is reduce
it to a safe level, wherever possible. A level of sustenance has to be reached. The development of a
countries economy is based on the development of its industries. And this is directly proportional to the
availability of generous amount of fossil fuels, coal burnt to produce energy. Thus GHG emission and
GDP have a linear co relation.
According to the Kaya identity;
C =(C/E) * (E/Y) * (Y/N) * N

C‐Carbon emissions (C/E=Carbon Intensity of Energy Systems)

E‐Energy use (Y/N=GDP Per Capita)
Y‐Gross domestic Product (E/Y=Energy Intensity of Density)
N‐Population

It is seen that population decrease or GDP decrease is not technically possible for a country as vast and
developing as India. Thus the only option is decreasing of carbon intensity and energy density of GDP to
compensate for the increase in GDP and population.
It would be considered wise to check the rate of growth of carbon emission. India would have to first
decrease the rate to zero such that the emission remains constant then decrease it further so that carbon
emission decreases. It would be pertinent here to note that it is not enough that India checks her carbon
emission but the developed nations whose emissions are much higher than the developing countries
should attach greater value to the need to reduce it. Otherwise, the burden of carbon emission now will
affect the future generations, across the world. This would only cause India’s poverty scenario to worsen
because of the add‐on effect due to the emissions of other countries.

Also, while some of the energy savings are due to conscious utilization of resources the negative
side has to do with human drudgery. These include compulsory energy savings by the poor due to
deprivation. For human development, poverty eradication should take place. This may result in

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an increased energy use. This may be considered a due right of the poor, even if it increases
India’s GHG emissions. So this increase should not be accounted for in the inclusion of
unnecessary GHG emission.

Regardless of the choices we make to mitigate climate change, some warming will still occur and we
will have to find ways to adapt to the adverse effects it imposes. It is estimated by the UNFCCC that
“tens of billions of dollars” of additional investment and financial flows would be required for
adaptation by 2030, with some researchers placing the figure as high as US$50‐170 billion. The action
plan is to, draw up adaptation strategy and roadmap and practices specifically focused on desertification,
alpine environments, and protected areas need to be improved.
The mitigation can take place in three stages; the primary, secondary and tertiary stages.

 The primary stage is of the highest importance and consists of Government policies, laws; inter-
governmental co‐operation, international climate organizations and the other governing bodies.
This will have a long term benefit which may or may not be found as soon as they are
implemented.
 The secondary stage consists of the influential public figures, mass media and other NGOs and
fractions like the policy framers and the heads of various industries. A fantastic example here
would be the noble peace prize winner Al Gore. In, India a public figure respected by everyone
like DR.A.P.J.Abdul Kalam could be included into mass campaigns.
 The tertiary stage is the change which has to be brought about by the individuals of the
societies. One must not consider it as “just” an individual contribution. When millions around the
country and the world make even a small change to their lifestyle, it adds up to a lot in the long
run. One must not forget, the earth is our home and our only home.

This is explained below through the diagram:

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 Economic
reforms, subsidy
removal and joint
venture in capital
goods

Forestation and
development of
wastelands

Promotion of
renewable energy
sources

Government
policies
Emphasis on
energy
conservation

Abatement of air
pollution

Fuel substitution
Policies

The 3 R’s Theory:

Let us begin with the three R’s of personal mitigation of climate change: Realize, React and Reach.
1)Reach:
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Youth – For a youth movement of this magnitude, it is time for the youth to get going and make the
opening statement. A group of individuals can get together to reach out and make banners, short movies,
hold peaceful protests and publicize the issue on a national scale. Formal and informal events can be
conducted across the city by youths. A day a month could be dedicated as the toxic waste (electrical,
chemical etc) that could be dumped by an individual to the youth centers which will then be handed to
the government for safe disposal Promotion of ideas like Usage of public transport, walking or cycling,
flying infrequently or only when required.

2) Realize:
One must realize the changes that are happening around us and reflect on why these changes occur.
Reading and analyzing reports by various government/non‐government organizations is the key here.
Once we realize the level of changes that are occurring around us and their long and short term effects it
would inspire us into making our home a better place for us, our future and for people around us.

3) React:
Once the analysis is done, it is time to get into action on a personal level first and then subsequently
convert these into mass movement with the desired effect. We won’t get a change if we don’t make a
change or ask for it. And this is a collective action problem. The best way to tackle this is by introducing
a policy change i.e. influencing policies of the government. But before that one of the most difficult
things that have to be done, is to spread awareness amongst the populace. Once we make people aware
of the problems, effects and inspire them, collectively we can do a lot of good.

Media :

The media is one of the main tools for mass communication as its reach is far‐flung. A public figure that
connects to people could be used as the face of the campaign. Alternatively, a mascot or an influential
cartoon‐guy could preach the messages of saving our climate:

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 • Lobbying and challenging the government to act in a particular manner and inspiring policy
changes pertaining to nature is a very effective way. Initiate peaceful marches across the country
on a single day forming a network that would force the government to make changes.
• Conducting concerts from high‐profile bands, performers in promoting the message like the live
8 concert. Message through music through people we grow up idolizing is a psychologically very
effective way to make a difference.
• Networking forms another major part. It includes getting together with like‐minded people to
become a larger more powerful medium. Coalitions with other similar organizations are
extremely helpful. Forming a nationwide grid where ideas, plans are discussed and implemented
which would get you support from a wide variety of people will be useful to spread message.
• Since India is a land of varied languages and regional difference, the group must essentially
consist of people from different economic, social backgrounds. We must transcend all
differences and work as one to save the world around us.

Charity Begins at Home

• As they say, a good start is half the work done. Do you know that every person in this world has
a carbon footprint on the face of the earth? And do you know that more than 50% of that footprint is
either because of carelessness or due to lack of awareness?
• Presented below is a checklist which every common man can follow at home to reduce his
carbon footprint by more than 50%
• Unplug your mobile phone as soon as it is charged. We all have a tendency to leave our phones
on charge for a considerable period of time and that is silently killing Mother Earth
• Defrost your refrigerator regularly. According to a study, refrigerators’ contribution to
household carbon emission is one of the highest
• Always use the washing machine in full load
• Use power saving lamps wherever possible
Conclusion

The consequences of our ignorance at first and then the inertia to change has brought us to a pedestal
where climate changes can no more be denied as a myth. It is there and we are seeing and feeling the
repercussions, day in and day out. Now, instead of playing the blame games and also instead of basking
in the glory of short‐term comforts in lieu of long‐term safety we must act right now. We must act just
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like how we would if our own homes were on fire. Get inspired and inspire others to follow the path of
sustainable development. Now is the chance, and the only change, to rebuild our homes so that what we
leave behind is something our future generations will be proud of.

References:

1) www.wikipedia.org

2) http://www.docm.mmu.ac.uk/aric/eae/english.html

3) http://www.whyfiles.org/080global_warm/4.html"

4) http://envfor.nic.in
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5) IPCC fourth assessment report (2007) , IPCC climate change 2007 (synthesis report)

6) Climate change: youth guide to action (www.climate.takingitglobal.org)

7) India’s GHG emission scenarios (P.R.shukla)

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