Failing to act local and think global : Ignorance and indifference
- The Sangai Express Editorial :: January 06, 2015 -
When push comes to shove then it is time to draw the line.
An analogy that has become more and more relevant, especially when it concerns a place like Manipur and an issue that has become global.
Global warming is no longer just an academic term given the fact that it has become the concern of everyone and not just the environmentalists or the green activists.
Manipur is not an exception and increasingly it has become clear with each passing year that Manipur too is bearing the brunt of global warming.
It is no longer just something which has hit other parts of the world, but something which can be felt and experienced in the day to day existence of everyone here.
Against the background of the report that the mercury has been rising and not dipping to the level experienced earlier in the months of December and January it is more than clear that global warming is an issue which knows no geographical or political divides.
As reported in the January 5 issue of this paper temperature saw a jump from about 24.79 degree celsius to 26.53 celsius in the last few days of December during the current winter spell.
This is a significant jump and should be seen and understood more than the difference of about 2 degrees.
It is this and something much more. Come summer and it has been the same story with the mercury shooting up.
Climate change is not only about temperature and is something which can be seen from the rainfall. The worrying point however is the fact that no one seems bothered.
A look around the place should underline the point that is sought to be made here.
There could be many factors for global warming but not for nothing is there the slogan ‘Act local, think global.’
Self explanatory it is and it should be clear that what is done in one’s immediate environs can have far reaching impacts.
This is a point which has obviously not sunk into the consciousness of the people here and of course the Government.
The hills are no longer what they were ten or even five years back.
Large scale deforestation, for commercial purposes, has left the hills barren impacting on rainfall and water sources.
Same is the case with the plains or valley area and water bodies such as lakes and rivers.
Again a look at the rivers, streams and even the nullahs will leave no one in doubt on where the idea and concept of protecting environment stands.
Large scale use of plastic carry bags has literally sounded the death knell of numerous trees and plants.
Perfectly complementing the mentality of the people is the presence of a Government which has not woken up to the need of protecting the environment judiciously.
The rivers are polluted, deforestation is rampant and there is large scale pollution.
A perfect formula to add to global warming.
If this is the condition or situation in January, one can imagine how it would be like when summer comes.
Paying a heavy price not only for ignorance but also sheer indifference.
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