How green was my valley....

Not long ago, in May 2015 I was traveling through the picturesque dense jungle of Kodaikanal. I was awestruck with the vast expanse of greenery.

Reading my facial expressions the tour guide started his conversation with me.  

"Sir, you should have been here 5 years ago. The jungle was even denser and greener”. 

“There were many migratory birds in this season. We locals can feel the difference now; there are not many birds now. Earlier even at 2 pm one used to feel lot cooler than it's now. We feel that after 20-25 years there will not be any jungle left".

I was reminded of this incidence while reading about the recently concluded Paris Climate Summit.

Ref: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20150126IPR15004/Climate-change-MEPs-discuss-roadmap-to-Paris-conference

There have been many instances of unseasonal rains and flood like situations in many states in India. The Paradise on the earth- Kashmir getting flooded and more recently Chennai getting wiped out are examples of natural catastrophes that we have seen and faced in this year. El Nino is certainly getting stronger day by day. 

That's why the participating countries joining forces and agreeing to sign the Paris agreement, to reduce the world temperature by 2°C and to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels is really a watershed moment of 2015.

But it's just the beginning... for we really need to work hard for its implementation.... 

The role of developed countries is going to be very crucial.  Putting the entire onus of reduction of carbon emissions on the developing and semi developed countries is like politician preaching someone about how bad it is to enter in politics. Developed countries should help with the technology transfer to developing or under developing countries to help set up the greener and cleaner ways of energy production. In my earlier posts I had written few alternative energy sources, such newer ways of renewable, recyclable energy sources need to be evaluated, developed and deployed very soon. Limiting greenhouse gases and containing the temperature rise below 2°C is a responsibility of all the habitants of planet earth. 

The latest 'Odd-Even Formula' by Delhi Government to control the vehicular traffic and improve air quality index needs to be applauded. In order to comply to this 'Odd-Even Formula' Delhiites have already started to evaluate the option of car pooling!! In addition to improving the air quality, it may also turn out to be a great community-building exercise!!!!!!!!   

Let's take a pledge of contributing our bit in maintenance of planet earth. Such small steps of every human being, will lead to giant steps for the man kind.