India’s Perspective

OPINION OF COMMON CITIZENS ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

A short survey was conducted to understand the general mindset of common citizens in Bangalore towards Global Warming and related climate change issues. A couple of interviews were conducted to gather information on the general public’s view on the issues of global warming and human responsibilities towards climate change, business development and government control. Information was also collected from other sources like the internet, books, magazines etc.

It was observed that people have a general awareness on the subject but are still confused on the where the responsibility lies and how they could make a change. But they definitely feel with the help of government and individual responsibility they can make a difference.

The following are excerpts from two interviews taken.

1. Are you concerned about global warming and the related environmental issues?
CITIZEN 1: Yes, I am very concerned, it worries me tremendously, but unfortunately I feel I can’t do anything about it.

CITIZEN 2: I am concerned only about air pollution and noise pollution. It really affects me especially when on my way to office with all the heavy traffic. But I don’t think any drastic climate changes will take place.

2. Who do you think should take responsibility for the current situation?

CITIZEN 1: I feel it is the collective responsibility of the whole of human civilization to recognize the monstrosity of the problem at hand. We should for curb all the pollution, try to use cleaner alternatives and check our current habits.

CITIZEN 2: I feel we can make a difference, but the government has to streamline things and take responsibility because they have things under control.

From the interviews it can be judged that the general public is aware of the concept of global warming and the possible reasons for climatic change. There is yet not a mentionable clarity among the public on the responsibilities of the government, citizens etc. and their contributions to the ongoing climatic change.

The city of Bangalore has hosted a few conferences that have specifically targeted the issues of climatic change and human responsibilities. These conferences are definitely an indicator of the fact that people are participating in climatic change related discussions.

For example the ‘Bangalore City Dialogue on Climate Change’ which took place on 14th September 2007, at the ‘Auditorium, Indian Institute Of Astrophysics’ Koramangala, Bangalore, was one such Initiative of ‘Centre for Social Markets (CSM)’ in their endeavour to create awareness about causes and effects of climate changes and instigate action amongst India’s masses at all levels, to contributing some concrete visible results. This event was supported by distinguished experts from fields as varied as: Industrial Ecology – Ramesh Ramaswamy, Pollution Control – Dr Sharatchandra H C, Theatre – Arundhati Nag, Youth Organizations – Pradeep Sebastian, and also an Art Historian – Dr Annapurna Garimella, and co-ordinated with easy expertise by Malini Mehra the founder of CSM. It uncovered ways on how such seemingly unrelated fields could be used to control and remedy factors impacting climate changes.

Companies could use these climate debates to their advantage to innovate and create things of greater value and formulate energy efficient systems using alternative energy sources like solar, wind, etc., which would control green gas emissions. The process would meet their own energy needs as also those of India’s masses specially the poor while simultaneously creating new markets and providing for more employment opportunities.

Photgraphy 1: Avenue Road. Extracted from Flickr.com.

URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/deepsan/246370786/

Author:deepsan

Photgraphy 1: Pollution. Extracted from Flickr.com.

URL: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nzdave/2446275646/

Author: (nz)dave