This refers to your cover story on climate change and ecological catastrophe (Prelude to an Ending, September 13). The latest report of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has had an hair-raising effect on scientists, activists and environmental groups across the world, further confirming their own concerns regarding the disastrous impacts of fast-changing weather conditions and extreme climate-related events such as hurricanes and heat waves. The warnings have been blinking red for a long time, and this report is the latest blaring alarm. Higher global temperatures, melting glaciers and rising sea levels are driven by carbon emissions that are inseparable from the globally-dominant mode of development based on economic growth. One of the big questions posed by world leaders is whether it’s still possible to meet the targets set by the 2015 Paris climate agreement. Most of the biggest economies in the world are not on track to meet those targets because they continue to rely too heavily on fossil fuels, including coal, for electricity, transportation and industry. The IPCC report shows that we are already in the midst of a climate crisis, and that climate-related hazards will only get worse without swift action. The report claims that it is still possible to meet the targets set under the Paris agreement, though it gets more difficult with every passing day. As a global threat, addressing climate change requires international collaboration, and the report asserts that government policies and action can drastically reduce carbon emissions.
Seetharambasaani, Hanamkonda (Telangana)
It’s not just policymakers who are responsible for choosing the destructive path on which we are happily walking even though it will surely end in a blind alley of annihilation. We too are responsible for our lifestyle choices that endanger life on earth. Destruction as ‘development’ continues and we fail to see the writing on the wall. Nature gave us a clear warning in the form of Covid, and worse is sure to come.
Rakesh Agrawal, Dehradun
The IPCC report is frightening, but it is also a grim reminder that all countries must do something concrete to avoid the impending disasters. The situation today is the result of greed. In the name of development, most developed countries have shown utter disregard for the environment. The rich and developed countries must have a greater responsibility to protect the world from the ravages of climate change, as much of their development has been at the cost of the environment. India is also guilty, but it is more a victim than driving force of climate change. It should strike a balance between development and the environment.
D.B. Madan, New Delhi
This refers to your story on the impact of climate change on the Sundarbans (Waves Whisper Closer, September 13). It must serve as an eye-opener for the government and civil society to take steps for conserving and maintaining the pristine glory of this natural ecosystem ravaged by climate change and cyclones, and large-scale migrations. Nearly half of the Ghoramara island has been submerged over the past three decades. Thousands of people had no choice but to leave their villages. Hundreds of villages in the Sunderbans and surrounding areas are on the brink of natural disasters that can set off a train of such environmental time bombs. One thing can be said with certainty: if the Sunderbans deteriorate, Calcutta won’t be far away from destruction. This precarious situation demands emergency actions. At the same time, the ambitious policy of making the region a tourist hotspot must not come at our own peril.
Vijay Singh Adhikari, Nainital
This refers to your story on the ongoing farmers’ protests against new agrarian laws (Raising the Farm Stakes in Poliglot, September 13). It is irresponsible to turn a blind eye to the farmers’ stir. Various excuses are cited—that ‘anti-nationals’ have infiltrated the agitation and are trying to create a mountain of a molehill; that Opposition parties are misleading the agitating farmers for electoral gains, and so on. But the fact is this agitation has been going on for months right under the nose of the central government, which has largely been in denial mode. That’s surely not a sign of astute governance.
George Jacob, Kochi
This refers to your story and column on the Mappila rebellion of 1921 (Subaltern Rebels or Communal Rioters? and Beware of the Victor’s Lies, September 13), which try to provide a balanced view of the rising. It would interest researchers on this topic to know that a documentary was made on it. While collecting material on the era of silent cinema in South India, I came across the reference to this. The British government felt the need to explain the action taken against Mappila rebels to the English and Indian public. In 1921, they made a documentary film, a two-reeler, as an official record, primarily to be shown in England at the Wembley Exhibition. Produced by Major Robinson of the 75th Carnatic Infantry and shot by H. Doveton of Calcutta, the film depicted the refugees, convicted rebels and their weapons “in order to show the brutal and ruthless character of the rebel”. The two photographs of the rebels you have carried are probably from this film. It will be a good idea if the National Film Heritage Mission of the National Film Archives of India organises a search for this film.
S. Theodore Baskaran, Bangalore
This refers to your story on the stars of India’s stellar show at the Tokyo Paralympics (Never Out on a Limb, September 13). All of them deserve fulsome praise for their spectacular performance, which is a testimony to their hard work, dedication, determination and persistent effort. This ultimately paid rich dividends and brought cheer to the nation. The fact that the Covid pandemic did not dampen their spirit even a bit is clear proof of their resolve to succeed. The athletes show that physical disability is no bar to take up challenges. Overall, their superb achievement is a proud moment for the nation, to be cherished for a long time to come. Hats off to all the athletes, and kudos to those who made history by their exemplary performance in badminton and shooting, which will be deeply etched in the memory of all sport-lovers.
K.R. Srinivasan, Secunderabad
This refers to your cover story Remaking of Free India (August 23). Industry, agriculture and the service sector are three engines that drive the economy. Giving equal, sufficient and balanced importance to all three sectors, without ignoring, neglecting or sacrificing one for another, is what keeps the economy afloat and helps to strengthen it. Waiving taxes and debt for corporate firms is just bad governance and bad economic thinking, and no balancing act. ‘Bijli, paani, sadak’ (electricity, water, roads) should be the government’s top priority at all times, though it cannot possibly provide ‘roti, kapda, makaan’ (bread, clothing, housing) to one and all.
M.Y. Shariff, Chennai
