Change is the phenomenon that take place in every living and non-living history. Nothing remains same forever, so is our environment. Since the creation of the earth around four billion years ago, our home planet has constantly been subjected to changes brought about by the interplay of internal forces and external influences. The lithosphere plates are continually shifting, reshaping the continents. Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are visible results of this process. Viewing from the perspective of the history of the earth, our planets, as well as we know it today, is merely a snapshot in time. Everything is a state of flux, including the climate which is locked in a continuous process of change, giving rise to favorable and unfavorable conditions to which all life on earth viz., Human, Plant and animal is constantly adapting. After more than 170 million years of being dominated by the dinosaurs. It is highly probable that the widespread death of dinosaurs at the end of the Cretaceous period were triggered off by the impact of a huge meteorite which resulted in considerable climate changes. The Quaternary periods (last 2.6. million years) in the history of the earth was marked by great natural climatic fluctuations. The consequences of these processes can be viewed in the glaciations of the polar caps and the array of various cold and warm stages. The last ice age ended 10,000 years ago. The great ice caps above North America and Europe receded, the land mass started to rise, the sea level rose too. Since that time the average temperature on the earth has increased by about four to five degree Celsius. Thus at the moment we are living in a comfortable warm stage which, in contrast to the living condition of our prehistoric ancestors is pleasant. Great civilization and great empire rise and fall probably because of climate changes.
The fast changing environment can be attributed to the acceleration of human activities. Since time memorable mankind has influenced the earth and that too at such a pace and to such extend that the natural processes of evolution have been increasingly pushed into the background. The settling down of the originally nomadic hunters and gatherers and the introduction of agriculture and the livestock breeding in particular mark what is probably considered the most momentous step taken by Homo Sapiens toward the development of modern society.
Today the world leaders debate on climate change blaming one another for the threat faced by mankind. The developed nations are vociferous in their demand, because they have already misused or exploited natural resources to become what they are today. On the other hand the developing nations are yet to improve their condition, therefore they are bound to use natural in abundance. The debate usually concluded with, polluters pay, reduction in emission of green house gases, transfer of latest technology, etc. the only concern here is, are they following it? The fast changing patterns of behaviors, division of labour, industrialization, development in agriculture technology and social organization from the basis for an increase in prosperity and eventually, alongside technical and medical advances, formed the basis for the enormous increase in population during the last century. This was accompanied by a growing demand on resources for the production of food and the generation of energy.
The effects of global climatic change are fast catching Nagaland, as in the rest of the world. Though the state is still lacking behind in industrial development, our blooming population can be a threat for climate change. The population growth can be directly impact on environment in the following way; (a) Each additional person adds an increment to the demand on the environment, making the situation a little worse. (b) Each person’s demand is multiplies to varying degrees by the person’s affluence and by the environmental impact of technologies involved in production and consumption. (c) The high population density of cities and towns resulting gently from high birth rates overwhelms water supply, sanitation and disposal system. (d) The rapid pace of population growth leaves little time to promote environmental safeguards and to introduce new technologies. (e) Solving environmental problems is more difficult and more expensive when population grows quickly. (f) The steadily increasing burden of growing population can eventually overload natural system, causing their collapse. (g) Population pressure contribute directly to deforestation, as population density rises on agricultural land, forest become the last available areas for new cultivation.
Climate change is clearly having its impact on our society and can be considered as a warning. Following are some of the evidence of climate change, (a) Non-appearance/less appearance of migratory birds (b) Gentle disappearance of birds and animals (c) Abnormal rise in temperature (d Water scarcity (e) drought like situation (f) Drop in annual rainfall etc. Our state can be listed as one of the most sensitive to this issue. Though or contribution is very less comparing to other industrially advance nations and state, we still lack behind in infrastructure, advance technology and most importantly above 70% of the state population depends on agriculture which is directly link to climate. Environmental collapse will have its worse effect on Naga society because there is very less alternative of livelihood apart from agriculture. According to researchers, African continent which is responsible for only 3.8. percent of global emission of carbon dioxide will have to face the worst consequence of climate change. The irony is that the poorest people/developing nations who are least responsible would be the hardest hit.
Scientist from around the world who met in Copenhagen, Denmark, from March 10 to 12, suggested that forest may not be effective carbon sinks that can save the planet from the negative impacts of temperature rise as they would not be able to absorb any more carbon dioxide. Yet another study said increase in temperature in tropical and sub-tropical regions would cause trees to lose carbon as their ability to absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis has peaked and can only decline now. A recent study published in the journal proceedings of National Academy of Sciences has added to the list of predictions. It said the sea water will become more acidic due to drop in Ph level by 0.7. This would damage marine ecology.
Climate change is certainly not a new phenomenon. Even in the distant past, cultures had ravaged their resources through over exploitation a process which has been impressively documented in the rise and fall of great civilizations and empires. However this formally rather simple system of cause and effect had radically changed in modern times. In the present society polluter and victims are often spatially and temporally disconnected from each other. For example, person in London produces higher carbon dioxide emission by using private transport, which may, perhaps cause catastrophic consequences in 30 to 40 years for people living in developing nations like Bangladesh.
Today climate change is the biggest challenge face by mankind, but this can be our biggest opportunity to come together. All the cultures and nations of the earth must share the platform and deploy all their knowledge in this effort. If an individual act positively today, the society and government will automatically follow, because the latter two is a part and an extension of an individual.
Soyhunlo Sebu
Research Scholar
Dept. of Geography and Resource Management
Nagaland University.
