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There is already much that is clear about the effects of ongoing climate change. The real issue isn't whether the effects felt are real or whether the environment and our world can sustain the change or what needs to be done to mitigate its effects and perhaps change tits course. The key issue is how we as individuals enable change within our daily lives so as to see the early signs of change beyond us and how that becomes a collective mass in changing the course that the environment is currently set on. The similarities to this state as seen elsewhere too, where we as individuals still seek or look for evidence of changes in behaviour in our leaders and then wish to see that policed and implemented. True and lasting change has to to come from within and perhaps therein lies some part of the solution. Unless our attitudes towards consumption, towards personal ownership, towards our sense of self-esteem, towards the future change, there is really not much hope for the environment. Factories in China cause pollution but many of those are toiling away to satisfy the needs that we all have. I wouldn't want to go into a demand-supply and a macro-economics debate for that is a study by itself and I suspect my hunch would be on the mark anyway but the key issue is that we are 'getting' the world we 'desire' and for us to change that world, we will have to change our desires. a move towards a more 'socialist' life-style does raise questions and perhaps rightfully so, but somewhere in that direction and with the blessings and lessons from many other ways of living, may provide the answers towards addressing this malaise. The media world in print, television and in almost all other forms is replete with advertisements and enticements towards a 'better' life. Somehow, that has to give way to a different approach that can be adopted by all or atleast a critical mass. The search for a 'high' based on possessions and conquests needs to give way to one where the search is a personal one, an internal or inward journey, where the answers are again, personal and sought in silence. A difficult one to commence but I am just starting at home, with me and my kids and taking each day at a time, being watchful of what 'shows up'. Atleast this way, there is the freedom to make the right choice and not be 'programmed' in any way

There is already much that is clear about the effects of ongoing climate change. The real issue isn't whether the effects felt are real or whether the environment and our world can sustain the change or what needs to be done to mitigate its effects and perhaps change tits course. The key issue is how we as individuals enable change within our daily lives so as to see the early signs of change beyond us and how that becomes a collective mass in changing the course that the environment is currently set on. The similarities to this state as seen elsewhere too, where we as individuals still seek or look for evidence of changes in behaviour in our leaders and then wish to see that policed and implemented. True and lasting change has to to come from within and perhaps therein lies some part of the solution.

There is already much that is clear about the effects of ongoing climate change. The real issue isn't whether the effects felt are real or whether the environment and our world can sustain the change or what needs to be done to mitigate its effects and perhaps change tits course. The key issue is how we as individuals enable change within our daily lives so as to see the early signs of change beyond us and how that becomes a collective mass in changing the course that the environment is currently set on. The similarities to this state as seen elsewhere too, where we as individuals still seek or look for evidence of changes in behaviour in our leaders and then wish to see that policed and implemented. True and lasting change has to to come from within and perhaps therein lies some part of the solution.

CLIMATE CHANGE
The gravest danger that threatens environment we live in and the least talked about is the drastic alterations of the earth’s Climate. Now-a-days companies are advancing on a large scale; new technologies are coming up with greater facilities for a desirable future. All the resources are well optimized in order to maximize profit and develop human capabilities and prospects of success.
I believe that for companies to succeed into future they must play a greater role in contributing to solving the problems that society faces. Each and every human being owe to this environment for using and abusing it extensively.
Economy has given human progress and growth, lifting the standard of living of the people. The world is now undergoing a period of unprecedented change and it is becoming clear that the current framework in whch the market operates is leading to unsustainable outcomes.
Some issues in the environment are not yet rendered particularly Climate changes. Studies have shown that the earth’s average surface temperature has risen by 0.76 degree C’ since 1850. Most of the warming that has occurred over the last 50 years is very likely to have been caused by human activities.
Global warming in this century is likely to trigger serious consequences for mankind and other life forms, including a rise in sea levels, between 18cm and 59cm which will endanger coastal areas and small islands, greater frequency and severity of extreme weather events.
Human activities that contribute to change include in particular the burning of fossil fuels, agriculture, land-use changes like deforestation and hazardous pollution emission by factories and vehicles. These causes release of carbon dioxide, which is most hazardous gas that contributes harming of the climate. Second most harmful greenhouse gas is methane, which is emitted by agriculture, fossil fuel burning.
Glaciers are among the most sensitive indicators of climate change. Slight change in climate may result in increased precipitation and warmth. It also affects organisms on earth and also on marine life.
Two most important questions that come to my mind - “Is it too late to do something about Climate Change?” And “Is it really a big challenge?”
I feel tackling climate change on the world stage is tough. The only thing we can possibly do is to make sure we do not give more impact on climate change and this can be done significantly by decreasing global greenhouse gas emission level, by adaptation of lifestyle to reduce waste, planting more trees, sustainable technologies and use of renewable energies that produce less carbon dioxide.
Stringent steps should be taken to retard the growth of industries that have failed to adhere to pollution control norms. Mankind’s greatest challenge apart from overcoming poverty, terrorism and civil strife is undoubtedly reducing its own rapidly generated carbon dioxide. We have to conserve all the natural resources and save energy to the fullest to make this world a healthier place to live in.

Varsha Karnad
INDIRA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS STUDIES