Why President Murmu’s address is crucial in midst of food devastation in Himachal and Uttarakhand

New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu has called upon scientists and policymakers all over the world to pay “urgent attention towards climate change” as humanity has been facing unprecedented extreme weather events in recent years.

“For us, science or knowledge are not ends-in-themselves but are a means for the betterment of all the people.  We have faced numerous extreme-weather events in recent years” President said.

The president’s message is significant because India, particularly Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, are seeing the effects of climate change and global warming. Both states have experienced extensive damage as a result of recent severe rains.

As per estimates, the death toll has crossed 200, and the estimated total loss amounts to Rs 10,000 crore.

During her address on the eve of the 77th Independence Day, President Droupadi Murmu said that Parts of India have faced extraordinary floods. At the same time, there are places facing drought.

These events are also attributed to the phenomenon of global warming, she added… “Therefore, it is necessary to make efforts at the local, national, and global levels for the environment”.

President Murmu said the extreme weather events affect all. But their impact is far more severe on the poor and the marginalized. Cities and hilly terrains especially need to be made more resilient.

Meanwhile, the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) VI report has clearly stated that the Himalayas and coastal regions of India will be the hardest hit by climate change.

In the Himalayas, there is a noticeable pattern of increased precipitation occurring in shorter periods of time.

During the address, she also touched upon India’s achievement in the energy transition.

“It is noteworthy that we have achieved unprecedented goals in the field of renewable energy. India is providing leadership to the International Solar Alliance. Our country is playing a leading role in fulfilling international commitments” she said.

“We have given the mantra of LiFE i.e. Lifestyle for Environment to the global community” she added.

She pointed out that the culture of greed takes the world away from nature and also appeals to people to live very close to nature in peace and harmony.

“We now realize the dire need to return to our roots. I know that there are still many tribal communities that live very close to nature and in harmony with it. Their values and lifestyle offer invaluable lessons for climate action” she said.

The President said the secret of the survival of the tribal communities through the ages can be summarised in one word. That single word is ‘Empathy’. They have empathy for all Mother Nature’s fellow children, flora, and fauna alike.

“Sometimes, however, the world seems to be suffering from a deficit of empathy” she noted.

The President added that history shows that such periods are only aberrations, and kindness is our fundamental nature. It is my experience that women have empathy in greater measure and they show the way when humanity goes astray.