Answer

Global warming and climate change are accelerating due to human activities in the name of development, driven by unchecked greed. Over-exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, and pollution contribute significantly to environmental degradation. As the Earth’s ecosystems are disrupted, the potential extinction of organisms, including humans, becomes an alarming reality, necessitating immediate intervention to restore balance between society and nature.

Global Warming and Climate Change: Outcomes of Human Greed in the Name of Development

• Excessive Exploitation of Natural Resources: Human activities such as mining and fossil fuel extraction deplete natural resources, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Fossil Fuel Dependency: Reliance on fossil fuels for energy production accelerates global warming due to carbon dioxide emissions.
  For example: Coal accounts for 55% of the country’s energy needs, significantly contributing to carbon emissions.
• Deforestation and Habitat Loss: Large-scale deforestation for agriculture and urbanisation destroys ecosystems and increases CO₂ levels in the atmosphere.
  For example: Since the 1960s, approximately 20% of Amazonian forest cover has been lost as a result of deforestation and fires.
• Pollution from Industrial Activities: Unregulated industrial growth emits pollutants, damaging air quality and ecosystems, contributing to climate change.
  For example: Delhi’s air pollution levels regularly breach WHO standards due to emissions from factories and vehicles.
• Unregulated Urbanisation: Rapid urbanisation leads to the conversion of green areas into concrete jungles, increasing heat island effects and disrupting natural systems.

Indication of Extinction and Loss of Life on Earth:

• Rapid Loss of Biodiversity: Climate change has led to habitat destruction, threatening the extinction of thousands of species.
  For example: Currently, there are more than 163,000 species on The IUCN Red List, with more than 45,300 species threatened with extinction.
• Ocean Acidification and Dead Zones: Increased carbon dioxide absorption in oceans leads to acidification, affecting marine life and ecosystems.
  For example: Coral bleaching in the Great Barrier Reef is a direct result of ocean acidification and rising temperatures.
• Disruption of Ecosystem Services: The disruption of natural processes, such as pollination, threatens food security and the functioning of ecosystems.
  For example: A decline in bee and butterfly populations worldwide is threatening crop production and biodiversity.
• Collapse of Food Systems: Changing weather patterns and extreme climate events are affecting agriculture, leading to food scarcity.
• Water Scarcity and Desertification: Climate change exacerbates water scarcity, leading to desertification and displacement of communities.
  For example: The Thar Desert in India is expanding, displacing rural populations due to water shortages. Similar case with Aral Sea, rapidly drying since 2010.
• Increased Spread of Diseases: Global warming increases the spread of vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue as temperature-sensitive pathogens expand their range.
  For example: As of 30 April 2024, over 6 million dengue cases have been reported to WHO in 2024.

Strategies to Protect Life and Bring Equilibrium Between Society and Environment:

• Enhancing Regulatory Frameworks for Environmental Protection: Strengthening environmental laws and monitoring mechanisms to control pollution and resource exploitation.
  For example: Regularly reviewing and strengthening India’s Environment Protection Act 1986 to control emissions and protect ecosystems.
• Promoting Afforestation and Reforestation Initiatives: Expanding forest cover to restore biodiversity and absorb CO₂ emissions.
  For example: India’s Green India Mission targets the increase of forest and tree cover to restore degraded ecosystems.
• Integrating Sustainability in Educational Curricula: Promoting environmental education to foster awareness and responsible behaviour towards nature.
  For example: The National Education Policy 2020 includes climate education to promote sustainable development.
• Encouraging Eco-Friendly Technologies: Supporting the development of renewable energy technologies to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
  For example: India’s International Solar Alliance promotes solar energy to transition from coal-based power.
• Promoting International Cooperation on Climate Action: Engaging in global partnerships to mitigate climate change through agreements like the Paris Agreement.
  For example: India has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 33-35% from 2005 levels by 2030.
• 3Rs Policy: The principle of Reducing waste, Reusing resources and Recycling resources and products.

Global warming and climate change are clear indicators of the unsustainable path humans have taken in the name of development. To prevent further extinction and restore the balance between society and the environment, a combination of strict regulations, innovative technologies, and international cooperation is crucial. Only through collective efforts can we protect life on Earth and ensure a sustainable future.

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