Save water bodies or perish
Experts warn against impact of human-induced climate change in state
KOZHIKODE: The state is under the threat of a replica of Chennai floods, especially in the districts like Ernakulam, with the growing variations in the climate, say experts.
A one-day seminar organised by Health Care Foundation in collaboration with Centre for Water Resource Development Management (CWRDM) here on Thursday highlighted climate changes in Kerala and its impact.
The experts discussed the eco-conservation, agriculture, food security, health-hygiene and livelihood of the state.
“The state is now getting ready to combat the impact of climate changes,” said Dr Dinesh, head of the geomatic division of CWRDM.
“At present, we are battered by the increasing number of extreme events like high-intensity rainfall, drought, flood, accelerated coastal erosion and forest fires. They caution against the adverse impact of human-induced climate changes on the global economy.”
Ernakulam district is more in danger because of the destruction of its geographic setup. The studies of CWRDM show the city is going to be hit by rising water levels and one reason for it is the increasing number of multi-storied buildings.
“It’s said that there’s more than 400 water bodies in Chennai, which have in recent past been entirely destroyed and this has been cited as primary reason for the recent floods. We fear a similar condition in Kerala very soon,” he cautioned.
Kerala is acclaimed for its unique development trajectory leading to high human development indices. The emission rate of CO2 and other greenhouse gases are low.
“It has a critical eminence for carbon sequestration potential,” he pointed out, “which are all serious threats”.
The seminar also discussed the watershed development project and water security through water card programme initiated by CWRDM. Representatives of various NGOs attended the seminar and shared their views.
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