Siddhesha is an intern at Beyos. She’s known as the #DancingDiva, #YogaPassionista, and #SocialButterfly. With a knack for multitasking, she effortlessly balances various responsibilities while maintaining a calm demeanor. Yoga is her cornerstone, providing a steady foundation for her mental and physical well-being through dedicated practice. An optimistic socializer, Siddhesha thrives on connecting with people, always aiming to bring out the best in every situation.
If trees could talk, what would they say about how we treat the planet?
In India, exposure to heat waves is said to increase by 8 times between 2021 and 2050, and by 300% by the end of this century. The number of Indians exposed to heat waves increased by 200% from 2010 to 2016. These figures reveal a staggering reality. Moreover, this is no longer a region-specific issue, but a global concern. We often discuss the actions we must take to mitigate the climate crisis. Unfortunately, some on this planet aren’t bothered about it. On the other hand, some heroes and visionaries have stepped forward. They’ve created a significant impact in tackling climatic disruption. Let’s dive into the inspiring and thought-provoking stories of two such unsung heroes!
Chewang Norphel, the Iceman of Ladakh
In 1987, Chewang Norphel, a 52-year-old civil engineer, checked on his construction projects in some of Ladakh’s 120 scattered villages. The problem of water shortages has become very common. In the rain-shadow regions, Ladakh is a high-altitude desert with very low temperatures. Generally, glaciers melt in spring, and water runs in streams, providing water to villages in the valleys below. Global warming has caused the glaciers to melt and shrink. Snowfalls during winters have reduced, worsening the condition. Water shortages have resulted in no good crops. To solve the water shortage problem, he came up with the idea of artificial glaciers. Villagers can slow down the flowing water bodies and allow the water to freeze, which would later melt in spring and ensure a sufficient water supply to villagers. People were reluctant at first. However, once his idea worked, they backed him fully in its implementation. He has built over 15 glaciers and has managed to get funding from the Indian government. However, this isn’t a long-term solution because decreasing winter snowfall has reduced the water in streams used to build glaciers.
Saalumarada Thimmakka
Aala Marada Thimmakka is an Indian environmentalist from Karnataka. Along with her late husband, she planted 385 Banyan trees along a highway covering 45 kilometers between Hulikal and Kudur. Her name Saalumarada, which she earned from locals, means “rows of trees”. She did not stop her mission of planting trees even after her husband’s death. Owing to her notable contribution, she has been awarded Padma Shri, National Citizen’s Award, Godfrey Phillips Bravery Award, and the list goes on. In 1999, a documentary titled Thimmakka Mathu 284 Makkalu was made on her work. It was featured in the 2000 International Film Festival of India. She found her soul’s peace and bliss in planting trees. She also planted thousands of other trees and helped in constructing a rainwater harvesting tank in her village. She dreams of constructing a hospital in the memory of her husband. She has received no formal education and yet has been a strong inspiration to many. Her actions show that individual efforts can create a long-lasting, positive impact for the betterment of all.
“We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it.” – Barack Obama
Taking up initiatives to combat the climate crisis can help us minimize the disturbances caused. Restoring the ecological balance is the need of the hour. Better late than never, or we risk destroying our planet.
What legacy do you want to leave for the next generation when it comes to the mitigation of the climate crisis? Give it a thought, think of a plan, act promptly, and keep inspiring others! Lead the way and be the change-maker that the future demands. Let us join hands and come together to cool the planet and brighten our future.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saalumarada_Thimmakka
- https://nelda.org.in/indian-climate-warriors/#:~:text=Also%20known%20as%20the%20forest,in%20the%20Molai%20forest%2C%20Assam
- Chewang Norphel: The Iceman of Ladakh – Climate Heroes
Image credits:
https://stock.adobe.com/search?k=global+warming
https://thecsrjournal.in/climate-change-loss-38-trillion-dollars-india-2050-report/
