Ensure ecological balance for sustainability

This refers to the article, “Climate change hits harder than ever” (July 19) by Kota Sriraj. The enumeration of scientific facts proves that climate change accompanied by unprecedented rise in global temperatures along with clear signs of sea-level rise is a fait accompli.

Unfortunately, the world at large is falling short in its effort to fulfill the commitments in the Paris Agreement. India's efforts, though laudatory, are clearly not enough to avert the impending catastrophe. It is inexplicable that the Asian and African nations with their colonial baggage still do not realise that the crux of this delicate ecological situation is the human population. All causes flow from it and create a domino effect — over-exploitation of resources, including fossil fuels, unparalleled air and water pollution, inequity, poverty and squalor — all eventually leading to calamitous global warming.

South Asia is clearly the worst geographical area facing an immitigable situation. A resolution from this intractable situation lies in effective policies to manage the population and overseeing fast-paced developments in climate control measures, irrespective of the consequences of our present development narrative.

Perhaps the so-called development could occupy a rear bench as we proceed to mend our ways to a healthy and green planet.