Climate Change / Global Warming And Its Impact On The Environment

Climate change and global warming have significantly altered the present environmental system across the world.
The adoption of new and sophisticated warfare techniques by various countries, rapid industrialization by developed nations to achieve economic growth, increasing vehicle emissions, and population explosion have collectively contributed to environmental degradation. In addition, several other factors—such as excessive rainfall, snowfall, rising temperatures, declining forest cover, conversion of agricultural land into urban areas, and the growth of concrete jungles—have drastically changed the global climate. As a result, weather forecasts sometimes fail to accurately predict future conditions.
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in many cities across India has already reached alarming levels. Deteriorating air quality is leading to an increase in various health-related diseases. Vehicle emissions and industrial smoke play a major role in worsening AQI levels and cannot be ignored.
It is widely assumed that delays in the winter season may become more frequent in the coming years. However, the intense cold wave experienced in northern India at the beginning of January—bringing sub-zero temperatures in hilly regions and a sharp drop in night temperatures even in Rajasthan—has clearly reflected the impact of climate change and global warming. Unseasonal rainfall in desert areas has further raised concerns among the public about changing atmospheric conditions.
This year, regions such as Europe, the Netherlands, Lebanon, and Siberia have witnessed a significant drop in temperatures due to heavy snowfall, leading to severe cold conditions. Even Middle Eastern countries are experiencing unusual rainfall and hailstorms in several areas. Many of these regions had never anticipated such heavy rains. The introduction of artificial rain techniques has further altered climatic patterns. Previously, several Middle Eastern cities lacked proper rainwater drainage systems, but they are now being compelled to develop infrastructure to manage excess rainwater.
In Punjab, many metropolitan cities have expanded nearly 15 kilometers in all directions from their central points. This rapid urban expansion has resulted in a steady decline in green cover. The loss of forests and greenery disrupts ecological balance and accelerates environmental instability.
Moreover, groundwater levels are continuously declining. Industrial waste released through drainage systems eventually mixes with rivers, polluting water sources and leading to skin diseases and other chronic illnesses.
This is the right time for the public to adopt preventive measures, strictly follow environmental protection practices, and work towards maintaining ecological balance. Such efforts are essential for ensuring good health and protecting people from waterborne and chronic diseases.
Collective action is the need of the hour. Only by working together can we preserve ecological balance and ensure a pollution-free environment for future generations.
Author:
Rajat Kumar Mohindru
Journalist
Jalandhar
(Views are personal)