We all know
India is vulnerable to climate change. This becomes even more apparent
when you look at our own island union territories, like Lakshadweep.
Comprising 12
small islands and about 70,000 residents, Lakshadweep is one of the
least discussed parts of India in the climate debate. While we know
about the potential loss of coastal lands and farmlands, we forget
these islands and that their small size makes it even likelier that
they will be drowned out as sea levels rise.
Most of the
residents are fishermen, or employed in the sparse tourist economy or
even, part of the administration. A few run coconut groves. What
happens when these islands cease to exist? Some small island states-
the term for countries that are geographically an island-across the
world have already made plans to relocate.Some, like the Maldives, are
scouting for land in other countries. India is clearly not one of the
39 self identified ones, which range from Jamaica to Cuba.
Yet, our double vulnerability re-enforces the
need for the world to see India, with it's high growth rate, not as a
polluter but as a victim twice over.
As a large land mass and as a bunch of islands
that could vanish in a blink. Our negotiators have to focus the world'
attention not only on the future of residents of the subcontinent but
also, citizens who live in the India around it. RESORTS THAT CARE
Lakshadweep is so fragile that ecotourism flourishes as a necessity.
In the popular Bangaram island, the government run Lakshadweep Sports
runs only a few rooms, but, delightfully, these depend entirely on
solar energy.
Recently fitted air-conditioning, ironically,
draws energy from solar panels, while rain water harvesting is part of
life.
A private resort, CGH Earth, next door,
segregates all its waste and ships dry waste to recyclers in
Mangalore. Bioreactors are expected to use up the wet waste and waste
collection drives are the norm. It's a lesson for every resort across
India.
