On one hand, humanity is striving towards the pinnacle of development, yet on the other hand, it forgets that it is also a part of nature itself. While it has reached the heights of the sky, it is failing to understand the changing climate in its own environment. If we pay attention, we often run campaigns to save the environment, but we forget that the real danger is not to the environment but to humanity itself. Nature has sustained itself since the beginning and has revived the Earth five times already, while the species that have disappeared did so due to their own actions.
However, will the increasing climate change affect the class that is progressing in development or will another class have to pay the price? Take India for example, where there are primarily three classes: an elite class that spends 1% of its income on food, a middle class that spends 20%, and a lower class that spends 80-90% of its income on food. For instance, consider a businessman who spends 1 lakh out of his monthly income of 14 lakhs on food. On the other hand, there is a government employee who earns 50,000 and spends 20,000 on food. Then there are MGNREGA workers who earn 500 a day and spend 400 on food. On one hand, the elite class drives big vehicles and lives in air-conditioned homes, while on the other hand, a lower-class man depends on public transport and is barely subsisting. This not only contributes to their carbon footprint but also impacts nature negatively.
If inflation increases due to climate change, will it affect a specific class or those who come from the marginalized sections of society and barely make ends meet? It is not surprising that climate change places an unequal burden on those living on the fringes of our society. One effect of this can also be seen on women, who are more likely to face violence, human trafficking, and armed conflicts when they are forced to leave their homes due to climate change.
In conclusion, the dual challenge of climate change and societal inequality demands urgent attention and equitable solutions. As humanity progresses, it must recognize its interconnectedness with nature and acknowledge that the impacts of climate change disproportionately burden the most vulnerable communities, including women and marginalized groups. Addressing climate change effectively requires not only environmental stewardship but also social justice and inclusive policies that ensure everyone can adapt and thrive in a sustainable future. By prioritizing equity and solidarity, we can mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and build a more resilient and fair society for all.
Author- Pankaj Yadav
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