The more things change the more they remain the same. This old saying aptly sums up the present scenario as the whole world expresses concern on climate change. Despite so much of noise and campaigning precious little seems to have been achieved. The global journey began from Stockholm some five decades ago reached Scotland this year, through several countries and continents but the issues that were deliberated continue to haunt us. Global warnings have been consistently telling us to behave reasonably but global warming continues to throw grim challenges. The frequency and the severity of the natural catastrophes are on the rise. It is time to have a look at the whole climate change debate. Global dialogues to limit global warming seemingly have not helped achieve any significant outcome. Meaningful and effective action is what is still wanting. The signs of an impending catastrophe are rather visible in the bold print as disasters of all kinds keep on striking dangerously. An honest assessment of the entire scenario can suggest that the different parties are talking about global interests but are more concerned about local interests. Everyone wants the other to mend ways. The slogan — think global act local — is a reality but in a different sense. Creative videos of dinosaurs warning of human extinction that are doing round these days on the social media may not be that effective without proper introspection. There is need for soul searching and realisation. Creativity certainly is on the rise but honesty seems to be declining. Apportioning blame on others will hardly make a difference. Looking inwards is the answer. Days of powerful awareness campaigns are over, it is time for genuine actions. There is already enough awareness regarding pollution and climate change. But for rightful action the need is to tackle the internal pollution, the pollution of the mind. Intentions have to be clear not clever. It is the toxicity of the mind that is the root cause of most problems, including external toxicity. The answer lies not in cutting the carbon footprints only. We need to cut wasteful consumption. The consumption driven by vulgar consumerism has led to generation of huge wastes and technology change may not be enough unless the psychology does not change. Just see what is happening. We create one kind of technology, exploit it to the hilt and then announce that it is not prudent to use them. So we come up with the new technology. And the story goes on. Necessity is no longer the mother of invention. Rather invention creates necessity. It is a marketer’s world. This is not to say that technologies are not needed. They are, but more than that a shift in mindset is needed. Not only our consumption pattern has become faulty, our attitudes have become rigid. We need to reset the attitudes. Already, waste disposal is a major problem and will be the biggest problem in days to come. Plastic waste, electronic waste are issues to be addressed. Similarly, wastage of water and energy has to be cut. And there is enough scope. We must realise that this world is an organic and dynamic system comprising interdependent parts and subparts. Any effect anywhere will lead to a corresponding effect elsewhere and finally the whole system. Conservation and frugality are the answers. The rest will follow on its own.
Pathak is a professor of management, writer, and an acclaimed public speaker. He can be reached at ppathak.ism@gmail.com