Climate change and its control have been the center of debate and discussion. The term has become resonant in every conversation relating to environment conservation and disruption of nature’s balance, whether it is among individuals or big industrialists and leaders. However, this is not equating to any change as people worldwide, including those in power, are not doing enough to save the planet. The ramifications of our carelessness, or rather our disdainfulness for nature, are being manifested in events out of our control, causing serious damage to what we hold dear and essential to our existence. The London floods, accompanied by floods across other nations such as China and Germany, are examples of this; they give us a glimpse of what the future holds for us if we do not take immediate action.
Recently, the capital of the United Kingdom capital became a target of this induced disturbance of nature. The entire city was seen being washed away in knee-deep water that filled the streets. While London is familiar with heavy rains, never before had anyone witnessed roofs in shambles and completely submerged cars on the roads. Not only was traveling interrupted, but hospitals had to refuse treatment to non-emergency patients as the buildings were flooded too. The country still has not recovered from the grave situation set by COVID-19, so these sudden floods came as a shock to many, especially those who lost property and their means of livelihood.
Several climate activists and experts point out that many rich cities like London are, in fact, not well equipped to tackle floods of such nature which will only become more common now.
London, in particular, is at high risk since it has a Victorian drainage system and has more than a million of its residents living in a flood plain. The flood defense built on the river Thames is of little help as it can only protect against tidal flooding, but it is flash flooding caused by sudden rains that are becoming more common. According to Professor Mark Maslin, director of the Environmental Institute at University College London, the rising sea levels could result in the breach of this defense system as early as 2030. Liz Stephens, associate professor at the department of geography and environmental science at the University of Reading, also expressed concerns over the lack of efficient administration and monitoring of flood mapping and the risks associated with floods. This was because several bodies are responsible for different parts of the process, which makes the process too complicated to be understood by simple individuals. Nevertheless, it must be noted that London is not alone in its indolent approach towards controlling climate change. All over the world, especially in huge metropolitan urban hubs, the risk of such incidents is bound to increase because as the Earth’s atmosphere warms, it will hold more moisture, which will lead to more cases of unprecedented rainfall. This would potentially result in longer dry periods or intense storms based on the location of these cities.
Hence, to cope with such uncertain events while also avoiding them, the UK Government and other important stakeholders have taken steps to curb levels of global warming and greenhouse gas emissions. However, to bring real change, it is imperative that such steps are undertaken that does not just emanate from scientific research and policy but also reach the hearts of common folk, as suggested by climate change activist Katherine Wilkinson. It is necessary that people, in general, grasp how they can contribute towards saving their earth by adopting simple changes and making their voices reach lawmakers.
Harsh Mahaseth is a Lecturer and Ph.D. Candidate at Jindal Global Law School, and a Research Analyst at the Nehginpao Kipgen Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University. He is currently a Fellow at Kathmandu Tribune.
Vanshika Agrawal is a second-year B.A (Hons.) Legal Studies student at Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India.
