Global warming in some regions of the world is being devastating. The reduction in rainfall is affecting agriculture and livestock, which are basic activities for the human population to have food. This in India they know well, too.
Farmers have started committing suicide. Why? Because "there is no rain," said Rani's widow, who died after ingesting a pesticide. And the worst is yet to come: according to a study published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), in the coming years the country will suffer more similar tragedies as temperatures rise and droughts intensify.
All, animals and plants, we need water to liveIt's the basic food of life, and when it's scarce, that's when conflicts arise. Non-human animals resolve this in a similar way to us: if they're large and strong, like elephants, for example, they take over a small pool and won't let anyone near it; and if they're small, they manage to get even a little drink.
People, when we lack water, can choose to negotiate, or go to war with those who prevent us from accessing it. In fact, there are those who says that the Third World War will not be for oil, nor for the territory, but for water. But sometimes humans can be even more cruel.
In India, farming is a high risk profession. Supporting more than half of the population (1.300 billion), farmers have long been considered the heart and soul of the country. Despite this, their economic influence has declined over the past 30 years. From representing a third of India's gross domestic product, they now represent only 15%, totaling $2.260 billion. To better understand the situation of agriculture in the country, see agricultural conservation practices and the impact of the climate change in the industry.
There are many reasons why farmers choose to commit suicide: poor harvest yield, financial devastation and debt, little community support ... Some drink pesticides as a way out of huge debts, since the government in some cases guarantees money for surviving family members, which is a perverse incentive for suicide. This phenomenon has intensified largely due to the climate change and the lack of water resources, which has worsened due to extreme weather conditions.
For the year 2050, the average temperature will rise about 3ºC, further aggravating the situation. This will not only affect India, but will have global repercussions, as one of the many challenges facing the modern world.
The situation not only has economic implications, but also social and psychological ones. In fact, many farmers face social pressures due to mounting debt and lack of resources, which can lead to extreme situations. As climate change progresses, farmer suicides in India due to global warming appear to be a phenomenon that will continue to increase if appropriate measures are not taken. It is also pertinent to mention that weather conditions are affecting crops around the world, which is a clear reflection of the crisis facing the agricultural sector.
Over time, agriculture may face even greater challenges due to extreme weather conditions. Any lack of water can intensify farmers' suffering and disrupt the region's ecosystems. It is imperative that solutions be found. viable solutions to address these issues and protect those whose livelihoods depend on the land, in a context where the global warming affects various sectors.
The international community must also pay attention to these problems, as global warming is not a problem exclusive to one region. The water crisis is becoming a hot and urgent issue that needs to be addressed. Global collaboration is essential to mitigate these effects, as well as to establish support systems to help farmers in crisis.
You can read the study here.
