We, as a planet, are collectively and consistently tackling the issues of climate change and global warming. Forest fires, unseasonal rains, rising temperatures, floods, landslides, etc., that have been happening pretty frequently across different parts of the globe are a clear reflection that our environment is screeching for help. And you know what the worst part is? Well, we all are aware of the problems as well as the consequences, but are we really doing our bit to help save the environment?
Yes, we know it is not even close to possible to bring climate change under immediate control, but can’t we at least attempt to become more climate resilient? We surely can, right?
We at the Tribhuvan College of Environment and Development Sciences, regarded as one of the leading environmental science colleges in Delhi NCR, strongly believe that one of the best ways of becoming climate resilient is by tapping on the ultimate power of ecosystems. Let us now understand this in further detail.
What is Climate Resilience?
Since we are talking about dealing with climate resilience, we need to first understand what this terminology entails.
In simple words, climate resilience deals with coping and managing the impact of climate change while making efforts to prevent the situation from going from worse to worst.
The thing with climate resilient existence is that it is all for a low-carbon based atmosphere and the need to equip oneself to live in a comparatively warmer world.
A good example in this regard has to do with taking proactive steps to reduce the impact of heat. This can be achieved by exploring basic nature-based solutions such as planting trees on the streets and turning to green roofs.
By putting climate resilience into play, it becomes possible to protect nature and life that forms a part of this planet.
How Can We Harness the Power of Ecosystems for Climate Resilience?
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Begin by investing in healthy ecosystems:
We at the Tribhuvan College of Environment and Development Sciences have observed that most people have recognized the role of ecosystems in climate resilience. However, to achieve this objective, it is necessary to maintain healthy ecosystems, something most people are ignorant about.
The need of the hour is to recognize the fact that a healthy ecosystem can contribute to life on Earth by playing a vital role in flood regulation, water purification, coastal protection, and temperature regulation. It is important that we take proactive steps in the direction of protecting and maintaining forests, mangroves, and wetlands, which can ultimately help the planet in becoming more climate resilient.
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Natural infrastructure > Traditional infra
Most discussions on climate resilience have led to bodies and entities working actively in the direction of building traditional, manmade infrastructure. There is no harm in doing so. Just that this becomes a tedious and time-consuming affair with no surety about the same serving the ultimate purpose of climate resilience.
Instead, what can be done is to tap into the natural infrastructure provided by the ecosystems. For instance, mere turning of attention to coastal wetlands can help keep natural calamities like storms under check. The same can also work wonders against the prevention of rising sea levels and flooding. Hence, it is ideal to make the most of natural infrastructure instead of solely relying on its traditional counterparts.
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Power of restoration and reforestation:
We at the Tribhuvan College of Environment and Development Sciences have constantly highlighted the benefits of forest restoration and reforestation, which again has a pivotal role to play in the case of climate resilience.
One of the first benefits this move offers is carbon sequestration. This, in turn, helps to reduce carbon footprints from the environment, indirectly preventing climate change from worsening further.
To some extent, restoration and reforestation ensure multiple environment-based wins, as the same is equally effective in water regulation, giving a push to biodiversity, and, most importantly, creation of livelihood opportunities. This, for sure, is another excellent way of becoming climate resilient.
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Adopting an agro-ecological approach:
Climate resilience can also be achieved by turning to climate-smart agricultural practices. The goal here is to adopt an approach that can help maintain soil health, ensure water conservation, and work towards diversifying crop species.
Taking active steps in this direction is one of the best ways of utilizing the ecosystem to become climate resilient. These practices are believed to be of great efficiency in reducing the content of greenhouse gases from the environment, thus contributing to air quality and fighting climate change.
Community and Collaboration are a Must:
Now that you have understood the role ecosystems play in making the planet more climate resilient, we at the Tribhuvan College of Environment and Development Sciences, one of the best environmental science colleges in Delhi NCR, would like to draw your attention to another pre-requisite.
Precisely, it is necessary to have a collaborative approach and come forward as a community to safeguard the ecosystems and ultimately optimize on them to become climate resilient.
From governments and non-profit organizations to business enterprises and local communities, it is necessary to join hands for the larger good. With this, it would become possible to tap into the power of ecosystems to become climate resilient in an effective and sustainable manner.