The book, Thinking of Climate Changeby Prof Virendra Kumar Paul and Devika Nayal, ignites a thought-provoking debate on the pressing issues that shape our journey towards ‘Amritkaal’ and the foundation of ‘Viksit Bharat @ 2047’. This book echoes the visionary spirit of Mission LiFE, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in 2021.
In this vibrant discourse, the book raises crucial questions about our collective responsibility in the face of emerging global challenges, particularly the formidable issue of climate change. As we march forward, it beckons architects, planners, science educators, engineers, heritage and environmental conservationists, and climate change experts to contemplate their roles and responsibilities in this unfolding narrative. It is an invitation to consider the implications of climate change and to explore how we can collectively navigate this crucial juncture in our quest for a sustainable and resilient future.
The authors’ writing is marked by a keen focus on the environmental impact of construction. They incisively point out that construction is an essential human activity, yet it is also an insatiable consumer of natural resources. The book draws attention to the fact that as long as human civilization exists, the need to build and expand will persist.
Deconstructing Construction Industry
The book commences with an exploration of the fundamental concepts of consumers and consumption within the construction industry. It underlines the importance of understanding that construction materials and practices are deeply interconnected with the consumer’s needs and desires. The authors aptly question the prevalent disconnect between consumers and the design and construction process, where economic returns often take precedence over sustainability. This chapter serves as a foundation for the book’s overarching theme of re-evaluating our approach to construction and consumption in light of climate change. By questioning the sustainability of the ongoing construction boom, the book encourages readers to reconsider the blind pursuit of territory expansion. It’s an upsetting reminder that more isn’t always better, especially when it comes to natural resources.
The chapter, ‘Heritage of Jal-Jangal-Jamin’ (water-forest-land) takes a step back to appreciate the invaluable contributions of indigenous Himalayan cultures and their deep-rooted respect for ecology. By highlighting the heritage of ‘Jal-Jangal-Jamin’, the book underscores the need to integrate traditional wisdom into contemporary practices. It emphasises that recognising the profound knowledge embedded in indigenous cultures can provide valuable insights for tackling modern climate challenges.
One of the book’s key highlights is its detailed examination of construction materials and practices, with a particular focus on the Himalayan region. The narrative highlights the prevailing practices of masonry and concrete hybrid buildings, which rely heavily on clay bricks, cement, sand, aggregate, and reinforcement steel. These are portrayed as the primary choices for construction, underscoring the inherent challenges of resource scarcity in certain regions. The construction industry is a major consumer of the Earth’s natural resources. In the recent past, due to tourism development, infrastructure expansion, and haphazard construction in ecologically sensitive areas like the hilly towns of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the negative consequences of disorganised building practices and reliance on global materials have become glaringly evident. This raises crucial questions about the availability and sustainability of these materials in the long run. This has shown the results during the recent monsoon seasons when heavy rains caused severe damage in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Many new buildings couldn’t withstand the heavy rainfall, while some old temples and houses, constructed using traditional methods, remained resilient.
Challenges Posed by Urbanisation
This book encourages a shift toward a more positive and proactive stance regarding climate change. It underscores the importance of validating demands for sustainable solutions and the necessity of addressing them. The book’s discussion on the urban heat island effect highlights the environmental challenges posed by urbanisation. It explores the direct influence of technological advancements on local cultures and social values and emphasises the importance of efficient land use and public transport in decoupling urban development and carbon emissions. Through an analysis of historical trends and current urbanisation processes, the book explains the heat island effect’s detrimental consequences. The author argues that as cities grow and urban landscapes expand, the urban ‘hot spots’ intensify, necessitating increased air-conditioning use, which, in turn, exacerbates the heat problem — a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
Furthermore, the book delves into the potential of hydroelectric power in India. It acknowledges the promise of this alternative energy source but also explores the environmental issues that have arisen from large-scale dam construction, which includes submergence areas and ecological degradation. The author underscores the necessity of a comprehensive assessment that considers both economic and ecological impacts.
In summary, Thinking of Climate Change provides a thought-provoking and optimistic perspective on climate change action and narrates how we can create a sustainable future by tapping into ancient Indian wisdom. Emphasising on need of incorporating lessons from traditional knowledge systems and promoting a more positive approach to sustainability, the book offers a valuable guide for individuals, communities, and organisations seeking to make a positive impact in the fight against climate change. It presents a holistic way forward that integrates traditional wisdom and modern knowledge to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time. The authors’ focus on sustainability, resource scarcity, and the repercussions of urbanisation makes this book an essential read for anyone interested in environmental issues, sustainable construction, and the future of our planet. This work challenges readers to revaluate their understanding of construction practices and their consequences on the world we inhabit. It underscores the critical importance of judicious material choices in construction, which is fundamental not only for preserving traditional practices of construction but also for creating robust, disaster-resistant structures. It reminds us that our Bhartiya heritage carries valuable lessons on how to coexist harmoniously with our environment. Therefore, it is imperative to regard these lessons as we work towards a more sustainable and resilient future.*The writer is Assistant Professor, School of Planning and Architecture, Vijayawada.
