Current Science

Pinki Mondal , Harini Nagendra , Ruth DeFries

Abstract

The Paris Agreement - a landmark outcome of the 21st Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) - acknowledges 'enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and reducing vulnerability to climate change' to be a major priority for the developing countries. The agreement will be open for signature on 22 April 2016. Once a country becomes a party to this agreement, planning and implementing adaptation efforts 'as appropriate' will be a requirement. The current juncture is an especially appropriate time to examine the status of knowledge on climate change impacts and adaptation in the vulnerable communities in South Asia, especially India which is home to over 1.2 billion people.

Full Text

   

Harini Nagendra ¹

Affiliations
1 School of Development, Azim Premji University, PES Institute of Technology Campus, Hosur Road, Electronic City, Bengaluru 560 100, IN

Abstract

The 21st century is increasingly referred to as the urban era. By 2050, two thirds of humanity will squeeze into congested urban environments. More than 90% of this urban growth will come from Asia and Africa, with three countries - India, China and Nigeria - accounting for 37% of the increase (United Nations, World Urbanization Prospects: The 2014 Revision. United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, New York, 2014). By 2050, estimations indicate that India will add as many as 404 million people to its burgeoning cities and towns. Of the world's ten largest cities, three are located in India - Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. Three of the world's ten fastest growing cities are in India as well - Ghaziabad, Surat and Faridabad.

Full Text

   

Harini Nagendra ¹, Seema Mundoli ¹

Affiliations
1 Azim Premji University, Pixel B, PES Campus, Electronic City, Hosur Road, Bengaluru 560 100, IN

Abstract

We live in difficult times. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report warns of a 1.5°C rise in global warming between 2030 and 2052, putting human and natural systems at high climate risk. The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), in its 2019 Global Assessment Report, states that close to a million animal and plant species are under threat of extinction.

Full Text

   

Ruth DeFries ¹, Meghna Agarwala ², Sandra Baquie ³, Pooja Choksi ¹, Nitish Dogra ⁴, G. S. Preetha ⁴, Sarika Khanwilkar ¹, Pinki Mondal ⁵, Harini Nagendra ⁶, Johannes Urpelainen ⁷

Affiliations
1 Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology, 1200 Amsterdam Avenue, Columbia University, New York, NY 10027, US
2 School of International and Public Affairs, 420 West 118t Street, New York, NY 10027, US
3 Ashoka University, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat 131 029, IN
4 International Institute of Health Management Research, Plot No 3, Sector 18, Sector 18a Dwarka, Phase II, New Delhi, Delhi 110 075, IN
5 Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, 261 S. College Avenue, 111 Robinson Hall, Newark, DE 19716, US
6 School of Development, Azim Premji University, PES Campus, Pixel Park, B Block, Electronics City, Hosur Road (Besides NICE Road), Bengaluru 560 100, IN
7 School of Advances International Studies, Johns Hopkins University, 1740 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, US

Abstract

Seasonal migration to cities is a common livelihood strategy for forest-fringe households in central India. Based on a previously collected household survey of 5000 villages across 500 forest-fringe villages in 32 dis-tricts of central India, we identify migration patterns over the last 5 years. Villages with seasonal workers are widely dispersed (75% of surveyed villages) and 81% of destination cities had reported COVID-19 cas-es at the beginning of the lockdown. Using a disease spread model to assess distancing strategies if return-ing migrants carry the virus to villages, we find that lenient restrictions for people within a village com-bined with maximal restrictions between villages could reduce the number of people exposed compared with moderate restrictions both within and between villages. Such a ‘village bubble’ strategy could reduce the risk of spread among vulnerable populations and requires that essential goods reach villages.

Keywords

COVID-19, Containment, Forest-Fringe Villages, Lockdown, Migration.

Full Text

   

Neethi V. Rao ¹, Harini Nagendra ¹

Affiliations
1 Azim Premji University, PES Campus Pixel Park, B Block Electronics City, Hosur Road, Beside Nice Road, Bengaluru 560 100, IN

Abstract

As the world deals with COVID-19, there is increasing attention to the threat of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. India is especially vulnerable to climate-induced health risks and a hotspot for infectious diseases. In this study we use a scoping review to synthesize evidence on the impact of climate on infectious diseases. We use this to uncover gaps and understand the implications for policymaking and health system preparedness. There is a strong evidence base linking climate change to disease outbreaks, both directly and indirectly. Socio-economic factors are the modifiers that determine disease severity in different populations and locations.

Keywords

Climate Change, Epidemics, Health Systems, Infectious Diseases, Public Health.

Full Text