Global warming, the first and foremost thing we need to understand is what it really means. It’s not just a mere fancy term; it’s the reality of our planet’s rising temperature. Remember how, way back when we were kids, the weather felt more predictable? Winters felt like proper winters, with cold air and snow. Now? Winters feel like a distant friend we haven’t seen in years. And summers? They’re more like a stubborn chore we can’t avoid, like grocery shopping for the house inescapable and draining. Can you avoid summers? Sadly no.
The effects of global warming are becoming very serious. Glaciers are melting at an alarming rate and threatening coastal cities. Wildfires are spreading faster than ever, destroying homes and wildlife habitats. It’s not just happening far away; it’s affecting all of us, from rising food prices due to crop damage to health risks caused by extreme heat and spreading diseases. Do have an official count of the number of people who have lost their lives due to such severe climatic conditions?
Current scenario of climatic conditions due to Global Warming
Just look at Delhi, since 2024, we’ve been witnessing record-breaking heatwaves. This year, in 2025, Delhi’s temperatures made it feel like May or June during March itself! It’s as if the seasons are confused. And it’s not just the heat. Thunderstorms are becoming more common, lightning strikes are more frequent, and extreme rainfall is catching everyone off guard. In fact, May 2025 has turned into Delhi’s wettest May since 1901, causing widespread chaos all over with flooded streets, uprooted trees, massive power outages, and hundreds of flight disruptions. It’s raining like cats and dogs at a time when we don’t even expect rain. Monsoon hasn’t even officially begun, yet it feels like we’re already in the middle of June-July.
This isn’t just about Delhi. In the UK, marine heatwaves that were once only theoretical have now become reality, with sea temperatures rising over 4°C above average. Southern China has seen flash floods and deadly landslides from intense rainfall in May, and across the globe, landslides are becoming more frequent and severe.
Global Warming is responsible for Earthquakes? Is it
On top of that, there’s something more alarming,; the earthquakes. Recently, there was a massive earthquake in Myanmar where homes literally collapsed into the ground. Many scientists are now connecting global warming to the increase in earthquakes. As sea levels rise due to warming, the pressure on the Earth’s crust changes, which can trigger more earthquakes.
And here’s an even wilder thought, any guesses what can it be?
Recent research suggests that global warming might be affecting the Moon’s distance from Earth. Because of the rising heat and shifting balance on the planet, the Moon is slowly drifting away. It won’t happen overnight—it might take thousands or even millions of years—but if the Moon moves too far, it will affect Earth’s gravitational pull and could disrupt tides and other natural systems.
Of course, not everything is doom and gloom. Climate action is happening. Technological innovations are emerging, energy is being stored in smarter ways, and satellites are now providing real time climate data, informing countries about changes faster and more accurately than ever before. We can monitor the climate better, but the main challenge is in turning that information into action. Technology can tell us what’s happening, but it can’t stop natural disasters from occurring.
Government’s initiatives to prevent Global Warming
Even transportation is evolving. Take Kolkata, for example, yellow taxis that used to consume a lot of fuel are being replaced with new, more fuel-efficient or electric vehicles. Government is cooperating to push these changes, but it’s not enough. We still need to plant more and more trees to help absorb carbon dioxide and cool our planet naturally.
But here’s a hard truth:
Humans love to follow trends. People see their friends or neighbours creating trendy furniture, decor, or accessories using wood and other natural resources. This desire to stay in fashion is driving more and more deforestation, trees are being cut down without anyone giving a second thought about it. So it’s undoubtedly high time we ask ourselves: do we want to be surrounded by trendy, fashionable items, or do we want to live in a healthier environment? If we keep following these trends without thinking of the long-term effects, we’ll pay the price with more deforestation, environmental damage, and climate disasters.
Innitiatives taken by the Indian Government
Thankfully, governments are trying to step in. The Government of India, for instance, launched the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) on 30th June 2008, outlining eight national missions to tackle the effects of climate change. These include the National Solar Mission, the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE), etc. which focuses on preserving the delicate balance of the Himalayan region, and others addressing water conservation, energy efficiency, and habitat protection.
Source about napcc from wikipedia, regarding what it is – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Action_Plan_for_Climate_Change
Innitiatives taken by UN
Meanwhile, on a global scale, the United Nations is working hard in 2025 to align national climate pledges with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
This year, the World Environment Day on June 5th which falls on a Thursday, it will spotlight the urgent issue of plastic pollution. The Republic of Korea will host the global celebrations, marking the second time since 1997 when Korea first hosted World Environment Day with the theme of “For Life on Earth.” Korea’s progress in improving water and air quality makes it a fitting host once again in 2025.
The message is loud and clear: “the time to act is now”. Greenhouse gas emissions must peak before 2025 at the latest and decline by 43% by 2030 to avoid the most catastrophic consequences. Plastic pollution, too, is choking our planet, harming marine and land ecosystems alike.
It’s not just about being good citizens for India or any one country but it’s about being responsible global citizens. The more we delay action, the more we harm ourselves and future generations. We owe it to our ancestors, who sustained a healthy planet for us, to continue their legacy.
[ Source about the theme and host of this year’s Environment Day https://www.worldenvironmentday.global/about/theme-host ]
What can we do on this year’s Environment Day
So from this June 5th, let’s not just talk about change but let’s pledge to make it happen. Start small; reduce plastic use, plant a tree, choose public transport, and support local clean energy initiatives. Because the choice is very simple; either we act now, or we face the consequences later.
Article by Sruti Bhaumik