Environmental pollution and the failure to control it have led to unpredictable weather patterns worldwide. Recently, February saw unusually high temperatures, but sudden weather fluctuations resulted in hailstorms, road closures, and a sharp drop in temperatures. In Himachal Pradesh, snowfall covered the mountains unexpectedly. India, once known for its stable monsoon, is now increasingly experiencing erratic weather conditions. While some regions witnessed heavy rainfall and floods, a significant portion of the country suffered from drought last year, including half of Punjab. Even though certain parts of Punjab received rain, drought-like conditions persisted, leading to water shortages, crop failures, and parched fields. Despite forecasts predicting a normal monsoon, nearly half of India still faced drought-like conditions. This issue has been escalating since 1980, with concerns that environmental pollution will further worsen the crisis. Rising temperatures indicate prolonged droughts in the future. Excessive carbon emissions are disrupting weather patterns, leading to declining greenery. Some areas experience heavy rainfall, while others remain dry. The situation is further aggravated by melting glaciers, which initially cause uncontrolled water flow but eventually result in water scarcity. A study by the Swiss Federal Research Institute on snow and landslides highlights how drought has worsened from 1980 to 2018. Unpredictable rainfall has severed the long-standing relationship between Indian agriculture and the monsoon. Now, droughts not only impact agriculture but also affect energy production. Hydropower generation is hampered, leading to electricity shortages. Additionally, erratic cloud formations and flood displacement create further challenges. The common citizen, already burdened by economic struggles, bears the brunt of these climate changes. Every year, drought expands over 50,000 square kilometers. Northern India is also facing severe drought conditions, emphasizing the urgent need for solutions. The only way forward is stringent measures to control environmental pollution. Developing nations are willing to combat this crisis, but financial reluctance from countries like the United States remains a major obstacle. Addressing this issue requires global cooperation, investment, and immediate action to mitigate the growing impact of climate change.
