CB BureauAs a topic, climate change is everywhere. More truly, it has
been tossed about with such abandon that, one fears, mostly what remains is the
coinage – almost skeletal and bereft of much utilitarian significance.
Admittedly, the common man – as you and I are – is in near denial over the fallout
of climate change. Until the effects are visible, we would not give two hoots
about what some loony scientists and researchers are going on and on about.
Takes one back to an article where Dr
Ole Faergeman, a renowned Danish cardiologist, says that in addition to the
political, journalistic and economic challenges that have shaped our unwillingness
to acknowledge the current and future impacts of climate change on our lives,
we may also be confounded by a certain ‘giddiness’ as we stare into the abyss
of time, both past and future.
At random, one gets to read about all the little ways by which
we can each become a climate saviour. Indeed, there is some understanding about
this aspect – by now we are familiar with terms such as solar heating, solar
lighting, rainwater harvesting, electric cars and bikes, hydroelectric power,
recycled goods, green food, and so on. The question that pops up is – are these
an intrinsic part of our daily lives now? Are we waiting for a relevant
regulation to be put in place? Are we waiting for revelation? Are we waiting
for role models whose example we can follow? Are we waiting for the costs of
‘going green’ to come down? Are we waiting for disruption?
What exactly are we waiting for?
Let us admit that we are largely a society that swears by
‘conspicuous consumption’, however much we may feign indifference. So, if
‘green’ were to be become the defining point of ‘conspicuous consciousness’,
will it sooner become an object of pursuit? Will there be a scramble for green
then? Will green goods and services become a parallel industry, finally taking
centrestage from its current place at the fringes? In most upscale shopping
malls, the ‘green’ store is a kiosk, really, and that on the whole is the
picture.
How much more eco-friendly and energy-efficient can
government buildings, corporate towers and our shopping centres be! In a report
in Business
Line, Tony Arnel, chairman, World Green Building Council, says that
‘around the world, governments are increasingly looking to those sectors which
offer quick and efficient outcomes in dealing with greenhouse gas emission
reduction.’
Arnel explains the logic of it thus: ‘When you compare the
building sector with other sectors such as transport, electricity supply, and
industry, the building sector – and there is a lot of analysis in this regard
by McKinsey and other experts – is uniquely positioned to get quick outcomes at
a very low cost.’
In India, the union government has made it mandatory for all
new buildings of the public sector undertakings and the government to seek new
green rating norms. The norms come together in something called Green Rating
for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA). Thus, buildings will be rated on the
basis of design, system design including ventilation, water and waste
management, indoor environmental quality and selection of ecologically
sustainable materials. Great thought, timely policy. One only hopes that a
monitoring system is in place as well.
Perhaps governments will also look at the numerous existing
buildings and decide to give them a green makeover. This aspect is equally
important.
Also important is to sensitize employees – the common men – to
the importance of the step. The respect for what is precious, and not as
abundant as we had thought, must permeate through the ranks. It is a mindset,
and will take root gradually. But the beginning should begin in earnest.
That mindset will be the only thing that will facilitate any
societal transformation that we are dreaming of. To get all the elements right,
the big buildings and the small homes must reflect that mindset and
transformation.
Actually, there are many ways to see the ‘climate change’
story. We can see it as an inevitable surge towards a preordained end. We can
see it as a phenomenon beyond time, as something that will unravel ice inch by
ice inch over millenniums. We can see it as the grandest proof of our symbiotic
ties to nature and earth. Finally, we can refuse to see it at all.
Hence, rather than approaching it as an issue of climate
change-focused lifestyle, can we embrace ‘green’ as the symbol of life, health
and happiness – as the manifestation of our ideals of beauty and purity – as
the equivalent and assurer of quality?