Climate change is natural, not just man-made: Experts

As the world grapples with climate change and methods to tackle natural and man-induced disasters, the role of science should be to provide a balance between development and nature, opined experts at the ongoing Indian Science Congress here today.
Dhruv Sen Singh, Professor of Geology, Centre of Advanced study in Geology, University of Lucknow in his paper 'Impact of climate change on glaciers and its consequences on society' said earthquakes, floods and tsunami cannot be controlled but the damage can be minimised.
"We have to think of sustainable development and it is our fundamental duty to preserve the planet earth and keep it clean and green," he said.

Singh said the cloud burst in Uttarakhand in 2013 was a natural phenomenon but the tragedy was because of unplanned settlement and increasing population along the river bank.
"Human settlement among the river valley leads to lateral erosion during low discharge period as well as high discharge period. There is tremendous pressure of population on the land in India as there is 2.4 per cent of land for 17 per cent of population," he said.
Singh also said climate change is natural and not just man-made.

"Glaciers were melting even before the existence of human beings. It was a phenomenon even during the Gondvana period when no man existed on planet earth, which is 4.6 billion-years-old.

"Nature also has a role in appearance and disappearance of glaciers. Climate Change has occurred many times before appearance of man. Evolution of man is a recent phenomenon," he said.
Singh said cretaceous period in the Mesozoic era which was 65 million years ago was the hottest, sea level was maximum and there were no glaciers. There was increase in percentage of carbon dioxide resulting in the disappearance of flora and fauna. These were all natural causes.
The academician added that nature also has a role to play in appearance and disappearance of glaciers.
At another session on 'Use of technology for disaster reduction-Indian context', Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Science said the need of the hour was to assess vulnerability of coastal areas, changing climate and rising sea levels compounding problems on the coast.