Greenpeace study predicts watery grave for Mumbai

A study titled “Blue Alert” was commissioned by International Greenpeace and prepared by an IIT – Chennai Humanities Professor S.C. Rajan predicts global temperature rise of the order of 4 to 5 degree C by the year 2100 if the present rate of greenhouse gas emissions continues. It is reported that the data is provided by NASA.

The report resulted in wide coverage in the Indian newspapers. Papers report 5 to 10 meters rise in the sea levels by 2100. According to the Indian organization, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) authored study; the impact of the climate change may result in the sea level rise of 0.8 meters by 2100. The spokesperson from NEERI says that the Greenpeace figures were exaggerated. However, the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate change (IPCC) estimates a rise in sea level by 1.4 to 5.8 degrees C by 2100. Whatever one looks at the numbers, there is bound to be rise in the sea levels and the low-elevation coastal areas worldwide are going to be submerged under the sea. The Greenpeace organization is already launched a campaign to mobilize public opinion and awareness on the issue.

The coastal areas and reclaimed land in many India cities are expected to be submerged. In Mumbai, areas such as Colaba, Bandra, Worli, Marine Drive and Gateway of India are all under the threat. Other cities which are going to be affected are Chennai, Kolkata, Goa and Cochin. The report is bound to create unwarranted mass hysteria. The Geological Survey of India has been keeping track of 50 glaciers on a regular basis and their findings show that none of the glaciers has shown any high rate of retreat. The fallout of the coastal submersion and submersion of the agricultural land and forests is the management of millions of the displaced people from the country, and migration of the similarly affected people from other neighboring counties such as Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka to India.

The practical approach to such a situation is adaptation to the scenario, and be ready with a comprehensive plan of action at every level, to minimize the consequences, including threat to national security by the migrating population and possible submergence of defense establishments generally located in the coastal areas.