• Home
• About
• Participants
• Winners
• Jury
• Partners
• British Council

• 

  Mayank Chugh, 17 years
  Haryana, India

  Mayank is a grade 12 student. He was one of the semi-finalists in the Indian Climate Change Champions programme organized by the British High commission.

  Mayank also took part in the National Aerospace Olympiad. Together with his team he reached the national level.

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  
  

  India is a land of all seasons and the cycle of different seasons has provided a distinct rhythm to the lifestyle of the people. India's unusual topography and geographical position give it a diverse climate.
  On the other hand hotter summers, colder winters, early springs, rising sea levels and ever changing monsoon patterns remind us that climate change is really happening and is altering the natural cycle of nature.

   

  Even small changes have significant impacts on local communities. Their life is being affected by climate change. People in the east are living in temporary houses as they are homeless due to the flood that occurred in October, 2008. Farmers are seeing their crops fail because of the changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. These changes are directly affecting agriculture which is their livelihood. This winter, the northern plains have not experienced the western disturbances. There will be a rise in prices, which will be borne by the community.

  In the south as well, fishermen are losing their livelihoods as the number of fish decline. There is a water shortage due to the lowering of the water table. The people of Rajasthan have started migrating to escape from the scorching heat. So, the communities are the real sufferers. Climate change is mainly affecting the poor. India is facing the challenge of alleviating poverty and working towards economic growth. The growing impact of climate change is aggravating these challenges.

   

  My family is also affected by climate change as are a million other families in India. Climate change is affecting our worklife because extreme climate means less work and less production. As food prices rise our family budget is tighter than before. Water shortage in the community and the impurity of the water that we have access to leads to the spread of diseases. We are all part of a community . Climate change affects our communities, countries and our entire earth.

  
  

   

  Back Next

The British Council is the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. A registered charity: 209131 (England and Wales) SC037733 (Scotland) Our privacy and copyright statements. Our Freedom of Information Publications Scheme. The British Council values the diversity of the UK and the other countries it works in and is committed to equality of opportunity. Find out more here.