REFORESTING WITH RESILIENCE: LEVERAGING BAMBOO TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE | Pasha Patel | TEDxILSLaw

Pasha Patel's Background

• Pasha Patel has worked in agriculture and with farmers for the past fifty years.
• He is now focused on the environment and bamboo.

The Importance of Oxygen

• Patel believes that food, clothing, and shelter are essential for human survival, but oxygen is the most crucial.
• Oxygen cannot be stored for more than two minutes and is vital for human survival.
• Trees are the primary source of oxygen, and planting trees can increase oxygen levels.

The Relationship Between Trees and Humans

• Trees provide oxygen, while humans release carbon dioxide.
• Preserving trees is essential for human survival.
• The banyan and peepal trees are the most effective in absorbing carbon and releasing oxygen in India.
• These trees are often preserved in villages due to their religious significance.

Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) published a report stating that by 2050, rising sea levels will submerge 12 coastal cities in India, including Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
• Other major cities worldwide, such as Dhaka, New York, and London, are also at risk.
• The increase in greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures is causing glaciers to melt, leading to rising sea levels.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared that the era of temperature rise has ended, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.

The Urgency of Addressing Climate Change

• The speaker emphasizes the alarming rate of temperature increase and the urgent need for immediate action to address climate change.
• Recent incidents of motorcycles catching fire due to extreme heat indicate the severity of the situation.
• Inaction could lead to catastrophic consequences for humanity.

The Historical Impact of the Industrial Revolution

• The speaker draws attention to the historical significance of the first engine being used in Glasgow in 1750 and its subsequent impact on the environment.
• Carbon levels in the atmosphere have increased from 280 ppm to 422 ppm since the Industrial Revolution.
• Reaching 450 ppm could have devastating consequences for life on Earth.

The Impact of Climate Change on Wildlife

• The speaker mentions a recent news report about a tiger being spotted in Mumbai, highlighting the potential impact of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems.

Promoting Sustainable Practices

• The author emphasizes the urgency of taking action to address climate change and its impact on humanity.
• Phasing out coal-based thermal power plants and promoting the use of sustainable alternatives like biomass are crucial.
• The Maharashtra government is providing a subsidy of 7 lakh rupees per hectare to farmers for planting bamboo.
• The speaker encourages people to reduce their consumption of diesel, petrol, and electricity and adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.

The Versatility of Bamboo

• Bamboo has a calorific value similar to coal and produces less ash when burned.
• It is a fast-growing and versatile plant used for various purposes, including producing ethanol, electricity, clothing, flooring, and roofing.
• Embracing nature and adopting sustainable practices are crucial for the survival of humanity.