“The choice is ours. We can be remembered as a generation that chose to drag the arguments of the 20th century into the 21st ... Or, we can be a generation that chooses to see the shoreline beyond the rough waters ahead; that comes together to serve the common interests of human beings, and finally gives meaning to the promise embedded in the name given to this institution: the United Nations.” – Mr. Barack Obama (President, US of A)
"It is India’s view, which has been consistently voiced at all forums, that global warming is taking place and that its adverse consequences will impact most heavily on developing countries like India," Manmohan Singh said. "The reference in a document to two degrees Celsius increase as a possible threshold reflects a prevalent scientific opinion internationally and only reinforces what India has been saying about the dangers from global warming." The Prime Minister pointed out that 37 developing countries including India, China, Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia had tabled a submission at the multilateral negotiations, asking the developed countries to accept (greenhouse gas emission) reduction targets of at least 40 percent by 2020 with 1990 as the baseline.
"At stake in the fight against climate change are the common interests of the entire world," Hu said. "Out of a sense of responsibility to its own people and people across the world, China fully appreciates the importance and urgency of addressing climate change."
In his speech, China's president vowed China would plant enough forest to cover an area the size of Norway and generate 15 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources within a decade.
China has long insisted that global warming is caused by the industrialization of developed countries, which account for more than 80 percent of accumulative greenhouse emissions in the atmosphere. Helping developing countries adapt to climate change is not an exercise in charity by rich nations, but their responsibility, in China's view. The developed countries should keep their promises made to developing countries in terms of funding, technology transfer and capacity building.
China and the U.S. each account for about 20 percent of all the world's greenhouse gas pollution created when coal, natural gas or oil are burned. The European Union is next, generating 14 percent, followed by Russia and India, which each account for 5 percent.
The recent quotes from the leaders give some hope for a possible global action against the causes of climate change. May be, they could reach to a deal which will curtail the human activities causing the dramatic changes in the global warming.
How’s that going to affect our lives and our tourism industry?
Long haul travel
People travelling from Europe, Japan and USA will be reduced in the coming years. This is based on the increased awareness that international air travels will cause more damage to the environment through green house gases (GHG). The other impact is also because of the global recession (the so called slow-down) which is still haunting the developed nations with higher unemployment rate, lower salary and increased concern about the uncertainty of the future income levels.
In the winter holidays, they will choose nearby destinations which are not so expensive. They will also take train, ship, bus or even cycle for such holidays.
The reason for travelling to Kerala should be stronger than just leisure; it should be intellectually stimulating or culturally vibrant. Kerala should not be among many other destinations which lost their sheen after a decade of international attention.
If the above target groups are not available, we have to refocus over attention to domestic travellers or people from other countries or regions.
Another Kerala Model
We have mostly hydro electric power supply to the State grids than thermal power stations that consumes coal / petroleum products. But that does not mean that we should not venture more into renewable sources of energy to boost our growing thirst for electric power. Power generations from off-shore wind (land based wind farms are not feasible in Kerala, as the areas with required wind speed are minimal), solar power, electricity from waste or tidal waves has to be tapped with PPP model or Carbon Funding or other similar methods.
Another major area is a stronger public transport network – which integrates seamlessly between road, rail, air and water transport modes. (A good start would be the Vyttila Mobility Terminal.) Due to limited land availability and high population density, road development will not be possible beyond certain extend. Curtailing private vehicles with increased road tax (read, environmental tax) is a major task in this direction. The sooner, the better, it is for the State and our environment.
A traveller will be amazed and appreciate, if Kerala has a good system of public transport – from airports, tram / low floor buses to the nearest railway station, good quality public buses / trains between tourist destinations, increased space and facilities for walking / cycling in the urban / tourist areas, friendly auto rikshaws / taxi drivers and the like will ensure a better image for Kerala in the international tourism circles. It will be hailed as another Kerala Model worth emulating.
Cooperation not competition
There are many areas in which we could cooperate with our neighbouring countries for mutually beneficial businesses / activities. Some of them are mentioned herewith:
Kerala Ayurevda in Sri Lanka – Resorts can be established in the Island nation and strategic research / education agreements can be signed between ayurveda institutions of both the countries
Kalaripayattu centres in Shao-lin Temple – it is said that the origins of Kung-fu, the most famous marital arts in the world can be traced back to Kerala. Joint training and research centres can be established in both the places.
Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan – prior to 8th century AD, Kerala was a strong hold of Buddhist philosophy which was defeated by Adi Sankara’s intellectual debates based on Advaitha. The recent studies in Kerala history and its connection with Buddhism can be a subject of international pilgrim tours.
Jute and coir products – already products are being developed and marketed with these two natural fibres. Still there are scope for further researches and establishment of centres for the promotion in Bengal (and Bangladesh)
Ancient Spice Routes can be also re-established by proper archaeological excavations including our connections with Indus Valley civilisations, prior to 500 BC. Thus we can also engage with modern ASEAN countries for the Spice Route Tourism development. Ancient ships can be rebuilt and sailing expeditions / competitions can be held in these routes to get maximum attention from ‘green’ enthusiasts with a historic inclination.
Cultural Exchanges
People-to-people relationships between modern political boundaries will ensure better understanding of each other, respect for each others’ cultural sensitivities and foster a peaceful co-existence. It is a foolish idea to think that India should have nuclear weapons to counter the ‘threat’ from neighbouring countries. Do you think that there will be any country (other than any terrorist groups) who would dare to initiate another nuclear arsenal during any border issues or even a war in the future? Instead of such negative, scare based strategies, why don’t we invest in more cultural exchanges; like the ones below:
v Movies – stories based on cross border themes, it could be historical stories or modern dramas
v Theatre festivals – across the country to appreciate the cultural differences of two neighbouring societies.
v Performing arts – apart from cross country shows, there should be scope for students to learn and research performing art forms from across Asian countries.
v TV channels – do play a vital role in present day scenario in the oriental societies. There are ample scope for joint projects and programme developments.
v Print media – Newspapers and magazines should have editions all across the neighbouring countries to engage people more into the day-to-day affairs of the other society.
v Boat Races – Snake Boat Race of Alleppey backwaters is as popular as the Dragon Boat Race of Hong Kong. There could be demonstration and friendly races among teams from these two regions.
These steps are not only for improving bilateral relationships between our neighbours, but also to boost tourism industry. The Western travellers will get a diverse view of the oriental society from a single trip which will encourage them to take up the travel. Even if the climate change is going to warm up the cold winters of Europe, they should feel good to travel to Kerala. It offers much more than a leisurely tourism – a chance for a pilgrimage to God’s Own Country.
“Environmental problems do not recognize political boundaries. We have one mother earth, let us share it.” Thirteen-year old Lucknow girl Yugratna Srivatsava, whose first name loosely translates as a precious stone for all times, spoke eloquently about the need for the world to stop pillaging the earth in a speech that was cheered by world leaders, including the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.
"It is India’s view, which has been consistently voiced at all forums, that global warming is taking place and that its adverse consequences will impact most heavily on developing countries like India," Manmohan Singh said. "The reference in a document to two degrees Celsius increase as a possible threshold reflects a prevalent scientific opinion internationally and only reinforces what India has been saying about the dangers from global warming." The Prime Minister pointed out that 37 developing countries including India, China, Brazil, South Africa and Indonesia had tabled a submission at the multilateral negotiations, asking the developed countries to accept (greenhouse gas emission) reduction targets of at least 40 percent by 2020 with 1990 as the baseline.
"At stake in the fight against climate change are the common interests of the entire world," Hu said. "Out of a sense of responsibility to its own people and people across the world, China fully appreciates the importance and urgency of addressing climate change."
In his speech, China's president vowed China would plant enough forest to cover an area the size of Norway and generate 15 percent of its energy needs from renewable sources within a decade.
China has long insisted that global warming is caused by the industrialization of developed countries, which account for more than 80 percent of accumulative greenhouse emissions in the atmosphere. Helping developing countries adapt to climate change is not an exercise in charity by rich nations, but their responsibility, in China's view. The developed countries should keep their promises made to developing countries in terms of funding, technology transfer and capacity building.
China and the U.S. each account for about 20 percent of all the world's greenhouse gas pollution created when coal, natural gas or oil are burned. The European Union is next, generating 14 percent, followed by Russia and India, which each account for 5 percent.
*******************
The recent quotes from the leaders give some hope for a possible global action against the causes of climate change. May be, they could reach to a deal which will curtail the human activities causing the dramatic changes in the global warming.
How’s that going to affect our lives and our tourism industry?
Long haul travel
People travelling from Europe, Japan and USA will be reduced in the coming years. This is based on the increased awareness that international air travels will cause more damage to the environment through green house gases (GHG). The other impact is also because of the global recession (the so called slow-down) which is still haunting the developed nations with higher unemployment rate, lower salary and increased concern about the uncertainty of the future income levels.
In the winter holidays, they will choose nearby destinations which are not so expensive. They will also take train, ship, bus or even cycle for such holidays.
The reason for travelling to Kerala should be stronger than just leisure; it should be intellectually stimulating or culturally vibrant. Kerala should not be among many other destinations which lost their sheen after a decade of international attention.
If the above target groups are not available, we have to refocus over attention to domestic travellers or people from other countries or regions.
Another Kerala Model
We have mostly hydro electric power supply to the State grids than thermal power stations that consumes coal / petroleum products. But that does not mean that we should not venture more into renewable sources of energy to boost our growing thirst for electric power. Power generations from off-shore wind (land based wind farms are not feasible in Kerala, as the areas with required wind speed are minimal), solar power, electricity from waste or tidal waves has to be tapped with PPP model or Carbon Funding or other similar methods.
Another major area is a stronger public transport network – which integrates seamlessly between road, rail, air and water transport modes. (A good start would be the Vyttila Mobility Terminal.) Due to limited land availability and high population density, road development will not be possible beyond certain extend. Curtailing private vehicles with increased road tax (read, environmental tax) is a major task in this direction. The sooner, the better, it is for the State and our environment.
A traveller will be amazed and appreciate, if Kerala has a good system of public transport – from airports, tram / low floor buses to the nearest railway station, good quality public buses / trains between tourist destinations, increased space and facilities for walking / cycling in the urban / tourist areas, friendly auto rikshaws / taxi drivers and the like will ensure a better image for Kerala in the international tourism circles. It will be hailed as another Kerala Model worth emulating.
Cooperation not competition
There are many areas in which we could cooperate with our neighbouring countries for mutually beneficial businesses / activities. Some of them are mentioned herewith:
Kerala Ayurevda in Sri Lanka – Resorts can be established in the Island nation and strategic research / education agreements can be signed between ayurveda institutions of both the countries
Kalaripayattu centres in Shao-lin Temple – it is said that the origins of Kung-fu, the most famous marital arts in the world can be traced back to Kerala. Joint training and research centres can be established in both the places.
Buddhism in Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan – prior to 8th century AD, Kerala was a strong hold of Buddhist philosophy which was defeated by Adi Sankara’s intellectual debates based on Advaitha. The recent studies in Kerala history and its connection with Buddhism can be a subject of international pilgrim tours.
Jute and coir products – already products are being developed and marketed with these two natural fibres. Still there are scope for further researches and establishment of centres for the promotion in Bengal (and Bangladesh)
Ancient Spice Routes can be also re-established by proper archaeological excavations including our connections with Indus Valley civilisations, prior to 500 BC. Thus we can also engage with modern ASEAN countries for the Spice Route Tourism development. Ancient ships can be rebuilt and sailing expeditions / competitions can be held in these routes to get maximum attention from ‘green’ enthusiasts with a historic inclination.
Cultural Exchanges
People-to-people relationships between modern political boundaries will ensure better understanding of each other, respect for each others’ cultural sensitivities and foster a peaceful co-existence. It is a foolish idea to think that India should have nuclear weapons to counter the ‘threat’ from neighbouring countries. Do you think that there will be any country (other than any terrorist groups) who would dare to initiate another nuclear arsenal during any border issues or even a war in the future? Instead of such negative, scare based strategies, why don’t we invest in more cultural exchanges; like the ones below:
v Movies – stories based on cross border themes, it could be historical stories or modern dramas
v Theatre festivals – across the country to appreciate the cultural differences of two neighbouring societies.
v Performing arts – apart from cross country shows, there should be scope for students to learn and research performing art forms from across Asian countries.
v TV channels – do play a vital role in present day scenario in the oriental societies. There are ample scope for joint projects and programme developments.
v Print media – Newspapers and magazines should have editions all across the neighbouring countries to engage people more into the day-to-day affairs of the other society.
v Boat Races – Snake Boat Race of Alleppey backwaters is as popular as the Dragon Boat Race of Hong Kong. There could be demonstration and friendly races among teams from these two regions.
These steps are not only for improving bilateral relationships between our neighbours, but also to boost tourism industry. The Western travellers will get a diverse view of the oriental society from a single trip which will encourage them to take up the travel. Even if the climate change is going to warm up the cold winters of Europe, they should feel good to travel to Kerala. It offers much more than a leisurely tourism – a chance for a pilgrimage to God’s Own Country.
“Environmental problems do not recognize political boundaries. We have one mother earth, let us share it.” Thirteen-year old Lucknow girl Yugratna Srivatsava, whose first name loosely translates as a precious stone for all times, spoke eloquently about the need for the world to stop pillaging the earth in a speech that was cheered by world leaders, including the UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.
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