The primary brunt of climate change will be felt by our rural communities, those which already suffer from lack of development and resources. These are communities that heavily rely on natural resources for their survival. Addressing the issue of poverty, economic development and improved living standards in rural areas is an urgent matter. The IPCC, in the 4th Assessment Report, states that “a high priority should be given to increasing the capacity of countries, regions, communities and social groups to adapt to climate change in ways that are synergistic with wider societal goals of sustainable developmentâ€
Various negative social and economic consequences of climate change will be felt by the population in villages if suitable measures aren’t adopted soon. These include, threat of food security, low crop production, scarce resources, shortage of safe drinking water, diseases like Malaria and Cholera, poverty and migration of young people to urban areas
There is a need to support the creation of new economic activities in rural areas using renewable energy, by building human capacity for mitigation of climate change, developing the renewable energy potential (agriculture residues, Jatropha oil etc) and by integrating climate change into development plans and programmes.
Institutional development, at both national and decentralized levels is required to diminish the effects of climate change. They should be designed and developed in such a manner that they are participatory and engaging the rural population.
The Rural Energy project
Aims and Objectives: Indian Youth Climate Network took the initiative to explore the possibilities of finding sustainable means to meet the energy requirements in our rural areas, thereby demonstrating to the entire world, how incorporating green energy is beneficial to people and the environment. It attempted to effectively carry out the task of working with rural communities by engaging both industries and NGO’s, working with the rural community’s objectives, helping to provide electricity which in turn contributes positively towards issues of health, safety, income etc and re-emphasizing that climate change does not mean sacrificing development.
The Project: MGR Nagar, a village located in the Perur block of Coimbatore, comprising of 54 households resettled from the slums by the state authority was selected for this project. Out of the 54 households, only 4 have access to electricity with only 3 street lights for the entire village. The Sunflower (Solar Lantern) based on Solar-LED technology, can give up to 14 hours of light without diminishing the quality of light (the life of the LED is about 50 years). The Solar panel, using which the lantern is charged, comes with a 20 year warranty and with efficiency greater than 92% (exceeding the MNRE specification). The Battery will last upto 1.5 years and can be replaced at a cost of Rs. 130. The positive benefits of using solar lanterns are not only monetary (can result in financial savings of Rs.100-150). This can also lead to a reduction in the overall emissions, thereby having a positive impact on the health of women and children (no eye irritation or respiratory diseases). The kerosene that is saved from the use of lanterns can be utilized for cooking, which makes the task easier and faster, saving women from the trouble of collecting firewood. Furthermore, this will have a positive impact on the tree cover in the area. Similarly, these steps and changes can be also replicated in other villages and areas.
Through this project IYCN had hoped transform their way of life after sunset. It is a unique initiative of IYCN as it was initiated and implemented completely by dedicated youth across India. A Joint initiative from IYCN, DGESL and Shanti Ashram, this will act as an example for other villages to follow and can be replicated in many parts of India
Future Projects
The other areas of focus include Biogas Technology, Biofuel and Afforestation. The organic waste generated in the village can be utilized cooking. This can help in reducing emissions from cooking stoves. With less number of trees being cut down and improved air quality, it will ultimately leave a positive impact on the environment. Growing, harvesting and selling of bio fuel crops can be a potential source of income for the villagers. The small amounts of oil collected can be used by the small scale industries. Cost-effective opportunities exist today to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and substantially contribute towards preserving the environment.