“Even though the most affluent and developed countries had triggered the process of climate change through rapid industrialisation years ago, the poor in the developing nations are most susceptible to the direct consequences stemming out of it — most common example is water scarcity,” Flannery said while delivering a lecture on ‘We are the weather makers: An exposition on global climate change’ organised by the World Institute of Sustainable Energy (WISE) at IUCAA.

“Climate change is primarily caused by pollution. Oceans are large enough to forgive pollution. At least, there has not been any oceanic pollution crisis. However, huge carbon emission has polluted the atmosphere. Contrary to the common believe, pollution is not a local phenomenon. Pollution caused at one place of the world spreads across the globe. Therefore, it is not just a concern of individual countries, but of humanity.” Flannery said, “In 2008, the carbon emission level reached 10 billion tonnes. It has increased from 1.4 per cent in 1990 to 2.2 per cent in 2008. The ozone layer is also depleting. Therefore, we need to limit the green house gas emissions.”