OPEN LETTER TO COP29: A Tamil Nadu student’s plea for climate justice

As a high school student from Tamil Nadu, India, I am deeply concerned about the devastating impact of climate change on our planet. In recent years, Tamil Nadu has experienced a series of extreme weather events, from unprecedented floods, cyclones to severe droughts.

A new study from Anna University shows that Tamil Nadu is getting hotter. Since 2014, the number of hot days has gone up by a whopping 41.5% across 39 districts. And it is not slowing down – experts predict this trend will continue until 2050.

Our state, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and resilient people, is increasingly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change, especially farmers.

Historically, our rural farmers harvested three paddy crops annually (twice at the minimum). But the uncertain rainfall patterns caused by climate change led to water scarcity and drought, limiting them to a single crop per year.

An example of the human cost of climate change is recent floods in the districts of Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, formerly known as formerly known as Tuticorin. These regions, historically unaffected by such severe flooding, were inundated, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

Every year, Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is affected by floods. This event underscores the urgent need for climate action and adaptation strategies.

One big issue in my area is every day I can see hundreds of big trucks carrying sand, rocks, and minerals to Kerala, our neighbouring state. This is not only damaging the environment, but posing eminent threats to future generations.

Another big problem is the way we do farming. We use too many chemicals that pollute our air, soil, and water. These chemicals can disturb the ecosystem and make us sick. So, I have always been advised not to drink the lake/canal water because it may have contaminants.

We need to switch to more natural ways of farming to protect our health and the planet.

It is weird how the Tamil Nadu government bans eco-friendly toddy tapping from palmyrah trees but still lets Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited (TASMAC) sell harmful, distilled/imported alcohol purchased from big corporations. Why not support local, natural products, instead?

Besides, taking farmland for big projects like roads and airports can really mess up farmers’ lives and the environment.

We are cutting down too many trees, using too much stuff, and creating way too much waste. One major issue is the way we manage waste. We throw away tonnes of plastic and other trash every day, and much of it ends up polluting our oceans and landfills.

This not only harms living things directly but contributes to climate change. I have seen firsthand the problem of waste in my own community. I often see piles of trash, especially plastic bags, littering the streets and waterways.

It is sad to see. Whenever I visit Tenkasi, a district in Tamil Nadu, I get disheartened to see large piles of waste, including plastic bags and other trash, at the nearby recycling station. Waste management is a major issue that we need to address.

We must find ways to turn waste into valuable resources, reducing pollution and creating sustainable solutions.

I am really worried about the big nuclear power plants in Kudankulam and Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. What are we going to do with all that nuclear waste? Could it hurt my generation and the generations to come?

Climate change is a fundamental problem, and one of its biggest causes is how we use up our planet’s resources. India, with its growing population, is putting a huge strain on our environment. We are cutting down too many trees, and using too much stuff.

I have been helping my father plant palmyra palms in my village, Kadayam. It is a small way to make a difference, but it is important. I have also started collecting seeds and setting up a small nursery with my brother and friends to grow more trees.

The authorities concerned have set up the Tamil Nadu Green Climate Company (TNGCC) to implement the three key Missions of the government of Tamil Nadu, viz., The Tamil Nadu Climate Change Mission (TNCCM), The Green Tamil Nadu Mission (GTNM) and the Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission (TNWM).

Even though TNGCC and TNCCM are working to promote cotton yellow bags instead of poly bags and to plant more trees, but we need to do more.

We need better plans, more funding support, and community involvement to make a real impact.

Role of education for sustainable future

Education is crucial in addressing climate change. By understanding the science behind climate change, we can adopt sustainable practices in our daily lives. However, it is equally important to integrate climate education into our school syllabus.

This will empower students to become informed and active agents of change.

Moreover, schools can promote sustainable practices, such as reducing waste, making/using eco-friendly products, conserving energy, and planting trees. By fostering a culture of environmental stewardship, we can inspire future generations to act.

As students, we have a significant role to play in protecting our planet. We can start by making slight changes in our daily lives, like reducing waste, conserving water, and using less energy.

I am not able to attend COP29, but I want to advocate for climate justice, emphasizing the need for equitable and ambitious climate action.

Working together to ensure climate justice

Developed countries, historically responsible for most greenhouse gas emissions, must take the lead in reducing emissions and providing financial and technological support to vulnerable states like Tamil Nadu in India and other countries in Asia.

I urge policymakers and world leaders attending COP29 to take immediate action to address the climate crisis.

We need ambitious climate policies that prioritize renewable energy, waste management (especially for nuclear energy and its waste), pollution control, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem restoration.

Additionally, we must invest in climate education and empower young people to lead the charge towards a sustainable future.

Jefwin Paul, the author of this article, is a ninth standard student of Punitha Arulappar Higher Secondary School, Avudayanoor, Tamil Nadu.