Winter is coming; are we prepared?

As I made my way from university to my apartment, shielded by an N95 mask, I couldn't help but feel disheartened. The realization struck me: I'm living in a city with the worst air quality on the planet. My eyes stung, and a headache made its presence known. It reminded me of how far we've strayed from clean and breathable skies.

Have you watched Game of Thrones? I assume few have; many have not. Let me help you understand the meaning of the phrase ‘winter is coming’. In the Game of Thrones series, winters last many years and are harsh, deadly, and unpredictable. The phrase ‘winter is coming’ reminds people to prepare for the inevitable arrival of the winter, which brings extreme hardship and suffering. As the series progresses, it takes on a deeper meaning, foreshadowing the return of the White Walkers, the dead men. The threat posed by the Long Night could even destroy humanity, regardless of their political allegiances and social status.

This line resonates well with the climate crisis we face today. Just as the characters in the series struggle to unite against a common enemy, humanity faces a similar challenge to overcome divisions to combat climate change. The reality of this metaphor is shown by the alarming pollution levels in northern India during the winter season.

Contemporary domestic and international politics have increased focus on issues such as territorial disputes, economic growth, and GDP enhancement. Nation-states are competitively pursuing greater military, financial, and diplomatic power on the global stage. The Global South remains focused on decolonization efforts and addressing challenges such as poverty, debt, governance, unequal trade, and development. At the same time, the Global North is preoccupied with preserving its dominance through new forms of imperialism, also struggling with issues like an aging population, political polarization, and adapting to technological and global power shifts.

However, the critical question remains unanswered- Are these powerful actors genuinely addressing the most pressing issue of climate change, which is threatening humanity's existence on this planet with the urgency it demands?

Climate change is not just a threat but a sad reality that affects every corner of the planet. Rising global temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, melting polar ice caps, and frequent natural disasters are clear indicators of the environmental "White Walkers" approaching us. The devastating impact transcends borders, economies, and classes.

Every winter, northern India faces a pollution crisis that metaphorically brings its darkness and cold. The region experiences hazardous air quality levels due to various factors, such as stubble burning, vehicular emissions, industrial emissions, and weather patterns, creating a blanket of smog. This environmental disaster affects millions, causing respiratory illnesses, severe headaches, and reduced visibility. This year, Delhi recorded an AQI exceeding 900 in several areas classified as hazardous to breathe.

While authorities have implemented measures like banning stubble burning, promoting electric vehicles, and restricting industrial emissions, these efforts often need more coordination and enforcement. Much like the factions in Game of Thrones, stakeholders struggle to unite for the greater good, including governments, industries, and citizens. Without a sustained effort, this metaphorical winter will cause irreversible damage.

1000 Air Quality Index (AQI) is a wake-up call for humanity. As the winds grow colder and the skies get darker with the blanket of smog, let us not wait for things to get worse than it already is. The clock is ticking. While we may not have dragons, we have the power of innovation, compassion, and unity. Together, we can face the long night, not as fragmented factions but as a united front.

Authored by Ms. Manuja Hooda. Ms. Hooda is a Political Science student at the University of Delhi. Originally hailing from Rohtak, she completed her graduation from Miranda House College, Delhi—opinions expressed here as personal.