The time to act is now. Together, we can reduce our carbon footprint, promote sustainable living, and inspire others to join the global movement for climate action
MEHRU NISSA
Nature is sending us clear signals via rising temperatures, extreme heatwaves, and melting glaciers. The question is: what signal are we sending back? For decades, the climate story has been filled with warnings and distant deadlines. Today, the reality of climate change is at our doorstep. World Environment Day 2026 shifts the narrative from awareness to aggressive and collective execution. From transitioning to renewable energy and conserving water to protecting old-growth forests, every localised effort matters. We still have time to alter our course and secure a habitable planet.
This World Environment Day, let us step up #NowForClimate by evaluating our supply chains, eliminating single-use plastics and investing in green infrastructure to build a more sustainable future. Whether it is implementing solar power projects or drastically reducing waste, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) directly drives the global clean energy transition. ITC, Tata Group, Mahindra Group, and Reliance Industries are among the leading Indian corporations known for significant Environmental CSR initiatives.
Alongside these initiatives, two transformative forces, viz. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Green Hydrogen are emerging as powerful tools to combat climate change and reshape global energy systems. Although still developing, 2026 marks a turning point where Green Hydrogen is becoming more cost-effective and scalable, with countries investing heavily in its production and infrastructure. China, Europe, and the United States have emerged as global leaders in the production and advancement of Green Hydrogen.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in reducing carbon emissions by optimising resource use, minimising waste, and accelerating the adoption of sustainable solutions. AI-powered smart buildings can significantly improve energy efficiency, lowering energy consumption and associated emissions. Intelligent navigation systems help reduce fuel use by identifying efficient routes and avoiding traffic congestion. In addition, AI can analyse satellite imagery and sensor data to monitor deforestation, track pollution levels and support timely environmental interventions, making it a valuable tool in the fight against climate change.
However, the important reality check is that AI itself consumes energy. If not managed well, it can add emissions. That’s why companies are shifting to renewable-powered data centres. More efficient AI models are being developed. Therefore, AI is not the only solution and relying on it alone would miss the scale of what’s required to keep warming within 1.5 °C (the goal set under the Paris Agreement). AI is a useful tool, but climate change is a systems problem that needs multiple, coordinated solutions. AI is part of the solution, but not the solution.
The central theme of WED 2026 emphasises reducing global emissions to stay within 1.5°C. The 1.5°C benchmark (Paris Agreement ) represents a critical juncture where severe climate risks escalate. Limiting warming to 1.5°C compared to 2°C dramatically reduces the likelihood of extreme heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and biodiversity loss. Beyond 1.5°C of warming, Earth systems are at a much higher risk of crossing irreversible tipping points like destabilisation of polar ice sheets, Amazon rainforest dieback, and coral reef collapse.
As the world strives to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the urgency of this goal is evident in the Kashmir Himalaya as well, where climate change is rapidly altering hydrological systems and threatening water security as well. The receding of glaciers in the Kashmir Himalayas gives us one of the most important indications that climate change is impacting us here in more than one way. In the Suru basin alone, we have lost about 15% of glaciers over the last 40 years. Similarly, we have lost 18% of the Kohlai glacier, the main source of drinking water and irrigation in the valley. Besides this, the decreasing trends in the snow cover distribution are quite discernible all over the Pir Panjal and the Himalayan ranges.
Meteorological data suggests that the winter of 2025–26 has been among the most unusual on record in Kashmir, marked by both exceptional warmth and sharply reduced precipitation.
The global goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels aims to ensure that the Earth’s average surface temperature does not rise by more than 1.5°C compared with the pre-industrial period (1850–1900). To stay within 1.5 °C, coordinated action is required across all sectors of society, with a rapid transition to clean energy by switching to renewables.
Use of green fuels like hydrogen can further support the transition to low carbon economy. Advanced technology like AI can improve climate prediction, resource management and planning for climate adaptation and mitigation. Besides this some nature-based solutions like the protection and restoration of forests, wetlands, and soils. These ecosystems act as natural carbon sinks, absorbing and storing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Furthermore, the implementation of strong policies like Carbon Pricing by national and regional Governments can help significantly reduce carbon emissions, while strengthening international agreements like the Paris Agreement provides a vital platform for countries to collaborate and work together toward common climate goals. These institutional efforts must be complemented by individual responsibility, including conscious lifestyle and consumption choices that can greatly reduce our carbon footprint.
The Earth is sending signals. Let our actions be the answer. Every watt saved, every tree protected, and every sustainable choice made brings us one step closer to a climate-resilient future.
(Author holds a Master’s in Environmental Science from Kashmir University. She teaches at Kashmir Harvard Higher Secondary Institute, Habak Naseem Bagh, Srinagar. The author can be reached at: mehrunisaevs@gmail.com)