Climate change is not just an environmental phenomenon but there is politics behind it and governments across the world need to stop playing politics to save the planet. This was Oxfam India’s message at the media launch of ‘payenge aisa jahan’, its music video on climate change at a press meet here on Friday. The song has been composed and performed by Euphoria and the video has been directed by Akbar Quadri and Azam Quadri.

“US, Western Europe, Canada, Australia and Japan have historically contributed the maximum carbon emissions and this cannot go on,” said Ms Nisha Agrawal, CEO, Oxfam India. “These rich nations have to stop harming and agree to substantial emission reduction targets at the forthcoming UN climate talks in Copenhagen this December. They also have to start helping poor people in developing countries to adapt to the seasonal changes they are struggling with.”

Rahul Bose, Oxfam Ambassador & Actor, International, launched the climate change signature campaign www.climatechange.com that will help put public pressure for a fair global climate change deal at the UN meeting at Copenhagen in December 2009; and strong domestic action from the Indian government.

“We are happy that the Indian government has recognized the urgent need to come out with a National Action Plan on Climate Change but we urge the government to focus on the needs of our villagers because more than 70% of Indians still live in rural India,” said Ms Aditi Kapoor, Economic Justice Lead Specialist, Oxfam India. “The government needs to have a comprehensive adaptation plan, with the requisite adaptation fund to invest in sustainable agriculture, safe water sources during floods and droughts, rural energy and rural infrastructure, including climate-resistant housing.”

To elaborate these concerns and troubles, also present at the press meet were affected villagers who talked about the challenges they are facing in earning a living. While Ms Bhanuja from Ananthapur district of Andhra Pradesh is combating more frequent droughts that are leading to desertification of her regions, Mr Arjilli Dasu from Vizag district of Andhra Pradesh is concerned over the increasing number of cyclones and the larger ‘dead sea’ areas which forces poor villagers to spend on more diesel to go further into the sea for a catch. Mr Sushil Singh from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh is trying to combat early floods with crops that have shorter maturing cycles. Coming from different climatic zones, these people shared the experiences about their constant encounter with the vagaries of changing climatic patterns and the help that Oxfam and their NGOs were extending to help them adapt to these changes. Their one message was that the government needed to invest more in adaptation if it wants the Indian economy to grow.

The signature campaign by Oxfam India is aimed at motivating and activating people to add their voice to the demands for government action and start helping to control the biggest environmental threat to our planet and particularly India with its long, densely populated and low-lying coastline and an economy tied closely to its natural resource base. The petition will be presented to the United Nations to demand a fair post 2012 agreement at their meeting at Copenhagen in December 2009.

Kick-starting the signature campaign Rahul Bose said “Every problem that is massive on a global scale
intimidates us. Our sense of powerlessness translates into a – ‘what can I do about it. The problem is so
huge. Even though we are aware of the perils of climate change, all of us do not think that we can do
something in our individual capacity. But while the little changes that we can make in our lifestyle will be drops in the ocean, our actions to consciously stop harming and start helping preserve the planet will give us the moral strength to put pressure on our governments to take immediate measures. The major part of this battle is going to be fought for rural India but it will also move towards ensuring a safer place for those in urban India.

After my support for Oxfam’s various initiatives on children, education and gender equality, this association
with Oxfam fills me with pride. Climate change is going to be the single most crucial issue on the
world’s consciousness as it impacts everything – the economic crisis, future wars, traditional social boundaries….everything.”

People can endorse the ‘Stop harming, Start helping’ campaign through various media – online and offline (signature cards) and express their support.

Unveiling the music video at the occasion Dr. Palash Sen, lead singer, Euphoria band said “I appreciate this initiative of Oxfam India and have tried to render my support through this foot-tapping song. I believe that music can be used very effectively to create awareness and give the message in a positive way. I hope this song will help the listeners and the viewers to share and remember that poorest people are hit first and worst by climate change and that each one of us can start helping by signing up to this Climate Change campaign.”

Video director Akbar Quadir said, “We are farmers and we well understand what climate change is doing to our living in the villages. Oxfam India has given us a platform where any youngster can raise their voice to support this issue. When we wrote our play on climate change, it was Oxfam India which first extended its hand to us.”