Date:27/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/27/stories/2006052702300200.htm

New Delhi

What climatic changes have in store for you

Madhur Tankha

NEW DELHI: Climate change is one of the biggest environmental challenges facing humankind. For rising global temperatures result in changes in weather patterns, rising sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather conditions.

Even as global experts keep debating the factors affecting Mother Earth, Discovery Channel is now all set to premiere a special programme on the impact of climate change on the Indian environment on June 5. Titled "Climate Change and Untold Story", the one-hour programme contains four 12-minute documentaries by young and emerging Indian filmmakers.

"Climate's First Orphans" made by Nila Madhab Panda tells the story of thousands of homeless villagers living around the coastal districts of Orissa, whose existence has been wiped out by the rising sea level.

"The Weeping Apple Tree" by Vijay Jodha illustrates the complex issue of climate change by focusing on the shifting apple-growing belt in Himachal Pradesh, while "A Green Agony" by Geeta Singh explores the unique ecosystem of the Sundarbans and analyses the impact of global climate change on this coastal zone.

To find out the implications of the climate change on glaciers and how artificial glaciers could improve water supply in Ladakh, Syed Fayaz has come out with a film titled "A Degree of Concern".