Both through my independent explorations as well as my work at the office, climate change and its impacts on people have taken center stage. The city itself is adjusting to the complex and unpredictable changes that climate change is delivering. For instance, last year Bangalore had record low rainfalls which stretched the ability of the city to provide the bare minimum resources to its people. This year has certainly been an improvement, but changes are still potently clear.

To my understanding, in many other Indian cities, AC units are present (but certainly not ubiquitous by any means). However, AC units are absent from Bangalore as the temperate climate has made this device unnecessary. Now, as I am here at the tail end of the summer season, the lack of AC units and other cooling infrastructure is crushing me with heat index temperatures of over 100. Nevertheless, I have found my body slowly adjusting, aided by softening temperatures preparing for the coming monsoons. I try to enjoy the unique opportunity to soak up sun. I know I will miss this come January in Ann Arbor.

Beyond the discomfort of high temperatures, I am learning that there are much more severe impacts of climate change. The organization I work with is heavily involved in improving the livelihoods of individuals, families and communities in the most climate stricken regions of India including Northern Karnataka, Odisha, and the Northeast.

The water tables in Northern Karnataka and Odisha, I have come to learn, are in a state of crisis. Due to infrequent rains and limited rain catchment systems, the water tables have plummeted and become salty. Farmers now have to dig double the distance to reach the water table. Through my work on the finance team with my organization I have a glimpse into the economic devastation for farmers when climate change issues arrive. When a drought or heat wave comes, an entire yield can be destroyed and there are almost no alternative incomes options for farming communities. Furthermore, when water tables become non-exploitable or saline, the only opportunity for incomes for generations of families is destroyed. In the Northeast, droughts are an issue as well. But, there is also a threat of severe flooding during the rainy season that has the capacity to destroy most infrastructure in an area, producing a noxious and seemingly oxymoronic cocktail of floods and droughts.

This engagement with climate change has been deeply humbling and profoundly disturbing. I can’t help but think about all the frivolous and lazy actions I do that produce carbon emissions. For me, this is truly unjustifiable and necessitates an immediate change in my behavior upon my return. I hope I will have the strength and commitment to carry out these changes.

Update: The rains finally arrived and the city’s weather is amazing. Temperatures don’t stray from the 80s and gentle rains complemented by soft breezes close out the day every night. As they say, “Bangalore is ‘Bangaloring.’”