As climate change intensifies, communities around the world are struggling to adapt. A recent article in The Economist titled “Adapt or Fry: How 1.4bn Indians are adapting to climate change” looks at how people in India are finding new ways to cope. With over 1 billion people facing heatwaves, floods, and droughts, the need has never been greater.
The article shares the story of Sukanya Ashin, who had to flee her home after a landslide wiped out her village in Kerala. To reduce the impact of disasters, researchers are developing early-warning systems to alert communities to impending extreme weather like floods and landslides.
At Technology Exchange Lab (TEL), we specialize in providing free, up-to-date, user friendly information and hands-on project consulting to maximize the impact of appropriate technology in helping communities adjust to climate challenges. In India, one of the most pressing challenges is water scarcity, particularly in rapidly growing cities like Bangalore. Technologies ranging from basic ceramic filtration through solar-powered irrigation solutions to AI-based usage optimization can lead to improved water management and more sustainable farming practices.
Across India, communities are stepping up to tackle climate change. One such example is our collaboration with Jaya Organic Yohana (JOY). Together, we are working with Siddhi tribe farmers in Karnataka to implement sustainable farming practices, including vermiculture and innovative water-sparing irrigation systems. These farmers, predominantly women and highly vulnerable to climate change, are reaping the benefits of multiple technologies to restore soil fertility, boost crop yields, safeguard water sources from chemicals, and actively participate in carbon sequestration.
At TEL, we connect communities with innovative technologies that not only address climate change but also improve living conditions. While we focus on areas like clean water, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture, we also support solutions in other critical sectors, such as education and fintech. As India adapts to climate challenges, the emerging innovations will provide valuable insights for global solutions. We provide an independent platform for curating and presenting technologies from all sources, and encourage innovators to contribute their solutions to our database, aka the Solutions Toolbox.
Contribute, join, comment: let’s work together to create stronger, more resilient communities in the turmoil of climate change.To learn more about our work with farmers in India and contribute, visit our Project Accelerator. For further reading, visit The Economist’s section on Climate Change.
