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As climate change intensifies, regions across the globe are experiencing increasingly severe weather patterns. India, with its diverse and extreme climate, has been particularly hard-hit by scorching heatwaves this year. These extreme conditions posed a significant challenge to people working on the ground. However, even in the face of such adversity, tree planting are providing hope and resilience. In this blog, we explore how our dedicated group of women in India are fighting back against heatwaves through the power of tree planting, and the adjustments that were made to protect their health and wellbeing.
India has been grappling with heatwaves that are becoming more frequent and intense each year. This summer alone, the country recorded more than 40,000 suspected heatstroke cases, with over 140 reported deaths. With temperatures in north India soaring to almost 50 degrees Celsius in one of the longest heatwave spells recorded, this has pushed the limits of endurance for many.
While the nation struggles with this prolonged heatwave, other parts of the country, particularly in the northeast, are facing devastating floods due to heavy rain. These extreme weather events highlight the urgent need for sustainable environmental practices, like our tree planting initiative, to build resilience against climate change.
Our project was not immune to these challenges. In northern India, particularly in Punjab, we focus on planting citrus trees, which DO not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also provide an additional source of income for local communities. In India, many farmers are trapped in low-revenue monoculture crops, lacking the funds necessary for future harvests. Our initiative equips them with fruit tree seedlings and agricultural knowledge, benefiting not just the farmers and the soil, but also empowering local women who care for the seedlings in our nurseries, giving them access to independent income sources.
In a recent planting session, almost 25 of our female employees were directly affected by the intense heat. These women, who are at the forefront of our efforts, are integral to the success of our project. Their dedication to the cause is inspiring, but the physical toll of working in such extreme temperatures was evident.
In response to the rising temperatures, we made a crucial decision to adjust the working hours at our planting sites. The most intense heat typically occurs in the middle of the day, between 11 AM and 3 PM. To protect our employees from the worst of the heat, our project partner reduced their working hours and shifted their working hours to the cooler parts of the day, starting earlier in the morning and resuming in the late afternoon. This change allowed the women to continue their important work without exposing themselves to dangerous heatwaves.
One of the significant aspects of this adjustment was that we ensured their salaries remained the same, despite the reduction in working hours.
As part of our tree-planting efforts, we also introduced a crucial technique to combat the harsh climate: mulching. Each newly planted tree was covered with a layer of dry grass. This practice, known as mulching, is an age-old method used to retain soil moisture. In the searing heat, the soil can quickly dry out, depriving young saplings of the water they desperately need to establish their roots. By covering the soil with dry grass, we created a protective barrier that reduces evaporation, keeps the soil cooler, and helps the trees thrive in their early stages.
Mulching not only aids in moisture retention but also contributes to overall soil health. It adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes, which improves soil structure and fertility over time.
As we continue our tree-planting initiative in India, we remain committed to the safety, health, and empowerment of the people working on the ground. The challenges posed by heatwaves are significant, but with adaptive measures and sustainable practices, we are confident that our project will not only survive but thrive. The trees we plant today will provide shade, reduce temperatures, and improve the environment for generations to come. Together, with the strength of these incredible women, we are tackling climate change one tree at a time.
From trees with love,
Ajmal Hussain Shaik
Digital Marketing Manager, Impact Hero
