Dear readers,

Weather seems to have turned strangely awry in recent times. Round the clock heavy rains, extended mid monsoon breaks, hotter days, increased cyclonic circulations, even in the Arabian Ocean–unheard of in the last hundred years–are all visible manifestations of something that is seriously wrong with our climatic regimes. Climate scientists point towards man-the deadly virus - that has turned the benevolence of nature into malevolence.

Farmers will no doubt bear the brunt of all such changes. Whether to prepone planting season or wait a while, whether to plant saplings after the first break of monsoon, which is at present prolonged or pray for the rains to abate during the harvest season – are all uncertainties that have been added to the already fragile agricultural economy. With flooded roads, reduced access to services and slow trade, urban India too has come to a grinding halt on many occasions. Does it amount to climate change in India? Or it is just an aberration in the climate cycle and at the most a temporary phenomenon? Are we more vulnerable to floods as we have seen in Bihar, Orissa, Assam and other places? How fragile are our coasts? How wet will India’s arid areas become? Climate scientists in India have been undertaking extensive research on many such issues. Shaping this special issue with the help of various renowned scientists, was thrilling to say the least. The focus is on findings and trends perceptible over a time frame that point with confidence towards erratic climatic behaviour.

Happy reading,