K. V. Raju

Water and Scriptures

This collection of papers aims to draw lessons and apply indigenous knowledge, wisdom and cultural traditions to suit policy contexts describing the (a) role of individuals (b) communities, and (c) the state to ensure effectively manage water resources. Readers will discover ways in which water was conceptualized, conserved and managed. Contributions will also shed light on the historical, functional and futuristic perspectives of water resources management, and readers will be able to draw lessons and evolve policy guidelines. There are some studies related to scriptures across religions and their perceptions regarding ecological conservation. However, religious studies and their socio-economic and environmental relevance to society, more specifically to the current policy contexts, are limited. This book attempts to bridge this gap, in terms of learning lessons from the past to effectively address the challenges of the present and future. The book will be useful for historians and research scholars studying the place of water in different cultures, water pricing and water sharing; as well as ecologists and environmental scientists.

Water in Scriptures: A Comparative Overview

The current chapter to begin with discusses the evolution of water discussions across disciplines followed by the importance given to water across scriptures of Hindu, Islam and Christian religions. Drawing from the core chapters, this chapter provides an overview of common features that cuts across the rich cultures of these various religions. In summation, it provides a fair understanding of water in scriptures and its significance of culture and its relevance in current scarce water resources contexts.

Climate Change Challenge (3C) and Social-Economic-Ecological Interface-Building—Exploring Potential Adaptation Strategies for Bio-resource Conservation and Livelihood Development: Epilogue

Climate change is arguably the single most dominant environmental threat facing humanity. Its manifestations, particularly through rising temperatures, changing rainfall, sea-level rise and increasing droughts and floods have the potential to adversely impact natural ecosystems (such as forests, grasslands, rivers and oceans) and socioeconomic systems (such as food production, fisheries and coastal settlements). This is adding additional stresses to the ecosystem services which form a substantial source of income to the rural inhabitants. It is most proximate and inextricably linked to well-being, development and economic growth which are part of the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which ran from 2000 to 2015.

Rural India as Key Factor to Cope with Climate Change

The global climate pattern has been changing fast and observational evidence indicates that high carbon emissions and climate changes in the 20th century have already affected a diverse set of physical and biological systems (IPCC 2001; IPCC 2007a, b).