WEATHER EVENTS & MEDIA:“EXTREMITY & RESPONSIBILITY

Abstract

Weather has always been a popular topic but in the recent decade (2001-2010), it has sparked
more interest and debate as the public has become more concerned about unforeseen changes in
our climate. Today everybody from a common man to a scientist is discussing about climate
change, global warming and recent extreme weather events which are happening around the
world. Since man has started his living nature had acted mysteriously and till day it has not
changed. But these days nature is playing a furious role. Climate change is happening faster than
we believe only some years ago. This is the most important challenge for this generation of
scientists, researchers and politicians. Every nook and corner of the entire world is traumatized
due to natural calamities at present. During the year 2010 Africa continent is facing drought
whereas the other three continents on earth vis-à-vis Asia, Europe and America are facing the
problem of floods. These calamities i.e. Droughts and floods have caused a major havoc in these
continents. The fire in the forests of Russia is blazing endlessly. The smoke clouds formed due to
this fire have disturbed the day to day life to a great extent.
Media plays an important role and has huge responsibility in providing clear and accurate
information to the public during a disaster. In addition to official emergency broadcasts, media
relay accounts for- 5W & 1 H i.e. Who, What, When, Where, Why & How?
Many news stories have long separated weather and climate change as separate entities, often
Bringing them together only during an “extreme” event. Weather extremes seem to dominate the
Headlines. There was also a time that saw the subject of extreme weather events rise up the
climate change agenda, with numerous academic papers, blogs, seminars etc. focused on the
issue.

India too is affected due to these extreme weather events. During this decade India faced several
extreme weather events like heat wave (2003), tsunami (2004), Mumbai floods (2005), Rajasthan
floods (2006), cold and heat waves (2007), Kosi flood (2008), Leh cloud burst (2010) etc. are the
biggest examples in front of the man today. These natural calamities are a result of the extreme
weather conditions. Isn’t it an indication of great whether change in the times to come?