UPSC Group Discussion
👤 Candidate 1: Anjali (Environmental Science Graduate)
Good morning, friends. I believe climate change is a more severe long-term threat than terrorism. It directly affects millions through rising sea levels, extreme weather, and food insecurity. For example, floods in Assam or droughts in Maharashtra are directly linked to climate anomalies, which ultimately displace people and create internal conflict.
👤 Candidate 2: Rohit (Former Army Officer)
Thank you, Anjali. While I agree climate change is a concern, I feel terrorism is a more immediate and direct threat to national security. We’ve seen how cross-border terrorism destabilizes regions, like in Jammu & Kashmir. It not only causes civilian deaths but also affects international diplomacy.
👤 Candidate 3: Fatima (Sociology Graduate)
Interesting points. However, I’d like to bring in a social perspective. Climate change often acts as a catalyst to terrorism. When people lose livelihoods due to floods or droughts, they become vulnerable to radicalization. So, we must see the interlink between both threats.
👤 Candidate 4: Vikram (Economics Graduate)
True, Fatima. Economically speaking, climate disasters cost billions. According to a UN report, India may lose up to 2.5% of GDP annually due to climate impacts. Also, terrorism, while tragic, is relatively limited in scale compared to global warming’s economic fallout.
👤 Candidate 1: Anjali
Exactly, Vikram. Moreover, terrorism is mostly regional, but climate change is global. No nation is immune. Even developed countries are facing wildfires and heatwaves. This makes international cooperation crucial.
👤 Candidate 2: Rohit
Fair point. However, the unpredictability of terrorism — like bombings or cyberattacks — causes widespread panic and policy shifts overnight. So both threats need parallel and proactive responses.
👤 Candidate 3: Fatima
Yes, a dual approach is essential. Strong counter-terror strategies and climate adaptation policies must go hand in hand. Also, education and awareness are key tools to combat both issues effectively.
👤 Candidate 4: Vikram
To conclude, climate change may have slower visibility but deeper impact, whereas terrorism shocks systems quickly. Our administrative planning must include both — through disaster resilience, diplomacy, intelligence reforms, and environmental sustainability.