Climate change has become an issue right across the world and many people may be wondering why this is happening and want know the reasons. It is at this point in time that each and every individual has to play a vital role in resuscitating our God given environment that is deteriorating day by day. Suddenly, climate change has been an issue on the agenda and action has to be taken.
Trees are heat stressed and the growing seasons are changing for crops in different countries. It is with this experience of climate change that will keep us working to fight climate change.. Let’s glance at the some statistics which enlighten the effect of climate change if we didn’t wake up to take actions:
Ø If no action is taken to reduce emissions the level of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere could be double those experienced in pre-industrial times by 2035.The risks of the worst impacts of climate change can be substantially reduced if greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere are stabilized at current levels
Ø At least 279 species of plants and animals are already responding to global warming by moving closer to the poles.
Ø Although total annual emissions from developing countries are expected to eventually exceed those of developed countries their per capita emissions will remain much lower.
Solutions at all levels
Reducing emissions-The primary cause of climate change is increased levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide which is produced by the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas to produce energy. These fuels are used to produce electricity and for transport around the world. There are many ways in which greenhouse gas levels can be reduced:
Ø Reduce your impact at home and work by replacing light bulbs with new energy efficient bulbs, unplug electronic devices when not in use and recycle where possible.
Ø Walk, cycle and use public transport where possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. We will save one pound of carbon dioxide for every mile we do not drive
Ø Switch to green power: Energy generated by clean renewable sources.
Ø Replacing one regular light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb will save 150 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
Ø Keeping you tires inflated properly can improve gas mileage by more than 3%. Every gallon of gasoline saved keeps 20 pounds of Carbon dioxide out of atmosphere.
Ø Moving your thermostat just 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer, we can save about 2000 pounds of CO2 a year just with simple adjustment.
Ø A single tree plantation will absorb one ton of CO2 over its lifetime
Ø Simply turning off your television, DVD player, Stereo and computer when you are not using them will save thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
All sectors of society have to play a part in activities that produce greenhouse gases. Solutions must therefore involve individuals, communities, businesses and governments, and action must take place at the local, national and international level.
Governments can:Introduce policies and legislation that:
Ø Support alternative energy sources such as wind and solar.
Ø Promote energy efficiency and conservation by businesses and households.
Ø Establish carbon trading schemes.
Businesses can:
Ø Introduce technologies and techniques to cut their operational energy use.
Ø Improve the energy efficiency of products they produce such as electrical appliances and vehicles.
Ø Become carbon neutral by offsetting their emissions.
Ø Save money by reducing their energy use.
Individuals can:
Simple changes in your energy consumption such as turning lights off, and using your car less can reduce your impact
Community Action
Action at the community level not only has the potential to minimize and deal with the effects of climate change directly, it also has the power to influence and bring about change in other sectors such as business and government.
Ø Calculate your individual/family/community carbon dioxide emissions, set a reduction target and make a plan of action to achieve it.
Ø Encourage government and politicians (local, state and national) to introduce emission reduction targets, and policies that encourage renewable energy. The UNFCCC (2007) has recommended that industrialized countries need to reduce their emissions by 60-80% by 2050.
Ø Encourage your local government to join Cities for Climate Protection.
Ø Protect trees and forests. Deforestation and land use change accounts for as much as 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Ø Organize a tree planting program Avoid excess packaging. Reducing waste will help cut emissions.
Ø Encourage schools to include climate change content in the curriculum.
Ø Explore alternative energies such as solar cookers in areas affected by drought, water may be scarce. Look at ways to be more water efficient and consider additional water storage
Ø Talk to your teacher or employer about organizing a walk to work/school day.
Ø Agricultural biodiversity provides resistance to changing conditions. Maintaining diverse seed supplies and being flexible in the types of crops that can be grown are key adaptation strategies.
Ø Raise awareness in your community – use a local hall or town square to establish a central information point, erect public notice boards, and organize dances, plays or poster competitions. Keep messages simple for maximum effect.
Ø Approach local media such as radio to include one-off and/or ongoing segments on climate change.
Ø Remember to share your successes as widely as possible - notify media, CUW and other local, national and international organizations.
With our innovative minds and refreshing ideas, I believe all can make a difference and that climate change will not just take place while we watch. We have to do all that we can from educating perpetrators of these effects to implementation of activities on the ground. What is needed is a combination of strenuous and persistent citizen movements and some clear and unambiguous examples of political leadership.
"Thank God men cannot fly, and lay waste the sky as well as the earth.
There is a sufficiency in the world for man's need but not for man's greed
There's so much pollution in the air now that if it weren't for our lungs there'd be no place to put it all.
Don't blow it - good planets are hard to find!!"
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