What is climate change?
Long-term modifications to global or regional climate patterns, particularly those that have been noticed since the middle of the 20th century, are referred to as climate change. Because of natural forces like volcanic eruptions, variations in solar radiation, and the Earth's orbit around the sun, the climate of the planet is continuously changing. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and agricultural practice's, which release significant amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and trap heat, are the main human activities that are responsible for the present climate change.
Rising water levels, more frequent and severe weather events like hurricanes, floods, and droughts, as well as modifications in the distribution and behaviour of plants and animals, are just a few of the many ways that climate change is having an impact. Agriculture, water resources, human migration patterns, and human cultures are all significantly impacted by climate change.
Change can start with you!
Carbon footprint. According to Mike Berners-Lee a professor at Lancaster University in the UK and author of "the carbon footprint of everything" it is:
These goods and services typically fall into one of four main groups for most consumers in developed nations: household energy use, transportation, food, and everything else, which consists mainly of the goods we purchase, such as kitchenware, clothing, automobiles, and television sets.
How can we reduce our carbon footprint?
1. Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights and electronics when not in use, and whenever feasible, use natural lighting to cut down on energy usage.
2. Reduce the amount of fuel your vehicle uses and the amount of carbon emissions it emits by using public transportation, biking, or walking.
3. Use energy-efficient modes of transportation: If you must drive, go for a fuel-efficient model, join a group, or use the bus or train.
4. Reduce water use by repairing leaky faucets, taking shorter baths, and using a low-flow toilet.
5. Eat a plant-based diet: Eating less meat, especially red meat, can help you decrease your diet's carbon footprint.
6. Reduce waste by staying away from single-use plastics; reuse things when you can; and recycle as much as you can.
7. Use green energy to power your home: Take into account using solar cells, windmills, or other renewable energy sources.
8. Plant trees: Trees help to reduce the impacts of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Why climate change needs to be mitigated
We are in the midst of an existential threat, thus immediate attention and action are required. Scientists predict that if we stay on our current course, the repercussions would be catastrophic, affecting things like where we live, how we raise food, and other necessities for our well-being. A 2°C rise may result in more heat waves, ten times more summers without ice in the Arctic, and the total destruction of the world's coral reefs, which are home to millions of species.
Main reasons why we must tackle climate change whether it be little by little at home or on a large corporate scale:
Environmental protection: Plants, animals, and ecosystems are all impacted by climate change. Combating climate change contributes to the preservation of these vital environmental elements.
Natural disaster mitigation: Due to climate change, natural catastrophes including hurricanes, floods, and droughts occur more frequently and with greater severity. Combating climate change can aid in lowering the hazards posed by these catastrophes.
Promoting human health: Infectious disorders, heat stroke, and respiratory problems are all impacted by climate change. We can enhance the quality of the air and water while also preventing health issues if we reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ensuring food security: agricultural productivity is impacted by climate change, which causes food shortages and higher food costs. Combating climate change contributes to future generations' access to food.
Promoting economic expansion: Sectors like agriculture, tourism, and transportation may be negatively impacted by climate change. We can foster sustainable growth and open up new economic opportunities by addressing climate change.
Natural resource protection: Combating climate change aids in the preservation of vital resources including forests, oceans, and freshwater systems that are necessary for human survival.