Climate Change

“No challenge posses a greater threat to future generations than Climate Change” – Barack Obama, former President of United States.

Nigeria Oil Fire

What do you think on the issue of Climate Change? Is it a real threat? And What are we doing about it? Let me explain.

Drought in Rajasthan India.

What is Climate Change? Climate Change refers to significant change in the measures of climatic conditions lasting for an extended period. In other words, climate change includes major changes in temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns, among other effects that occur over several decades.

Our Earth is warming. Over the past 100 years earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.5 ⁰F. 100 years back Earth’s average temperature was 100 ⁰F whereas now it is 101.5 ⁰F. Similarly, at the current rate of climate change, 100 years after temperature may be 110 ⁰F. Small changes in average temperature can lead to large and potentially dangerous shifts in climate and weather.

Hurricane sandy in Haiti

The effects of Climate Change are clear! Rising global temperatures are accompanied by changes in weather and climate. Many places have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, severe droughts, or intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. The countries like Bangladesh, China, India, Ethiopia Cambodia have already experienced it. The planet's oceans and glaciers are warming and becoming more acidic, ice caps are melting, and sea levels are rising. As these and other changes become more pronounced in the coming decades, they will likely present challenges to our society and our environment. The countries like Maldives and Mauritius may not be there on the face of map.

Who is responsible? Humans without doubt!! Over the past century, human activities have released large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The commercial greed of humans has extracted more from this earth than it can sustain. Most greenhouse gases come from burning fossil fuels to produce energy. Other reasons include, deforestation, industrial processes, and some agricultural practices.

Manila Bay Waste

What are Greenhouse Gases? Greenhouse gases act like a blanket around Earth, trapping energy in the atmosphere and keeping it warm. This phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect and is natural and necessary to support life on Earth. However, if uncontrolled, the buildup of greenhouse gases can change Earth's climate and result in dangerous effects to human health and welfare of the ecosystems.

Bush Fire Australia

Climate change affects everyone. Our lives are connected to the climate. Human societies have adapted to and enjoyed the relatively stable climate since the last ice age which ended several thousand years ago. A warming climate will bring changes that can affect our water supplies, agriculture, power and transportation systems, the natural environment, and even our own health and safety.

We can reduce the risks we will face from climate change. The choices we make today will affect the amount of greenhouse gases we put in the atmosphere soon.

By making choices that reduce greenhouse gas pollution, and preparing for the changes that are already underway, we can reduce risks from climate change. Our decisions today will shape the world our children and grandchildren who will live tomorrow.

School Children Gardening

We can make a difference. We can act. You can take steps at home, on the road, and in your office to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the risks associated with climate change. Many of these steps can save you money; some can improve your health and Conserve Energy and Environment! such as walking or biking to work can even improve your health! You can also get Involve in a local or state level to support energy efficiency, clean energy programs, or other climate programs.

Everyday, at home, use energy efficient lights, insulate your home properly, Reduce – Reuse – Recycle wastes, use water efficiently.

Geothermal Power Stations

Drive smart. We can drive fuel efficient cars with right tire pressure and regular maintenance. Save your bills and help the environment. These small everyday changes can protect the environment.

As Mr. Jim Yong Kim, President World Bank on Climate Change said, “We have to wake up to the fierce urgency of now”.