As the temperatures continue to rise and precipitation patterns fluctuate, addressing climate change is the need of the hour. Our actions are the main cause of climate change, and we better start doing something about it by being the environmental guardian that Mother Earth needs. But first, let us understand the reality of climate change.
What Is Climate Change Exactly?
Climate change is a term coined for a range of changes happening to the earth that are mostly destructive. These include global warming, erratic weather patterns, melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, fluctuation in precipitation pattern, increasing intensity of hurricanes, extreme situations such as flood, drought etc. Climate change affects different groups of people to a different extent. For example, people living in coastal areas, areas prone to drought, indigenous tribes, farmers etc., are more likely to be affected by climate change. In its Fifth Assessment Report, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change said that human activities have warmed the planet over the past 50 years.
Climate change isn’t just a scientific phenomenon. It has affected the environment, the economy of nations, the quality of life, and several key aspects to human life. Due to this, there has been a significant emphasis on research-driven policy changes and initiatives to help mitigate climate change. However, experience has taught us that it is not only the governments of different nations that should be at the front of the fight against climate change. But the citizens of the world have to also take on the responsibility to be the Environmental guardians for bringing the world out of this grim situation.
What You Can Do About Climate Change
- Do Volunteer Work
With the advent of social media, there has been a rise in consciousness about Green Volunteering. People across the world are standing up for initiatives like afforestation, wildlife conservation and are spreading awareness about sustainable developmental activities. Environmental volunteer work is no longer a tedious task for people; instead, they are passionate about saving the environment. Participating in beach cleaning drives, hosting cleanup activities at the local park or even just picking up the trash in the neighbourhood with a group of friends can contribute a lot towards this cause if done regularly.
2. Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
The 4R’s: Review, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle should be the motto if you are seriously thinking of preventing climate change. Personal choices can render a clean, healthy and alive planet for us and the upcoming generation. Avoid using motorised vehicles for distances that can be travelled on foot or a bicycle. NGOs such as Greenpeace, Friends of the Earth, WWF, National Trust and numerous other organisations are working to conserve the environment. Such organisations focus on restoring nature, investing in low carbon technologies and clean energy infrastructure, promoting sustainable fishing and agricultural activities etc. These organisations are driven by environmental guardians who work selflessly for a noble cause.
3. Every Drop of Water counts
Saving water is the most elementary yet significant thing you can do to save the planet. Some habits like taking shorter showers, opting for reusable items, shutting the tap while brushing teeth or washing hands, if adopted by each one of us, then we might just be able to fulfil the water requirements of all human beings. If you’re wondering how to become an environmentalistfrom the comfort of your own home! Big changes emerge from small steps. Bringing about a change in your lifestyle can really be a game-changer.
4. Minimising the Use of Fossil Fuels
Installing solar panels in your homes can be a good start to investing in renewable energy. Spread awareness in your close circle about the benefits of renewable energy by setting an example for others to follow. Reducing energy consumption by using LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs is another way to make a difference.
Summing It Up
Green volunteering provides exciting avenues. You can choose to work upon emerging technologies such as Electric mobility, Renewable energy generation/storage or can be involved in the business of Carbon credit trading. Bird conservation, landscape development, rainwater harvesting, promotion of reduce-reuse-recycle in households, energy conservation etc., are some activities that do not require much technical expertise.
Climate change is a grave threat to our future, but as they say, “it’s never too late”, so the least we can do is participate in the movement and contribute to making the world a better place to live in.