It is an alarming situation for the human race…be the sustainable change or let the disaster become the permanent ace
Records are made to be broken, but breaking some records may cause millions of lives. The whole world is facing the lethal and impatient persona of nature which has done devastation everywhere. It seems like Nature’s way of saying that if you don’t value and care for the climate, wildlife, humanity, and lives of other creatures living on this planet, I will show you a glint of hell right here, and how careful nature looks when it becomes carefree.
The year 2022 became a surprising host of many vicious natural calamities across the globe
Data from NASA indicated that June 2022 was the hottest June on record, July was the 3rd warmest, and August became the 2nd warmest globally. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also stated that June, July, and August were the sixth warmest on record, collectively and individually
Who would have thought that heat waves in London will hit its all-time national temperature record hitting 104 degrees? The heatwaves became the cause for glacier melts in the Alps, and one of such melts became the reason for a devastating avalanche in Italy. Europe, North America, Asia, and any other continent all are facing the brutal side of mother nature. The past year (2022) was marked by three major storm events, including two in the Philippines: Tropical Storm Megi in April (346 fatalities) and Tropical Storm Nalgae in October (3.3 M people affected).
Hurricane Ian struck the USA, causing damage worth US$ 100 billion, making it the costliest disaster event of 2022. The Philippines is a nation with the highest natural disaster risk. As per the 2022 study, it was given the disaster risk index (WRI) of 46.82. India followed, with a disaster risk index of 42.31.
How is Climate change affecting humans, crops, wildlife, marine life etc?
Climate change increases stressors (like more frequent droughts, floods, and sea level rise) that disrupt ecosystems, forest-structure, and weaken the natural resilience of plants. Rising temperature levels become the reason for more wildfires, droughts, intrusive pest outbreaks, etc
Though, CO2 concentrations and rising temperatures may increase the yields of some crops the major commodity crops like rice, corn, oats, etc get lower than they would be in a climate-neutral scenario. All these changes ultimately affect humans by affecting the air they breathe (poor air quality), the water they drink (lack of minerals), the food they eat (reduced nutrition), and the weather conditions (severe weather scenarios) they are facing. Coral bleaching, dead zones, and marine heat waves are some examples of how climate change is affecting marine life.
What is the basis of climate change, and how can sustainable measures combat this change?
It is no one else but humans who never understand that their race toward growth & civilization is denting nature’s legacy. Most of us never had time to even think seriously about our choices, actions, and their outcomes.
Whether it is an industry, governing authorities, or a person, all displayed the placard to go sustainable and save the earth on a few special days like Earth Day, Environment Day, etc. But for the rest of the days, we all know the reality. We must shift sustainability from posters into our actions before it gets too late. We would be thinking of doing that. But how? Each complicated path has some easy way to go, and we require identifying that way
The common man needs to come forward with an uncommon approach:
A common man plays an important role in the growth of a nation. That man has become used to utilizing high-performing, low-cost products, and they are not fully ready for a sustainable change because sustainable products have a comparatively higher
cost with feature limitations. Sustainable initiatives can combat climate change when we become the pivot for a sustainable
shift.
Our approach and preferences in day-to-day life can play a decisive role in terms of climate change as well. Do you know how? When we start preferring a sustainable initiative, it becomes a trend and flows throughout the nation.
Here are some points for a common man which can help the cause smart energy consumption: Conserve energy by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
Use energy-efficient light bulbs, unplug electronics when they’re not in use, and consider
using renewable energy sources such as solar power if feasible.
Responsible usage of water: Conserve water by fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient appliances. Additionally, consider using drought-resistant plants and collecting rainwater for outdoor use. Choose sustainable transportation: Whenever possible, use public transportation, carpool, walk, or cycle instead of driving alone.
Opt for fuel-efficient vehicles or consider transitioning to electric or hybrid cars. Reduce Carbon Footprint through sustainable eating habits: Consuming less meat and dairy can reduce the carbon footprint because the production of animal products contributes immensely to greenhouse gas emissions. Prefer plant-based foods and support organic produce when available. Recycle and reduce waste: Recycle materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal.
Compost organic waste to minimize methane emissions from landfills. Support and promote renewable energy & sustainable initiatives: Investing in renewable energy projects, supporting organizations and policies promoting clean energy, and advocating for sustainable practices can be helpful. Educate yourself and others: Stay informed about climate change issues and share your knowledge. Engage in conversations, participate in local initiatives, and encourage others to
take action.
What should Governing Authorities do?
Setting emissions reduction targets: Governments should establish clear targets for reducing GHG emissions. These targets should be aligned to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Implementing carbon pricing mechanisms: Governing authorities may introduce carbon pricing mechanisms like carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, to control carbon emissions. It encourages businesses and individuals to reduce their emissions and invest in cleaner technologies and practices.
Promoting renewable energy: Governing authorities should prioritize the transition to renewable energy sources by implementing supportive policies, such as feed-in tariffs, tax incentives, research facilitation, and grants for renewable energy projects.
Investing in sustainable infrastructure: Governing authorities can invest in sustainable infrastructure projects, including public transportation systems, renewable energy infrastructure, energy-efficient buildings, and charging stations for electric vehicles. Such investments can create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and reduce emissions.
Encourage energy efficiency: Governing authorities should establish energy efficiency standards and promote energy-saving practices in various sectors, including buildings, transportation, and industry. It can happen through regulations, incentives, and public awareness campaigns.
Supporting sustainable agriculture and land use practices: Governing authorities can help farmers adopt sustainable agri-practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil health, and conserve water.
Bolstering international cooperation: Climate change is a global challenge that requires international collaboration. Governing authorities should actively participate in international climate control acts, and honour their commitments under international agreements.
What should Industries do?
Industries should take responsibility for adopting less-performing and costlier products for the betterment of the environment, ethical sourcing, and circularity. For instance, if the textile industry starts preferring natural dyes over synthetic dyes for textile dyeing then it will contribute to reducing GHG emissions globally
The Takeaway
Climate change is human negligence toward nature that is affecting humans, other creatures, and the whole ecosystem. This devastation of decades cannot be regulated in a day, but one day it can happen through our constant sustainable efforts. Don’t wait for any special day for your sustainable actions. Let your sustainable initiatives reflect in your actions…each day.
Read next Blog – https://www.yaweronsustainability.com/is-india-going-to-be-the-next-manufacturing-hub-2022/
