Humans are a risk-averse species. The risk of accepting a threat is what drives us. They force us into an environment where we have to be proactive. We are aware of the safety precautions, so we are prepared to handle situations that change in the wrong direction. When problems come at us from the outside, we find an answer. That’s how we operate. However, the demise of our species and our planet doesn’t appear to be enough to worry us. The ever-growing effects of climate change don’t seem to impact us in any way. In terms of risks, we’re more worried about immediate threats than gradual hazards because “We are the last generation to change the course of climate change; however, we are the first generation to suffer the effects.” Yet, we’re blissfully ignorant. Aren’t we responsible for climate change?Climate change is among the most acute issues, and it is expected and believed that someone who acts against it won’t make a change, but If everyone thinks that way, the impacts of climate change will only get worse. We are aware of the nature of climate change and can feel the changes happening around us. But we are doing nothing and allowing it to take place. The media channels, newspapers, and social media continuously display the latest happenings worldwide. The effects of climate change are seen. Why don’t we think about it? Why don’t we make a change? We are aware of the definition of climate change, and we can see the changes happening around us. We do nothing and let the changes take place. Climate change is taking place right now, and humans are the primary cause of the increase in temperature. Greenhouse gases, such as methane and carbon dioxide, are generated in huge quantities through human activity and play a significant role in creating extreme weather conditions. Aviation is exceptionally beneficial to our economy because it transports products and aids commerce. The demand for leisure flights and expedited shipping services on a short-term basis provided by companies like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba is growing daily. The need for these services is foreseen to develop as costs drop. Aviation is an enormous improvement, but we must use it carefully by restricting its use for emergencies and crises. Today, airlines are using biofuels, which are destructive to the environment. Animal agriculture is a surprising factor in climate change. Animals involved in this industry require lots of attention. Large areas are cleared of trees to provide fertile fields for growing crops and feed for animals. The manure generated and the animals themselves create methane as well as carbon. But this doesn’t mean that we cannot consume meat. However, we must shorten it. Food waste discarded from the field to the kitchen garbage can contribute to a large portion of emissions worldwide. Animal products cause the majority of emissions from food.Fossil fuels have large quantities of carbon. Fossils such as coal, gas, and oil are responsible for most of our energy requirements. A majority of the products made nowadays are still packaged in plastic despite how harmful the use of plastic can be. Coal is loaded with vast quantities of carbon, releasing heat into the air. It is mainly used to generate electricity. However, alternatives like wind energy and solar power can be employed. Natural gas is also utilized for electricity generation. Fossil fuels are the cause of air pollution and water pollution in addition. Climate change has widened the gap between nations. The poorest and the most vulnerable are at the forefront of climate change. The developing nations must contend with the ever-increasing severe climate impacts to the detriment of their growth. The more developed and affluent countries around the globe are the ones to blame for global climate change; however, they aren’t the ones that will be the most affected by it. The least developed countries in the world require assistance with the financial resources and the technology needed to create a sustainable future without falling into poverty. The countries with the most wealth require vast amounts of money to combat the climate crisis; however, they also have an ethical obligation to do more to help the poor and developing nations. Since the beginning, the most significant greenhouse gas emitters were the large developed nations, such as the United States and Europe, that grew their economies by burning fossil fuels and emitting carbon dioxide from their homes, factories, and transports. They emit carbon and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere; however, other nations like China and India are catching up. As the world is burning, the officials and politicians are busy making a ruse.But, that doesn’t mean that poor people must relax and have fun together. The rich countries and wealthy people are the ones to blame for the current climate crisis. However, those who are comparatively poor contribute to the climate crisis in lesser ways, such as excessive use of plastic as well as deforestation, low-grade disposal of waste, and much more. Reducing these habits and implementing changes could benefit not only them but also those who are wealthier. Climate change is not an ‘I’ issue but a “we” issue. It is a fact climate change is at this point due to the emission created by large corporations, affluent people, and companies with prosperity, and the inaction taken against it by powerful and influential individuals. But simply accusing them of being the cause, relying on them to find solutions, and taking action is not the best solution. Developing countries, disadvantaged people, and every one of us is unaware of the extent of the problem. They are also accountable for fighting and acting in any way they can against climate change. Humans are exceptionally resourceful and clever. They can convey their emotions through actions. The climate change issue is recognized, and the human race is aware of it. They only add to the point when they do not act. To make changes, sacrifice is required, which is the issue.
The impacts and consequences of climate change are observed today. Heat waves will likely happen more often and last for longer, and extreme precipitation events will likely become more frequent and intense across various regions. As the oceans continue warming and acidifying, the global mean sea levels will continue to increase; This will have already begun to cause a catastrophic impact on human existence. Scientists warn that to prevent devastating global warming, we need to ensure that average global temperatures are kept at or below 1.5 to 1.5 degrees Celsius and don’t over 2° Celsius. Climate change is becoming a human rights concern because it is a threat to our very existence the climate change has negative consequences for our rights to health, life, food, water, shelter, and livelihoods. Human rights are our liberty to be secure. However, climate change could threaten our security through extreme weather conditions, such as heat waves, storms, floods, forest fires, heat stress, etc. The World Health Organization predicts that climate change will trigger almost 250,000 deaths annually between 2030-2050 due to malnutrition, malaria, heat stress, and diarrhea. Humans are also entitled to live in healthy environments, clean environments, clean water, and clean environment, all of which are affected by climate changes. The most significant impact is on children.
Today’s children are often thought of as the key to a better future. However, the current changing climates will likely cause them to live less than half their lives. Scientists have concluded that climate change is a fact that we cannot stop. We must fight the effects, set a model, and spread awareness. It is also essential to anticipate, adapt, and become more resilient to climate change’s present and future effects. There was an era when children and young people were influenced by their parents as role models. It’s vital but sad that the roles of the two have been reversed. Humans cause climate change, and it is currently getting worse. It’s not a one-time issue. We cannot avoid it or escape it. We must confront it. If we don’t fight it right now, there is the possibility that the same crisis will recur. The price of fighting climate change is a significant one. However, the cost of what might result if we avoid it is unimaginable. The strategies and modifications that we decide to implement must be long-term. It is essential to ensure that any new product that is developed is not just beautiful and easy for us but is environmentally friendly. Anything that is already in existence and can put our lives and the living things on earth at risk should be eliminated or modified with environmentally sustainable substances and help the environment. The approach to climate change that is creative is a sustainable solution. It is possible to solve problems with the help of creativity. We can use the new design to replace unsustainable products with sustainable products and find alternative products to meet the requirements. We will not be able to solve the issues in one day; however, it is possible to fight it when actions are taken today. If we don’t act right now, we’ll be owed an apology and justification to future generations.
(The author is EVS Lecturer at Govt Higher Secondary School Khellani Doda. Views are his own)
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