STOP CLIMATE CHANGE BEFORE IT CHANGES YOU
As the world is trying to keep its head afloat in spite of all the challenges it is currently facing, a global upsurge in temperatures seems to stealthily pose the biggest threat. There has been an unprecedented increase in global temperatures within the last 250 years and in the last two decades, we have recorded the highest. Global warming and Climate change is the biggest threat to life on the planet right now.
Global warming which is the increase in average temperature of the earth is the catalyst for climate change. Naturally, climate changes over time and organisms adapt to the new climate, but a climate change which is induced by global warming occurs at an unnatural rate and thus would have a cataclysmic effect. An abrupt change in the climate upsets the natural ecosystem causing a ripples effect, which may result to — the death of plant and animal species — a missing link in the food chain — the extinction of species.
Trees are said to be the lungs of the planet, and they serve that role to the best of their abilities. Green plants are carbon sinks. They absorbs carbon gases from the atmosphere through a process known as photosynthesis, in turn, they releases oxygen into the ecosystem. The oceans are also carbon sinks as they absorbs up to 50% of Co2 gases from the atmosphere, releasing oxygen to the terrestrial ecosystem.
For every effect there is a cause. It is necessary for the Earth to maintain a certain temperature in order to maintain its atmosphere and regulate surface temperatures. The activities of man however have given an unusual rise to the normal temperature of the Earth, creating an even thicker blanket of gases known as the Greenhouse effect. The burning of fossil fuels such as those used in industries releases toxic gases to the atmosphere. The felling of trees by man without replacement is to the detriment of the environment. Sometimes these felled trees are burned and carbons trapped within them are released back into the atmosphere.
As the activities of man intensifies due to high demands, his carbon footprint also increases. More harmful gases are released into the atmosphere daily, trees are being cut down without replacement, the oceans are polluted with all sorts of plastic and the ocean can no longer take it. Though it acts as a carbon sink, there is a limit to which the ocean can absorb carbon gases, once it crosses that, it becomes toxic putting the marine ecosystem in danger.
It is appalling to know that global warming and climate change are irreversible; we can only mitigate its effects and learn to live with its consequences. We can start by rigorous tree planting. Reduction of our carbon foot print. Use of alternative source of energy that are Eco-friendly. Controlled waste disposal system. Recycling of waste. Responsible use of plastics. Conservation of energy and responsible consumption.
There are no boundaries to global warming or the effects of climate change. We set a course in the right direction once we begin to take responsibility. Remember going Green doesn’t start with doing Green Acts; it starts with a shift in Consciousness.
#globalaction #climateaction #climatecrisis #climatejustice #facetheclimateemergency #IYD20
18 August 2020
-Imoikor Joshua
