TIME FOR A GLOBAL REALITY CHECK

          (Photo: courtesy of Google)

Climate change is significantly impacting our planet, creating one of the most pressing issues of our time. Taking the steps needed to mitigate climate change is crucial. However, only by truly understanding the causes and effects of climate change can we start to make a difference to the planet. The evidence for climate change is all around us, and its effects have a significant impact on people, places, and wildlife.

So what's climate change? Climate change simply refers to changes in average weather patterns of a location( or the globe) and the related changes in ice sheets, land surfaces and oceans. Global warming. What is global warming? What is it all about? Does it contribute to climate change? These are some of the questions that do ring in people's minds today and yes! Yes is the answer. Global warming does contribute to climate change.

         (Photo: courtesy of Google) 

Global warming is simply the increase in the global average temperatures. Global warming occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2), greenhouse gases, and other air pollutants collect in the Earth’s atmosphere and absorb solar radiation and sunlight that have bounced off the planet’s surface. Usually, this radiation would escape into space. However, these pollutants, which can last for hundreds of years in the atmosphere, trap heat and cause the Earth’s temperature to increase. This is known as the greenhouse effect.

       (Photo: courtesy of Google) 

Climate change does have its effects and one of them is severe droughts characterized by drastic water shortages and lack of food for mankind. Such effects if extreme can lead to death if the respective governments don't act upon it effectively. Another effect is that there could be an increased risk of wildfires. 

Rising sea levels could cause flooding hence destroying life and property. An influx of pests could threaten agriculture and fisheries hence bringing about food shortages all over the world. 

     (Photo: courtesy of Google) 

Infectious diseases, allergies and asthma cases could become common due to higher air pollution levels. 

       (Photo: courtesy of Google) 

However prevention is better than cure. So what are some of the solutions that we need to take to curb such effects. Some of the solutions include;

• Power your home with renewable energy
• Invest in energy-efficient appliances
• Aim to reduce water waste
• Eat the food you buy, reduce wastage, and eat less meat
• Purchase energy-saving light bulbs, rechargeable batteries, and use a home water filter
• Be conscious about the amount of gas and electricity you use/waste
• Drive a fuel-efficient or electric car
• Cycle, walk or use public transport more often

By implementing some or all of these changes, you can tilt the balance of climate change cause and effect.