Climate Change: Myth or Fact?

Climate change is the gradual change in the climate of a specific place over time. It could be ranging from months to years depending on a plethora of factors. Climate change can also occur as an unexpected phenomena which the earth hasn’t experienced before.

Earth’s climate has been changing since a long period of time, depending on internal as well as external factors. 

Studies suggest that the planet's temperature has been on the constant rise due to global warming and is severely affecting the geographical, vegetative and terrain spheres of the earth. Even the smallest of a change can have a diverse effect on the planet. 

Warming of Earth's climate has caused some snow and ice to melt. Moreover, it has caused oceans to rise and changed the timing of when certain plants grow. It can be caused by both- natural and man-made factors (e.g. eruption of a volcano or the carbon emissions by vehicles).

Why do people think it’s a myth?

Unscientific claims and facts have been enough to instill climate change as a myth in people’s minds. Claims like climate change being a natural process which has been going on for millions of years and not any human intervention being responsible for the catastrophe. 

People think that there are no such impacts of carbon emissions on a large scale, no specific and sudden change experienced in the climate of a region and this leads to the denial of scientific studies proving it to be a real thing.

How is climate change a fact?

1. Global Acceptance

There is a global acceptance on calling climate change real due to the gradual changes experienced by people in different regions of the world. 

This globally-threatening phenomena has led to sudden increase in temperatures of the hotter regions whereas it has changed the whole sphere of the colder parts of the world like the Arctic, Pacific, Antarctica . Not only has it led to an increase in the temperature in those regions but also led to melting of the ice sheets of glaciers which has ultimately affected the habitat of that wildlife too.

2. Proven by evidence and statistics

• The rise in the average temperature of the planet has been by about 2.12 degree celsius, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and other human activities.

• The ocean temperature has been up by 0.6 degree Celsius with Antarctica losing about 148 billion ice sheets each year.

• Global sea level rose about 8 inches (20 cm) in the last century. The rate in the last two decades, however, is nearly double that of the last century and is accelerating slightly every year.

• Extreme events have been on the rise, the number of record-high temperature events in the global terrain has been increasing since 1950, which could lead to heavy rainfalls and sandstorms.

• The acidification of the ocean has been on a rise by 30% since the beginning of the industrial revolution. This increase is the result of humans emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and hence more being absorbed into the ocean.

Wait, do we have a solution to this also?

Yes absolutely! 

Finding an efficient solution to climate change is the current need, in order to ensure a sustainable future without compromising the future generation’s needs. From formation of international committees to organizing long rallies, signature campaigns and awareness by the fourth estate, a lot has been done globally to combat climate change.

But being a responsible citizen of the world we need to contribute on our own to tackle this global issue because “each contribution counts.” By using less of it, we can curb our own contribution to climate change while also saving money. 

Here are some effective ways each one of us can make a difference:

• Speak up!

Spread awareness among your friends and family and make everyone aware about the consequences of this rapid change. Try to be a part of organizations and committees trying to make a change in the world.

• Power your home with renewable energy 

Be mindful while selecting a company that generates renewable energy or makes people aware to install solar panels in their buildings, communities or localities. 

• Invest in energy-efficient appliances

Energy efficiency is the smartest and the most low-cost way to reduce emissions. While shopping for appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR LABEL which will tell you which is the most efficient. Buy LED bulbs which use up less energy than conventional incandescents.

• Reduce water waste

Saving water also reduces carbon pollution, that’s because it takes a lot of energy to pump, heat and treat your water. So try taking shorter showers, turn off the tap while brushing your teeth and switch off energy efficient water appliances.

• Drive fuel efficient vehicles

In India, fuel efficient vehicles haven’t been prominent in the automobile market due to less awareness, it is expected that by 2025-30 majority of vehicles will be fully electric vehicles which will ensure minimal use of petroleum and also will contribute to pollution control.

• Rethink cars, airplanes and automobiles

Choosing to live in walkable smart-growth cities and towns with quality public transportation leads to less driving, less money spent on fuel and less air pollution. Air transport is the major source of climate pollution.

• Choose your eating habits on a healthier note

Avoiding meat and dairy products is one of the biggest ways to reduce your environmental impact on the planet. Try to choose fresh, seasonal produce that is grown locally to help reduce the carbon emissions from transportation, preservation and refrigeration.

Become an environment avenger

If we do everything stated above, it will ensure us with sustainability in the future. We actually need to do the minimum to contribute maximum to the environment.  

Small change needs to be adapted into our daily lives which can actually lead to positive consequences for the whole world. 

The change needs to be within you and you should make your friends and family aware about the apocalyptic effects of climate change. 

So do you agree to be an environmental avenger and give your all to save the world from the end of the world, as we know it?

Arham Shah