Ways we as an Individual can Contribute to Fight Climate Change

Climate change is a term used to refer to the different cycles of weather which in turn impacts change on land surfaces, ice sheets on mountains and the ocean, which houses many living organisms. This change occurs over a large period of time and it can even take several decades or more for the change to be realised. Weather is a term used to describe the state of the atmosphere depending on its temperature, humidity, wind or rainfall.

Climate change leads to displacement of people due to natural calamities, famine and even lead to war as a result of fighting for scarce resources. There are several organisations that fight the negative changes and these effects are why we should advocate for a healthy planet and start to donate to grassroot organisations. The effects of climate change have been seen in many countries through tsunamis, hurricanes, floods and desertification and the following factors could help curb this menace.

Planting of trees to protect water catchment areas

Trees help stop negative climate change by trapping carbon dioxide in the air for their growth. The trees in turn release oxygen into the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide can be lethal in the atmosphere as too much of it could lead to abnormal heating levels, creating a pandemic known as global warming. Trees need carbon dioxide for the process of photosynthesis and planting more trees creates a channel for its absorption, creating a cleaner and more conducive atmosphere.

Also, in our day to day lives, we need trees for our survival. This is because we need shade for protection from the dangerous sun rays. Trees also act as wind blocks; therefore, soil erosion will be avoided. They also attract wild animals and different birds which shows that they are relied upon by all living things. Also, trees protect water catchment areas due to the fact that the tree shade reduces the rate of evaporation.

Adopt sustainable transport habits

In any modern setup, vehicles, trains and aeroplanes are the major transportation vessels - but for them to move, they have to be powered by petroleum-based products, which include petrol, diesel or jet fuel. When vehicles use these products, they convert them to harmful gases that corrode the ozone layer. The ozone layer is a thin sheet in the atmosphere which absorbs the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Therefore if it's corroded, it can be quite dangerous.

These effects can be counteracted by avoiding using petroleum-based vehicles and instead adopting electric vehicles and trains or even riding a bike. Vehicles should also be passed through emission tests to determine their viability in the environment. Also, governments should make sure that electric vehicle charging stations are easily accessible to everyone and develop the use of electric commuting services. This will impact positively on the environment and ease congestion in the towns due to fewer vehicles.

Put the 3 Rs of sustainability into practice

Reuse, Recycle and Reduce are the most important rules of life to keep and practice. Reusing is important because it cuts the wastage process as old things can find a new owner who needs them instead of throwing them away. Recycling is making new items from old items. This action goes hand in hand with reusing as it is a way of also cutting costs; and reducing is the action of basically using something minimally and efficiently.

These 3 Rs, if followed, will help the general public to reduce energy consumption and this helps in reducing gas emissions. The importance of Recycling, Reusing and Reduction helps in reducing the production of raw materials for the manufacture of goods. This saves the environment by avoiding emissions that would be released to the atmosphere during the manufacturing or mining process. It will also help in budget cuts as the extra cost of production can be channelled elsewhere.

Use energy wisely to combat climate change

Using energy wisely is very healthy for you and the atmosphere. For you, it is beneficial financially and health wise. So to gain from this factor, you will have to avoid using the furnace as it releases a lot of dangerous fumes into the environment and rather use a heater or air conditioner. Instead of using a gas stove, use an electric stove. Also, make sure to unplug all electric appliances if they are not in use.

Avoid processed foods

First, processed foods come in plastic or polythene bags which are very harmful to the environment when it comes to the bags' production or handling. This is because when plastic bags are in the soil, they release toxic chemicals gradually. Also, animals and babies may choke on them if left carelessly. Food processing plants, on the other hand, create a lot of waste because of the technological advancements of the industries that process these foods, which is quite dangerous.

Convince your friends to behave sustainably

We often ignore the perils of living in a dirty environment, probably thinking it's not our job to clean it. Little do we realise that this harsh environment affects us gradually and may give us permanent sicknesses which spread through future generations. An example of the negative effects of the environment is seen to date in the aftermath of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki nuclear bombings, which has led to the rise of many birth defects that run through generations.

Therefore, each of us has a duty to make sure that everywhere we are staying is clean and habitable. Groups may be formed across the neighbourhood and you can even initiate clean up days to facilitate cleanliness. We should make sure to create awareness in society through various platforms such as through local area news or magazines so that everyone joins to fight the negative climate change. The government should ensure these guidelines are followed for safe living.

Conclusion about climate change

It is conclusive to state that the environment plays a huge part in our day to day lives and when you practice recycling, you may save yourself some extra expense and most importantly, end up saving a lot of wastage that could impact the environment negatively. It is important to practice the 3 Rs as they may serve as a guide to keep yourself on the guidelines for keeping the environment clean. Let's advocate for a healthy planet!