Global Warming

Global Warming – What You Can Do to Help

You better believe this before it is too late: You are responsible for global warming. Some people are still adamant in saying that global warming is a natural phenomenon. There is irrefutable proof that humans are the cause. Population growth, deforestation, intensive farming of animals under unnatural conditions, using machinery and biotechnology, and the extensive use of fossil fuels are together creating an excess of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane that have together raised the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere.

And how is this a serious concern? You have read in the recent past of different parts of the earth experiencing unprecedented weather: extremes of heat and cold, acute drought and floods. The earth’s weather system has gone awry.

At first this may seem like local phenomena. But these local phenomena have global consequences. One result of global warming is the melting of the ice caps. This, it is predicted, will cause the level of the oceans to rise. Some scientists say that the level could rise by as much as seven metres. This means that much of the land we live on and depend on for food and shelter will be under water. Like a double whammy, the other consequence of global warming will be increased desertification.

Will we feel the full import of all this tomorrow? Probably not! What we are talking about are the long term consequences. But to hide behind this reasoning is like burying your head in the sand to shut out reality. The ones who suffer the most will be the ones who will inherit this earth tomorrow.

When the super powers of the world are unable to agree on issues relating to global warming and decide on a course of action what can you do as an individual. Plenty! By doing little things, cumulatively you can make a big difference.

1. Reduce, Reuse, RecycleWherever possible consume. Whenever possible reuse. And whatever possible recycle. Use products that use less packaging and recyclable packaging. We know the extent which we are conscious of recycling. That consciousness is close to zilch. Teach people in your locality the importance of doing this. Merely by recycling you could save hundreds of kilo grams of carbon dioxide emission.

2. Use Less Air ConditioningIf you properly insulate the walls and roof of your house you will find that you will need to spend less power to keep your house cool.

3. Use Proper Light BulbsIf you switch to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs from conventional incandescent light bulbs you will find that you not only cut back the heat generated by about 70% you will also save about 80% in power consumption.

4. Drive Less Walk MoreWhenever possible walk. This not only helps you to burn calories it will result in burning less fossil fuel. If you must drive plan your outing in such a way that you will use the shortest/ least congested routes. For every litre of fuel you don’t use you will be emitting proportionately less carbon dioxide. Also make sure that your vehicle is also fuel efficient and makes optimum use of fuel.

5. Buy Energy-Efficient ProductsWhen you buy any product that is driven by electricity or fosil fuel, make sure you select the one that uses the least power.

6. Learn to Switch OffWhenever you enter a room you know how to switch on the light. But every time you leave a room you don’t turn off the light. Turn off the light every time you leave a room. It saves you money because of the power you save and you will reduce the amount of heat generated.

7. Treat the one-family-one-tree philosophy more seriously. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Their benefit to man is invaluable. Organize a community tree planting programme.

8. Solar AppliancesYou may not know it, but there are quite a few solar appliances available. Wherever possible use them. This will result in a lot of power saving.

9. Make the people in your sphere of influence aware of the dangers of global warming and the importance of the little things you can do to bring the situation under control and possibly even reverse the trend.