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31.08.2015 Opinion

Climate Change; A Sustainability Issue That Needs To Be Addressed Now

By Owusu Siaw Nana Yaw
Climate Change; A Sustainability Issue That Needs To Be Addressed Now
31.08.2015 LISTEN

Even though the term “climate” is a very familiar term known worldwide, it cannot be guaranteed that everybody knows what climate really is. Gladly, this article delves more into what climate actually is, as well as the many effects climate can have on living thingss and the natural environment at large.

Climate can be defined as the general weather conditions at a specific area or region over a long period of time. Such weather conditions that are studied over time in order to determine the climate of a region include temperature, air pressure, humidity, precipitation, sunshine, cloudiness and winds.

Changes in the climate of a certain region come with their effects on living things, as well as the society and the ecosystems in a broad variety of ways. These effects can never be tackled unless the real causes are identified.

It is sometimes amusing how some activities of man, turn round to affect them in a negative way. One example is the greenhouse effect, which is caused by the release of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas into the atmosphere in the form of carbon dioxide. The result of this is the condensing of the layer of the greenhouse gas, which in turn increases the warmth of the earth (usually referred to as global warming).

Additionally, effects of global warming include the rising of the sea level and the swamping of coastal areas. The thermal expansion caused by the warming of the oceans (since water expands as it warms) and the loss of land-based ice (such as glaciers and polar ice caps) due to increased melting are the main causes of this rise. Subsequently, the rise is sea level also causes the increase in the events of flooding, which leads to loss of lives and properties.

Apart from flooding, there are other effects of the rise in the sea level which are usually overlooked. Such effects include contamination of water bodies, including sources of drinking water. This comes from the overflow of sea water into these drinking water bodies. And of course, salty water is not safe for drinking.

Another effect of the rise in sea level is the threatening of wildlife populations. Many forms of wildlife make their home on the beach. As the rising ocean erodes the shoreline and floods the areas in which coastal animals live, animals like shorebirds and sea turtles will suffer. Their delicate nests may be swept away by flooding, an especially big problem for endangered animals like sea turtles that can't afford to lose any offspring. Their habitats may be so damaged by flooding or changes in the surrounding plant life that they can no longer survive in the environment.

In order to prevent all these effects from happening, there must be some measures put in place. First, there is the need to limit global warming pollution. Political governments need to enact new laws that cap carbon emissions and require polluters pay for the global warming gases that they produce. This message must be well publicized to the people, letting them know that the government will hold them accountable for what they do -- or fail to do -- about global warming.

Secondly, we can help reduce global warming through our transportation systems. We must choose alternatives to driving such as public transit, biking, walking and carpooling, and bundle your errands to make fewer trips. Choosing to live in a walkable "smart growth" community near a transportation hub will mean less time driving, less money spent on gas and less pollution in the air.

We can also help reduce global warming by personally practicing recycling in order to reduce waste. Do your part to reduce waste by choosing reusable products instead of disposables. Buying products with minimal packaging (including the economy size when that makes sense for you) will help to reduce waste. And whenever you can, recycle paper , plastic , newspaper, glass and aluminum cans . If there isn't a recycling program at your workplace, school, or in your community, ask about starting one. By recycling half of your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide annually.

One might ask that how this ever persistent global warming issue can be solved and how long this journey is actually going to take. Nevertheless, we must make efforts in trying to make the world a sustainable place to live, for both present and future generations. And remember, a journey of a 1000 miles begins with just a step. Good luck in our quest for a sustainable earth!

Owusu Siaw Nana Yaw

Email; [email protected]

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