How is climate change felt locally

On January 28, the world celebrated the International Reducing CO2 Emissions Day. Surprisingly latest statistics indicate that while the world economy is expanding, global carbon emissions remain at the same level. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), over the past two years, the global economy has grown by 6.5 per cent, but carbon dioxide emissions from energy generation and transport have not grown at all. This week, youngsters debate about climate change and its impacts.

Samiksha Ram: “Climate change becoming more alarming”  

Climate change appears to be getting more and more alarming and relevant as our weather becomes at times quite extreme and erratic, says Samiksha Ram. “Globally, this can be felt through increasing average air and ocean temperatures, changes to plant life-cycle, and the migration pattern of animals being impacted, widespread melting of snow and ice and rising average sea levels. It is however a topic that we all need to be aware of, as it does affect us all whatever matter the location.” According to the young woman, catastrophic changes, at environmental, social and economic level, become far more likely due to the increase in temperature and because of which, in 2050, we should expect 50 million more people being at risk of hunger while a thrid of all land mammals are at the risk of becoming extinct.

“We should cut the Gordian knot in order to minimise the effects. During the 22nd conference of UNFCCC (COP22), countries accelerated global climate action across a broad range of areas as they fast-tracked the political and practical aims of the historic Paris climate change agreement.”  To reach these ambitious goals, she adds that adequate financing, new technological framework and an enhanced capacity building scheme need to be implemented. These will support actions by developing countries and the most vulnerable countries, in line with their own national objectives. “As a personal contribution, here are some tips to save the Earth: save energy, save water, reduce, reuse and recycle.”

Haashim Bhugalee: “Growing concern for climate change” 

Climate change is at the top of the international agenda today, states Haashim Bhugalee. “Researchers are raising the alarm concerning the increasing global tempe-rature. Studies have shown that from 1906 to 2005, the average surface temperature has risen by 0.3°C; a significant figure in this case. The recent decades have been the hottest in 400 years, and sea level is expected to rise by up to 23 inches in certain parts of the world by 2100. Are we doing enough to protect our planet?”

The United Nations are campaigning relentlessly on climate change. “We are being urged to buy minimally packaged goods, to plant trees and to use public transport. Beijing has long been encouraging the Chinese to use bicycles when going to work. World leaders have taken commendable steps too. The Kyoto Protocol, signed by 192 countries in 1997, was heralded as the way towards a more stable climate. Unfortunately, the United States abstained from ratifying the treaty, and many countries have breached it since then. Development arguably occurs at the expense of the health of our planet. It is no coincidence that China and the U.S. are the heaviest polluters today. Another baffling fact on climate change is that some people are in denial that there is being any anthropogenic climate change. American president Donald Trump forms part of climate change deniers who believe global warming has been made up by agencies, and given momentum by the media.”

Hena Hittoo: “Reality is stark”

Hena Hittoo argues that climate change is getting worse. “There is evidence to prove this: sea level rising, ocean acidification, global temperature rise, melting of glaciers, amongst others. With the rapid urbanisation and the latest technological advances, we should expect the devastating consequences of climate change. Reality is stark. It is indeed true that folks around the world are trying to fight against climate change through events such as Copenhagen, Environment Day and sensitisation campaigns.

Everyone is talking about sustainable development, or renewable energy. For example, Brazil has one of the largest renewable energy programmes involving production of ethanol from sugar cane. However, before considering such endeavours, we should first consider our little but selfish actions which actually cost a lot. In essence, we live in a society of mass consumerism.” She states that as wisely said by Pope Francis: “If we approach nature and environment without this openness to awe and wonder... our attitude will be that of masters, consumers, ruthless exploiters, unable to set limits on our immediate needs.” “I believe that if we could apply those precious words to our daily activities, we could definitely build a brighter future.”

Avinash Dhondoo: “Everyone can make a difference” 

Avinash Dhondoo explains that climate change has been a heated topic among meteorologists for years. “Our actions today will become the consequences we’ll deal with tomorrow. It seems to me that humans have been programmed to think that they need to fulfil their every desire. In our conditioning, we have set up societies that rely on superficial needs and our lifestyles comprise of actions that actually destroy the very part of the natural world that we need to survive. Climate Change is a sensitive topic and the only way we are going to solve it is to become more realistic with our lifestyles. We need to take action towards saving the planet before we reach the tipping point. We now must work at the governmental level with each nation to make this a top priority in order to reverse global warming effects. The difference must begin with you in your home with your children. And the time is now.”