CLIMATE change is a critical issue that demands immediate attention. The mere term “climate change” may not be sufficient; it is a crisis, a man-made shift. Since the first human stepped on Earth, every anthropogenic activity has disrupted the natural patterns of our planet. During the initial periods of human existence, from the Stone Age to the hunting era, less damage was done.
However, from the agricultural revolution to the age of Artificial Intelligence, significant harm has been caused. Deforestation and disturbance of natural patterns began with agricultural purposes. The industrial revolution, accompanied by the green revolution, completely altered the natural cycles. The increased agricultural production has tripled the population, leading to the creation of mega urban centres, which later turned into pollution hubs. Today, nothing else damages nature more than these pollutant cities.
Similarly, when steam-engine-running machines replaced manual human labour, this severely impacted the climate. For running these machines, the introduction of fossil fuel started releasing greenhouse gases into the environment. Today, a large chunk of these gases comes from fossil fuel consumption, livestock, and computing modern technologies. The greenhouse gases trap unnecessary heat, leading to global warming. This, in turn, contributes to various climate phenomena. However, the most severe outcome is glacial melting and excessive flooding worldwide, which takes thousands of lives annually.
Likewise, the thinning of the ozone in the stratosphere of the Earth, caused by human-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons and halons, poses a significant threat to lives on planet Earth. This allows higher-level radiations to strike Earth, potentially causing various skin diseases, cancer, and equally harming the ecosystem, particularly marine life. These radiations sometimes also lead to heat strokes. Hence, thinning of ozone alarms the bells of danger for humanity.
Further, given the space limitations and shortage of time, I cannot cite other factors and engage in a lengthy discussion on the solutions to this issue. One solution, related to this issue should be climate justice. Just imagine, the most vulnerable nations to climate change are the ones that have contributed the least to global carbon emissions. The Global South is only suffering due to the industrial revolution of the Global North. Similarly, presently, inter-continental differences can be seen everywhere. Across the globe, underdeveloped countries are bearing the brunt of emissions from developed nations.
For instance, Mozambique in Africa and Pakistan in Asia contribute less than half of 1 per cent annually but are among the worst affected countries of their respective regions. There is a dire need to implement the principle of climate justice in true letter and spirit. Developed countries must assume the responsibility of compensating their affected neighbourhood countries. The “Fund for damage and loss” must be ensured accordingly. In short, action is needed “today, not tomorrow”. Mother Earth is crying and screaming that “Save Me”
—The writer is contributing columnist.
