Environment And climate change

“We Are The Saviour Of Our Own Existence”

Because of tyrannical consumption and constant interference with the natural environment, our planet is in grave danger. One of the biggest impacts of environmental depletion is ‘Climate Change’. Climate change can be defined as the long-term shift in the global climate having dangerous and fatal environmental changes. Global climate is the interconnected and interdependent system of the Sun, Earth, Wind, Rainfall, biotic and abiotic components of the environment, human activities, and overall reaction towards each other. If someone asks about the climate of a country, say India, then the average climate would be known to be hot and humid. However, the global climate is not limited to an average of the climates of a geographical boundary, but much more than that. 

A lot of us may not foresee the gravitas of the climate crisis, but soon enough we will pay for exploiting the gifts of nature due to our greed. Our ignorance has caused great misery to the environment, that in turn is backfiring on us. We must snap back to reality and prevent further damage. 

Climate Crisis and Causes

Enjoying the advancements of life has its curses, one of which is the destruction of our environment. Bringing forward the issues of ‘Climatic Change’, many organizations and leaders have spoken, yet we have now proceeded to a more chaotic stage- ‘Climatic Crisis’. Some of the causes of the Climate Crisis:-

1. Rapid Industrialization and Manufacturing Goods: The process of rapid industrialization involves the extensive growth of industries and manufacturing activities. It often leads to increased production of goods and services on a large scale, fueled by technological advancements. While industrialization can boost economic growth and create employment opportunities, it can also have negative impacts on the environment, such as pollution, resource depletion, and ecological imbalance.

2. Deforestation: Deforestation refers to the clearing, removal, or destruction of forests or wooded areas, primarily for human activities such as agriculture, logging, urban expansion, or infrastructure development. This process can have severe consequences, including loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction, soil erosion, disruption of water cycles, and increased greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.

3. Overconsumption of Natural Resources: Overconsumption of natural resources occurs when human demand for resources exceeds the Earth’s capacity to replenish them sustainably. This unsustainable consumption pattern leads to resource depletion, environmental degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Overconsumption is often driven by factors such as population growth, increasing consumerism, and inefficient resource management.

4. Unjust Distribution of Resources: Unjust distribution of resources refers to the unequal allocation or access to essential resources such as food, water, land, energy, and healthcare. It is characterized by disparities, where certain individuals or groups have excessive access and control over resources, while others experience scarcity and deprivation. This inequality can lead to social, economic, and political instability, exacerbating poverty and inequity.

5. Increase in Greenhouse Gases: The increase in greenhouse gases refers to the rising concentration of gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), in the Earth’s atmosphere. Human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes, have significantly contributed to the accumulation of these gases. The increased concentration of greenhouse gases traps heat in the atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change, with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems, weather patterns, sea levels, and human well-being.

6. Unjustified Greed: Unjustified greed pertains to an excessive and selfish desire for wealth, power, or resources without considering the ethical or environmental implications. It often involves pursuing personal gain or profit at the expense of others, disregarding social and ecological consequences. Unjustified greed can lead to exploitative practices, corruption, resource depletion, inequality, and damage to the natural environment, undermining sustainable development and societal well-being.

Contribution Of YHO

1. Encouraging Plantation and Afforestation: Humans and plants have a codependent relationship with one another. Where humans exhale carbon dioxide, plants release oxygen, and thereafter, creating an essential cycle of life dependency. Moreover, the roots of these green beings protect the land and soil from sliding or washing away, therefore, holding the soil together. Additionally, plants provide shelter, protection and food to living creatures. Taking a strong stand, YHO itself has planted multiple plants and trees. 
2. Spreading Awareness: In the natural world every creature is interlinked and interdependent. One should understand that the most prominent menace to the planet is our confidence that someone else will rescue it. Spreading awareness to diminish ignorance is YHO’s goal. 
3. Making Educational Opportunities Through Environment: Including possibilities for education through the environment will be thoughtful to bring out various forms of interest.  
4. Running Campaigns: YHO runs a considerable amount of campaigns to safeguard the environment. Movements like Green Movement, Clean Water Drives, and Soil Protection Drive are being executed with a serious approach. 
5. Unifying different communities to work for the environment: The whole world needs to come together to combat the grave situation of the environment. Only unity has the resilience to be the saviour of Earth. 
6. Emphasize Sustainable living: The demand for fancy living and luxurious facilities has cost the wellness of the environment. YHO urges people to make consciously better life choices for the environment. 

The environment and climate change are inseparable issues that demand urgent attention. The state of our environment, including the Earth’s ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources, is under threat due to human activities and the changing climate. Climate change, driven primarily by greenhouse gas emissions, is causing rising temperatures, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, sea-level rise, and disruption to ecosystems. These changes have far-reaching impacts on communities, economies, and the planet’s overall stability. We must take immediate and collective action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, transition to renewable energy sources, conserve natural resources, protect and restore ecosystems, and adapt to the changing climate. By doing so, we can safeguard the environment, ensure a sustainable future for generations to come and preserve the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems. Addressing the challenges of climate change and protecting the environment requires global cooperation, innovative solutions, and a profound commitment to sustainability in all aspects of human activity.