Climate change is a result of the long-term alteration of the earth’s climate system, driven by human activities that increase greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, mining and others have released large amounts of GHG such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. These gases are causing harmful environmental, economic, and social problems, affecting ecosystems, especially the weather patterns and human livelihood. This article explores how climate change directly affects individuals and societies, stating the urgent need for action.
However, human activities contribute significantly to understanding the impact of climate change on man. The main human activity that generates these gases is the combustion of fossil fuels for energy generation. How is this possible? When fossil fuels are burned to produce energy, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. They trap heat and cause the global average temperature to rise by 1.5 degrees Celcius, as measured by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC). This creates greenhouse effects and increases the earth’s temperature. These rising temperatures drive climate change and affect weather patterns, sea levels, ecosystems, etc. Therefore, reducing fossil fuel combustion is mandatory to curb the effects of environmental degeneration.
Furthermore, these rising temperatures contribute to spreading of diseases like malaria and dengue fever. At the same time, the changing rainfall patterns lead to water scarcity and inadequate sanitation and aggravate health risks. Moreover, regarding food security and agricultural challenges, agriculture is susceptible to weather and climate. Shifts in rainfall patterns increase pest infestations and reduce crop yields. This further threatens food supplies, which leads to food shortages and increased prices that affect vulnerable communities, mainly rural areas.
While the impacts of climate change on humanity are undeniable, technological innovations, such as advancements in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture practices, sustainable transportation and other climate regenerating activities, can mitigate the effects. Combating climate change is a collective effort, and individuals can adopt several approaches to contribute to climate action. These approaches include religiously practising energy and waste management, adopting alternative cooking methods such as liquid petroleum Gas (LPG), walking, biking, recycling non-degradable materials, and many other practices. Also, encouraging the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power in homes, offices, and local communities is necessary. The government and other essential stakeholders must invest in renewable energy infrastructures to power local communities, schools, healthcare centres and farms to reduce climate change’s impact and tackle energy poverty.
Climate change does not respect any individual or community. Therefore, it is essential to harness efforts at all levels in every community to fight this common enemy –climate change!