Careful, It’s Hot!
Global warming has been the hot topic for many. Scientists and researchers predict that there are going to be severe consequences such as seeing an additional 250,000 climate-related deaths and 140 million climate refugees by 2050 as the planet grows warmer. In order to prevent global disaster, 195 countries agreed to prevent global temperatures from rising by any more than 2 degrees Celsius under the Paris Agreement in 2015. However, despite increasing efforts, the measures we are taking are still not enough to reach that goal.
According to NASA’s Global Climate Change, the earth’s average surface temperature has risen approximately 1.14 degrees Celsius since the 19th century. It may seem like a small number, but it has an immense impact on Earth.
Carbon emissions trap said heat on the planet and is the main cause behind climate change. As climate activist Greta Thunberg said, “The popular idea of cutting our emissions in half in 10 years only gives us a 50% chance of staying below 1.5 degrees [Celsius], and [preventing] irreversible chain reactions beyond human control.”
A major contributor to such emissions is the burning of fossil fuels.
Why Do We Burn Fossil Fuels?
Non-renewable fossil fuels supply about 80 per cent of the world’s energy. The handphone, laptop and television that you use are powered by electricity. Electricity is derived from such fuels. It provides us with heat, runs our vehicles and contributes to the industrial work.
How Exactly Does This Affect Our Earth?
When fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas are burned, it produces large amounts of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is the largest greenhouse gas in the atmosphere and therefore, results in excessive heat being trapped in the atmosphere.
However, what’s worse about this situation is how unaware people are about how they are contributing to burning these fossil fuels through the choices they make in their everyday life.
What Can You Do?
3. Reduce Your Consumption
Did you know that if the world consumed as much as the average Singaporean, we would need 4 planet earths? To. better use our resources, switch to energy-efficient home appliances and switch them off when not in use. Using a fan over an air-con also helps! Small acts like these reduce the demand for electricity which then requires less fossil fuels to be burnt. Take public transportation as taking the bus or train results in lesser cars on the road and less carbon emission into the atmosphere.
1. Know Who You Are Purchasing From
Purchasing products and appliances is easy but ensuring that they were manufactured right and not contributing to the burning of fossil fuels is something we need to take the initiative to do. Many brands or companies may state that they use renewable energy. However, we should always double check with research as ‘greenwashing’, the act of marketing a product or brand as being more environmentally-friendly than they really are, is still prevalent.
2. Plant More Trees
Preventing a problem is always important. But what if the problem is already floating above our heads? There are many measures to prevent the burning of fossil fuels, but we need to remember to reduce the carbon dioxide that’s already trapped in the atmosphere. Planting more trees is the most basic and natural way of doing so as plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the atmosphere. So, plant more trees!
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