This is a common question asked by many people. Why is climate change happening and what even is climate change?
Well these questions have relatively easy-to-understand answers.
Climate Change are long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns over a period of time. It is a global crisis, of which everyone has a responsibility to step up. Climate change has an adverse effect on the entire planet as well as the global food supply. As global temperatures climb, widespread shifts in weather systems occur, making events like floods more intense and unpredictable. Climate change may cause severe drought in one region while making floods more likely in another. Many states in Nigeria are of such regions that are currently overwhelmed by a disastrous flood that is said to be caused by climate change. 1.3 million people have been displaced from their homes, 200,000 homes have been destroyed and over 600 people have died as a result. These devastating floods have damaged hundreds of farmland and homes as well as caused a surge in the prices of commodities. It has been said to be the harshest spinoff of climate change Nigeria has witnessed since the 2012 disaster.
Another consequence of climate change is the depleting state of the world’s food supply. According to the UN, in the next 30 years, food supply and food security will be severely threatened if little or no action is taken to address climate change.
Here are 3 of the top causes of climate change in our world today.
Food Waste
About 6%-8% of all human-caused greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced if we stop wasting food. This is something we talk about often. Food waste causes greenhouse gas emission which has a harmful effect on our ozone layer, trapping the sun’s heat and it is. The more food is wasted and fills our wastelands, the more greenhouse gases such as Methane, and the more climate change is exacerbated.
Generating Power
The generation of electricity and heat through the burning of fossil fuels has the largest global impact on global emissions, accounting for over 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90 percent of all carbon dioxide emissions. Burning of oils, coal or even gases produces toxic and powerful greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide. Renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar emit barely any greenhouse gases or pollutants to the atmosphere.
Deforestation
Deforestation is the clearance of woodland and forest, this is either done for the wood or to create space. Trees and forests turn carbon dioxide into oxygen, so when they are cleared, the stored carbon is then released into the environment causing climate change. Deforestation can also occur naturally which has a greater effect because of the fumes released from the fire. 15% of all greenhouse gases emitted globally is a result of deforestation.
Understanding the impact of these causes can help us prepare for the avoidable and better prepare and protect all communities. By understanding these causes we can create better strategies to prevent them moving forward and do all we can to reduce climate change. Many organizations are working towards reducing the effects of climate change through their solutions, one of which is Ecotutu, a cleantech company that makes a significant impact to reduce food waste through solar-powered cold storage solutions.
When we do our part to save the planet, we are ensuring a healthier world.
