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Climate change - a term we hear about so often; yet our efforts to combat do not cohere to our knowledge of it. As the years have gone by, the earth continues to heat up as our temperature rises. The average temperature in many regions has been increasing in recent decades. According to studies, the global average surface temperature has increased by 0.6° C – 0.20° C over the last century. Globally, 1998 was the warmest year and the 1990s the warmest decade on record. Many countries have experienced increases in rainfall, particularly in the countries situated in the mid-to high- latitudes. This striking information speaks for itself - that the earth is a scorching wasteland, and we are both the cause and the victims.
Our human race is gravely affected by the extremities brought about our ever changing climate, such as droughts and floods. A changing climate would bring about changes in the frequency or even the intensity of these extremes.This is also a fundamental concern for human health. To a large extent, public health depends on safe drinking water, sufficient food, secure shelter, and good social conditions. All these factors are affected by climate change.
In relation with the climate change simulation that we played, the huge responsibility of world leaders are put into the picture. In the simulation, there was a distinct set of rules or cards which we, the supposed world leaders, would have to decide on. The objective of the game was to reduce carbon emissions as time goes on, and in correspondence to the others’ leaders common goal: to alleviate climate change. Of course, decision-making was not made in a breeze. In fact, it was served as a challenge to decide or choose the appropriate set of cards needed for the term of my leadership. Each card represented a law or rule which would supposedly target climate change - however, with big plans, come required natural resources and the negative effects to our environment (specifically, the emission of CO2 to our atmosphere). I found it difficult to balance the three factors (namely, popularity, resources and carbon emissions). A seemingly good decision still had its negative effects contributed to the environment - thus, it made me ponder on each decision I made. At the end of the simulation though, I was voted out of the office to my surprise and shock. It turns out that I focused more on my resources and carbon emissions, that I didn’t listen to what the people wanted or the “popularity” aspect of the game. I then realized that true leadership entails open-mindedness to your people’s voices, and cohering them with your ideas. Finding a common ground is also important in making decisions; as you are all geared toward the same goal.
With the occurrence of climate change, also comes the issue of global warming.
The effects of global warming are caused by the human emissions of greenhouse gases. These gases are trapped in our atmosphere, and keeps more heat in our planet. Chlorofluorocarbons and irresponsible human activities lead to the depletion of the ozone layer by up to 65 percent. What we used to think was a mere problem, is now something currently affecting and inflicting pain to the whole planet.
In addition to the various negative effects of climate change, Freshwater supplies may be seriously affected, reducing the availability of clean water for drinking and washing during drought as well as floods. Water may be possibly contaminated and sewage systems may be damaged as floods occur. This leads us to our next topic: water. Water is an essential resource which we humans, along with our living environment, hugely depend on. From keeping our bodies hydrated daily, to using it for our everyday tasks. The water on earth is used over and over again in a cycle. The water cycle, or hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water from ocean to air and land and then back to the ocean in a cyclic pattern. It is estimated between 70 and 75 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered with water, more than 96 percent of which is too salty for most human uses. Surface water and ground water refers to the kinds of water involved in the hydrologic cycle. Surface water refers to water that remains on the earth’s surface, in rivers, streams, lakes, reservoirs or oceans. On the other hand, groundwater is the portion of water beneath the Earth’s surface that can be collected with wells or which flows naturally to the surface via seepage or springs.
My water footprint is 2,587 gallons per day. On the other hand, my household water footprint is 25,857 gallons per day. Water is an essential resource which we humans, along with our living environment, hugely depend on. From keeping our bodies hydrated daily, to using it for our everyday tasks - clearly, water plays a crucial role in our survival as humans. However, do we know exactly how much water we use, or maybe even waste, each passing day? Thus, the concept of our water footprint comes into the picture. Our water footprint is, as defined, the measure of our appropriation of fresh water in volumes which may be either consumed or polluted. Since this gives us a brief summary or rundown of our overall water consumption, which leads in bringing about awareness in each one of us. Now, how can our awareness lead us in taking action? Simple - by using our newfound knowledge and information regarding our own daily consumption in determining the faults in our habits, and changing these actions. Our own changes may be small, but little does go a long way in saving our water - and our planet. Through reducing, reusing and recycling our water, we are able to make an impact in our own little ways which contribute to a larger plan of ensuring our planet’s preservation.
Yet, the arrogance of human race persists. Global warming has been disrupting our environment, our freshwater resources are scarce and limited - and people remain ignorant to this fact. What is worse is that the awareness is there — yet people simply ignore the heed of nature. Global warming is a serious issue, and we need to fulfill our responsibilities as stewards to prevent this. How? We need awareness to be fused with concrete actions, and powerful stands to be partnered with passion. Our words should never stand independent — it should always collaborate with our actions and plans. Since ours is a finite earth, there is no time for excuses or hesitations. We need to fast; we need to act now.
Our country, the Philippines, is not excluded from the harsh effects of global warming itself. In fact, the state of our own planet right now just proves how threatening and unforgiving global warming can get — it excludes no one.
Time is running out. We must all work hand-in-hand as we share the same advocacy, passion, and common goal in saving this finite Earth of ours. This is, after all, one planet — and we only have one chance to save it.
