The planet is loudly yelling as a result of serious global threat born to the unknowingly or calculatingly carried out human beings’ actions, and kindheartedly calling for help and to be provided with care and nurture as much as possible. Unquestionably, human beings are both the saviors and destroyers of mother earth, of course.
True, citizens of every respective countries, individuals and groups can play key role in mitigating factors that lead to severe climate change perhaps via being more mindful of the climate footprint of the food they eat, their shopping habits, how they get around, their use of plastics and fossil fuels, and what businesses they choose to support or not to support.
However, when people act collectively no doubt real change happens—and they can do even more than cut down on carbon pollution. After all, climate change may be a global crisis but climate action starts in everyone’s own home and hometown.
Undeniably, people have a responsibility to consider the implications of their choices—and to make sure that these choices are actually helping to reduce the burdens of climate change, not merely shifting them somewhere else. It’s also important to remember that the impacts of climate change, which intersect with and intensify so many other environmental, economic, and social issues—fall disproportionately on certain communities, namely low-income communities. That’s why leaders/governments have a responsibility to prioritize the needs of these communities when crafting climate policies.
It is practically witnessed this time around that all countries of the world are relentlessly working individually in particular and collectively in general to rescue the planet from the imminent danger it has been compromised particularly since recently.
Yes, the fight against climate change involves a global effort to mitigate its impacts by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and adapting to the changing climate. There are in fact a lot of mechanisms to push he efforts of combating climate change into fruition. Transitioning to sustainable practices in various sectors like transportation, agriculture, and industry, restoring natural ecosystems, replacing trees or forests whenever they are used for various socio-economic purposes, among others, can come to the forefront in due course of saving the earth from a range of threats and untold manmade and natural hurdles and related catastrophes. Besides, individual actions, like reducing personal carbon footprints, and planting tree seedlings and promoting environmental protection have also played a pivotal role in supporting the effort geared towards saving the globe.
Undeniably, every person, in every country, in every continent has been, is being, will be, impacted in some forms by climate change as the effect of climate change knows boundary. There is a climate cataclysm looming, and all people are underprepared for what this could mean. Climate change is caused by human activities and threatens life on earth as it has been well known so far. Surprisingly, with rising greenhouse gas emissions, climate change is occurring at rates much faster than anticipated. Its impacts have been devastating and include extreme and changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, mounting global heat and compromising human wellbeing. If left unchecked, climate change provoke mass migrations that will lead to instability and wars. So as to limit global warming to a meaningful extent, industrial emissions must be decreasing and need to be cut by almost half.
Urgent and transformative going beyond mere plans and promises are also crucial. It requires raising ambition, covering entire economies and moving towards climate-resilient development, while outlining a clear path to achieve net-zero emissions. Immediate measures are necessary to avoid catastrophic consequences and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.
The international community must act now, and move in unison to bring about meaningful changes in all aspects. As climate change is disrupting national economies and affecting lives and livelihoods, especially for the most vulnerable, prompt action needs to be embarked on it.
People of the world have to vastly raise their ambition at all levels to address climate change. As well witnessed here and there, much is happening around the world – investments in renewable energy have soared and constructions are booming.
Yes, the world must transform its energy, industry, transport, food, agriculture and forestry systems to ensure that people can limit global temperature rise. Besides, more actions are critically needed in order to meet the targets. Businesses and investors need to ensure emissions are lowered, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes economic and business sense as well.
The issue of effectively combating climate change should not be left solely to some actively intervening countries, concerned bodies like ministries working on the areas and other development partners; instead it requires the combined effort of all.
Everyone has to well aware of causes of climate change, the possible solutions they have to contribute to the comprehensive effort toward that end. The good news is that we all now know exactly what it will take to win the fight against climate change. Countries, governments and climate activities are making measurable, meaningful progress along that line. However, such a bold step and marvelous beginning has to be well nurtured and triplicated to every corner of the globe for game-changing developments in clean energy, electric vehicle technology, and energy efficiency are emerging every single day and have shown remarkable change.
Some of our strongest allies in the fight against climate change are the trees, plants, and soil that store massive amounts of carbon at ground level or underground.
At the same time, we need to treat our managed landscapes with as much care as we treat wild ones. Governments must make investing in clean energy technologies a priority and spur innovation through grants, subsidies, tax incentives, and other rewards.
Countries can fight climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to its impacts. This involves transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable transportation. Additionally, strengthening agriculture and land management practices can help mitigate emissions and build resilience to climate change impacts.
In a nutshell, the world over has to entertain mitigation and adaptation factors to meaningfully reduce the impacts of climate change. Mitigating measures like shifting away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower as this path is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions. Promoting electric vehicles, public transportation, and cycling can lower carbon emissions from the transportation sector as well as protecting and restoring forests and promoting sustainable agricultural practices can help absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and improve soil health. Besides, developing and deploying technologies that capture and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can further reduce emissions.
BY MENGESHA AMARE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 17 APRIL 2025
