Hope in the time of Coronavirus: Time to take steps against climate change

“This is the biggest crisis humanity has ever faced. This is not something you can like on Facebook.” - Greta Thunberg

It's never too late to make an attempt at preserving nature’s finest gifts. Recently, given the catastrophic bush fires in Australia and the Amazon rainforest fires, I began to think of ways to shed light upon the importance of controlling climate change to those of you who are unaware and the ways in which we can all bring about a change to the environment, which is the intention with which I set out to write this article.

It is true to say that as far as statistical figures go, there has been permanent damage to several parts of the biosphere and that global warming rates are higher than ever before. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says an average rise of 1.5°C may put 20-30% of species on the planet at risk of extinction.

In 2019 alone, across Australia, an area about the size of South Korea, roughly 46 million acres, has had raging wildfires. At least 33 people are dead, including at least three volunteer firefighters, and more are missing. Around 3,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged. Furthermore, the ongoing forest fires in the Amazon rainforest, home to the most diverse species of trees and animals, has approximately 16,000 active fire spots. A total of 9,060 square kilometres of area has been burned, along with the several acres that continue to burn due to its ongoing status.

The Amazon rainforest holds the equivalent of 10 years’ worth of global greenhouse gas emissions, and due to its diminishing size it is approaching its tipping point beyond which over the next 30 years 200 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide would be released into the atmosphere.

Together, the effects of both these fires has led to a drastic change in the climate as average temperatures across the world are forecasted to rise due to global warming. The warmest summer in June and July have been recorded in most parts of the Northern hemisphere while the warmest winters have been recorded across the Southern hemisphere.

Despite the afore-mentioned events, there is still hope. Hope that remains not to reverse the past mistakes and accidents but hope that we can help carve a greener future within which the horrific effects of global warming and climate change can be eradicated or at least reduced.

The United Nations has been taking serious action towards curbing climate change by beginning to adding it as the 13th sustainable development goal under “climate action.” Moreover, the Secretary Seneral in 2018 organised the Paris Agreement which was ratified by 175 parties and 10 developing countries submitted their first iteration of their national adaptation plans for responding to climate change. To quote the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, “I am hopeful.”

As leaders across the world begin to take stronger action and initiative, at the same time it has been eye opening and inspiring to see young activists such as Greta Thunberg raise their voices against climate change and urge needful action to be taken in several countries across the world.

As the British journalist and author, Simon Kuper recently wrote, “The Coronavirus has achieved something that government policies and moral awakening couldn’t. It is pushing us into green living”. Covid-19 has probably done more for environmental recuperation in a shorter time span than any government or civil measures have managed. We have just come to the end of the wettest March in living memory.

Delhi has had record rainfall and is witnessing a rare spring with clear blue skies, bird songs in the morning and stars at night, thanks to the lockdown. Delhi has not been prettier or healthier in a long time just because of control carbon emissions. This blessing in disguise should stay with us as much as the joy of staying indoors with families.

While a positive change is nevertheless on its way there are certain steps I would urge the readers to take, as every little contribution would be crucial to resolving a bigger goal. Begin by spreading awareness amongst those unaware about the issues and importance of understanding climate change. Moreover, act upon the issue and try to involve yourself in “go green” initiatives which could be as simple as distributing plant samples or planting trees, which play a huge role in reducing the co2 emissions.

To conclude I would like to quote and say, “I don’t want your hope. I want you to be hopeful. I want you to panic… and act as if the house was on fire.”