You and I are constantly changing, so why should the earth remain constant? The climate here on earth is constantly changing too. Sometimes because of natural causes like erupting volcanoes and ocean currents. But our daily activities are only speeding up the earth's ageing process by releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. So how does climate change affect you and me?

Here are the facts:

 

  • For one the heat is building up! (The surface temperature is up by 0.3 degrees in the last 40 years).
     
  • The 10 hottest years recorded have been since 1990.
     
  • An increase in temperature will affect the quantity of crops available to eat
     
  • A warmer climate will also lead to freak weather conditions leading to droughts and floods
     
  • Sea levels will rise
     
  • Plants and animals will wilt and die

    So what is it that we are doing wrong? For one we use too much electricity which means thermal power plants release a lot more greenhouse gases; we are clogging up the streets and the earth with emissions from our cars and buses and we are still using plastic bags!

    India alone produces 4 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions and the rate of emission is growing by 2 to 3 per cent annually.

    We have done our bit to heat up the world; now it's time to cool it down. You've heard this before, but now it's time to listen!

    Here are some of the things that you can do - switch off that fan when you leave the room. Secondly, by opting for a 45-minute jog in the park as opposed to a treadmill you save 1 kg of greenhouse gases. Thirdly, try a car pool for your daily commute. And last, but not the least, shut down your gadgets - don't leave them on standby.

    So, when do you begin making these changes?