Earth Day 2015
“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people. ” ― Franklin D. Roosevelt
Global warming and climate change are real and poses a serious threat to all living things. It is probably safe to say that most people now agree that the planet’s climate is heating up with devastating consequences. We continue to experience this phenomenon daily yet the global community has failed to garner the necessary support required to robustly address the issues of global warming and climate change.
Earth Day is commemorated each year on April 22. Earth Day aims to bring awareness and appreciation for the earth environment. Earth Day is that time of year when we pause and take note of the current status of our planet. The heightened awareness of Earth Day aims at implementing measures in an effort to try and reverse environmental destruction. Collectively we are all responsible for the dire condition of planet earth. We are very good at talk; however, we lack the fortitude necessary to put our talk into action.
Climate change has already had devastating impacts around the world, from typhoon Haiyan which hit the Philippines in November of 2013 killing thousands to the melting of glaciers in the North Pole which is contributing to the increase in sea levels which is threatening to flood out millions of homes. In other parts of the world the planet will likely be too hot for people to live. Clearly, we are in dire times and environmental action must be taken now to alleviate the pending destruction that is associated with climate change and global warming.
Most of the energy humanity uses is made by burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and wood. This activity produces what is referred to as greenhouse gases, such as, carbon dioxide which then escapes, rises and gets trapped high above the atmosphere. This heat makes our planet warmer, like that of a greenhouse. This is known as global warming.
In Jamaica, the dry seasons are becoming hotter and lasting a longer time. Warmer temperatures are associated with drought which affects our farmers, our food and water supplies. In fact, warmer temperatures may impact our national security. A country which is dependent upon imported food items to feed its people undoubtedly is at risk for social disturbance should there be a shortage of basic food supplies. There is clearly an association between having sustainable development and the protecting one’s environment.
Each one of us can make a difference in protecting our environment for Earth Day 2015 and beyond. We do not need a degree in environmental sciences in order to become wardens of the environment. What we need is a renewed focus to begin looking at the environment as being ours instead of seeing the environment in the abstract. We need to foster a culture of environmental awareness and consciousness among the population. The destruction of the environment continues to have a gendered approach. Most of the policies, programmes and plans associated with the annihilation of planet Earth are crafted in the minds of men. Despite having a female Prime Minister at the helm of government the Prime Minister cannot escape the patriarchal space she is forced to operate as her government puts forward any agenda that aims to protect the environment.
Sadly, in times of austerity issues of the environment are usually sacrificed at the altar of perceived development.
However, all is not lost, we can all go out and plant a tree and let our voice be heard. Some of us might prefer to lobby our respective governments to respect the environment by protecting the forest and water shed areas, as well as, creating green spaces in the battle to preserve what is left of the environment. Yet there are those among us who might prefer to use recyclable containers to store food items. There is so much than can be done. No one person can take on the environmental fight; it requires a collective effort from all humanity. Additionally, we need to teach environmental education in our schools in order to stir the consciousness of the next generation of Jamaicans.
The Jamaican focus on climate change should include coastal towns, for example, Portmore in St.Catherine, as well as areas of St. Thomas. The time is now for us to move swiftly and decisively in order to seriously address the issues of climate change and global warming even amidst our economic constraints.
All across the world, in every kind of environment and region known to man, increasingly dangerous weather patterns and devastating storms are abruptly putting an end to the long-running debate over whether or not climate change is real. Not only is it real, it’s here, and its effects are giving rise to a frighteningly new global phenomenon: the man-made natural disaster. – President Barack Obama
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