Global warming is the talk of the world, not just the town. The Copenhagen Summit, seminars, lectures, articles… Every person today is aware of this term. Frequently changing climate conditions, melting of the glaciers, volcano eruptions are all a part of it. We have all experienced it in one way or the other. It has rained in summer, the weather is unbearably hot and humid, and there is shortage of water all around.
So much has been spoken on global warming in words, but has there been any action? We have made ‘global warming’ a part of our daily talk; be it with a stranger or acquaintances. What after talks?
Keeping the globe aside, let us think of ourselves and our surroundings. How many of us travel by local buses or walk a kilometer instead of hiring an auto? Half of us require air conditioned cars, even bikes won’t do! And a bedroom without ac is a total ‘no’ for many. One wants to keep her house neat and tidy all the time. Understandable and justified, but what happens to the waste? Half of it is thrown down from the balcony or dumped outside the corporation garbage tank, not inside.
Refrigerators have become a basic necessity of life; and one cannot find fault with man for it. Times have changed and technology has changed, true. But how far can one go when the entire universe is at stake?
Shopping, is something inevitable for any man, be it for grocery or clothing. And they come wrapped in plastic, one of the most hazardous materials for pollution. Half the content of garbage is plastic in most households. ‘Plastic is handy and trendy, who wants to carry cloth bags common!’ my younger sister grumbles.
Trees are being cut like there is no tomorrow. Buildings are being built, old ones being demolished and here comes another threat- concrete roads! The result is nothing but increasing humidity, heat and poor drainage management.
These are some of the things that we come across in our day to day lives and they affect nature one way or the other, directly or indirectly. When we don’t treat her well, how will she? ‘As we sow, so shall we reap.’
All of us may not be doing what is listed above, but it is true that many are. Instead of pointing out fingers and speaking on global warming, why don’t we act and let our actions speak?
Be it by reducing the use of plastic, avoiding personal transport for general needs, minimising the use of ACs, dumping garbage wisely or judiciously using electricity and resources, we can surely contribute.
There is no harm in making an attempt to make this world a better place to live; for us and the future generation. Let us give it a try, the minimum or the best that one can do and let me tell you, it will not cost much.
(The author is a student of Mass Communication and Media Studies at St Aloysius College, Mangalore)
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