Photo credit: DW
This year has been “Hot! Hot! Hot!” The summer months of June, July and August were globally 0.1 C warmer than any other summer, according to NASA, since temperatures were tracked since 1880. Moreover, this year 2024, has so far been recorded as the hottest year.
These facts, no doubt, are forefront in the COP29 meeting taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Conference of the Parties will have an opportunity to move forward with actions to tackle climate change.
While we can get updates on that conference, it is important that we, as individuals take actions to address global warming.
Here are some action based thoughts:
i. Consume/buy locally grown or produced foods.
This directly reduces transport distances and the amount of pollutant greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the environment. GHGs contribute to global temperature increase.
Locally grown foods are often fresher and more tasty. I and other gardeners can attest to that from the vegetables reaped from home gardens.
At the time of writing, I still have some tomatoes, basil, thyme and mint for daily use and storage.
ii. Cut down on the use of Single Use Plastics (SUPs), for example, those used as shopping bags and plastic water bottles.
Production of these do release significant amounts of CO2, which has been identified to increase atmospheric temperatures.
Moreover, SUPs thrown in garbage dumps take up to 1000 years to be broken down in landfills. However, they become microplastics, which further pollute the environment.
iii. Ensure that your home is properly insulated at doors and windows by weather stripping or caulking to seal gaps.
A properly insulated home prevents heat loss and retains heat, thus lowering energy consumption.
iv. Dress appropriately for the cold or hot conditions. This simple action will cut down on your energy consumption and bills.
vi. Walk when you can, instead of driving. Walking is a much more healthy option and reduces environmental pollution.
vii. These thoughts for action are at our fingertips and we do not need government, politicians or interest groups to always remind us what to do.
Furthermore, since these actions affect “our pocket book “, they are useful to try.
As we await the COP29 news releases, let us try what we can do to make our space on Earth less “Hot! Hot!” and more comfortable for all.
What do you think? What can you do?
Cleve Battick
November 12, 2024
