ENVIRONMENT

Global warming

Global warming has become a fashionable subject these days. There have been repeated warnings from leading environmental scientists about the adverse effects on OZONE layer. Kyoto protocol was an acknowledgement by world powers, with the exception of the mighty USA, that it is indeed a serious issue. The recently released report by a commission set up by UN graphically brought out the horrors that await us, if we do not collectively take action to reduce emission of green house gases.

Today’s News

I read three articles in today’s issue (5th March 2007) of International Herald Tribune dealing with problems in Bangla Desh , Australia and Iceland face now, which would increase in intensity. Each of them faces a different problem, equally damaging, all due
to the same cause. The devastation outlined stirred me to think seriously on this issue.


Individual’s responsibility


What can we do individually to reduce the green house gases emissions? While collectively the enlightened nations and the industries have initiated some steps, there are many things that we as individuals can do.

They are:

i) Reduce energy consumption by switching off lights, fans, air conditioners, computers, and other electronic equipment like music systems whenever they are not in use.
ii) Use only the energy saving fluorescent electric bulbs. Phase out tungsten bulbs entirely.
iii) Switch over to CFC free refrigerators as soon as possible.
iv) Avoid use of plastic bags.
v) Install solar panels at home where feasible to make solar energy.
vi) Switch over to CNG for cars. Or buy cars with bio fuel facility, where available.
vii) Plant trees, as they absorb enormous amount of carbon dioxide in their life time.
viii) Use of solar power for drying clothes in preference to electrical dryers.
ix) Use of solar cookers for slow cooking.
x) Adjusting the thermostat in the Air conditioners by increasing in summer and decreasing in winter. Use of fans in the place of air conditioners.

If each of us attempts to do whatever is feasible, collectively we can make a difference.