Editor,
Climate change is a big problem that’s affecting the world right now. It’s not something we can ignore anymore. Climate change has transitioned from a looming threat to an inescapable reality, demanding immediate attention from every corner of society. Its far-reaching consequences are undeniable – from the shrinking ice caps to the intensification of hurricanes.
It is time for us to realise that right now global warming is affecting even our small hilly state, Meghalaya. There is a saying in Khasi culture that says when it reaches the “ber” months like September, October, November, December; winter is here. However we are still wearing light clothing even though September has already reached.
While the issue has often been framed as a challenge for governments and environmental organisations, it is essential to stress that climate change is not solely the concern of these entities. Rather, it is a deeply personal and business-related issue that demands action at every level. Climate change is a complex issue with multifaceted causes, and both individual actions and the activities of big corporations are significant contributors to this global crisis.
The key thing to grasp here is that what each person does affects the environment as a whole. The carbon emissions from our transportation, energy consumption, and daily choices accumulate, ultimately shaping the world we will leave behind for future generations. Many individuals rely on personal vehicles powered by fossil fuels for daily commuting. The burning of gasoline and diesel in cars, trucks, and motorcycles releases carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Furthermore, in our homes and workplaces, we consume electricity and heat produced by burning fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and oil.
Big companies also have a significant impact on climate change because they often use a lot of energy and resources and are major contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Their complex global supply chains, used to produce and distribute goods, involve extensive energy use and long-distance shipping, which generates substantial carbon emissions. Furthermore, large corporations often consume vast quantities of natural resources, including water and forests, leading to deforestation and habitat destruction that releases stored carbon.
The urgency of the climate crisis necessitates comprehensive action on individual and organisational fronts. Governments can help make positive changes by creating new rules and agreements on a global scale, but real progress in addressing issues like climate change needs everyone, including regular people and businesses, to get involved and take action. It is imperative that we strive for development, however, it is of utmost importance that we prioritize ideas like using more clean energy, producing less waste, and planting more trees, these are things we can all support and take part in. When all these actions come together, they become a strong and effective way to fight climate change and its many negative effects
The fight against climate change is a collective responsibility that every individual must embrace. It’s not a distant threat; it’s happening now, impacting lives and ecosystems. We must wake up to the urgency of this issue, for the sake of our planet, future generations, and the very future of life on Earth.
Ilarihun Shangpliang,
Shillong
