Climate Change and Individual Responsibility

The evidence is in. At this point, scientists who matter all agree that climate change is a wrecking ball headed towards humanity. No longer are they the Cassandras of the scientific community. In fact, sceptics to this theory stand out like a sore thumb. The debate on whether the global rise in temperatures is induced by human action is purely academic at this point. Many species have died out or are endangered due to their inability to adapt to the change in climate. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global conglomerate of organizations working to safeguard the natural world, more than a quarter of all species on planet Earth are considered ‘threatened’ directly as a result of long-term change in climate. Climate-induced natural disasters like hurricanes and tropical cyclones have started packing a bigger punch. Ecosystems have been disrupted, and food chains have been thrown off balance, leaving the chance of survival of many ‘safe’ species to a series of lucky breaks. 

One of the species threatened by climate change is homo sapiens: us. The United Nations is the leading source of information and guidance on climate change and its Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) finds representation of 195 countries. The panel releases periodic reports on the state of climate change in the world. The latest report, released in November 2021, during the Glasgow Climate Conference, paints a grim picture of our future on this planet, unless we act prudently and decisively to stop climate change.

The heavy lifting of reversing climate change will have to be borne by governments through regulations and incentives to change behaviour. Climate change and the related problems of air and water pollution are the costs of enjoying the fruits of human progress. Technological advancement is the proverbial tide that has lifted all boats, but has eventually come home to roost.

The second most important group of players in this fight against climate change is corporations. Companies, with their resources and their autonomy, are uniquely placed to take on this challenge. Instead of considering their CSR funds an obligation, they can take it as an opportunity to preserve mankind and save the most vulnerable from the harmful effects of climate change.

However, we as individuals can also do our part, which will go a long way in this fight for our survival. Since we all enjoy the benefits that rapid global growth has afforded us, it is only fair that we all take individual responsibility in solving the concomitant problems.

Here are a few steps individuals can take to arrest rapid climate change:

1) Eat less meat, especially red meat: A large percentage of greenhouse gas emissions comes from animal farming. Switching to a mostly vegetarian diet, which includes fruits, whole grains, nuts, legumes, seeds, and good old green veggies, is not only good for your health but it is healthier for the planet too. The nutrition author Michael Pollan has three simple rules for a healthy diet: eat food, not too much, mostly plants.

2) Save energy: In India, electricity and heat is primarily produced by burning coal, oil, or gas. A simple habit of turning off unused light within the home and office will result in a lower electricity bill, and will help the environment get a breather.

3) Avoid vehicles that burn diesel or petrol: The only exception to this advice is taking public transport. Although public transport uses fossil fuels, the individual footprint is much lower than solo transport. It has the added benefit of lesser traffic and more walking, which is always good for health. Less driving and flying and more biking, walking, and public transport, can yield tremendous cumulative results.

4) In general, avoid waste: Whether it is wastage of food, clothing, or electronic gadgets, every waste product is an addition to the pile of products that require precious energy to produce. Instead of replacing, see if you can repair and recycle.

These are only a few small sacrifices that everyone can make. Those of us who can afford it, can have an even larger impact by investing in cleaner technology for the home and office. We at Hamdard do all we can to preserve our air and environment for the future. Even our factories run on solar energy. Until in good time, corporations and governments, with all their power and might, step forth to rescue the planet, our tiny individual steps, no matter how insignificant they feel, will count to sustain our environment.

Useful Links:

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

International Union for Conservation of Nature

Sajid Ahmed