TOPIC 8: CLIMATE CHANGE

As years passed by, climate was viewed as a good thing. However, due to some circumstances
where the people themselves are liable, changed the views about climate. The first thing came to the
mind of most people when talking about climate is climate change. Climate change is a phenomenon
wherein
A. The different types of greenhouse gases

Greenhouse gases are gases that can trap heat and these are water vapors, carbon dioxide, methane,
ozone, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons. They get their name from greenhouses. A greenhouse is
full of windows that let in sunlight. That sunlight creates warmth. The big trick of a greenhouse is that it
doesn’t let that warmth escape.

That’s exactly how greenhouse gases act. They let sunlight pass through the atmosphere, but they
prevent the heat that the sunlight brings from leaving the atmosphere. Overall, greenhouse gases are a
good thing. Without them, our planet would be too cold, and life as we know it would not exist. But
there can be too much of a good thing. Scientists are worried that human activities are adding too much
of these gases to the atmosphere.

B. Ten Sources of Air Pollutants

The rising number of air pollutants has made breathing fresh, clean air next to impossible. Causes of air
pollution have left everyone worried about their health.

As pollutants in the air cannot be seen with our naked eyes, we don’t realize the sources of the
increasing pollution level. In order to understand the sources of air pollution, we need to first go
through the basic causes of air pollution.

1. The Burning of Fossil Fuels

Most of the air pollution takes place due to the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, gasoline to
produce energy for electricity or transportation. The release of carbon monoxide in high level indicates
how much fossil fuel is burned. This also emits other toxic pollutants in the air. Inhaling air induced with
pollutants due to the burning of natural gas and fossil fuel reduces heart’s ability to pump enough
oxygen causing one to suffer respiratory illness.

2. Industrial Emission

Industrial activities emit several pollutants in the air that affects the air quality more than we can even
imagine. Particulate matter 2.5 and 10, Nitrogen dioxide, Sulfur dioxide, and carbon monoxide are key
pollutants that are emitted from industries that use coal and wood as their primary energy source for
production of their goods. Industrial pollution effects associated with your health can range from
irritation in your eyes and throat to breathing issues, at times can even lead to chronic illness.

3. Indoor Air Pollution

Use of toxic products also called as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), inadequate ventilation, uneven
temperature, and humidity level can cause indoor air pollution, whether you are in office, school or at
your comfortable home. House air pollution can take place due to ignorant factors, for instance,
smoking tobacco inside a room or leaving mold infected wall untreated. Use of wood stove or space
heaters is capable to increase the humidity level which can directly affect the health a person in no time.

4. Wildfires

Climate change is not just increasing wildfire but also spiking air pollution. Burning stubble and farm
residue is also a major contribution to wildfire. It causes increased PM 2.5 in the air which collides with
other harmful substances like chemical gas and pollen creating smog. Smog makes the air hazy and
people find it difficult to breathe.

5. Microbial Decaying Process

Manufacturing, chemical, and textiles industries release a large number of carbon monoxides,
hydrocarbons, chemicals and organic compounds which contaminate our environment. Bacteria and
fungi play a fundamental role in the biogeochemical cycles in nature. They are the key indicators of
abnormal environmental conditions. Decaying of these microorganisms present in the surrounding
releases methane gas which is highly toxic. Breathing toxic gas like methane may lead to death.

6. Transportation

There is no denying that vehicle pollution is the major contributor to air pollution, especially in urban
cities. When the car burns gasoline, it emits pollutants in the air which is as harmful as smoking 10
cigarettes a day. Your vehicle emits carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, and particulate
matter. When the vehicle pollution is high in the atmosphere, it creates a hole in the ozone layer
contributing to smog and causing various health issues.

7. Open Burning of Garbage Waste

Open burning of garbage is much more harmful to your health and the environment than one may think.
As per Engage EPW, Delhi Air Pollution is choking public health. Delhi generates a whopping 9500 tons of
waste every day, which makes it India’s second waste dumping city. Exposure to open burning of
garbage waste can pose serious health risk including cancer, liver issues, impairment of immune system,
reproductive functions; can also affect the developing nervous system.

8. Construction and Demolition

During clean air act movement, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) registered the highest
number of air pollution complaints in the Delhi NCR due to construction and demolition activities. With
the rise of population in the city, construction and demolition is a part of the ever going development
phase of the national capital. Several construction sites and raw materials such as bricks and concrete
cause haze and foul air which is hazardous for the people especially, children and elderly citizens.

9. Agricultural Activities

Agricultural activities have had a serious impact on the decreasing air quality. To begin with pesticides
and fertilizers are the main source to contaminate the surrounding air. Nowadays, pesticides and
fertilizers are mixed with new invasive species which are not found in nature, for quick growth of the
crops and vegetation. Once they are sprayed over, the smell and the effect of the pesticides are left in
the air. Some mix with water and some seeps into the ground which not only destroys the crops but also
causes numerous health-related issues.

10. Use of chemical and synthetic products

Talking about air pollution, we always consider outdoor air pollution dangerous for our lives but never
talk about indoor air pollution. Household products cause indoor air pollution which is 10 times more
harmful than outdoor air pollution. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in paints, cleaners and
personal care products such as perfume and deodorants are a reason for common heath issues. Risks
like asthma or other respiratory issues and lung disease are other issues cause by inhaling poor house air
quality.

C. Effect of Climate Change on our health

Climate change, together with other natural and human-made health stressors, influences human health
and disease in numerous ways. Some existing health threats will intensify and new health threats will
emerge. Not everyone is equally at risk. Important considerations include age, economic resources, and
location.
In the U.S., public health can be affected by disruptions of physical, biological, and ecological systems,
including disturbances originating here and elsewhere. The health effects of these disruptions include
increased respiratory and cardiovascular disease, injuries and premature deaths related to extreme
weather events, changes in the prevalence and geographical distribution of food- and water-borne
illnesses and other infectious diseases, and threats to mental health.

D. List of things you can do to reduce climate change

As the world warms, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense, sea levels are
rising, prolonged droughts are putting pressure on food crops, and many animal and plant species are
being driven to extinction. It’s hard to imagine what we as individuals can do to resolve a problem of this
scale and severity.

TEN WAYS YOU CAN HELP FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

Solar panel installation crew

1. Urge government to take bold, ambitious climate action now

Leading up to the next international climate conference in Glasgow in December 2021, Canada must act
with urgency and ambition.  We now have a climate plan and accountability legislation, but neither is
strong enough to meet our goals. We need:

a bolder emissions reduction target to ensure we don’t surpass 1.5 C warming

a more ambitious plan to meet those targets

stronger legal accountability (Bill C-12) to ensure current and subsequent governments follow through
on their commitments.

Bold climate action is possible when we work together.

2. Use energy wisely — and save money too!

Canada is the top per-capita energy consumer in the world! By becoming more energy-efficient, you not
only pollute less but save money too.

Consider making some or all of these small changes. Together, they can really add up.
A house with a furnace is like a car that idles all day. Swap your furnace for a heat pump, which works by
extracting heat from one location and transferring it to another

Install a programmable thermostat

Swap your gas stove for an electric stove, which will also lower indoor air pollution

Unplug computers, TVs and other electronics when you’re not using them

Wash clothes in cold water. Hang-dry your clothes when you can and use  dryer balls  when you can’t

Look for the Energy Star label when buying new appliances

Winterize your home to prevent heat from escaping and try to keep it cool in the summer without an air
conditioner

Change to energy-efficient light bulbs

Get a home or workplace energy audit to identify where you can make the most energy-saving gains

3. Get charged up with renewables

The global push for cleaner, healthier energy is on. With costs dropping every day, renewable energy is
the best choice for the environment and the economy.

People throughout Canada are leading the renewable energy transition, making a big difference in
towns, cities and rural areas. Get inspired by their joyful stories of getting charged up with renewables.

4. Eat for a climate-stable planet

The decisions we make about food can have a profound effect on the environment. Here are four simple
ways you can make your diet more climate-friendly.

Eat more meat-free meals

Buy organic and local whenever possible

Don’t waste food

Grow your own

Get more info on how to eat for the climate and how eating less meat will reduce Earth’s heat.

Fun fact: You can also help save the planet by eating insects!

5. Start a climate conversation

Solving climate change requires us all to work together. We can’t do that without finding common
ground with those who may not share our perspective.

Since people often trust peers, family members and loved ones more than they trust experts, scientists
and environmental organizations, you can talk to people about climate change in ways we can’t. You are
more likely to open people’s minds.

Learn from CliMate, a fun and interactive chatbot that teaches you how to have conversations about
climate change that decrease divisiveness and help cultivate empathy and find common ground.
Overcoming polarization is key to moving forward on climate solutions.

6. Green your commute

In Canada, transportation accounts for 24 per cent of climate-polluting emissions, a close second to the
oil and gas industry.

The many ways to reduce your transportation emissions will also make you healthier, happier and save
you a few bucks. Whenever and wherever you can:

Take public transit

Ride a bike or advocate for bike lanes in your community

Car-share
If you have a large, inefficient vehicle, retire it and switch to an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle

Fly less (if you do fly, make sure you offset your emissions)

7. Consume less, waste less, enjoy life more

“We use too much, too much of it is toxic and we don’t share it very well. But that’s not the way things
have to be. Together, we can build a society based on better not more, sharing not selfishness,
community not division.” — The Story of Stuff

Focusing on life’s simple pleasures — spending time in nature, being with loved ones, making a
difference to others — provides more purpose, belonging and happiness than buying and consuming.
Plus, when we consume less, we produce fewer emissions and are gentler on the earth. Sharing, making,
fixing, upcycling, repurposing and composting are all good places to start.

Fire up your commitment to the people and places you love by acting every day on the understanding
that we are one with nature.

8. Invest in renewables and divest from fossil fuels

Even if you can’t install solar panels or a wind turbine, you can still be a part of the clean-energy
economy. Search online for local renewable energy co-ops to join. As a member, you’ll own part of the
co-op’s renewable energy projects and will receive a return on your investment. You can also speak to
your financial adviser about clean energy/technology investments.

Let industry know you care about climate change by meeting with your bank or investment adviser to
make sure your investments do not include fossil fuels. And make sure your workplace, pension fund,
university or bank doesn’t invest in fossil fuels either. If they do, join or start a divestment campaign.

Learn more about why it’s important to divest from damage and invest in a healthier future.

9. Mobilize for local climate action

“What our cities do individually and in unison to address climate change can set the agenda for
communities and governments everywhere.” — C40 Cities

In Canada, municipalities have influence over about 50 per cent of our emissions. And with about 80 per
cent of Canadians living in cities, it’s important — even crucial — that we focus on their potential to help
stop climate change.

Citizens like you, who are willing to work with progressive local government leaders, stand to make a
huge difference. Your role as a citizen with your local government is powerful.

We have created a comprehensive online resource that will support you to work with your local
government on climate action.

Your voice: mobilizing local government climate action

10. Get politically active and vote

Although it’s important to take action to reduce our individual carbon footprints, we also need to focus
on changing the larger system. That’s where we have the greatest opportunity to reduce emissions.

Vote for leaders at all levels of government who take climate change seriously. They should commit to
setting science-based targets to reduce harmful carbon emissions, implementing clear plans to reach
those targets, adapting to climate change and shifting to a clean-energy economy.

Make sure you are registered to vote and then get informed for all elections — not just the ones that get
the most media attention. Candidates’ positions on climate change vary widely, so research the parties,
ask questions about climate change at town halls or debates and let your candidates know you are
voting for the climate. Know that your vote really matters.
If you’re too young to vote, encourage your class or school to join a Student Vote program, which
provides students the opportunity to experience participation in the election process. You can also talk
to your parents about the importance of voting for climate action.