CLIMATE CHANGE CRISIS

By Stephan Zulu

Introduction:
It is now clear that climate change,
which is both an increase in
long-term average temperatures as
well as an increase in climate
variability, is due to an increased
concentration of greenhouse gases
in the earth’s atmosphere. As
documented in the fourth
assessment report of the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (2007), the emissions
of greenhouse gases have
increased by 70 percent from 1970
to 2004, due to human activities.

WHAT IS CLIMATE CHANGE?

Since the industrial and scientific
revolutions, Earth’s resources have
been gradually depleted.
Furthermore, the start of the world’s
population’s exponential expansion
is particularly hard on the
environment. Simply put, as the
population’s need for consumption
grows, so does the use of natural
resources, as well as the waste
generated by that consumption.

Climate change has been one of the

most significant long-term
consequences of this. Climate
change is more than just the rise or
fall of global temperatures; it also
affects rain cycles, wind patterns,
cyclone frequencies, sea levels, and
other factors. It has an impact on all
major life groupings on the planet.

WHAT IS GLOBAL WARMING?

Global warming is the unusually
rapid increase in Earth’s average
surface temperature over the past
century, primarily due to the
greenhouse gases released by
people burning fossil fuels. The
greenhouse gases consist of
methane, nitrous oxide, ozone,
carbon dioxide, water vapour, and
chlorofluorocarbons. The weather
prediction has been becoming more
complex with every passing year,
with seasons more
indistinguishable, and the general
temperatures hotter. The number of
hurricanes, cyclones, droughts,
floods, etc., has risen steadily since
the onset of the 21st century. The
supervillain behind all these
changes is Global Warming. The
name is quite self-explanatory; it
means the rise in the temperature of
the Earth.

[1] WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF

GLOBAL WARMING?
According to recent studies, many
scientists believe the following are
the primary four causes of global
warming:
• Deforestation
• Greenhouse emissions
• Pollution
• Carbon emissions per capita
Extreme global warming is causing
natural disasters, which can be seen
all around us. One of the causes of
global warming is the extreme
release of greenhouse gases that
become trapped on the earth’s
surface, causing the temperature to
rise. Similarly, volcanoes contribute
to global warming by spewing
excessive CO2 into the atmosphere.

The increase in population is one of

the major causes of Global
Warming. This increase in
population also leads to increased
air pollution. Automobiles emit a lot
of CO2, which remains in the
atmosphere. This increase in
population is also causing
deforestation, which contributes to
global warming.
The earth’s surface emits energy
into the atmosphere in the form of
heat, keeping the balance with the
incoming energy. Global warming
depletes the ozone layer, bringing
about the end of the world. There is
a clear indication that increased
global warming will result in the
extinction of all life on Earth’s
surface.

[2] EFFECTS OF GLOBAL WARMING

Global warming is a real problem
that many people want to disprove
to gain political advantage.
However, as global citizens, we
must ensure that only the truth is
presented in the media.

This decade has seen a significant

impact from global warming. The
two most common phenomena
observed are glacier retreat and
arctic shrinkage. Glaciers are rapidly
melting. These are clear
manifestations of climate change.
Another significant effect of global
warming is the rise in sea level.
Flooding is occurring in low-lying
areas as a result of sea-level rise.
Many countries have experienced
extreme weather conditions. Every
year, we have unusually heavy rain,
extreme heat and cold, wildfires,
and other natural disasters.

Similarly, as global warming

continues, marine life is being
severely impacted. This is causing
the extinction of marine species as
well as other problems.
Furthermore, changes are expected
in coral reefs, which will face
extinction in the coming years.
These effects will intensify in the
coming years, effectively halting
species expansion. Furthermore,
humans will eventually feel the
negative effects of Global Warming.
SOLUTIONS FOR GLOBAL
WARMING
Of course, industries and
multinational conglomerates emit
more carbon than the average
citizen. Nonetheless, activism and
community effort are the only viable
ways to slow the worsening effects
of global warming. Furthermore, at
the state or government level, world
leaders must develop concrete
plans and step-by-step programmes
to ensure that no further harm is
done to the environment in general.

Although we are almost too late to

slow the rate of global warming,
finding the right solution is critical.
Everyone, from individuals to
governments, must work together to
find a solution to Global Warming.
Some of the factors to consider are
pollution control, population growth,
and the use of natural resources.

One very important contribution you

can make is to reduce your use of
plastic. Plastic is the primary cause
of global warming, and recycling it
takes years. Another factor to
consider is deforestation, which will
aid in the control of global warming.
More tree planting should be
encouraged to green the
environment. Certain rules should
also govern industrialization.

Addressing the climate crisis

Addressing the climate crisis
requires collective action on both
individual and societal levels. While
large-scale systemic changes are
necessary, there are numerous
small steps individuals can take to
contribute to the solution. These
actions, when multiplied across
communities and nations, can have
a significant impact on reducing
greenhouse gas emissions and
mitigating climate change.

effective ways individuals

can tackle the climate crisis
[a] Reducing their energy
consumption
This can be achieved through
simple habits such as turning off
lights, appliances, and electronics
when not in use, and optimizing
heating and cooling systems to
minimize energy waste. Additionally,
switching to energy-efficient
appliances and LED light bulbs can
further reduce electricity
consumption.
[B] Choosing sustainable
transportation options
Transportation is another major
contributor to carbon emissions. By
choosing sustainable
transportation options such as
walking, biking, carpooling, or using
public transit whenever possible,
individuals can significantly reduce
their carbon footprint. When driving
is necessary, opting for fuel-efficient
or electric vehicles can further
mitigate emissions.
[C] Dietary Choices
Dietary choices also play a role in
addressing climate change. The
production of meat, particularly
beef and lamb, is associated with
high levels of greenhouse gas
emissions and deforestation. By
reducing meat consumption and
incorporating more plant-based
foods into their diets, individuals
can help reduce the environmental
impact of food production.
[D] Waste reduction and proper
waste management
Waste reduction and proper waste
management are essential
components of climate action. This
includes reducing single-use
plastics, recycling, and composting
organic waste. By diverting waste
from landfills, individuals can help
reduce methane emissions, a
potent greenhouse gas produced
during the decomposition of
organic matter in landfills.
[E] Supporting renewable energy
initiatives
Supporting renewable energy
initiatives is another impactful way
individuals can contribute to
combating climate change. This can
involve installing solar panels on
rooftops, purchasing renewable
energy credits, or advocating for
policies that promote the transition
to clean energy sources.
[F] Individuals can use their voices
and influence to advocate
Finally, individuals can use their
voices and influence to advocate for
climate-friendly policies and
practices in their communities,
workplaces, and governments. This
may include supporting renewable
energy incentives, promoting
sustainable transportation
infrastructure, and raising
awareness about the urgency of
climate action.

IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN

ZAMBIA
1. impacts on Agriculture
The key climatic hazards Zambia is
facing are droughts, floods, and—to
some extent
extreme temperatures. All of them
have negative effects on agriculture.
Excessive
precipitation in Zambia’s
nondrought prone region, an
increased frequency of drought in
the drought-prone regions, and a
generally shortening of the growing
season affect
agricultural production and food
security negatively, which then
reduces the livelihoods as
well as the adaptive capacity of
individuals and communities.
2. impacts on Human health
Beside the lack of food, which has
had dreadful impacts on the
Zambian population’s health, other
factors, enhanced by climate
change, are also causing their
health to be at risk. Climate
changes are predicted to increase
mortality levels associated with
climate-sensitive
diseases. Health in general will also
be affected by stress/drought or
death/injury due to floods or
storms.Factors that contribute to
waterborn diseases are also
increasing. Those factors include
water and air quality, temperatures,
and the quality and quantity of food.
Malaria, being the number one
killing disease in Zambia, requires a
constant assessment of its status.
3. Impacts on wildlife
Climatic situations have a direct
effect on animal populations.
Cattles, for instance, have reduced
in numbers due to the increased
temperatures and the lack of food
and water. The reduced cattle
population will also directly affect
the farmers that depend on them for
productivity. The increased
droughts, which cause fires, soil
degradation and fertility loss, have
already started impacting forests.
4. Impacts on Zambia’s
Economy
It goes without saying that a
country dependent on agriculture
will suffer economically when its
production levels fall low. Getting
out of poverty only gets more
difficult when the natural
environment that the country is
dependent on is affected negatively.
On top of that, there is no system
that provides the population with
basic needs or protects them from
the impacts of climate change. A
large part of the Zambian
population is therefore stuck in
poverty, relies on international aid
and the wealthier segments of the
Zambian population to survive
within the changing environment.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, while addressing the
climate crisis requires concerted
efforts at the global, national, and
local levels, individuals can play a
crucial role by adopting sustainable
habits and advocating for change.
By making small changes to their
daily lives and encouraging others
to do the same, individuals can
collectively make a significant
impact in the fight against climate
change.

REFERENCES:
1. Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) Special
Report: Global Warming of 1.5°C -
This report provides comprehensive
scientific evidence on the impacts
of climate change and the urgency
of reducing greenhouse gas
emissions.

2. United Nations Framework

Convention on Climate Change
(UNFCCC) - The UNFCCC website
offers a wealth of information on
international efforts to address
climate change, including reports,
conferences, and agreements such
as the Paris Agreement.

3. National Geographic - National

Geographic's articles on climate
change offer accessible
explanations of scientific concepts
and explore the ways individuals
and societies can take action to
mitigate climate change.

4. Environmental Protection Agency

(EPA) - The EPA website provides
resources and data on energy
consumption, transportation
emissions, waste management, and
renewable energy initiatives in the
United States.

5. Scientific Journals -
Peer-reviewed journals such as
Nature, Science, and Environmental
Science & Technology publish
research articles on various aspects
of climate change mitigation,
including energy efficiency,
sustainable transportation, dietary
choices, waste management, and
renewable energy.

6. Nonprofit Organizations -
Organizations like the World Wildlife
Fund (WWF), Sierra Club, and
Greenpeace often publish reports
and guides on climate-friendly
actions for individuals and
communities, based on scientific
research and advocacy work.

7. Academic Books - Books by

climate scientists and
environmental experts, such as
"Drawdown: The Most
Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed
to Reverse Global Warming" by Paul
Hawken, provide insights into
effective strategies for reducing
greenhouse gas emissions at both
individual and societal levels.

8. Government of Zambia (2006)

Fifth National Development Plan,
2006-2010(Lusaka,
Zambia: Government of Zambia,
December); available at:
http://www.undp.org.zm/joomla
/attachments/033_zambia_fndp.pdf
?8e2474a80d1
3c9785641fc2923161380=obtvvjhb.
9. OneWorld (2010) “Climate
Change in Zambia”, London, UK:
OneWorld, Briefing Guide
(updated in August); available at:
http://uk.oneworld.net/guides
/zambia/climate-change.

10. iché, Béatrice (2007) Climate

Change Vulnerability Assessment in
Zambia(Geneva,
Switzerland: The World
Conservation Union (IUCN), Climate
Change and
Development Project, Pilot Phase),
available at:
http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads
/climatechangevulnerabilityassessm
entzambia.pdf.

11. Smith, David (2009)

“Devastation in Zambia as Climate
Change Brings Early Flooding”,
The Guardian(news report of July 6,
2009); available at:
http://www.guardian.co.uk
/environment/2009/jul/06/zambia
-flood-climate-change.

12. World Resources Institute (WRI)

(2003) “Earth Trends, Country
Profiles, Climate and
AtmosphereZambia” (Washington,
DC: WRI); available at:
http://earthtrends.wri.org/pdf_library
/country_profiles/cli_cou_894.pdf.