Save The Planet
Global warming is one of the biggest threats to humanity. And if we do not reduce the rate of global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions now, future generations will suffer the most due to famines, water shortages, extreme weather conditions, and similar dangers.
While we may not be able to stop it completely, every individual can make a difference by adopting simple measures at home or office.
The burning of fossil fuels and excessive use -- and wastage -- of energy causes global warming. By consuming less energy, we can save the planet and make it a better place for future generations. You can start with the 3 Rs: Re-use, Reduce and Recycle.
Here's how you can make a difference everyday:
Electricity use: Besides, reducing your power bill, your usage will go a long way in cutting down the emissions that cause climate change.
Unplug electronic appliances: Even when electronic devices are turned off, they use energy. So remember to unplug these after use.
Energy-efficient appliances: Go for energy-efficient electrical appliances. New refrigerators use 40 per cent less energy than models made just 10 years ago. Inefficient appliances waste energy, so buy new ones.
Shut your air-conditioner: When you go out of the house and turn it off. A tree or any plant that gives a shade to your air conditioner can improve its efficiency by up to 10 per cent. Clean or replace dirty air conditioner filters as recommended.
Computer: When you are not using it, you can shut off the screen. About 60 per cent of the power used from a computer is used by the display screen. Avoid printing whenever possible, read from your screen.
Lights: Use low energy consuming compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). A 15-watt CFL can supply as much light as a 100 watt incandescent bulb
Disposing trash: Go for organic composting and recycling paper, bottles etc to cut down on gas emissions. When you recycle, less trash gets burned. So there will be a drop in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Organic food: It is healthy and requires less energy to produce. Buy fresh food, frozen food uses 10 times more energy.
Cover vessels while cooking: this can help save energy. Use pressure cookers more frequently to save energy.
Go vegetarian: Being vegetarian can help save energy.
Use the washing machine or dishwasher only when full: If you need to use it when it is half full, then use the half-load setting.
Switch to green power
Choose clean energy generated by clean, renewable sources such as wind and solar wherever possible. Use human powered hcraging devices which save fuel.
Grow plants: Grow as many plants as possible. Make your environment green. Join groups that help in protecting forests and create awareness among people.
Use own reusable bags: Using your cloth bag instead of plastic bags for shopping. Cut down plastic bags. Despite a ban on plastic bags, shopkeepers continue to give these bags.
Packing: Buy stuff which do not take much packaging as it can cut garbage by about 10 per cent
How you can save energy at work:
Many offices leave air conditioners, computers and lights on all night. Wherever possible it should be kept off.
Buy energy-saving office appliances and equipment, like LCD monitors, printers and photocopiers. This will help save energy and money.
While commuting in the trains, switch off the lights and fans when not required.
For office meetings, try to avoid travel if you can talk on the phone or use videoconference. Air travel produces large amounts of emissions.
In a new report, a leading charity has warned that climate change could kill more than 400,000 children every year in the future because of floods and droughts.
According to the Telegraph, the effects of climate change on children was compiled in a special report by a charity known as 'Save the Children' before the UN climate summit in Copenhagen.
The report was titled 'Feeling the heat: Child survival in a changing climate'.
It has warned that global warming could cause the death of a quarter of a million children next year as a result of natural disasters causing an increase in injuries, water-borne diseases and starvation.
By 2030, the figure will almost double to 400,000 unless more is done to help poor countries adapt to a changing climate
Climate change will also make it more difficult for children to attend school in affected areas and the charity warns of a rise in child labour in countries like Bangladesh as families struggle to survive.
There have already been reports of an increase in trafficking and child brides in areas where families are separated or forced into destitution by extreme weather patterns.
The charity warns that over 900 million children in the next generation will be affected by water shortages and 160 million more children will be at risk of catching malaria one of the biggest killers of children under five as it spreads to new parts of the world.
In the next 20 years, 175 million children a year will suffer the consequences of natural disasters like cyclones, droughts and floods.
According to Alora Serdous, an emergency co-ordinator for Save the Children in Bangladesh, children are already suffering from treatable diseases and malnutrition in areas like southern Asia, that has been hit by cyclones recently as well as drought-ridden parts of East Africa.
"Climate change is the biggest global health threat to children in the 21st century," she said.
"Without concerted effort, millions of children will be at increased risk from disease, undernutrition, water scarcity, disasters and the collapse of public services and infrastructure," she added.
Disclaimer: Text copied from http://business.rediff.com for creating social awareness about global warming
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