Ease effects of El Nino and climate change
MYANMAR is on the brink of confronting the harsh impacts of the impending El Nino season, which is expected to unleash a wave of disastrous weather events, including droughts, floods, strong winds, storms, and squalls. As we brace ourselves for these challenges, it is crucial for every citizen to understand the gravity of the situation and take proactive measures to protect our environment.
During the Weather Summit held in New York on September 20th, UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierres sounded the alarm about the terrifying consequences of rising temperatures caused by El Nino. Farmers, already grappling with a changing climate, are witnessing their croplands submerged in water, and the entire world is grappling with health issues stemming from extreme heat.
The global population explosion, coupled with rampant air, soil, and water pollution from industries, machinery, and vehicles, is exacerbating the crisis. The excessive use of fossil fuels is releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to the steady rise in global temperatures. Furthermore, unsustainable forest management practices are triggering natural disasters, eroding biodiversity, and disrupting ecosystems.
As a result, our world’s temperature has already surged by 1.2 degrees Celsius compared to the 19th century. Environmentalists have reported a staggering 50 per cent increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. These alarming statistics underscore the unprecedented climate challenges we face.
Climate change is causing a cascade of problems worldwide, including recurrent floods, droughts, heat waves, forest fires, storms, glacial melting, rising sea levels, and food and water shortages. The relentless deforestation, which can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, is exacerbating the global warming process.
A UN Food and Agriculture Organization survey on global forest resources revealed that between 1990 and 2000, the world lost 7.8 million hectares of forests annually. This number reduced to 5.2 million hectares in the following decade and 4.7 million hectares from 2010 to 2020. These figures paint a grim picture of our forests’ future.
It is imperative for all global citizens to shoulder the responsibility of reforestation and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels to curb soil, water, and air pollution, as well as preserve our water circulation systems. Failing to do so could lead to catastrophic temperature increases, jeopardizing our very survival.
In light of these challenges, it is incumbent upon everyone to actively participate in environmental conservation efforts. By doing so, we can collectively work towards safeguarding our planet and ensuring a sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.
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