The burning apocalypse scenarios in Greece and Turkey say it all. How do we all heal this damage? Let’s see what Suraj says in his own words.
“ Without a doubt, climate change is a common issue for the whole world to focus on. It is always right beside us and appears in different forms. For example, the rise in global temperatures, which are now 1.2 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial times, is both heating up the Earth and destabilizing it. The number and effects of climate change-related events are increasing day by day.
For over 6,000 years, humans restricted their settlements to a climate niche or set of temperatures between 11 degrees Celsius and 15 degrees Celsius mean annual temperature. But global warming could trigger the next wave of migration — and at least 3 billion people would be affected by it by 2070. India would be among the worst-hit in Asia. For sure, one of the main effects is the constantly increasing temperatures.
In many parts of the world, this summer’s heat is breaking records. Another problem caused by dry and hot air combined with low humidity is forest fires.
The fires in Australia, California, and Siberia that lasted for months are an indication of this. The Mediterranean Basin countries, which are expected to be the most impacted by the acute effects of climate change, are currently suffering from such forest fires. Italy, Greece, Spain, Algeria, and Turkey have been dealing with a great disaster for days.
A haunting photo. Ritsopi Panayiota, 81, reacts to the fire reaching her home in the village of Evia Greece
Trees make up the majority of plants. Even a single tree has dozens of benefits, so much so that a single adult tree with leaves can meet the daily oxygen needs of 2 to 10 people. They absorb carbon dioxide, an important greenhouse gas, and keep our world cool. According to World Resources Institute (WRI) assessments, forests absorb 7.6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide globally. This value is equivalent to 1.5 times the annual carbon emissions of the United States. Trees also play an active role in the water cycle through sweating and contribute to the cooling of the environment by absorbing thermal energy present in the environment.
Unfortunately, we are destroying these unique treasures with our own hands, sometimes to create settlements and sometimes to open lands up for agriculture. Sometimes we sacrifice these natural miracles for a comfortable life. We use trees with impunity for new furniture, for wooden dwellings, for wood-based structures.
HOW DO WE PREVENT WILDFIRES?
- Communities, builders, homeowners, and forest managers can reduce the likelihood and impacts of wildfires by:
- Discouraging developments (especially residential) near fire-prone forests through smart zoning rules.
- Increasing the space between structures and nearby trees and brush, and clearing space between neighboring houses.
- Incorporating fire-resistant design features and materials in buildings.
- Increasing resources allocated to firefighting and fire prevention.
- Removing fuels, such as dead trees, from forests that are at risk.
- Developing recovery plans before a fire hits, and implementing plans quickly after a fire to reduce erosion, limit flooding, and minimize habitat damage.
4 ways the right policies can help us confront wildfires
The policy has a history of making wildfires worse in the United States.
Prime example: In 1935, the U.S. Forest Service set a policy to suppress all fires. But that practice changed ecosystems, making forests more fire-prone. Now we know it’s better to let some fires burn.
Today — as climate change intensifies wildfires — getting the policies right is even more critical. These approaches can help…”
Follow Suraj Beera on Instagram and help him promote positivity.
@surajbeera ( https://www.instagram.com/surajbeera)
This is a Contributor Post. Opinions expressed here are opinions of the Contributor. Influencive does not endorse or review brands mentioned; does not and cannot investigate relationships with brands, products, and people mentioned and is up to the Contributor to disclose. Contributors, amongst other accounts and articles may be professional fee-based.