Earth Day 2024

Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature and weather patterns. It's caused by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing the planet to warm.

Mitigating climate change refers to efforts to limit the amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) going into the atmosphere. This slows down the process of global warming. There are two main ways to achieve this:

1. Reduce emissions: This means cutting down on activities that release greenhouse gases, like burning fossil fuels for energy. We can achieve this by:

   • Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and geothermal.
   • Improving energy efficiency in homes, buildings, and industries.
   • Reducing our reliance on personal vehicles and using public transportation, cycling, or walking more.

2. Enhance carbon sinks: Carbon sinks are natural systems that absorb and store carbon dioxide. We can improve these sinks by:

   • Protecting existing forests and planting new trees.
   • Restoring degraded lands and promoting sustainable land management practices.

These strategies require action on various levels, from individual choices to government policies and international cooperation.

Here are some additional points to consider:

• Technological advancements are crucial in developing cleaner energy sources and capturing carbon emissions.
• Adapting to the effects of climate change that are already happening is also important, alongside mitigation efforts.

Renewable energy and Recycling

• Rooftop solar power and wind power (Renewable energy): These sources generate electricity from the sun and wind, respectively, without releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By switching to renewable energy sources, we can significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.
• Recycling: Recycling reduces the need to extract new resources and the pollution associated with that process. Manufacturing products from recycled materials often requires less energy than using virgin materials, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

By working together, we can mitigate climate change and create a more sustainable future for our planet.