It is nothing new for you all to hear that the temperatures of the Earth are rising at a continuous and alarming pace.
Every day some other place makes a new statement for the highest temperature ever recorded in the summer season.
The rising temperature is a reason of concern not only because of the rise in the average temperature of the earth but various other major problems are being aroused by it.
The temperatures will rise and the glaciers in the Northern and Southern Poles of the earth will melt. The glaciers are so sensitive that even an average rise of 1 degree Celsius is sufficient enough for them to break down.
So please allow me to bring you closer to our environment and gather information about something which is going to happen surely and shortly…….
What’s the dilemma?
The crisis to be encountered by every single person on this blue sphere shortly is, the rise in the seawater level..!!.
As the earth continues to become warmer with every passing day, it will cause the melting of the snow-caps on the poles at a higher rate as compared to the conventional stride.
According to an article published in the magazine, Time out London, there would be 9 major cities of the world that will be seen underwater by the year 2030.
The dilemma surrounding rising sea levels and climate change is multifaceted. Here are the key aspects of the dilemma:
- Environmental Impact: Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to coastal ecosystems and wildlife. Habitats like marshes and wetlands, which serve as crucial breeding grounds for various species, could be submerged. This could lead to a loss of biodiversity and disrupt entire ecosystems.
- Economic Impact: Many of the world’s largest cities are situated along coastlines. As sea levels rise, these cities face severe economic threats. Infrastructure, including buildings, roads, and ports, could be damaged or destroyed.
- The economic costs of rebuilding and maintaining these structures are staggering. Moreover, industries such as fishing and tourism, which are vital for coastal economies, could be severely affected.
- Human Impact: Rising sea levels directly threaten human populations living in coastal areas. People could lose their homes and livelihoods. In some cases, entire communities might need to be relocated.
- This not only creates logistical challenges but also raises ethical questions about the rights and well-being of the people affected.
- Climate Refugees: The rise in sea levels could create a new category of refugees: climate refugees. People forced to leave their homes due to the effects of climate change, including rising seas, could overwhelm other regions, leading to social and political tensions.
- Mitigation vs. Adaptation: There’s a dilemma between mitigating climate change (reducing greenhouse gas emissions to prevent further sea level rise) and adapting to the changes that are already inevitable. Balancing efforts between these two strategies is a significant challenge for policymakers and governments.
- Global Cooperation: Addressing rising sea levels requires international cooperation. Climate change is a global issue that demands global solutions. The dilemma lies in getting all nations, which have different levels of development and contribution to the problem, to work together effectively.
- Uncertainties: There are still uncertainties in the scientific predictions regarding the rate and extent of sea level rise. These uncertainties make it challenging for policymakers to plan and make decisions effectively.
You and I must be ready to see our cities drown out in the next 10 years…!!..
It’s nothing new for everyone here that global warming is mindlessly after every good thing which belongs to our earth and us.
The magazine has reported about a project named Climate Central, which has created mappings to depict the parts of the world which might have to face the crisis of rising sea levels.
These are the dear cities that are under the threat of being submerged by the unscrupulous year 2030:-
- Amsterdam, the Netherlands– The Dutch country is situated close to the North Sea. It is a low-lying city.
- Basra, Iraq– It being an important port at the banks of Shatt-al-Arab, is already vulnerable to flooding.
- Venice, Italy– The reports are already suggesting that the city is currently sinking by two centimetres every year, this piece of information about flooding is the cherry on the cake.
4. New Orleans, USA– With lake Maurepas, Salvador and the Little Lake surrounding this city; no option left if the lakes get flooded.
5. Kolkata, India– The struggle during the monsoon season in Kolkata is too chaotic as the land area is less.
6. Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam– The marshlands in the country and Mekong Delta are under threat of flooding and cyclones.
7. Savannah, USA– This city is already at the centre of a favourite hurricane place and to top it all it is surrounded by rivers which can cause flooding.
8. Georgetown, Guyana– The city has a 280m long sea wall for immunity against tropical storms, but you never know when the guard becomes the murderer…
9. Bangkok, Thailand– The Thai capital is the most affected city due to global warming. It is already sinking by 2-3 centimetres every year and is just 1.5 metres above sea level.
Now you can very well imagine the ‘great days’ of crisis and havoc which will soon befall upon all of us, including your city and mine too…..
Hardly 10 more years and we all will be drowning deep in the same oceans…..!!..
Why is all this happening?
Who is the culprit? It’s Global Warming. Period….
It is not a term that needs much of an introduction. It is already a hot topic of discussion in and around the world, demanding a permanent solution. But, to stop global warming absolutely, is next to impossible.
Global Warming is the process of warming the earth due to the greenhouse effect. The Greenhouse effect is caused due to the trapping of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide etc in the atmosphere of the planet.
1. Global Temperature Rise:
Average global temperatures continue to rise, leading to the melting of polar ice caps and glaciers. This contributes to the overall rise in sea levels.
2. Sea Level Rise:
Sea levels have been rising at an average rate of about 3.3 millimeters per year, with some regions experiencing higher rates due to various factors, including melting ice and thermal expansion of seawater caused by warming.
3. Extreme Weather Events:
There has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including hurricanes, cyclones, and heavy rainfall, which can lead to storm surges and coastal flooding, exacerbating sea level rise impacts.
4. Melting Ice:
Arctic sea ice continues to shrink, and significant ice melt is occurring in Antarctica and Greenland. This contributes to rising sea levels and has implications for coastal regions globally.
5. Coastal Erosion:
Rising sea levels contribute to coastal erosion, affecting shorelines and coastal communities. Natural protective barriers such as mangroves, which act as buffers against storm surges, are also being threatened.
6. Climate Migration:
Rising sea levels and other climate-related impacts are causing migration patterns, with people from vulnerable coastal areas relocating due to loss of land and livelihoods.
7. International Agreements:
International agreements such as the Paris Agreement aim to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Efforts are being made globally to transition to renewable energy sources and increase energy efficiency to curb the warming of the planet.
8. Scientific Research:
Ongoing research is being conducted to monitor sea level rise, understand its impacts, and develop strategies for adaptation and mitigation.
For the most recent and specific information about sea level rise and its impacts, I recommend referring to scientific publications, climate organizations, and reputable news sources.
Instantly a question arises as to what might be causing the production of such unwanted gases… To answer your question I’ll illustrate some of our misdoings:
- Burning of fossil fuels
- Deforestation
- Industrial expansion
- Uncontrolled pollution released into the atmosphere
- Faulty agricultural practices
- Acidification of water bodies
- Transport and vehicles
- Oil drilling
- Power plants
- Waste mismanagement
And the list can continue till eternity…..
These are not the developments of recent, these reactions of nature that we are confronting are the bad fruits we are reaping from our actions being done for a long period…
Is there no remedy?
This is a question that should be asked by everyone to themselves and reminisce about all the wrong actions, leading to earth’s destruction, which we all have been a portion of….
Addressing the challenges posed by rising sea levels and climate change requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Here are some remedies and actions that can be taken:
1. Mitigation Strategies:
- Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Countries and industries can work to reduce carbon emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources and increasing energy efficiency.
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Planting trees and restoring forests can absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Implementing sustainable agricultural practices can reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions, two potent greenhouse gases.
- International Agreements: Supporting and participating in international agreements like the Paris Agreement can encourage global cooperation in mitigating climate change.
2. Adaptation Strategies:
- Building Coastal Infrastructure: Developing or upgrading coastal infrastructure like seawalls and dykes can provide protection against storm surges and rising sea levels.
- Managed Retreat: Planned relocation of communities away from vulnerable coastal areas can be a necessary strategy in some cases.
- Elevated Construction: Constructing buildings and infrastructure above anticipated flood levels can minimize damage from sea level rise and storm surges.
- Wetland Restoration: Preserving and restoring natural coastal buffers such as mangroves, marshes, and coral reefs can reduce the impact of storm surges and erosion.
- Investment in Research: Continued research into sea level rise, climate change impacts, and innovative adaptation strategies is crucial for informed decision-making.
3. Individual and Community Actions:
- Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about climate change and its impacts can lead to behavioral changes and support for policies addressing climate issues.
- Water Conservation: Conserving water reduces the energy required for water treatment and distribution, lowering carbon emissions.
- Reducing Waste: Decreasing waste production and recycling helps reduce methane emissions from landfills.
- Supporting Sustainable Practices: Supporting businesses and practices that are environmentally responsible can drive market changes toward sustainability.
4. Governmental and Policy Measures:
- Policy and Regulation: Governments can implement policies and regulations that promote renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.
- Economic Incentives: Providing economic incentives, such as tax breaks, for businesses and individuals adopting eco-friendly practices can accelerate change.
- Funding Research: Governments can invest in scientific research aimed at developing new technologies and strategies for mitigating and adapting to climate change.
a combination of global, national, and local efforts is necessary. Individuals, communities, businesses, and governments all have roles to play in addressing the challenges of rising sea levels and climate change. Collaboration and sustained efforts are key to finding effective solutions.
As such this problem has no solution until we do something. We still have a timespan of 10 long years before us. Many things can change and become better in 10 years.
Some suggested remedies by the environmentalists and scientists can be listed below:
- Adequate Flood defenses can be built where the cities facing Scarcity.
- The efforts of COP26 can bring better results to curb the roots of global warming. Their goals are:-
- Making smart Cities for Powering households with renewable energy.
- Investment in energy-efficient appliances.
- Reduction of water waste in many cities like Chennai, Bangalore.
- Shrinking of carbon profile in some Cities.
- Our cities can be adapted to flooding situations like-
- ‘Sponge cities’ inspired by China can be built in which cities can hold clean and naturally drain water.
- ‘Green roofs’ are quite popular in some cities of Europe. It includes covering roofs with vegetation and thereby reduces stormwater runoff and neutralises acids in the rain.
- Clean drains and sewer systems are used in some Cities of China.
- The impermeable surfaces in Europe are being replaced by permeable materials like grass and gardens which will absorb and reduce the flow of water in cities of Europe.
- Reduction of fossil burning in some Cities.
- Afforestation in the out skuts of cities.
- Buying better bulbs that are energy-efficient.
These all seem to be the true solutions to the problem of global warming and in turn, reduce the drowning of cities; but are too ideal to be followed and lead towards a successful path…..
Only prayers will help or what !!..
I don’t intend to bring down your hopes or anything like that but until when will we keep running from the truth??… The ultimate truth stands before us and mocks us for our faults and ridiculous accomplishments. The year 2020 is a great example of our mockery(smirk).
Today every superpower country boasts of their huge buildings, enormous industrial sectors, maximised energy usage and whatnot… but have they ever given a thought towards the sickening condition of the nature around them…
Very few countries are initiated towards the betterment of the environment like New Zealand, Peru, Tunisia, Belarus etc.
While prayers can provide comfort and solace to individuals facing the challenges of climate change, addressing the issue of rising sea levels requires concrete actions, international cooperation, and sustained efforts from governments, businesses, communities, and individuals. Here’s why:
- Scientific Understanding: Climate change, including rising sea levels, is a scientifically documented phenomenon caused primarily by human activities. Understanding the science behind it is crucial for devising effective solutions.
- Human Agency: Humans are both the cause of climate change and the key to mitigating its effects. Actions such as reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and adopting sustainable practices can directly impact the rate of climate change in some small Cities.
- Collective Responsibility: Climate change is a global issue that affects everyone. Addressing it requires collective responsibility and coordinated efforts on a global scale. International agreements and cooperation are essential for meaningful change.
- Adaptation and Resilience: Even with mitigation efforts, some degree of climate change is inevitable due to past and ongoing emissions. Communities and nations must adapt and build resilience to cope with the changes, which involves practical measures like building resilient infrastructure and planning for sea level rise in some cities like Kerala.
- Innovation and Technology: Continued research, innovation, and the development of new technologies are crucial for finding solutions to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. These efforts can significantly reduce the severity of the challenges we face.
- Policy and Advocacy: Governments play a vital role in enacting policies and regulations that encourage sustainable practices and reduce emissions. Public pressure and advocacy can influence policymakers to take meaningful action.
- Economic and Social Factors: Economic incentives, job creation in renewable energy sectors, and social awareness campaigns are essential to drive change on a larger scale.
In summary, while prayers and positive intentions can provide emotional support, meaningful action is required to address the complex challenges of climate change, including rising sea levels. Individuals, communities, governments, and organizations all have roles to play in creating a more sustainable future.
I think I must stop myself here to avoid getting carried away cursing away the humans. In the end, I would just say…
“Beware before nature retorts,
Do not wait till it snorts;
Bloom in its cradle of ecstasy,
Nature will never accept perfidy ….”
–by Sambhavi Yadav
Content Writer(Erakina by RTMN)
13.11.2021