1. PROLOGUE
1.1 Evidence Based Change
Climate Change (CC) is no longer a myth, it is manifested through multifarious phenomena which are either caused by nature or induced by human beings. CC Global Warming Nexus has deleterious impact on Physical, Biological and Social, Cultural, Economic, Corporate, Safety, Security, Prosperity, Interfaith & Political Environments. CC has engulfed the entire planet Earth with no space and time barriers, it is a reality which is supported by historical and scientific evidences.
1.2 Quantum Change
CC is fast attaining severity quality-wise and quantity wise and its extent and impact is widening with the passage of time. With ever increasing greenhouse gases (GHG) and environmental pollution caused by humanity, manifestations of CC have brought unabated, continual and deadly consequences. This should now be a wakeup call for the very survival of life on earth. This paper aims to highlight the ongoing vagaries of CC and recommend steps for restraining its unchecked onslaught.
2. CURRENT CC FEROCITIES
2.1 Scorching Temperature
Most parts of the world, especially the Americas and Europe are undergoing rising temperatures due to which the earth’s surface is becoming warmer and warmer. Heat waves are a regular phenomenon impacting the terrestrial, marine and coastal belts. After 2035 it is estimated that humanity may face hothouse earth conditions.
2.2 Exceptionally Heavy Rains
2.2.1 Devastating rains in Germany, Holland, Italy, Turkey, Indonesia, India, Belgium, China and other countries have caused devastation and damage to varying extent. Heavy flash floods have occurred causing huge losses of life and property. Urban flooding is expanding rapidly.
2.2.2 Cloud bursts are occurring frequently now. Islamabad experienced such an unusual situation on 29 July 2021.
2.3 Oceanic Hazards
2.3.1 Lagos City
This city is located on the Atlantic coastal belt of oil rich Nigeria. Recently it has been hit with the severest floods ever.
2.3.2 Oxygen Level
Research have proved that oxygen level of oceans and seas has drastically decreased. This has not only affected the survival of a huge population of marine life, it is also harmful to the algae.
2.3.3 Oceanic Economic Potential
Ocean based resources trading, means of livelihood and businesses are fast shrinking.
2.4 Speedy Winds
Occurrence of destructive winds like tornados, tropical cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and storms have increased many times. For example a tornado with wind speed of 300 km per hour recently occurred in the Czech Republic on June 24.
2.5 Water Wars
2.5.1 It is an open secret that black gold is slowly fading from global attention, oil reserves are no longer attractive in the world power corridors who are shifting towards renewable energy (hydro, wind, solar, etc). Currently the Middle East is an extremely water stressed region, this is especially true in the case of Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Aquatic migration is exponentially increasing due to water bankruptcy.
2.5.2 Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
On account of the water crisis due to construction of a dam by Ethiopia on the River Nile, Egypt may resort to use of military solution. This is a question of life and death for both countries.
2.6 CC and Livestock
CC has deleterious impacts on dairy and livestock production. Livestock in turn contributes about 18% greenhouse gases at the global level. A cow can generate 220 lbs of methane gas per year. Ruminant livestock such as buffaloes, cattle, sheep and goats are four billion in numbers globally. Their mass is much more than that of human beings yet the meat production has declined due to climate upheavals.
2.7 Gulf Stream Collapse
Researchers have proved a loss of stability of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Currents (AMOC), and the AMOC could be approaching a critical threshold beyond which the circulation system could collapse. This situation is a catastrophic phenomenon which has created irregular rains in areas of South America, West Africa and India.
3. RECOMMENDATIONS
3.1 Integrated Approach
CC needs to be managed by an integrated approach, entire humanity must be involved in its management at all levels.
3.2 Synergistic Global and National Aspirations
The global and national aspirations should be dovetailed in dealing with the CC issues. No nation or country can face the CC implications individually.
3.3 Carbon Sinks
Plants and oceans must be polluted the minimum so that they may absorb the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) that is generated.
3.4 Carbon Credits
The system of carbon credits being practiced will have to be made more realistic. The polluters should not be left as such by paying a little for colossal losses occurred to humanity.
3.5 Clean and Green Policies
Global affairs should now be run in accordance with clean policies in every sphere of life. The human conscience must not permit any deviation. This is a question of human and biodiversity survival and not any whim or wish of anybody.
3.6 Sportsmanship
The global political heads should express sportsmanship and work like a team to fight against a common threat. If they do not, Nature will not forgive.
3.7 Clean Infrastructure
The entire population should work in unison to develop clean systems everywhere. Pollution of any kind must not be allowed as everyone knows that it causes destruction of life on this Planet.
3.8 World Religions and Philosophies
The religious leaders, intelligentsia and philosophers should work together on a single point agenda of ENVIRONMENTAL PRESERVATION and prevention and control of CC.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Global Voices
- Google Search
- Hussain, M., Environmental Degradation: Realities and Remedies, Ferozsons (Pvt) Ltd, Lahore (Pakistan), 1998
- Hussain, M., (2021), Islam and Environment, Vol-I & II, The Environ Publications, Lahore (Pakistan)
- Informed Comments
- MNT Newsletter
- National Geographic
- NDMA Pakistan Briefings
- The Environ Monitor
- The Week
- TV Channels (BBC, Al-Jazira, Pakistan TV etc.)
- Washington Daily Briefing
- WHO Briefings and Media
