Climate Change : We can make a difference

The gases in the Earth's atmosphere act like a blanket surrounding the Earth. These gases are called greenhouse gases. If there wouldn't be a natural greenhouse effect, the temperature of the Earth would be about -18 degree C. Since the industrial revolution, human activity has increased the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere contributing to global warming. One of the main gases released is carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a warming gas. We are depositing about 30 gigatons of extra carbon dioxide into the air everyday. The 50% parts per millions of carbon dioxide in air has happened in the last 33 years - these were the major years of Industrial Revolution.

We can prevent this climate change by practicing a few steps in our day to day life. If we change a light bulb with a compact fluorescent tube, it will save upto 150 pounds of Carbon dioxide in an year. We must include the practice to plant a tree. Each tree can absorb one ton carbon dioxide in an year. The practice to driving less, carpool, walk or use bicycle, if included in our lifestyle can help reduce gas consumption and one pound of carbon dioxide for each mile we do not drive.

It is us who can make a change. We think that our little practice is not helping, but, once we start, others get inspired and join in. Like Micheal Jackson has aptly said, "I am starting with the man in the mirror - If you want to make the world a better place to live in, take a look at yourself and make that change." If we do our share toeards preventing climte change ; we can make this planet a heaven to live in.

"Be the change you want to see in others"