Mother Earth - Our Only Home

Earth – it’s our only home. It’s suffering due to our own doing. Some of us are listening and actually doing something about it. But most of us are turning a deaf ear even after knowing the alarming facts about how the future of our mother earth is bleak. Perhaps the majority who are doing nothing about it is discouraged by the overwhelming numbers and statistics that claim that earth is falling into pieces. Perhaps they feel that the problem is way too big for one person to do anything about.

Well, think again.

Did the Nepali people ever phantom that there will no longer be a monarchy? How do you think that happened? Human beings are powerful. We can topple the monarchy, invent medicines to cure what was once incurable diseases, and even predict earthquakes. Do you think that in the early 1900s people thought that we could land on the moon? Well, we did in 1966. How about the atomic bomb? An evil creation, but the point is, we created it.  

Where there is a will, there is a way.

This year’s theme for World Environment Day is “Your planet needs you! Unite to combat climate change.” It reflects the power of an individual to change the current state of the environment, one person at a time. In December of this year, United Nations will meet in Copenhagen to agree on a new climate change deal. But, we’re not here to talk about the high and mighty powers collaborating to make a deal that will possibly change the future of our earth. We’re here to tell you about how you as an individual can play a significant role.

You can make a difference. Here are the facts. Remember, they’re not exaggerated or made up. Scientists actually log these facts year after year. Take a glance; it’s undeniable that we have a global crisis. The only way is to take action before it’s too late. On the occasion of World Environment Day, V.E.N.T! Magazine will be featuring stories on the environment throughout this week. 

FACTS: (source: www.climatecrisis.net)

The number of Category 4 and 5 hurricanes has almost doubled in the last 30 years.

Malaria has spread to higher altitudes in places like the Colombian Andes, 7,000 feet above sea level.

The flow of ice from glaciers in Greenland has more than doubled over the past decade.

A least 279 species of plants and animals are already responding to global warming, moving closer to the poles. 

If the warming continues, we can expect catastrophic consequences.

Deaths from global warming will double in just 25 years—to 300,000 people a year.

Global sea levels could rise by more than 20 feel with the loss of shelf ice on Greenland and Antarctica, devasting coastal areas worldwide.

Heat waves will be more frequent and more intense.

Droughts and wildfires will occur more often.

The Artic Ocean would be ice free in summer by 2050.

More than a million species could be driven to extinction by 2050.

JOIN YOUR LOCAL GROUPS THAT ADVOCATE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT: 

Get involved with grassroots environmental organizations in Nepal:  Yatra, YES Nepal, Green Society Nepal 

To add your organization, email us at editor@ventzine.com.

REDUCE YOUR IMPACT AT HOME: 
(source: www.climatecrisis.net)

Most emissions from homes are from the fossil fuels burned to generate electricity and heat. By using energy more efficiently at home, you can reduce your emissions and lower your energy bills by more than 30%.

In addition, since agriculture is responsible for about a fifth of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, you can reduce your emissions simply by watching what you eat.

Here’s how:

Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (cfl). CFLs use 60% less energy than a regular bulb. This simple switch will save about 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year. If every family in the U.S. made the switch, we’d reduce carbon dioxide by more than 90 billion pounds! You can purchase CFLs online from the Energy Federation.

Choose energy efficient appliances when making new purchases \

Use less hot water 

Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible

Turn off electronic devices you’re not using. Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you’re not using them will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Unplug electronics from the wall when you’re not using them. 

Be sure you’re recycling at home 

Buy recycled paper products 

Plant a tree

Buy locally grown and produced foods 

Buy fresh foods instead of frozen 

Buy organic foods as much as possible

Eat less meat 

REDUCE YOUR IMPACT WHILE ON THE MOVE:  
(source: www.climatecrisis.net)

Reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking mass transit wherever possible

Start a carpool with your coworkers or classmates

Keep your car tuned up

Check your tires weekly to make sure they’re properly inflated 

When it is time for a new car, choose a more fuel efficient vehicle

For more information, go to climatecrisis.net and unep.org.