Contemporary environmental issues are analytical environmental issues the world is currently facing. It is an instant occurrence of change in weather patterns and easily distinguished by human science. The world is made up of different environmental essentials that have an indirect or direct connection with human’s way of living.
In this era of technological evolution,
there has been an increase in contemporary environmental issues and one of
which is the very popular climate change. Climate change is an extended and
prolonged change in the weather pattern; it is slowly accelerating its risks
upon mankind and many living and non-living things. For instance, most of the
pacific island countries today are facing the brunt of climate change whether
it is economically, socially or environmentally. Yet, science has not confirmed
the actual and ultimate cause of climate change. Many scientists have proven
that climate change is caused by human activities and increased in the build of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
However, it may also be caused by nature
which is beyond human understanding and spiritual realm. The core issue stands
vocal till date that humans are actual contributors towards climate change and
thus, science proves that climate change utmost risk to humans is deadly. For
instance, Kiribati and Tuvalu have been asked to evacuate their islands due to
the increase in the sea level caused by climate change. An island such as
Tuvalu which is made up of corals and atolls is likely to suffer the effects of
climate change. The agricultural industries are more likely to suffer
contemporary environmental issues such as climate change because of the
sensitivity and fragility of its resources.
At the opening of the
National Climate change summit at Narewa Village, Nadi, the Honourable Prime
Minister of Fiji Mr Frank Baininmarama said that “The scientific consensus is
that these emissions are pushing up global temperatures. The Polar Regions are
melting and sea levels are rising. And as they go up, we are gradually being
submerged.” The situation in countries like Kiribati
and Tuvalu is critical. Their very existence as nations is threatened. And in
countries like Fiji, we are already moving whole villages out of the path of
the encroaching waters. The agricultural industry which is basically made up of the three
industries (Primary, secondary and Tertiary) has a global relationship with
environmental issues. Climate change occurs due to the increase in temperature
caused by the high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere which damages the
Ozone layer that is in the earth’s stratosphere where the harmful ultra violet
rays find its ways and penetrates through the small holes, causing an increase
in sea level due to large masses of ice melting in the north and south poles.
As sea rises, large masses of valuable agricultural land become saline due to
the salty water, disabling people to grow crops and vegetables.
As rise in sea level causes severe damage
to vegetation, the ocean resources are also impacted by climate change. For instance,
coral bleaching which means the whitening of the corals is caused by an
increase in the temperature by 0.5 to 1 degrees Celsius. Rise in temperature
exceeds the coral breeding temperature and as a result many corals become
white, losing its original colour. This affects the economy of a country which
is highly dependent on the tourism industry like Fiji. Corals are used as a
tourism site by which income and revenue is generated. Many flora and fauna
species begin to lose their habitat and as a result die out with time. Hence,
the ocean loses out on one of its beautiful and fragile resources.
Though, climate change seems to have a negative
impact in the ecosystem and the environment, it can have a positive impact in
the lives of people. Climate change has brought together people of all race,
different backgrounds, colour and gender together, as people have begin to
combat and tackle the environment issue. For instance, our very own region the
“Pacific Islands” have come together in the past recent years to tackle
contemporary environmental issues such as climate change. Countries like Fiji, Vanuatu,
Tonga, Tuvalu, Kiribati and Samoa are trying their level best to voice their
stories and experiences of climate change in the United Nations General
Assembly.
The “Conference of Parties” which is
also abbreviated as COP23 is currently being held in Bonn, Germany, led by the Honourable
Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr Bainimarama and supported by the United Nations.
This conference hopes to unleash the effects of climate change on small island
countries especially the Pacific and reduce the amount of carbon gases produced
into the atmosphere by developed countries such as the United States of
America. This conference is a ray of hope for many developing island states for
their survival. With vulnerable island nations calling for a change, actions
are vital to combat climate change.
Gradually, over the coming years there
would be barren desert lands with no vegetation. This change in climatic
weather pattern has left many people in hunger and starvation. In island states
like Kiribati and the Myanmar, people are suffering food and water shortage.
People’s social life is devastating as people can no longer grow healthy crops
and vegetation. The world’s valuable resources are deteriorating day by day and
what are we doing about it?
However, charity begins at home level by
following these simple strategies individuals can reduce the impacts of climate
change. It is time that people react to the effects of climate change by
implementing strategies that have a positive effect. As the agricultural
sectors industry is declining, people can plant famine crops like Dalo, Cassava
and Yams. These are local foods which can sustain bad weather patterns in
tropical islands such as Fiji. This can help increase agricultural production
and government revenue. Hence, people will no longer sleep in starvation or
hunger.
Awareness plays an important role in
conveying the effects climate change has on human kind. More awareness on
climate change should be created whether it is verbal or written. For instance,
Fiji is making a lot of noise on climate change in its country everyday whether
this awareness comes on television, newspapers, social media and pamphlets.
This is a sign that Fiji wants a change and is doing everything to make a
difference in their society. Likewise, other developed countries should help
developing states create awareness on climate change.
According
to the David Suzuki Foundation, “Air travel leaves behind a huge carbon
footprint. Before you book your next airline ticket, consider greener options
such as buses or trains, or try vacationing closer to home. You can also stay
in touch with people by videoconferencing, which saves time as well as travel
and accommodation costs.”
Sea level rise has caused many vulnerable
islanders to relocate themselves to other places or countries. They have become
‘climate refugees.’ Everybody loves
their country and is true patriots; however, in aid of climate change and sea
level rise, they have to move either to higher grounds. A place that a person
has spent his/her entire life and lived for years has to move due to sea level
rise. This is emotional and heart breaking. Moving to another country also
brings a lot of hurdles as one has to adapt to a new environment and social
life. Things won’t be the same and culture would be hard to practise. While,
some countries are accepting climate refugees, other developed country like
America is yet to make a call.
Fiji in specific has implemented a new
governmental policy of charging 10c on each plastic bag. This will help
government reduce the amount of plastics used by people in their country and
with the recent survey Fiji has recorded a 75% decrease in plastic bags. Using
bio-degradable products and practising the 3R’s (reduce, reuse and recycle)
will help reduce the effects of climate change. Hybrid cars have recorded to be
the lowest contributor towards carbon emissions. Many people in Fiji are
purchasing hybrid cars and this is a positive change. Together with economic
growth, people are achieving sustainability.
Introducing ‘green city’ in Fiji would help
trees absorb the harmful carbon produced by cars and large factories in towns
and city. Green city is a strategy that incorporates trees within cities to
help achieve sustainable development. Countries like Singapore is practising
‘green city.’ Forest plays an integral part in eradicating climate change.
While, deforestation imposes great risks to human, animals and small canopy
plants, re-planting could help reduce the risks. Educating people on the
importance of planting trees will help combat climate change. Authorities
should penalise on the huge amount of carbon emitted by large factories.
While, Fiji is greatly dependent on the
tourism industry, it can cause environmental problems. Tourism development
leads to deforestation and land degradation. Port Denarau, Nadi, Fiji was once
a place covered with mangroves and today, with tourism development, masses of
mangroves have been deforested. It has disturbed the cycle of the ecosystem and
many living and non living things. There has been a decline in species
diversification in the world today. Species such as whales, turtles and sharks
are now endangered, while many species are extinct. While, we cry on the
effects of climate change, humanity has caused damage to biodiversity.
It is not late neither too early. There is
a hope for mankind to scrutinize the already caused human impact on the
environment. There are many solutions and strategies to follow and implement in
our daily lives. The ball is in our court ‘the mankind,’ the only way left is
to adapt to these changes and cure the impacts of climate change. Following
strategies, the pacific island states can be climate champions. Many islands
are vulnerable; there is a need for urgent action, a change that the world
should make together. In the process of battling climate change, unity is a
tool that any troupe can use to tackle any obstacle.
In conclusion, climate change is an
alarming issue affecting all groups of people. There is a ray of light that
humans should adapt as a challenge. Climate change is risking our lives, stand
up, wake up and make a move today. There is a whole lot to be done but with
patience and understanding. The resilience of pacific islanders on climate
change is deeply commendable. There are people who are warriors of change and
with this energy, one can make a difference.
References:
Ø Mr Bainimarama’s speech was retrieved from www.fiji.gov.fj/Bainimarama on
the 9th of October, 2017 at 7.35pm.
Ø Ways to prevent carbon emissions was retrieved from www.davidsuzuki.org/...top on the 11th of October, 2017 at
9.55am.
By :Herleen Emily
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