Solutions

By 2050, three earths will be needed to meet human demand for resources. How can we ensure that one earth can support 10 billion people by 2050?

First we have to admit that climate change is a problem. Decades and decades of using fossils fuels, industrial and agricultural practices made us become addictive. While most of us would like to think that we aren’t part of the problem, the fact remains that if you drive one of the many vehicles on the road, you’re contributing to global warming. Evidence shows that human activities are affecting the global climate. Climate change has serious implications for public health. Catastrophic weather events, variable climates that affect food and water supplies, ecosystem changes are all associated with global warming and pose health risks

There is a variety of solutions:

• Set limits on global warming pollution


• Invest in green jobs and clean energy


• Drive smarter cars


• Create green homes and buildings


• Build better communities and transportation networks

If we get started today we can tackle this problem. Our planet is warming, and we are helping it happen by adding more heat trapping gasses, primarily carbon dioxide. Our atmosphere has limits too. CO2 remains in the atmosphere for about 100 years. The longer we keep polluting, the longer it will take to recover and the more irreversible damage will be done. Instead of taking your car to the store, you can walk or even take a bike. You are not only helping the environment but you are even helping yourself. It would also reduce the amount of fossil fuels that are burnt for you.

Fuel efficient vehicles, renewable energy, protecting forest are all common sense solutions, which won’t only reduce global warming; it will save us money and increase business opportunities.

Governments should have a responsibility to educate both the public and industry about these hazards. Laws banning the production of CFC gases would help to slow down the rate of ozone depletion and global warming. If fines existed for production of certain gases, maybe industry would use safer alternative measures.

Climate change affects the fundamental requirements for health, clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food and secure shelter. Many of the major killers such as diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, malaria and dengue are highly climate-sensitive and are expected to worsen as the climate changes. Areas with weak health infrastructure, mostly in developing countries will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond. Reducing emissions of greenhouse gases through better transport, food and energy use choices can result in improved health.