What are the major makers of climate change and what international measures should be taken?
Introduction Climate change is one of the most concerning issues of the 21st century, which has a visible impact on environment. Recently, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has recorded 2023 as the hottest year in last 174 years. In India, some major impacts are seen as melting glaciers, wildfRead more
Introduction
Climate change is one of the most concerning issues of the 21st century, which has a visible impact on environment. Recently, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has recorded 2023 as the hottest year in last 174 years. In India, some major impacts are seen as melting glaciers, wildfires, changing rainfall patterns, and abnormally heated summers among others. Educating youths regarding the impacts of global warming promotes sustainable practices and can be a panacea to mitigate future climate challenges and align them with the ongoing international efforts to cope with them.
Integrating Climate Change in Curriculum
The “UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),” in the Paris Agreement emphasises the collective efforts to impart climate education and sustainability practices can help the youths to understand and address the influence of the climate crisis. It can be done by making changes at different levels-
Primary Level
• Focussing on concepts like environmental science, resource conservation, sustainable living
• Incorporating modules on renewable energy, waste management, and biodiversity conservation
Secondary Level
• In-depth education of climate science, global warming
• Exploring the socio-economic implications in subjects like geography and economics
Higher Education
• Offering specialized courses in environmental studies, promoting critical thinking
• Providing practical experiences through extra-curricular activites and community projects
• Encouraging them for environmental activism and advocacy
Conclusion
An integrated curriculum reform at different level of education can help to generate informed and pro-environment youths, who can understand and address the future challenges of climate change impacts. Moreover, they can promote ongoing international efforts to address climate issues by providing innovative and sustainable solutions.
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The major contributors to climate change include greenhouse gas emissions primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and agriculture. These activities release carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O)Read more
The major contributors to climate change include greenhouse gas emissions primarily from human activities such as burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas), deforestation, industrial processes, and agriculture. These activities release carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and leading to global warming.
To address climate change effectively on an international scale, several key measures are essential:
1. Adopting renewable energy encourages and incentivizes the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Energy efficiency implements policies and practices that promote energy efficiency across all sectors, including industry, transportation, and buildings, which can reduce energy consumption and lower emissions.
3. Afforestation and reforestation protect existing forests and undertaking afforestation (planting new forests) and reforestation (replanting deforested areas) efforts can help sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
4. Technology transfer and capacity building in the aspect of supporting developing countries in adopting clean technologies and building their capacity to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.
5. Carbon pricing implements mechanisms such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems to create financial incentives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
6. Research and innovation is another feature that investment should go towards. Research and development of innovative technologies and practices can further reduce emissions and enhance resilience to climate change.
7. Increasing public awareness about climate change impacts and the importance of individual and collective action, fostering behavioral changes that contribute to reducing emissions. This should start in schools and host public campaign to educate the public on the dangers that we may face in the near future.
By implementing these international measures comprehensively and collaboratively, the global community can work towards mitigating climate change, safeguarding the environment, and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
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