Global warming is experiencing its peak time. It is so high that temperatures could break all past records in the next decade. According to the United Nations, the current rate of global warming is "Code red for humanity." If this trend continues, global warming will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030, ahead of the previously predicted period. Although different countries, organizations are taking various steps to prevent global warming. However, if we take steps at an individual level, global warming can be stopped and greatly reduced.
How to stop global warming?
The goal is very simple. Carbon dioxide is the biggest enemy of climate. And reducing the emission of carbon dioxide improves the climate. So, we have to work on reducing the emission and stop using such products that release a huge amount of carbon dioxide. Following small steps can lead to a big help toward the environment.
Use renewable energy
From the international perspective, companies that use wind or solar energy for most of their power generation are required to provide electrical services at home. As a result, access to Green e-Energy will increase. If this is not possible, keep an eye on your electricity bill. Many companies write on the bill how much renewable energy is used in their power generation. That's how you can focus on renewable energy.
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Steps according to the weather
It takes a lot of electricity to increase the temperature of the house during cold or to cool during hot weather. You can make your home more energy-efficient, make the house have easy access to ventilation and heating.
Use fuel-saving equipment
Energy-saving equipment was first introduced in the United States in 1987. The use of a number of such devices has so far reduced 2.3 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the air, which is emitted by 440 million vehicles a year. It is an easy way to prevent carbon emissions at a very low cost. That's why you should check the 'Energy Star' level whole buying refrigerators, washing machines, and similar appliances.
Reduce water consumption
Carbon pollution can be reduced by preventing water wastage, as it costs a lot of energy to pump, heat, or cool water. So consuming unnecessary water will help to save energy, and you don't need to run the pump often. Hence, carbon emissions will be reduced.
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Use energy-efficient bulbs
LED bulbs consume up to 80 percent less electricity than all other bulbs. These bulbs are durable. 10-watt LED bulbs work like a normal 60-watt bulb, and it costs much less.
Keep the plug detached
Adding all the appliances in the house, you may find numerous appliances which run on electricity. To reduce energy consumption, don't charge devices that are fully charged or set a timer to stop charging after a certain period of time. In addition, computers or tablets, phone monitors in low power mode also consume less fuel.
Use of fuel-efficient vehicles
Driving a gas-smart car, such as a hybrid or electric vehicle, saves both fuel and money. Walk or use public transport as much as you can in big cities. As a result, the cost will be reduced, and the waste of fuel will be less. The biggest thing is that it will reduce air pollution a lot. In addition, if a lot of people reduce their flight, then a big difference can be noticed because air travel is one of the major means of climate pollution. If you have the option to go by train as an alternative to the plane, choose that.
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What can we do about climate change in Bangladesh?
When it comes to the issue of climate change, Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable countries in the world. According to the World Bank, by 2050, 5.3 million people in Bangladesh will be directly affected by climate change. This will have a negative impact on water, soil, and crops. Coastal people will lose their homes, and the drinking water crisis will increase. So, the Bangladesh government and different non-government organizations have already taken initiatives.
To fight climate change in Bangladesh, the government has finalized Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan 2009 (BCCSAP, 2009). Furthermore, Bangladesh Climate Change Trust Fund (BCCTF) was set up in 2010. The goals and objectives of BCCTF are to increase the capacity of local people to address the risks of climate change and to innovate and expand climate tolerant technologies. The vision of the fund is to build a Bangladesh capable of dealing with the impact of climate change.
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Trust Act-2010 was enacted to ensure the smooth management of the BCCTF.
Besides, the National Disaster Management Act of Bangladesh has created opportunities for various government ministries and departments to work together to reduce disaster risk as well as climate change. Various policies and plans of the government, including the 17th 5Y Plan have included issues of climate change and a sustainable environment.
The Copenhagen Consensus Center is conducting research to identify what Bangladesh's priorities should be to combat climate change. The prime solution they gave was to conserve mangroves. Bangladesh can work on conserving the mangroves in the coastal areas.
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We can also work on replanting trees, which will eventually carbonize the environment and work as a natural shield against cyclones. They also proposed to create precautionary measures and build shelters where people can take shelter in the event of a cyclone.
Many do not use existing shelters because they cannot afford to keep their livestock and other valuable livestock there, so the proposed structure would accommodate both humans and cattle. The Bangladesh government, along with many non-government organizations, have already taken measurable steps about this.
Read: Climate change: 'Children in Bangladesh, 3 other countries at extremely high risk'
Final Words
Ultimately, it is undeniable that if we want to achieve the goal of sustainable development or to control global warming, there is no substitute to change in our behavior and habits. Human behavior and habits need to be taken into account in formulating policies on climate change mitigation and energy efficiency. It should be noted that the effort required to bring about a behavioral change in people is much less than the technological change. But the rewards and co-benefits of habitual and behavioral change are much higher.