If we were to change a few lyrics of ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ song by American singer R. Kelly, we got something along the lines warning us of global warming and the quote by Mahatma Ghandi; the rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every individual.
“Sea ice was on the verge of breaking down
Sometimes silence can seem so loud
There are dangers in life we must avoid.
But first I know it starts inside of me,
If I can see it, then I can be it.
If I just believe it, there is nothing to it!”
Yet, Antarctic sea ice has shrunk by an area nine times the size of UK. The ice coverage is far below the average between 1981 and 2010. Although it fluctuates, sea ice at the opposite end of the globe,
the Arctic, has also been declining steadily as greenhouse gases build up in the atmosphere and the planet heats up. Since 1979, Arctic Sumer surface area has fallen by roughly 12.6% per decade; global temperatures are now at 1 – 1.3C above pre-industrial levels, with most of the warming occurring post 1975. Records of lowest sea ice extent has been set again and again in recent years.
Scientists, disturbed by the steep downward trend in recent years, are calling for more research into exactly how the climate change is affecting Antarctica. They are increasing worried about the consequences. Sea ice helps protect the ice shelves that fringes the continent’s land. The shelves are already splintering apart more frequently as temperatures rise, exposing the vast ice sheets behind them. Their deterioration could prove catastrophic: The western Thwaites glacier alone contain enough water to increase the global sea levels by around 65cm.
What does it mean for us?
Coastal cities are under most pressures. If we consider Yangon as an example of one of these coastal cities, here are some potential impacts on Yangon:
Increased Flooding: Yangon is already prone to flooding during the monsoon season and due to poor drainage systems carried forward from the time of its independence. A three-foot rise in sea level would exacerbate the city’s existing flood risks, leading to more frequent and severe inundation of low-lying areas. This would disrupt transportation, damage infrastructure, and pose risks to public health.
Erosion and Land Loss: The coastline of Yangon would experience increased erosion, with the higher sea level contributing to the loss of beaches and shoreline retreat. This could result in the displacement of coastal communities, damage to infrastructure along the coast, and loss of valuable coastal land.
Salinisation of Freshwater Sources: The delta region surrounding Yangon is agriculturally important and relies on freshwater sources for irrigation and drinking water. Rising sea levels would raise the risk of saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems, leading to the salinisation of rivers and groundwater. This would harm agricultural productivity and affect the availability of potable water.
Displacement and Population Pressure: With its low-lying coastal areas at risk of flooding and erosion, Yangon could experience significant population displacement. This could lead to increased pressure on the city’s infrastructure, housing, and social services as people seek refuge in safer areas.
Infrastructure Vulnerability: Yangon’s critical infrastructure, including ports, airports, roads, and utilities, would face increased vulnerability to sea-level rise. Infrastructure located along the coast could be damaged or rendered inoperable during flooding events, impacting transportation, trade, and energy supply chains.
Economic Impact: Yangon is a major economic hub and commercial centre for Myanmar. The impacts of sea-level rise, such as increased flooding, infrastructure damage, and land loss, would have significant economic implications. Businesses, industries, and tourism sectors could suffer disruptions, leading to job losses and reduced economic output.
Cultural and Heritage Sites: Yangon is home to numerous cultural and heritage sites, including religious landmarks such as the Shwedagon Pagoda. These sites could be at risk from coastal erosion and flooding, threatening their preservation and cultural significance.
Not only coastal cities, but also beaches and islands would be at risks. Small islands in the pacific such as Tahiti, Fiji, etc., are asking the international community to tackle the climate change effectively as it could lead to the end of their civilisation. Island nations such as Maldives are also joining the chorus, as this would be economic destruction for them too.
Even large and prosperous countries such as China will not be spared; by 2100, 43-57m Chinese people could find themselves living below the high tide line, with an additional 60m threatened by annual coastal flood, based on Climate Central, one US NGO. Half of china coastal wetlands and mangrove forests have been compromised by the developments. Cities have pumped unsustainable amounts of ground water and build heavy skyscrapers. Resultant subsidence has caused the land to sink towards the sea level faster than the sea rises in some cities.
What can we as individuals do to prevent global warming?
Individuals play a crucial role in preventing global warming. Here are some actions individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to mitigating climate change:
Energy Conservation: Reduce energy consumption in your daily life by turning off lights and appliances when not in use, using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, etc. Additionally, consider using renewable energy sources such as solar panels.
Transportation Choices: Opt for eco-friendly transportation options like walking, cycling, or using public transportation whenever possible. If you need to use a car, consider carpooling, using electric vehicles, or choosing fuel-efficient models. Minimise air travel, as it has a significant carbon footprint.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Practice the “3 R’s” to minimise waste generation. Reduce consumption by buying only what you need, reuse items when possible, and recycle materials such as paper, plastics, and metals to conserve resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from waste management.
Sustainable Food Choices: Adopt a more sustainable diet by reducing meat consumption, particularly beef and lamb, as they have a higher carbon footprint. Choose locally sourced, seasonal, and organic produce when possible. Minimise food waste by planning meals, composting organic waste, and supporting sustainable farming practices.
Water Conservation: Conserve water by fixing leaks, using water-efficient fixtures, and practicing mindful water usage. Also, be aware of the carbon footprint associated with water consumption, as energy is required for water treatment, pumping, and heating.
Support Renewable Energy and Climate Policies: Advocate for renewable energy and climate-friendly policies at the local, national, and international levels.
Sustainable Lifestyle Choices: Make sustainable choices in various aspects of your life, such as opting for environmentally friendly products, minimising single-use plastics, choosing sustainable fashion brands, and practicing responsible tourism.
Raise Awareness: Share knowledge about climate change and the importance of individual actions with family, friends, and colleagues. Encourage discussions, promote environmental education, and inspire others to take action.
Remember the famous quote: rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every individual. So let’s start today to stop global warming.
