Our Earth has been changing a lot for the worse over the years. And humankind is responsible for this change. We were good inventors. But are we responsible inventors? Let's take a look at the following example: we discovered fire by rubbing two rocks. Now every year millions of hectares of forest area are destroyed by fire. Later, we discovered wheel which led to the invention of cars. Now we cannot move around because of the traffic block. Similarly, we transformed caves to huts, huts to houses, houses to mansions and so on and on. Now concrete buildings have replaced trees in most cities.
Fire, vehicles and buildings are necessary for us. But we should focus on sustainable development rather than the sheer exploitation of the earth.
The earth which provides us fresh air, water, food, shelter and so on is turning into a garbage.
One of the main causes of air pollution is global warming. Global warming is the phenomenon by which the earth's atmospheric temperature rises with the increase of greenhouse gases. The greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, fluorinated gases and water vapour.
Another phenomenon which is associated with global warming is the greenhouse effect. The greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun in the earth’s atmosphere and result in the increase of temperature and this in turn, causes global warming.
The atmosphere acts as a greenhouse which has the ability to trap heat and light from the sun but it doesn’t let it go out. This phenomenon is called the greenhouse effect. The main greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases.
Some greenhouse gases are present naturally in our atmosphere to support human life. It is also emitted by human activities. Carbon dioxide is emitted through burning of fossil fuels and solid wastes. It can be removed by the absorption of trees. Methane is emitted while producing coal, natural gases and oil. It is also emitted from livestock like cows and other grazing animals.
Some researchers say that the average dairy cow emits 100 to 200 litres of methane a day! Nitrous oxide is emitted during the burning of fossil fuels. Fluorinated gases are synthetic powerful greenhouse gases which are produced during industrial activities. Majority of the greenhouse gases are produced through human activities.
So, if this continues, this can have a very dangerous impact on our planet. To prevent such an environmental catastrophe from happening let's follow the following steps;
Plant more trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
Reduce using cars: Use bicycles for short distances. This will help in reducing burning of fossil fuels.
Try to use 3R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.
Reduce the use of plastic: Try to use cloth bags for shopping.
Conserve water: Take bath using mug and bucket rather than taking a shower.
Switch off the lights when not in use: This will save electricity and thus increases your savings too.
Let us all try to lead a healthy life in a healthy environment.