Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nafees
Climate change is undoubtedly a Worldwide issue, requiring collective action and international cooperation to mitigate its severe consequences. However, a widespread belief that individual actions are insignificant in the face of this enormous challenge, leading many to assume that personal efforts are meaningless. But this perspective overlooks the profound impact that collective individual actions can have when combined. In reality, every small step counts, and it is our shared responsibility to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, no matter how modest they may seem. By embracing a culture of sustainability and making conscious choices in our daily lives, we can, together, create a wave of positive change that resonates across the globe.
Large-scale changes on the earth’s surface and the complexity in the atmosphere make climate change a complicated problem. Two factors are noteworthy in the atmosphere. One is greenhouse gases and the other is ozone layer depletion. In addition, some changes are taking place on the Earth’s surface. This includes deforestation, agriculture, and land use change. It appears that the general public has no involvement in these changes, which are very technical in nature and being carried out on a large scale. Two terms can be used to make it understandable for a common person, namely adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation refers to a new configuration of environmental, economic or social systems in relation to the effects of climate change. Which can reduce the potential harm toward human, environment and climate. Mitigation means reduction, which refers to the factors that reduce environmental degradation.
Now let’s come to the question, how can we, as individuals, contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation? That is, adopt a lifestyle that benefits us as well the environment. Individuals cannot immediately mitigate climate change, but can contribute significantly by safeguarding themselves with simple but effective measures to deal with it as highlighted below:
1. Reduce energy consumption: According to research, one unit of gas and electricity is equivalent to 55 kg and 0.5 kg of carbon dioxide, respectively. We must therefore conserve energy. Just ensure to turn off lights, devices, and appliances while not in use. Replace outdated equipment with newer models; for example, switch out conventional lightbulbs for LEDs. Thermal power plants provide 52% of the electricity, which is not economically viable. As a result, we must maximize our savings.
2. Use renewable energy: Invest in solar panels or renewable energy credits. It is eco-friendly and saves money. Currently, solar energy accounts for barely 1% of total energy production, or 8.7% of all renewable energy sources. By 2030, Pakistan intends to increase this to 30%. Our renewable energy capacity is up to 60% of the total.
3. Save water: One of the adverse consequences of climate change is water scarcity. Domestic usage accounts for around 10% of the water budget of Pakistan. We need to cut our water use by half. This is achievable if we take a quick shower, patch the leak, and prevent needless water loss. In Pakistan, the average person uses 30 liters of water in rural areas and 300 liters in urban areas. We discharge this water as effluent back into our rivers. Nearly 90% of drinking water comes from groundwater. As a result, the water table is declining. Climate change and excessive groundwater extraction should be reduced to a big possible extent.
4. Reduce waste: Firstly, separate the re-usable items from solid waste. If someone is not using it, can give it to the scrap dealer. The second option is recycling. Which we won’t do, but we can help with. Open burning of solid waste is another issue that contributes toward green house gases, especially plastic and rubber. On average one Kg of solid waste produce about 700 gram of carbon dioxide. Burning of one Kg plastic alone produce 2 to 5 Kg carbon dioxide.
5. Use eco-friendly transportation: A person who drives a car and uses five liters of gasoline will need thirty trees of average size to absorb the carbon dioxide. Whenever feasible, we ought to walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation. This can significantly lower carbon dioxide.
6. Eat plant-based foods: An average Pakistani consumes 186 grams of fruit and vegetables, against the international standard of 400 grams per person per day. We should opt for sustainable, locally acquired food.
7. Plant trees and restore forests: Trees absorb carbon dioxide. At the same time, they can contribute to the economy associated with it.
8. Join your community: A community that promotes environmental protection and climate change mitigation might be established at the regional level. Support climate policies and take part in local climate initiatives. Raise awareness of environmental issues and spread the word by educating others and motivating friends and family to take action. Encourage climate policies, participate in climate protests, sign petitions, and get in touch with representatives.
9. Reduce air travel: Think about cutting back on or reducing the number of flights. Statistics from 2021 show that in Pakistan 5 million individuals travel each year on average. For instance, 666 million people in the USA and 440 million in China utilize airplanes. Pakistan has a relatively low air travel rate when compared to other nations. Nevertheless, we must take it into account and reduce air travel.
10. Support Sustainable Agriculture: Buy from local farmers and choose organic agricultural products. Seventy percent of the total water budget is used in irrigation. Give priority to the use of natural fertilizers, use water for irrigation to a minimum. We have to sensitize our farmer community to keep the water use minimum.
11. Reduce food wastage: Approximately 200 Kg of food per person is wasted each year, amounting to about 40% of the total food production in Pakistan. One Kg of food is equivalent to about three kilograms of carbon dioxide. Every year, around 36 million tons of food is wasted in Pakistan. This contributes significantly to climate change and is a waste of money. In order to prevent food waste, we have to plan meals in advance, shop sensibly, and cook to our requirements.
12. Industrial pollution: Industrialists are the primary stockholders creating water and air pollution. The use 23 percent of the total water budget and through it in rivers directly in the form of effluent. Similarly, their contribution in air pollution is about 20 percent. Industries are the backbone of our economy and must be maintained in environment-friendly manners. In light of new research and technology, industry owners have to reconsider the industrial process.
Remember, every small action counts, and collective individual efforts can lead to significant positive change.
The Author is the Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Peshawar.
