Combatting Climate Change: You 2 Can Contribute!!!

“Well, I am just a theatre graduate. How can I change the world, let alone the climate?” asks my friend, Nabila.

The experts in the fields are trying everything from developing climate change resilient crops starting from salt-tolerant, drought tolerant, and even flood-tolerant rice, to developing low carbon emission and more fuel efficient technologies, low cost solar panels, and even energy saving bulbs.

But is that enough?

While the efforts of the scientific and research community are laudatory, the fight against climate change needs a holistic approach that involves not only scientists and engineers but the combined effort of all at large.

Action can take the form of a street drama or an artist’s comic strip, a mobile phone game by a computer scientist, or even a billboard designed by an ad agency developed to bring about behavior change in the community towards climate change and environmental awareness.

It might involve a training for rescue operators for disaster preparedness given by a community worker or a trainer; and safety net programmes for crop insurance or microfinance.

It could involve income-generating training for climate change victims by an economist or some development practitioner. There is a role that any type of entity, organisation. Any of us from any discipline can play a role in the fight against climate change if we choose to, starting from prevention and preparedness to action when needed.

Act before it’s too late! The clock is ticking.

And don’t forget, that you don’t have to wait for others or even a big funding to help change the world. You can start right at home. Turn off the lights and tap water when not in use; recycle; don’t litter; and most importantly, “Don’t forget to plant a tree”.

And of course, if you have some money to spare, donate to a climate change or environmental fund instead of buying that much adorable T-Shirt perhaps. After all, we must be the change we wish to see in the world.

----------------------------
Published: YourCommonwealth, 2 March, 2011