Is climate change preventable?
Answer (1)
Climate change can no longer be completely prevented, but its effects can still be slowed down or reduced if we act immediately so that we do not experience the severe impacts of climate change. One of the main causes of climate change is the excessive emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the burning of fossil fuels (oil, coal, and gas), deforestation, and pollution from industries and vehicles.Why can it no longer be completely prevented?1. Greenhouse gases have long accumulated in the atmosphereFor example, carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for hundreds of years. So even if we reduce emissions now, the effects of gases emitted in the past are still present. Global warming continues.2. Ice in the Arctic and Antarctica is already meltingIn these areas, glaciers and polar ice caps are slowly melting. For example, the ice in Greenland is decreasing, which raises sea levels. Even if we stop the activities that cause global warming, the melting will continue due to the heat that has already accumulated.3. The natural balance of the environment is being destroyedMany animals and plants are affected by the changing climate. For example, coral reefs are dying (coral bleaching) due to warm oceans. When animals lose their habitat, the entire ecosystem is affected, and it is difficult to restore it to its original state.4. Extreme weather eventsStorms, droughts, floods, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent. For example, in the Philippines, storms like Yolanda are becoming stronger. Because of these changes, many lives and properties are being destroyed, and it is hard to recover or fix them quickly. Another example is in 2024 when there was a parade of typhoons before the year ended. This is one of the effects of climate change, as the warming of the Pacific Ocean activates typhoons entering the country, and it becomes worse if there is no HPA (High Pressure Area) to block typhoons from hitting land. The Philippines is also experiencing extreme heat; on August 14, 2023, a very high heat index of 60°C was recorded, which means severe danger to human health.But is there still hope to prevent the worst-case scenario if climate change worsens?Yes. Even though we can no longer prevent some effects of climate change, we can still do something to keep it from getting worse:Use renewable energy such as solar and windPlant trees and protect forestsReduce the use of plastic and electricitySupport laws and programs for the environmentClimate is a part of our life. We cannot fully control it, but we have the power to make decisions for the good of the next generation.
