Global warming, also called climate change, is explained as the change in the climate of the world due to the increase in the average temperatures measured on land, sea and air throughout the year, as a result of the greenhouse effect, which is thought to be caused by the greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, which is formed by the increase in the heat-trapping gases such as carbon dioxide.
Today, climate scientists agree global warmingWe have been feeling the effects of the world, especially lately. Record-breaking temperatures, severe midsummer hail, floods, storms, fires and tornadoes. While 10 years ago, the danger of melting glaciers made us think of a very distant future, today these disasters make us question the concept of time again.
The situation has become so serious that scientists strongly emphasize that the average temperature level of the world should not increase by 2 degrees more for the rapidly progressing trend. When this ratio exceeds 2 degrees, it is predicted that the mechanism that we can control at the moment will get out of control and very big disasters will occur.
All of us are holding on to the end of the rope at some point and somehow we contribute to the creation of this climate crisis because we consume coal, oil and natural gas. The consumption of all these substances causes a serious carbon dioxide emission. Carbon dioxide emissions account for 70% of the climate crisis.
At the core, climate change is an ethical and moral issue. A simple question can change everything. “Do you live only for one person?” How aware are you of the car you buy, the coffee you drink, the water you use, the light you turn on?
Now is the time to start taking responsibility for a livable future. Even a small change in your daily life is very valuable. Even if the situation seems pessimistic, there is still hope to curb global warming and build a sustainable future.
electrical outlets
Considering that there are an estimated 10 electrical sockets in a house and these sockets are constantly used to power electronic devices, it is a fact that a significant amount of energy consumption occurs even if they are not active. Since fossil fuels are used to generate electricity, the air is polluted, HEPPs established for electricity generation cause damage to our water resources and destroy natural life.. Do not forget to unplug the electrical appliances before going to bed at night, unplug the chargers you do not use. You both prevent radiation and save energy.
Energy-saving appliances
Before buying an electronic home appliance, we should pay attention to how much energy it uses. It is possible to find products that provide high efficiency with low energy consumption. Let's take refrigerators, for example. An A+++ refrigerator may seem more costly than a C-type refrigerator, but when we consider the electricity load it consumes in the long run, the price you will pay for a C refrigerator in a year with month-end payments doubles compared to A+++ type. A class C old technology refrigerator consumes 750 kWh of energy per year, while an A+++ class refrigerator consumes 150 kWh of energy per year. According to research, there are 20 million refrigerators in Turkey. When C type refrigerators are used instead of A+++, 330 million trees need to be planted in one year to eliminate the damage to the environment.
Water Consumption
When it comes to thirst, we are more or less all aware of what we will encounter. In fact, the damage this situation will cause on life is more than we can imagine. First of all, 70% of usable water is consumed in agricultural areas. Thus, the water problem directly triggers the decrease in food production. It is foreseen that this production will bring economic problems in the not too distant future. With the decrease in food production, a significant increase in prices is expected. What can we do? Although a person's daily water requirement is 75 liters, the consumption amount of many of us is much higher than normal. For example, it can reach 350 liters per day.
Minimal changes we will make in our lives water consumption amountcan drastically change it.
-Reduce shower time.
- Do not leave the tap on while brushing your teeth while washing your hands.
-Use a basin when washing your dishes.
-Do not run the washing machine before it is full.
Shopping
Even though emerging trends and flashy pieces lead us to shop, it is necessary to review our consumption habits. Most of the time, it is not acted according to the need. If we look at the numerical data, an increase of 40% has been observed in the sales of clothing products in the last 20 years. Of course, for the preparation of all these products, 330,000 tons cotton production needs. Making a list of needs is at the beginning of being a sustainable consumer. What you can do to gain eco-friendly shopping habits and a sustainable lifestyle
Sustainable Clothing and a Fashion Approach that Respects Nature
You can find our article.
Meat consumption
Research shows that animal husbandry affects about 15% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. This rate is much higher than the greenhouse gas emissions caused by air and land vehicle traffic. Digestion by animals causes methane gas formation, while manure production causes carbon dioxide emissions. Fossil fuels used in livestock are seriously triggering this situation. Forests destroyed during animal feed production leave the planet vulnerable to emerging greenhouse gases. Meat production brings with it high water consumption. It is necessary to consume approximately 7 thousand liters of water to produce 500 grams of cow meat. This figure is 10 times that used for wheat and rice.
You don't have to be vegetarian or vegan to make a difference in this regard. Halving meat consumption It even helps to reduce the carbon footprint by 40 percent.
automobile use
One of the biggest changes you can make in your daily life limiting car use. Walking, cycling and using public transport It can help you gain habit and also help you eliminate one of the main causes of the climate crisis from your life. NSCO2 emissions per capita in industrialized countries are around 9.2 tons per year. Quitting car use means a quarter of that reduction.
About the author:
Alara Dolunay – Be People Editor
Alara Dolunay, who completed her undergraduate education at the Department of Media and Communication Systems at Bilgi University, completed her internships as an assistant to the project manager of ICM Turkey Digital Marketing Agency and Doğan Paksoy Gallery Young Art Magazine Writer. In 2020, she joined the Sotheby's Art Institute, Art History program. He has been working as Creative Editor at Be People since January 2021.
