Climate change is happening and it knows no boundaries. Its effects are being felt worldwide by people whether wealthy or poor, and wherever they live whether in Africa, India, Asia or the Caribbean. Here in Guyana, Climate Change is affecting people who live on the coast, and those that live in hinterland regions. It is clear, that to fight Climate Change all must be united in their efforts locally and globally. To better understand why we should join the fight, consider these sobering facts*:

• Global temperature has risen by 1.40F since 1880.
• By 2025, rising temperatures will result in the amount of water available per person decreasing by 30%-70% in some areas, including the Caribbean region.
• Carbon dioxide levels in the air are at their highest in 650,000 years.
• Global average sea level has risen by more than 7 inches over the past 100 years, more than double the amount of the last century.
• In South and Central America, more than 600 extreme weather events occurred between 2000-2013, affecting 52.6 million people, resulting in 13,500 deaths, and economic losses of US$45.3 billion.

These facts provide solid evidence that climate change is real and if we fail to adjust our actions, then our Earth’s climate will become dangerous for people. Climate change has influenced changes in weather patterns, the emergence of new diseases and pests, an increase in the incidence of extreme events such as floods, droughts and hurricanes and destruction of wildlife habitats. These effects have also put a strain on the economic resources of countries since measures have to be put in place to combat them in order to provide relief to people.
Therefore, climate change is an issue of urgency and hope. Every individual must take action and use their power to fight climate change. Simple actions can be taken to aid in addressing this issue. These include:

• Mending and reusing clothes and other products to save money and reduce waste going to the landfill;
• Replacing old appliances with energy efficient models and light bulbs.
• Saving electricity by plugging appliances into a power strip and turning them off completely when not in use;
• Eating less meat, poultry, and fish and composting kitchen waste;
• Planting trees;
• Buying minimally packaged goods;
• Decreasing your personal carbon footprint by walking, cycling, and using public transportation whenever possible. Consider carpooling with friends, neighbours, and co-workers;
• Taking the stairs instead of using the elevator. In addition to saving energy, taking the stairs gives you a mild workout which will help keep you healthy; and
• Adapt energy efficient technologies for your factories and industries.

*Sources:
http://climate.nasa.gov/
http://www.emdat.be

Share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or you can contact the Agency on 225-5467-9.

Also check out our Facebook page, Environmental Protection Agency-Guyana.