As the world is crippled with the uncertainty of climate change we often tend to look ahead at the bleak prospect of how our future on this planet might collectively look. Human activities are the main catalysts of climate change, due to the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) into the atmosphere. These gases create a dense blanket in the atmosphere that traps heat from the sun, leading to a condition known as the greenhouse effect. When these gases are emitted in surplus it is known as global warming due to which temperatures of the earth peak exponentially. As mentioned in the book How to Avoid a Climate Disaster by Bill Gates he draws a perfect analogy for our present state: "The climate is like a bathtub that's slowly filling up with water. Even if we slow the flow of water to a trickle the tub will eventually fill up and water will come spilling onto the floor. That's the disaster we have to prevent". It perfectly demonstrates our current scenario, our goal here shouldn't be just the reduction of emissions but a complete and total elimination of these gases from the atmosphere. Our goal should be the attainment of net zero carbon emissions. We must be aware of the word net negative emissions which means not only reducing our emissions but removing pre-existing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, through emerging technologies such as carbon capture. It is highly unfair that 40% of carbon emissions are being produced by 16% of the richest countries in the world. With its effects felt most significantly by the poorest communities and nations.
Here are some key aspects of climate change:
Climate change is a transnational issue that should be dealt with on an urgent basis. We have already raised the temperature to at least 1 degree Celsius since the pre-industrial era. If we continue with this trend we will further boost the temperature of the earth by 1.5 to 3
Celsius by the mid-century. We are already facing the current repercussions of our actions in the form of changes in weather patterns, heat waves, floods, droughts, etc. This is evidence that climate change is making these weather conditions more intense and frequent than their natural form. It translates to more hot days, more intense hurricanes, storms, floods, and destruction overall. These weather events destroy property, power lines, and buildings to such a great extent it is almost like an economic setback, propelling the improvement of a country many years or decades behind. The melting of polar ice caps is making areas near water bodies and cities near porous lands vulnerable. An example of this is Bangladesh, despite making great economic progress, is prone to extreme climate conditions such as heavy rainfall, storms, and cyclones. It is now common for 20% of the whole country to be submerged if these trends continue. Many communities, especially in developing countries, often bear the brunt of climate change impacts. These disparities can exacerbate existing imbalances. Increased levels of CO2 in the atmosphere result in more CO2 being absorbed by the world's oceans. It causes seawater to become more acidic, causing deterioration of marine life, including coral reefs and shellfish. Plants, animals, and marine life are being endangered due to these carbon dioxide surges. Crop growing patterns and agriculture are already taking a hit to these trends. With changes in weather conditions the productivity of animals is decreased causing premature deaths, a decrease in fertility rate, decrease in quantity and quality of produce such as eggs, and milk. Climate change is a critical issue and requires the unified support of all stakeholders, countries, and civic bodies as well as the use of new emerging technologies to tackle this issue.
Addressing it is crucial not just for the well-being of current and future generations but for the overall health of our planet.
Women's education plays a profound role in tackling this multifaceted issue of climate change for several reasons:
Education equips women with knowledge and tools to understand the multi-dimensional issue of climate change. Women are more likely to participate in core decision-making processes that stretch not just at the household or community levels but at global levels as well. These decisions can involve priority areas such as sustainability, resource management, family planning, health, food, and biodiversity conservation.
Women's involvement will increase economic participation as well as give them access to a wider range of employment opportunities. This participation contributes to overall economic growth, poverty reduction, stable household incomes, etc.
Well-educated women tend to make better decisions for overall improved health outcomes such as lifestyles, seeking better healthcare, childbearing, nutrition, sanitation, and disease prevention
Women will opt for smaller families and this will directly affect the fertility rates of the world. It will help stabilize population growth, decrease strain on resources, and better allocation and availability of high-quality resources by all
Fostering a deeper awareness of environmental issues and drives towards more environmentally conscious everyday behavior. They are more likely to endorse and engage in sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, energy conservation, biodiversity protection, better utilization of resources
They will contribute towards more innovative solutions to tackle environmental and social challenges, in areas such as climate change, water resource management, agriculture and farming, and the use of biotech and infotech to tackle these issues
Education promotes gender equality by challenging stereotypes and expectations, creating a conducive environment that fosters innovation and equality in sustainable development efforts.
Women's Efforts are driving forces in community-level participation and education in initiatives, such as clean energy projects, sanitation programs, or education campaigns.
Several international frameworks and agreements, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognize the role of gender equality in education (SDG 4), as a crucial element for achieving broader and long-term sustainability goals.
Gender-balanced inclusive decision-making bodies and policies involve perspectives, and problems and address the needs of all members of society equally.
written by Honey Ngangom
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