Greetings to the warm and happy people of Rivers State, and welcome to another episode of RivEthics on Radio, our character-building weekend show. Please remember that success has a simple formula, which is to add positive action to positive thoughts. Our topic this week is on the phenomenon of Climate Change.
All over the world, climate scientists agree that global warming over the past century has been predominantly due to human activities, and most of the leading scientific organizations worldwide have issued public statements validating this position. In other words, the evidence is incontrovertible that global warming is occurring. If no mitigating actions are taken, significant disruptions in the Earth’s physical and ecological systems, social systems, security and human health are likely to occur. We must reduce emissions of greenhouse gases to have a safe, healthy earth to live in.
Climate-warming has led to climate change, which refers to the broad range of changes that are happening to our planet. These include rising sea levels, shrinking mountain glaciers, accelerating ice melt, and shifts in flower/plant blooming, drought, famine, vanishing fresh water bodies, etc. These are all consequences of the warming, which is caused mainly by people burning fossil fuels and putting out heat-trapping gases into the air.
Whether you live in the rural village, small island, coastal town or big city, everyone everywhere is affected by this phenomenon of climate change. Impact of climate change is already being felt as drought, floods and heat waves increase. Likewise, vector-borne diseases, like malaria and other viruses are also increasing with more humidity and heat.
According to the World Health Organisation, climate change will lead to increased hunger and famine, as food production is distabilised by drought. Likewise, air pollution and pollen seasons will increase leading to more allergies and asthma. Also, warmer waters and flooding will increase exposures to diseases in drinking and recreational waters. All these will lead to more deaths globally in the coming years if climate change continues unabated.
So far, there are concerted efforts by the international community and concerned countries to reverse the ugly trend of global warming. However, some country leaders have chosen to politicise and belittle the issue of climate change against overwhelming evidence. But that is beside the point. The big question is, what can you as an individual do to contribute to the required positive change towards a better, healthful earth.
Our guest speaker is a distinguished chemical engineer, Mrs. Kaine Chinwah, Chairperson of the African Centre for Environmental Protection. She will share her ideas on the subject and advise on how we can get contribute to the change. Please enjoy the episode.
Our dear Rivers people, don’t forget to always let your manners speak for you.
God bless and keep you and your families and God bless Rivers State.
Justice (Mrs.) Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike
The Wife of the Governor of Rivers State and
Initiator of the RivEthics Character Development Programme
You can also listen to and download the Pidgin English version of this Episode below