By Kwezikazi Mjuza
Climate change, I am sure you have heard of these two infamous words and if not, then I am here to tell you what it is and what it means to us humans and every living thing on earth. The world is currently facing the hangover of hundreds of years of burning fossil fuels and the air is overrun by greenhouse gasses.
What does this mean? Well, this means that all the toxins which are referred to as greenhouse gases have not only invaded the atmosphere but they are excessive so much so that they are heating up the earth causing global warming and what we call Climate Change. Greenhouse gases are caused by the burning of fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are the natural materials consisting of dead plants and animals that are burnt in order to generate electricity, oil, petrol, diesel etcetera.
The burning of fossil fuels is not single handedly responsible for climate change, however, 75% of global greenhouse gas is due to the burning of fossil fuels according to research conducted by The United Nations. There is another major contributing factor such as the usage of transportation. Most modes of transport except for a bicycle, use petrol, diesel and oil which are all generated through fossil fuels and the exhaust pipe releases these toxins into the air. Day to day human activity and our lifestyles are worsening the rate at which the earth is warming up. In a report published by the Union of Concerned Scientists, they claim that 97% of scientists are convinced and sure that human activity is the cause of climate change and that we amplify it.
Basic human activities such as producing food for consumption, cutting down trees for furniture and paper, using modes of transportation that use petrol, diesel, and oil, manufacturing goods etcetera are causing the predicament in which the whole world finds itself in. The soil is burning up and requires more water in order to grow fruits and vegetable while water supply dams are also drying up due to evaporation. It is a muddle that urgently needs the attention of scientists, it is already getting out of hand but it could also get to the point where any and all living things die.