The world is getting warmer every day. The Korea Times also mentioned the boom of stick insects and gypsy moths as an effect of the warming climate in Korea. Climate change has become one of the critical issues nowadays.
The world's top emitter of carbon dioxide is China. Among others, the United
States, various European Union nations, India, Russia, and Japan are getting
right up there with China.
Together with the increase of the Earth's temperature and the sea level rise,
carbon dioxide with it greenhouse effect, air pollution, heat waves, weather
disasters such as the torrential floods that we are now experiencing, forest
fires, and the spread of the coronavirus have caused the drastic changes in our
daily life.
In Korea, it is said the climate changes twice as fast than in other countries.
We are very much aware of this climate crisis, but it takes much time to change
our lifestyles. I was glad to hear that some birds have returned to the
seashores thanks to the closure of the airports, the major carbon dioxide polluter,
due to COVID-19.
Nevertheless, our streets are still crowded with many cars, and most of the
buildings and the transportation are well air-conditioned. How can we reduce
the climate effect when we still prefer the convenience of life?
When I was in Singapore, I noticed that people preferred using single-use
items. One day, I asked "Why?" in the meetings.
One of the friends said, "It is more economical for us to throw away
one-time supplies than to wash dishes because we have to import every drop of
water from Malaysia. Washing means spending more money."
Unfortunately, relying on single-use items has become a habitual custom. For
example, in Korean funeral ceremonies we are accustomed to the use of such
items.
Some people consciously carry their personal cups, but how can we do that every
moment? I have become more conscious of using the washing machine in times of
low electricity consumption like early in the morning. And I try to use my
handkerchief instead of tissues.
Furthermore, our community decided to turn off the water purifier in several
areas during the night. One day a week, instead of turning on all the lights in
the chapel, we turn on two lights only in front when we pray the rosary.
When traveling, I often notice the structures for solar energy system in the
fields. Thinking about how to save electricity and energy and how to reduce
consumption and waste is demanding homework.
In spite of all the urgent situations, it is a necessary paradox that we have
to turn on the air-conditioner in the dining room, in the building, and in the
car when we feel most hot.
We still remember the recent flood in Venice and the huge bushfires in
Australia. Inspired by "The Moonshot" proposed by John F. Kennedy in
the 1960s, Prince William in England with a global alliance established
"The Earthshot Prize" as a decade of action to repair the Earth from
2021 to 2030.
This prize will be given every year to five persons who will suggest solutions
for environmental issues such as climate and energy, nature and biodiversity,
oceans, air pollution and fresh water. I do hope such an act of goodwill will
save the earth.
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2020/08/162_294124.html
The Korea Times/ Thoughts of the Times/
2020 10(online), 11(offline), 2020
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