Climate change 기후 변화

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