The world stands at a precipice, teetering on the edge of climate crisis. Our planet, once a harmonious symphony of ecosystems, now echoes with the dissonant chords of environmental degradation. Let us delve into this somber melody, where the crescendo of urgency demands our attention.
The Earth’s temperature has been erratic, like a feverish patient, it has been steadily declining and/or climbing. Glaciers retreat, icebergs fracture, and once-frozen lands thaw. The Arctic, once a pristine expanse of ice, now reveals open water, a testament to our planet’s feverish state. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities, and extreme weather events—fierce hurricanes, scorching heat waves, and devastating floods—become more frequent.
This year, global temperatures have soared to unprecedented levels, setting records across various regions. Some places have experienced exceptionally high temperatures, the Nordic countries experienced temperatures much below average, the localities saw temperatures dropping to – 41.6°C., in Finland frost reached – 37.9°C, which is 25.6°C below the average minimum temperature for January. The sharp cold snap caused much disruption.
As the Nordic countries experienced temperatures much below average, regions in the south saw temperatures much above average. 2024 is shaping up to be either the hottest year on record or closely matching 2023 as the warmest year. Over the past three months, global temperatures have been exceptionally high, hovering around 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. The first quarter of 2024 witnessed record-high temperatures across vast areas of the planet, including the tropical Atlantic and western Pacific oceans, much of South America, vast regions of Africa, the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean.
There are earthquakes with aftershocks that brought heavy destruction. Dozens of houses collapsed, and roads cut huge cracks. road, rail, air and water links were partially paralysed. Underground tremors caused a tsunami. High waves washed away several houses and cars.
In this symphony, the haunting notes of extinction play relentlessly. Species vanish – their melodies silenced forever. Coral reefs, vibrant and diverse, bleach under the relentless sun. Forests, the lungs of our Earth, are felled, leaving barren echoes. The ivory keys of pianos resonate with sorrow, as elephants and rhinos fall victim to greed and ignorance.
The strings of our planet’s violin are set ablaze. Wildfires sweep across continents, devouring forests and homes. Smoke chokes the air, obscuring the sun. The orchestra of life trembles as flames dance, leaving scars etched into the Earth’s skin.
These fluctuations reflect the impact of global climate change on regional weather patterns. Certainly, the climate has changed; countries are being struck by series of natural disasters. The disasters have impacted countries around the world. Let’s delve into some of these events from January 2024 to date:
Storms and Floods: Asia remained the world’s most disaster-affected region in 2023 due to weather, climate, and water-related hazards. The Congo River reached its highest level in 60 years with unprecedented flooding; water flooded houses, schools, churches and hospitals. Residents have to travel on flooded roads by canoe. More than 300 people died as a result. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently grappled with the aftermath of extraordinary torrential rains where 259.5 mm (10.2 inches) of rain fell on the usually arid UAE, marking the heaviest rainfall in 75 years since records began in 1949.
A few days ago, Kenya experienced devastating flooding and mudslides, causing significant loss of life, displacement, and damage. At least 32 people have lost their lives due to the heavy rains and floods as of April 18 with over 40,265 people displaced. More than 960 livestock have been killed, and 24,010 acres of croplands have been destroyed by the floods and heavy rainfall.
In the USA, there were Severe Winter Storms, Straight-line Winds, Landslides, and Mudslides in Oregon – disaster declaration was issued on April 13, 2024, for Oregon, also related there was associated impacts of Severe Winter Storms, Tornadoes, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides in California; a major disaster declaration was declared on April 19, 2024 for California due to related hazards.
Other regions experienced severe heatwaves with far-reaching consequences, affecting both human health with mortality and morbidity, environmental consequences (wildfires, water scarcity, soil moisture reduction), socio-economic impacts (reduced work capacity, economic losses etc.) – In March 2024, schools in South Sudan were closed due to an impending extreme heatwave. The government took this measure to protect children from dangerously high temperatures. The health and education ministries advised parents to keep all children indoors as temperatures soar up to 45°C (113°F).
As we face the climate crisis, it is crucial to prioritise resilience, adaptation, and sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of natural disasters. The climate is so full of whispers of change: yet, amidst this cacophony, there are whispers of hope. Wind turbines spin, harnessing the breath of the Earth. Solar panels shimmer, capturing the sun’s energy. Electric cars hum, promising cleaner journeys. Conservationists raise their voices, advocating for reforestation, sustainable agriculture, and ocean protection.
In the soil of our collective consciousness, seeds of resilience should take root. Communities should adapt, embracing circular economies, regenerative practices, and eco-friendly innovations. Children should learn to love the Earth, their tiny hands planting trees and nurturing gardens. Indigenous wisdom must resound—a symphony of harmony with nature.
Just when I was dropping my pen, a news bulletin on the title bar of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) caught my attention: “Heavy windstorm and rain has damaged over 20 houses in Suleja and caused the falling of the wall of the Correctional Centre, enabling some Inmates to escape”.
As the climate crisis is also hitting us here in Nigeria, what policies does the government of the day have in place to mitigate/respond to these challenges?
Ahmad resides at FMA2, off Yaya (Petel) Abubakar Road, Fadamar Mada, Bauchi [email protected]
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