That fire are we talking about?
None other than global warming — a phrase that resonates powerfully in world discourses and international conferences, yet little seems to be done about it.
Global warming refers to the gradual increase in the Earth’s temperature.
As the term suggests, our planet keeps getting hotter and warmer — a situation mostly attributed to human activities.
Causes
Deforestation: One major cause is deforestation, which is the cutting down of trees without replacing them. In simple terms, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, which is beneficial to humankind.
This begs the question: how is deforestation linked to global warming?
Trees and plants play a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
When trees are cut down without being replaced, excess carbon accumulates — a situation harmful to the planet.
Does it mean trees should never be cut down? Not exactly, but there must be control, as well as the practice of afforestation and reforestation, which should gain more attention in public discourse.
Fossil fuel burning: In fossil fuel production, to obtain final products such as diesel, kerosene, petrol and LPG, a lot of burning takes place.
The emission of thick smoke and gases pollutes the environment in the process of obtaining these non-renewable energy sources.
The world is now advocating for green energy — that is, sustainable energy sources such as wind, solar and hydro power — to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy.
The keyword here is sustainable because these sources are continuously available and can be replenished.
Improper waste management: Additionally, the world is generating more waste than ever before, largely due to industrialisation.
Industrialisation has its benefits, but the way waste is managed raises concerns.
In Africa, it is common to see waste burned in open spaces.
One can open the door only to be greeted by smoke and dangerous gases in the air.
Such practices release harmful substances that trap heat in the atmosphere, worsening global warming.
Consequences
The ice at the Earth’s poles is gradually melting, and its ripple effect is alarming.
The melting ice flows into the sea, increasing sea levels.
Imagine placing a small ice block in a bowl of water already filled to 4cm.
When the ice melts completely, the level might rise to 7cm.
That is the effect of global warming.
This rise in sea level leads to flooding, which endangers both human and animal life.
Combined with changing weather patterns, natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes and tsunamis are becoming more frequent and deadlier.
The extinction of animal species is another concern, as many lose their habitats due to flooding and climate change.
Moreover, these gases are depleting the ozone layer, which protects us from the sun’s harmful rays.
This depletion contributes to the formation of acid rain, which corrodes roofing sheets and harms living organisms.
Solutions
Adoption of electric vehicles: The introduction of electric vehicles should be widely adopted.
Like a chorus, we must all sing the same tune — it reduces pollution caused by non-renewable energy sources such as petrol, diesel and kerosene.
Cities should promote electric-powered cars and buses as part of clean transportation systems.
Shift to renewable energy: In addition, we must rely more on solar, wind and hydropower for electricity generation instead of focusing on non-renewable sources.
Governments should invest in renewable energy technologies and make them accessible and affordable.
Recycling, waste reduction: Instead of burning waste, we should focus on recycling.
If recycling hubs are established in districts across the country, they would reduce landfill use and environmental pollution.
Materials such as plastics and glass can be recycled for reuse, creating jobs while protecting the environment.
Conclusion
Global warming is no longer a distant threat — it is a present danger. The “fire” on our dear Earth is real, but the good news is that we can put it out through conscious human actions, education and sustainable practices. Together, we can cool the Earth and make it a safer, greener home for generations to come.
The writer is an educator.
E-mail: desmondnyampong@gmail.com
