It is possible to stop and reduce the climate crisis!
Stating that climate destruction is an environmental crisis characterized by factors such as increasing temperatures, increase in natural disasters and deterioration of ecosystems worldwide, experts also say that it is the degradation of ecosystems. Stating that climate destruction also causes social and economic problems, Environmental Ethics Forum President Prof. İbrahim Özdemir said that "The increasing number of refugees in the world should also be looked at from this point of view. People who cannot meet their basic needs naturally leave their countries for a better life."
Prof. İbrahim Özdemir: "We can leave a more livable planet for future generations by working together "
Üsküdar University Environmental Ethics Forum President Prof. İbrahim Özdemir commented on the climate crisis, referring to the words of United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that 'climate destruction has begun'.
Reminding that the whole world had a hot summer, as Guterres stated, and that the temperatures above the forecasts caused major fires on the one hand and droughts on the other, Prof. İbrahim Özdemir stated that as a result of climate change, major flood disasters were witnessed this year, and only the flood disaster in Libya caused material and moral losses.
Climate breakdown is an environmental crisis
Prof. Özdemir stated that "First of all, climate destruction is an environmental crisis characterized by factors such as increasing temperatures worldwide, the increase in natural disasters and the degradation of ecosystems. This phenomenon is a large part of human impact and is caused by human activities such as the increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the overuse of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities.
One of the main causes of climate breakdown is the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to the warming of our planet. The combustion of fossil fuels, the emission of greenhouse gases by industrial facilities and the cutting of forests contribute to the increase of these gases. This causes the greenhouse effect to be strengthened, and it results in climate changes such as rising sea levels, temperature rise, extreme weather events and droughts."
The deterioration of ecosystems, which are the source of all beauty, is also a climate breakdown
Noting that another aspect of climate destruction is the deterioration of ecosystems, which are the source of all the beauty in the world, Prof. Özdemir also said that increasing temperatures destroy natural habitats and lead to the extinction of many species.
Explaining that acidification in the seas causes damage to coral reefs and complicates the life of sea creatures, and that the destruction of forests reduces the capacity to absorb carbon, which leads to the rapid accumulation of greenhouse gases, Prof. Özdemir said:
People who cannot meet their basic needs are leaving their countries
"Climate breakdown also leads to social and economic problems. Drought affects farmland and reduces food production, which leads to higher food prices and increased hunger. Extreme weather events cause millions of people to lose their homes and cause economic damage. Rising sea levels threaten coastal areas and could displace millions of people. The increasing number of refugees in the world should also be looked at from this point of view. People who cannot meet their basic needs naturally leave their countries for a better life."
What are the consequences of climate breakdown?
Stating that the future of our planet will be in serious danger if climate destruction continues, Prof. Özdemir said that "When we say our future, we are talking about a time in which our children and grandchildren will live. Rising sea levels can flood coastal areas and cause major cities to be flooded. Extreme heat can make farmland unproductive and lead to food crises. The degradation of ecosystems reduces biodiversity and causes species to become extinct. The increase in social conflicts can trigger waves of migration and lead to the displacement of millions of people.”
Instead of despair, action should be taken...
Emphasizing the importance of acting to prevent and reduce climate destruction instead of despair, Prof. Dr. Özdemir stated that the first step is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and switch to sustainable energy sources, then using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels can reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, and it is also important to increase energy efficiency and promote sustainable transportation systems.
We have a chance to stop and alleviate this crisis
Underlining the vital importance of international cooperation in the fight against climate change, Prof. Özdemir said that "As a result, climate destruction is one of the biggest threats facing our planet. However, we have a chance to stop and alleviate this crisis. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in sustainable energy sources, protecting forests, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and ensuring international cooperation are important steps in the fight against climate change. By working together, we can leave a more livable planet for future generations."
Stating that unlimited growth is not possible in a limited world, Prof. Özdemir emphasized that science says that everything in the world has a limit and quantity, that the amount of fresh water in the world, seas and oceans is known, and that environmental problems cannot be solved with unlimited development models.
The impact of climate change on natural disasters
Listing the effects of climate change on natural disasters as temperature increase and extreme heat waves, increasing sea levels and floods, drought, extreme weather events and forest fires, Prof. Özdemir pointed out that for this reason, efforts to combat climate change and environmental sustainability are very important.
Explaining that the impact of climate change on natural disasters causes these disasters to be more frequent and severe, making them more threatening to societies, ecosystems and economies, Prof. Özdemir also stated that climate change is a complex problem with various effects on human health.
Pointing out issues such as extreme temperatures and the diseases it causes, air pollution, and changes in water supply, Prof. Özdemir noted that climate change can lead to drought and a decrease in drinking water resources, and difficulty in accessing clean water can also increase the risk of water-borne diseases, and that the increase in temperature can negatively affect food production, which can lead to higher food prices and food security problems.
Prof. Özdemir said that "Today's developed countries are taking serious measures on these issues and trying to reduce the impact of the devastating consequences of climate change. This difference can be better seen when we look at the material and moral losses caused by natural disasters in developed countries and underdeveloped countries. The biggest victims of climate destruction will be our children and grandchildren. Whether they will remember us with blessings or curses seems to depend on what we do today. We must act to prevent climate breakdown. We need to communicate positively with those who are in the decision-making authority and use our democratic rights and power."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)