Day 5: Why Change Must Begin With Us
Author: Abitha M.G
Company: Skillwise Consulting –Corporate Training Services (Learning & Development)
College: SRM Arts and Science College Kattankulathur
Department: B.A. English
Internship Duration: 15 Days
Day: 05
Date: 20/07/2025
Introduction
Have you recently noticed any oddities in the weather?
Perhaps the monsoons aren't coming as frequently as they used to, or your summers feel hotter than ever.
Now, this is more than just small talk. Something worldwide.
The issue of climate change is no longer a "future" one. The crisis is right now.
The real shocker, though, is that the climate isn't simply shifting.
More quickly than at any other time in human history, it is changing.
What, then, is accelerating it?
Let's put it simply: let's talk about the facts and what we can do about them, without any jargon or fear.
It Literally Begins With Us
First things first: climate change is no longer merely a natural cycle. Human activity is what gives it a boost. We emit invisible gases into the atmosphere every time we turn on an air conditioner, drive a fuel-powered vehicle, or burn coal to generate electricity particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane. These gases encircle the Earth like a thick imperceptible blanket, trapping heat. That blanket is currently becoming far too thick, and it's known as the greenhouse effect.
Industrial Development: The Quick Path to Heating
Energy powers our cities, factories, smartphones, and airplanes,burning fossil fuels provides the majority of that energy.The catch? Those fossil fuels were stored underground by the Earth over millions of years.We’re burning them up in just a few decades like consuming a month's worth of food in one evening. And the outcome? The planet’s temperature is rising faster than ever before.
The Earth's Lungs Are Being Cut Down
The planet's forests act as natural air filters.They inhale CO₂ and exhale oxygen. But when we cut down trees for roads, buildings, and agriculture, we lose our best defense against climate change.Worse? When forests burn, all the carbon stored in them is released into the atmosphere
a double blow to the environment.
It's Made Worse by Feedback Loops
The most alarming aspect?
Climate change is now accelerating itself.
- Arctic ice melts → Earth absorbs more heat
- Warmer oceans → Release more moisture → Stronger storms
- Thawing permafrost → Releases methane (80x more potent than CO₂)
Earth is trapped in a vicious cycle, spinning faster and faster.
What Are Our Options?
- Switch to clean energy like solar and wind
- Use public transport, walk, or bike more
- Reduce plastic use
- Eat locally produced food
- Recycle responsibly
- Speak up: Vote for leaders and policies that protect our planet
Final Thought
Climate change is not a distant issue.
It’s already here.But here’s the good news: We are still here too smarter, kinder, and more capable than ever.We caused this shift and we have the power to reverse it. One step at a time. Together.
