People from all around the world joined hands together, be it virtually or in reality, with the devastating news of the Amazon’s Forest Fire.
The forest that is described as “lungs of the planet” had been burning for weeks and covered São Paulo with a sheet of darkness on August 19th.
The Amazon Forest produces more than 20 percentage the world’s oxygen and is home to more than half of the world’s species of plants, animals and insects. It has been burning for 3 weeks and we have just found out about it! The lungs of the Earth are on fire. #PrayForTheAmazon pic.twitter.com/FUEm8SMM4E
— Inderjeet7 (@Inderjeet711) August 22, 2019
According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), it has been reported that there have been a whopping 72,000 fires spread in the Amazon Forest since January 2019. Fire activity is said to occur frequently in July and August, especially approaching nearer to the dry season.
Fires are also said as a common agricultural “cleaning” technique which farmers have used to clear land for crops. However, it is said to be illegal, especially at this season for its high risk of spreading.
This devastating news indeed has brought people more aware of the impact of climate change. These 5 simple changes you can do in your lifestyle could help a great deal to combat climate change – especially when we’re doing it together!
1. Join an environmental initiative
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You’d be surprised to know that many organizations and NGO’s are taking steps and actions to combat climate change – and all you need to do is to learn more about it and join one! Initiatives like Glimpse of Malaysia organizes monthly beach clean-ups and hiking trails clean-ups that not only does good to preserve the environment but will also have you finding a like-minded community.
Check out these other initiatives that you can volunteer in:
2. Be conscious of your commuting habits!
Our communiting habits tops the main cause of climate change. While it is hard for us Malaysians to agree with this point because we simply can’t live without our cars, however, whenever you can, make it a point to carpool or take public transport! The next time you’re ordering a Grab, try GrabShare instead!
In the meantime, let’s just hope for a better transportation system in our country, eh?
3. Only use what you need
Switching to renewable energy sources may not be something everyone can afford to do, but we can play our part with simple steps like cooling your room before you sleep to reduce the usage of air-conditioners or switch to a better air conditioning from True Air Systems, unplug electronic devices, and turning off lights when you’re not using it. However, is your air conditioner blowing hot air? Check out here some simple steps that can help your pocket save as well!
4. Introducing: sustainable diets!
Dairy and meat food especially is said to be the world’s third-largest emitters of greenhouse gas. From the process of caring for farm animals, like fertilisers, land, to its after-effects, our favourite food really does come with a price. This doesn’t mean you need to say goodbye to meat forever, you can play your part by cutting down your meat intake.
Another simple way is to purchase local production food, or even grow your own vegetables to reduce the import and export of food.
5. Fly less!
I can hear some objections going on already. Flying less does not mean you have to stop travelling entirely, pursuing your wanderlust. Instead, try visiting local places or travel when necessary – it could definitely help you explore more of the treasures of our nation!
What steps would you take to build a better Earth? Let us know in the comments!
Header image credits: The Swaddle | Agence Producteurs Locaux Damien Kühn via Unsplash | Raul Varzar via Unsplash |
Denys Nevozhai via Unsplash
