Steps to save the planet we call home

There is little doubt that the Earth is warming. By the beginning of the 21st century, Earth’s temperature was roughly 0.5 degrees Celsius above the long-term (1951–1980) average. The hottest three years recorded were 2016, 2015, and 2014. Global warming modifies rainfall patterns, amplifies coastal erosion, lengthens the growing season in some regions, melts ice caps and glaciers, and alters the range of some infectious diseases. Some of these changes are already occurring. If the ice caps melt, a vast majority of our countries’ borders will be under water. Monuments and great buildings, as well as homes and lives, will be under water.

How can we, as individuals, do our part to help save the planet? The answer is simpler than you think.

First, you could plant a tree. Join or help out a local wildlife group and ask to plant a tree. Trees, when fully grown, help keep the planet cooler.

Something as simple as walking instead of taking the car can help reduce pollution. It also helps us exercise – something that’s important for our bodies. So the next time you have to go somewhere, ask yourself: Do I have to make this journey by vehicle or can I walk?

When you are at home, and you are getting a little cold, put on a jumper and do not adjust the heating. The extra heat produced by our homes also affects the planet.

If possible, buy fruits and vegetables from local suppliers and try to avoid imported goods. The more foreign food we import, the more pollution from aeroplanes and boats it creates.

Reduce, reuse and recycle. Only buy what you need. Reuse whatever you can, like containers and paper, and recycle what you cannot reuse. It really is as simple as that.

Finally, turning off unused sources of power such as televisions and heaters will help the environment, as well as save you money.

If everybody sticks to these rules, we would all contribute to protecting the Earth. After all, it is the next generation that will feel the effect of our negligence.

The reader is a student, based in Dubai