The sun appears round and feels intensely hot as it warms the earth. Beneath this sun, countless humans and other living beings thrive. Yet, as the sun grows hotter, the inhabitants of the earth watch silently, taking little action. Some believe that the heat from the sun is a natural phenomenon, beyond the influence or intervention of human behavior and habits.
Since their arrival, humans have forcibly invaded the habitats of other living things, often destroying them. Numerous species have gone extinct due to human activities, which are far from environmentally friendly. In this sense, humans stand at the top of the food chain. With such intelligence, the question arises: who can challenge humanity? Is there a connection between the environment and the presence of humans?
Answering this question seems straightforward. To date, humans have clearly positioned themselves at the apex of the food chain. They may not be four-legged, sharp-toothed, or massive like elephants or dinosaurs, but their unparalleled brainpower compensates for their physical weaknesses, turning humans into the most influential force in shaping environmental harmony.
It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that the damage and heat plaguing the world are largely the result of human actions. While humans complain about the rising temperatures, they simultaneously contribute to environmental destruction, sometimes unconsciously, and other times deliberately. In fact, many openly view the environment as a mere tool for achieving their own prosperity, leading to its exploitation and degradation.
This mindset aligns with the concept of anthropocentrism. This theory of environmental ethics views humans as the center of the universe. Human interests are regarded as the most crucial factor in determining the structure of ecosystems, whether directly or indirectly. The highest value is placed on humans and their needs. Everything else in the universe is valued only to the extent that it serves human interests. In this view, nature is merely an object, tool, or means for fulfilling human needs and goals, lacking intrinsic value.
Shifting to the issue of heat, we encounter two familiar words: global warming. Global warming essentially refers to the rise in the earth’s temperature, largely driven by human activities influenced by anthropocentric thinking, such as industrial activities that release significant amounts of CO₂ and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Carbon dioxide, primarily produced by the burning of coal, oil, gas, deforestation, and forest fires, plays the most significant role in this phenomenon.
Global Warming and Climate Change
Global warming is caused by the thickening of greenhouse gases, primarily due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and other gases. As a result, heat from the sun that should be reflected back into space is instead trapped and absorbed by the earth. Over time, this global warming leads to climate change. Climate change refers to alterations in climate elements (temperature, pressure, humidity, rainfall, wind, etc.) on a global scale. One clear sign of global climate change is global warming, which indicates a rise in global temperatures over a prolonged period (at least 30 years, according to the World Meteorological Organization).
Various definitions of climate change are offered by different groups:
- According to Law No. 31 of 2009: Climate change is a change in climate caused, directly or indirectly, by human activity that alters the composition of the atmosphere on a global scale, along with changes in natural climate variability over a comparable period.
- From the perspective of farmers: Climate change involves unpredictable rainy and dry seasons, disrupting traditional farming habits (such as planting patterns) and threatening crop yields.
- From the perspective of fishermen: Climate change makes it difficult to read natural signs (wind, temperature, astronomy, marine life, and ocean currents), making it harder to predict fishing areas, times, and types of catch.
- From the perspective of the general public: Climate change means the irregularity of seasons.
In contrast to anthropocentrism, there is the “Life-Centered Theory.” Albert Schweitzer’s theory proposes four main ethical principles: humans are members of the community of life on earth; the earth is an organic system in which humans and other creatures are interconnected and interdependent; all living beings share a common goal for the well-being and wholeness of the entire system; and human superiority over other creatures is rejected. Recognizing that the environment is a home and an integral part of humanity is crucial for its conservation and preservation.
Human activities have a massive impact on the environment. Even seemingly simple human habits can contribute to environmental destruction. Often, people are unaware or fail to realize that they are playing a role in making the earth hotter and more polluted. However, there are straightforward actions we can take to help save our planet.
Here are some simple steps that can be used to preserve the environment and combat global warming and climate change:
- Plant trees.
- Preserve biodiversity.
- Conserve water.
- Save energy (reduce electricity and fuel consumption).
- Use solar-powered water heaters.
- Opt for environmentally friendly energy sources.
- Utilize non-fossil power sources, such as hydropower, biogas, biofuel, biodiesel, geothermal, ocean currents, wind, and solar energy.
- Switch to low-emission energy sources, for example, transitioning from wood fuel or kerosene to LPG gas.
Facing Climate Change
Climate change is a highly complex issue. The steps outlined above play a role, or at least help, in changing harmful habits to protect the environment. However, a significant barrier stands in the way: powerful entities that prioritize profit over environmental health. It’s important to emphasize that this issue isn’t merely technical, requiring technical solutions or institutional changes. Nor is it just a matter of changing a leader or reforming bureaucracy.
Editor: AK
