It is impossible to negate the debate on environmental issues that has been raging across the globe in the contemporary times. Being a global and socially aware citizen, you cannot miss the constant references to terms like global warming and climate change, the latter being one of the prime threats to the existence of life on planet Earth.

The phenomenon of climate change is apparent from the steady rise in temperatures globally. The rise in temperature has caused the polar ice caps and glaciers to melt thereby increasing the global mean sea level. Since 1850, the average surface temperature of the planet has increased by 0.76º C. If appropriate measures to control the emissions of greenhouse gases, which trap the heat of the atmosphere, are not taken then the temperature is expected to increase by 1.8-4ºC at the end of this century triggering the possibilities of an imminent catastrophe.

One cannot ignore the role of human activities in climate change. Random felling of trees to clear land for habitation and agriculture and the burning of fossil fuels have increased the amount of greenhouse emissions, especially that of carbon dioxide. In order to minimize the effects of this global climate change, it is necessary to control these emissions. Moreover the implementation of treaties like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol are positive steps taken by the European Union in this direction.

However, all these endeavors at improving the situation cannot be completely effective until and unless it is supported by each and every individual. It is very important for each of us to realize the gravity of this situation and take proper measures to counter it, in our own individual capacities. Since we have been at the root of this problem, we have to take the onus of finding a solution.