Educator’s Word: How to face challenges posed by climate change

Dr SS Brar

The history of the scientific discovery of climate change began in the early 19th century. In recent years, the impact of climate change has become increasingly evident, affecting ecosystems and our daily lives in various ways. One of the most noticeable effects is the rise in global temperatures, leading to more frequent and intense heat waves across the globe. As individuals and communities, it is crucial to understand both the challenges posed by climate change and the innovative solutions available to adapt to these changes while minimising environmental impact.

The impact of rising temperatures

Climate change has triggered a significant increase in global temperatures, resulting in prolonged periods of extreme heat. These heat waves can have devastating consequences, which are:

Health risks: Increased heat can lead to heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and dehydration, particularly affecting elderly and children.

Environmental stress: Higher temperatures can disrupt biodiversity, ecosystems, leading to shifts in habitats and endangering species that depend on stable climate conditions.

Economic impact: Industries, agriculture and tourism can suffer due to reduced productivity and increased costs associated with cooling and energy consumption.

Heat wave generators: Heat generators causes rise in temperature. These include buildings made up of concrete, asphalt and metal surfaces, which absorb and radiate heat. Besides this, vehicles emit heat and exhaust gases, contributing to air pollution and warming. Various human activities like cutting of trees and industries has increased global warming.

Heat busters

To cope with rising temperatures, it is essential to employ strategies that act as “heat busters”. Types of heat busters are:

Evaporative coolers: Cooling technologies like misting systems, energy efficient misting fans and evaporative coolers or swamp coolers operate on the principle of evaporation to cool air. So, help to lower temperatures without consuming high energy.

Radiative cooling: In buildings, natural ventilation, reflective roofing, insulated walls, heat resilient pavement, green infrastructure and community engagement and education on how to stay cool and safe during heat wave days can significantly reduce indoor temperatures.

Phase Change Materials (PCMs): PCMs absorb and release thermal energy during phase transitions, such as from solid to liquid. They can be incorporated into building materials or clothing to regulate temperatures and reduce the need for air-conditioning.

Our institution is embracing sustainable cooling by adopting some proactive measures like setting of all air-conditioning units to a minimum of 26°C and during peak heat periods allowing higher thresholds up to 28° or 29°C. This approach not only reduces energy consumption, but also educate students about the importance of energy conservation and climate adaptation.

At the end I would like to conclude that need is to “Embrace Adaptation, Not Confrontation”. By working together and harnessing the power of adaptation, we can create a world where human well-being and environmental health go hand in hand.

The writer is Principal, Major Ajaib Singh Convent School, Jeonwala