African COIL on Climate Change and Sustainability Education – Acclimatise
The Climate Crisis
The 1st of the Acclimatise guest lecture series kicked off on the 13th February. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Lilian Mulamula of the University of Dar Es Salaam. Lilian is an expert in environmental science, climate change, and ecosystem management. The introductory lecture captured key areas ranging definition of climate change, key drivers of climate change, impact of climate change on biodiversity among others. The session allowed a debate among learners on whether there is still time to take action.
Understanding the difference between Weather and Climate
One of the foundational concepts discussed was the difference between weather and climate. Lilian explained that while weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific location, climate encompasses long-term patterns observed over decades. This distinction is crucial for understanding how climate change manifests and affects our daily lives.
Human Activities Contributing to Climate Change
The lecture delved into the various human activities contributing to climate change, including industrial emissions, deforestation, and fossil fuel consumption. During the lecture, Lilian pointed out that deforestation not only releases stored carbon but also diminishes carbon sinks, further exacerbating the crisis.
The Greenhouse Effect
The lecture also covered the significance of the greenhouse effect on climate change. Using the illustration by Patel, 2016, Lilian explained that enhanced greenhouse effect, caused by excessive greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, leads to global warming and various climate-related issues.
Why Climate Change is a Crisis
The lecture illustrated reasons why climate change is considered a crisis – rising temperatures and shifting climatic variables threaten food and water security, while the increasing frequency of extreme weather events leads to devastating disasters. Additionally, climate change can act as a catalyst for conflict over dwindling resources and accelerates biodiversity loss, endangering ecosystems worldwide.
Global Responses and Individual Actions
In brief, the lecture also addressed the global responses to climate change, highlighting commitments made through agreements like the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming. Lilian encouraged the young people to take action by raising awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and lobbying for effective policies. Engaging in nature-based solutions and reducing personal carbon footprints were also emphasized as vital steps in combating climate change.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
Lilian reassured the learners that it is not too late to take action on climate change. She noted however that significant transformations are necessary at all levels of society for impactful action. The collective efforts of individuals, communities, and governments are essential to effectively combat the climate crisis. The lecture was a powerful reminder of the challenges we face and the actions we can take to create a more sustainable future. Lilian ended the lecture with these words “as we move forward, let us remember that every small action counts in the fight against climate change. Together, we can make a difference.”