Introduction
Climate is long-term weather that is experienced on earth. Climate change, therefore, is a shift in the earth’s temperatures and weather patterns. The earth has been heating up more quickly since the industrial revolution in the 1800s than ever before. The release of methane, carbon dioxide, and other gases through the burning of fossil fuels such as gas and coal needed to produce electricity, transport, and heating is the genesis of global warming. These gases form an invisible blanket that prevents the reflected heat from the sun from getting back the space, which has led to raising the earth’s temperatures. As a result, there has been extremely bad weather on the planet, such as droughts and the melting of ice and glaciers that have led to a rise in sea levels. This study will explore climate change in Lithuania, providing ways in which a global citizen can help. Certain government laws can help solve the problem and the role of NGOs in elevating the issue.
Main body
Lithuania’s coastline is about 92 kilometers and consists of continental and Curonian split coasts (Dailidienė et al. 70). Due to ice and glacier melting, the country has experienced raised sea levels. The most recent reports provide a worrying trade where the sea levels in Lithuania rise by an average of 8 inches, caused by changes in storminess, limited geographical coverage, and uncertainties resulting in storminess (De Lara et al. A04-32). Since the origin of climate change is through the release of gases from fossil fuels, then as a global citizen, I have several ways to help solve the problem. Firstly, I am supposed to cut down carbon footprint by changing the way we consume energy every day, releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Secondly, I can volunteer and get involved in restoring the seagrasses, dunes, mangroves, and coral reefs which are the best defenses that prevent sea level rises.
The Lithuanian government has worked to reduce climate change, especially the rise in sea levels. In its responsibility to curb climate change, the government has adopted some laws to prevent rising sea levels. The laws focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, spearhead planting more trees to clean the air, soak the rain, and protect wetlands. For the government to implement this policy successfully, there is a need to sensitize the citizens on the effects of rising sea waters. According to the European global impact report, a rise in sea levels has several impacts: dramatic negative economic effects and effects on landlocked countries through international trade (Wolski et al. 50). The effects of climate change listed above need to be addressed soonest possible to make the planet safe for human living.
Additionally, non-government organization has come out strongly to address climate change. In their mandate for sustainable growth and development, the NGOs and IGOs can volunteer to prevent rising sea levels by proving ways to get green energy instead of using fuels (Čekanavičius et al. 66). Since one of the ways to prevent the rise in sea levels is protecting the forests, the NGOs and IGOs can lead the citizens in planting trees that help purify the air and attract rains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, climate change has greatly affected the world today. The rising sea levels, droughts, fires, and many calamities have led to the loss of life and property. In recent events of the world, fires have caused much damage to people. Global collaboration, especially on trade, has been affected due to raised sea levels and reduced food trade. Lithuania is influenced by this global problem as well. However, it has ways to help alleviate its effects. Finally, NGOs and IGOs need to pressure governments and citizens to adapt ways to help reduce global warming.
Works Cited
Čekanavičius, Linas, Rugilė Bazytė, and Agnė Dičmonaitė. “Green business: challenges and practices.” Ekonomika 93.1 (2014): 74-88.
Dailidienė, Inga, et al. “Sea level variability at the Lithuanian coast of the Baltic Sea.” Boreal environment research 11.2 (2006).
De Lara, Alicia, José Alberto García Avilés, and Gema Revuelta. “Online video on climate change: a comparison between television and web formats.” JCOM: Journal of Science Communication. 2017; 16 (1): A04-32 (2017).
Wolski, Tomasz, et al. “Extreme sea levels at selected stations on the Baltic Sea coast.” Oceanologia 56.2 (2014): 259-290.