Why is World Climate Day celebrated?
World Climate Day is celebrated annually on December 8, and its purpose is to raise awareness of climate change and its effects, and to encourage people and communities to take action to curb climate change. Celebrating Climate Day is an important part of the global environmental movement, which aims to promote sustainable development and environmental protection.
Why is World Climate Day celebrated?
There are several reasons for celebrating World Climate Day, related to the seriousness of climate change and its wide-ranging effects. Here are some key reasons:
- Raising awareness: The purpose of Climate Day is to raise awareness of climate change and its effects. Many people are not fully aware of how serious climate change is and how it affects their lives and the environment.
- Activity promotion: Various events, campaigns and activities are organized during the day, which encourage people and communities to take action to curb climate change. This may include, for example, energy saving measures, recycling and promoting sustainable development.
- Political influence: Climate Day offers an opportunity to influence political decision-makers and demand concrete actions from them to combat climate change. This may include, for example, tightening legislation, supporting renewable energy and reducing emissions.
- Strengthening community: Climate Day brings together people from different parts of the world who share a common concern about climate change. This sense of community can strengthen people’s motivation to act and cooperate to combat climate change.
Effects of climate change
Climate change has extensive and serious effects that affect people, animals and ecosystems as well. These effects include, among others:
- Extreme weather events: Climate change will increase the occurrence and intensity of extreme weather events such as hurricanes, floods, droughts and heat waves.
- Sea level rise: Global warming causes glaciers to melt and sea level to rise, which threatens coastal areas and island nations.
- Changes in ecosystems: Climate change affects ecosystems and the habitats of species, which can lead to the extinction of species and a decrease in biodiversity.
- Food security: Climate change affects agriculture and food security, as extreme weather events and changing climate conditions can weaken harvests and food production.
- Health effects: Climate change can cause health problems such as heat strokes, respiratory diseases and diseases related to water pollution.
How can we act to curb climate change?
Each of us can do our part to curb climate change. Here are some ways we can make a difference:
- Reduce energy consumption: Use energy-efficient appliances, turn off lights and appliances when not in use, and consider using renewable energy.
- Reduce waste: Recycle, compost and reduce the use of disposable products. Try to buy durable and long-lasting products.
- Consume responsibly: Favor local and sustainably produced food, reduce meat consumption and try to buy environmentally friendly products.
- Move sustainably: Use public transport, cycle or walk, and consider getting an electric car or other low-emission vehicle.
- Be politically influential: Participate in climate campaigns, vote for environmentally friendly candidates and demand concrete actions from decision-makers to combat climate change.
World Climate Day is an important reminder that climate change is a global challenge that requires joint efforts. Each of us can do our part and positively influence the future. For more information on climate change and its prevention, you can find for example Ilmasto.org and Ympäristö.fi websites.
