It’s raining more often in July, the once predictable weather is now quite hard to decipher, could this be due to global warming intensified by our fast-growing landfills and unmanageable waste? Let’s find out.

Changing weather patterns

Unusual weather patterns, frequent severe storms and shifting seasonal patterns have become the new norm. This July I found myself checking the weather forecast only to be surprised by rainstorms where there should be clear skies as indicated. Trust for the weatherman has now been sabotaged by the unforgiving frequent changes in the weather. This should be solid proof, at least, that our planet’s climate is changing and not for the better.

Global warming is primarily caused by greenhouse gases mainly CO2 emitted from industrial action, deforestation and fossil fuels. But there is one more big player, a shadow figure that is not taken into consideration, unmanaged waste.

Are Waste and Global Warming Intertwined?

Poor waste management plays a crucial role in global warming, here is why. Unmanaged waste decomposes anaerobically or without oxygen in landfills producing methane. Methane, a greenhouse gas, is over 25 times more potent than Carbon dioxide over a hundred-year period which is alarming. Additionally setting ablaze this waste would lead to the release of significant amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

Being an environment enthusiast, I have witnessed firsthand how careless waste disposal contributes to this problem. From waterways being choked up by plastic, piles of trash emitting smog and landfills stretching as far as the eye can perceive. It’s a very unbearable and distressing sight to see that our children will have to live in this and it’s having a tangible impact on our environment. The rain in July is just a symptom of a much larger issue.

Effects of Unmanaged Waste

Unmanaged waste harbours detrimental side effects which contribute to climate change and consequently the unusual patterns we are experiencing.

These include:

Greenhouse gas emissions. Waste in landfills when not properly managed or incinerated produces greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide which are directly linked to global warming. These gases accelerate the warming of our planet disrupting the weather patterns and leading to more strange and extreme weather patterns.

Water pollution. Microplastic waste in our water bodies ends up being ingested by marine life or even directly by most people from marginalized communities with no access to clean water. This not only affects marine life but also reduces the ability of the water bodies to absorb carbon dioxide which further accelerates global warming.

Our natural resources aren’t spared either. Production and disposal of goods consume a large amount of our natural resources. By not recycling, upcycling or reusing materials, we accelerate deforestation which in turn leads to climate change.

What can we do to save our environs?

This problem, as daunting as it is, was to the doings of our hands so the responsibility lies with us to rectify.

Here are a few practices that can contribute to a greater cause.

The three Rs, reduce, reuse and recycle. These are essential in combatting climate change. These practices aim at reducing our consumption levels, reusing items and recycling properly. This in turn cuts down on the amount of waste which ends up in our landfills.

For those with a backyard garden, composting might just be the charm. Organic waste when composted, can be turned into valuable fertilizer reducing disposal.

Supporting sustainability practices such as choosing products with minimal packaging and supporting companies that prioritize sustainability can also be a lead.

Raising awareness of the link between waste and climate change is also essential. Educating ourselves and others would lead to collective action towards more sustainable waste management practices.

Conclusion

The rain in July serves as a sobering reminder of the broader effects of global warming. Let’s not wait for more unusual weather patterns to jolt us into action. Together we can make a difference and help restore the balance of our planet’s climate.

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