Fighting Climate Change

Sea levels are rising at a rapid rate and low lying coastal districts are especially under threat. In recent times South East Asia has come under the threat of severe heavy monsoon rains and flooding. Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Cambodia are all affected; and more bad weather is predicted. Thailand is worst hit and is said to be experiencing worst flood disaster in decades as the floods has resulted in the death of over 300 people; and the death toll is still rising. Many houses are awash and survivors continue to wade through the waters with nowhere in mind to go to. Thousands of families have been evacuated from their homes as the waters have continued to encroach from North to South with Bangkok right in the path of the encroaching water. In Cambodia, The flood is widespread and 17 out of the total number of provinces have been affected. Over 200 lives have been lost over the last two weeks while an estimated 100,000 hectares of rice fields (that is a tenth of the total) have become inundated, and it is predicted that the bad weather is set to continue until November. More than 1 million people have been affected and a lot of people are fending for themselves. Death tolls have and severe damages have also been recorded in Vietnam and Philippines.
The information above reflects the current situation across South East Asia. Global warming is here with us and is daily heightening changes in our climate. Global warming as a matter of fact accelerates sea-level rise, modify ocean circulation and change marine ecosystems, with considerable socio-economic consequences. Flooding of course has a significant effect on agriculture as low lying areas more often than not become inundated due to sea level rise and consequently threatens food security. Beyond this, the losses in term of human and material resources are colossal! The need for climate change adaptation and or mitigation is fast becoming a clarion call. As a matter of urgency, people, the world, over must begin to take the issue of global warming seriously as its effects could be extremely devastating! What better time is there to heed to the call for sustainable development, than now!