A dialogue between you and your friend about climate change
Answers
Farha: Hi Shefali, how are you?
Shefali: Hello Farha, I am good. How about you?
Farha: Did you hear the latest news?
Shefali: No, what?
Farha: The U.S. has pulled out of the Paris Climate Change agreement?
Shefali: Whoa! I was not expecting that Donald Trump would actually act on his words. I thought it was his usual bluster and the meltdown he normally has on Twitter.
Farha: He will lead the world to total disaster. I am waiting for 2020 to arrive soon so that he gets defeated in the elections.
Shefali: Yes, indeed. However, I guess we all have a responsibility towards the environment. Rampant deforestation, industrialization and increase in vehicular pollution has led to global warming. Not to mention the soaring pollution levels.
Farha: You are right. Delhi is choking with air pollution. I shudder to think what would happen in winters.
Shefali: The ozone layer is being depleted at an alarming rate. Everyone now owns more than one car and there seems to be no check on vehicular pollution.
Farha: I agree. But don’t you think there should be stringent laws in place to clamp down on the overuse of resources? What are the governments doing?
Shefali: I guess they are taking some sort of decisive steps now. That’s why the Paris agreement was signed. Thankfully, most signatory countries have not rescinded their decision like the U.S.
Farha: In my opinion, we should look more towards alternate renewable energy sources like solar and wind. I guess Elon Musk is doing a commendable job by promoting the use of battery vehicles and solar roof tiles. That will go some way in boosting the use of clean energy.
Shefali: Yeah, but people are skeptical of his intentions. They think he is exploiting this issue for profit.
Farha: So what? People have a tendency to splurge on all sorts of useless things so spending on products that will ensure long-term benefits can only be a good thing.
Shefali: I agree. Also, it is good to see so many celebrities raising concern about the harmful effects of global warming. Leonardo DiCaprio is at the forefront, as well as Emma Watson and Mark Ruffalo.
Farha: That guy who is the Hulk in Avengers?
Shefali: Heh yes, there are others as well. The future is not all so bleak.
Farha: I think corporates also have a social responsibility towards the environment. I know CSR activities happen all the time, but they should double down their efforts.
Shefali: I agree. By the way, are you aware that geologists have predicted that the majority of earth’s glaciers would melt away by 2035?
Farha: I think I read that somewhere. Does that mean floods and more natural disasters?
Shefali: Yes. People staying in coastal areas of Mumbai, London, New York and all are sitting ducks.
Farha: Temperatures are also shooting up in several places. I have myself witnessed 50 degrees Celsius plus. How are the plants and animals going to survive?
Shefali: Let’s hope everyone works for it. It is a cumulative responsibility of all!
Farha: Yes! We should plant more trees, demand more green zones. Meetings and conferences ain’t helping anyone!
Shefali: Let’s start with ourselves! Let’s pledge to plant more trees, save electricity and use public transport.
Farha: That's a great idea. Let's get going!