Sizzling Srinagar

As we know, the average global temperature has been rising for many years now. The current average global temperature is approximately 15°C (59°F). However, it’s important to note that this is an average, and temperatures vary significantly globally.

Since 1982, the average global temperature has risen by about 0.20°C (0.36°F) per decade. Researchers project that Earth’s average temperature will increase by 1.5°C to 2°C by 2050, leading to the melting of glaciers, ice sheets, etc. This will subsequently cause sea levels to rise, increasing the risk of flooding in the plains. Yet, this phenomenon will not be uniform worldwide, varying in forms, creating calamity worldwide.

Srinagar city, known for its cooler temperatures, has experienced a very hot summer this year. The highest temperature ever recorded in Srinagar was 38.3°C on July 10, 1946. On July 28th of this year, the city recorded a temperature of 36.2°C, marking the fourth highest temperature since July 1946. The city had even reached 34.2°C on August 10th.

These extreme temperatures are more than just numerical values; they show the difficulties experienced by the people living here. Increased temperatures have caused water scarcity, a higher need for cooling gadgets, and warnings from the health department. Right now, small cooling fans, ice creams, sunscreen, and chilled water and juices are in high demand. Ice creams, chilled water and juices can be dangerous if taken every day. In the quest of beating the heat, we must not forget to prioritize our health.

This significant rise in temperature in a place typically known for its cold climate raises a crucial question: how is this happening? Climate change is the answer. The burning of fossil fuels like coal, petroleum, and natural gas, along with vehicle emissions, deforestation and the replacement of forests and grasslands with roads, rails and buildings, all contribute to climate change. By engaging in these excessive and environmentally harmful practices, we are destroying the beauty and essence of our planet.

The effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, impact our daily lives. On our way to our schools or colleges, people commuting to work, and shopkeepers – everyone feels the heat wave. Students especially have a hard time. Many schools have inadequate cooling facilities, leading to an atrocious experience six days a week. Teachers and employees, always on their toes, have to constantly move around their workplace and our grandparents are most affected by the heat.

To cope with this type of immense heat and maintain our energy levels, it’s important to stay hydrated. Taking showers every day, washing our hands and face frequently, and wiping sweat from our face and hands are all essential practices for maintaining proper hygiene during hot weather.

The really hot weather everywhere around the planet is a big problem. It shows us that our planet is getting warmer and warmer every year. We need to be careful how we use things like air conditioners, vehicles and other appliances. We should also plant more and more trees and take care of our beautiful nature. Our parents and our elders have not very effectively done much to take care of our planet.

The effects of climate change are for one and all and still if our parents and elders don’t do anything significant to save our planet we and other generations to come will have a hard time using natural resources and have to bear immense heat. The natural resources will run out in no time, which will lead to scarcity of water, food, and other basic amenities. Because of excessive usage of air conditioners, vehicular emission, industrial machinery and deforestation will lead to the globe heating up.

The hot weather is not normal. It’s a sign that something is very wrong with our planet. We need to fix it before it’s too late.

By: (Ausaf is a student of DPS Srinagar)