Since the dawn of life on Earth, humans have faced various natural disasters. These events are often made worse by our own actions. As the world’s population keeps growing, we’re seeing more and more natural disasters. Why? Because we’re upsetting the natural balance of our planet.
We often chase after a more comfortable life, and in doing so, we end up hurting the environment. We cut down trees for houses, redirect rivers for farming, and burn fuels to power our industries. But all these actions come at a cost – they harm the environment and disrupt the Earth’s weather patterns.
It’s essential to understand that natural disasters, climate variability, and climate change are connected but different things. Sometimes, when humans are involved, we call a disaster “natural.” Thanks to technology, especially social media, more people are becoming aware of how our actions affect the environment.
Many people in cities now understand that cutting down trees can lead to problems, like flooding. However, it’s important to know that not all regions are equally affected by climate change and natural disasters. Some places are hit harder than others.
For example, hilly areas usually escape heavy rains, while flat plains often suffer terrible damage when water rushes down from the hills, causing rapid floods. If you live in an area that’s less affected, it’s your responsibility to think about those who aren’t so lucky. Whether a disaster is natural or human-made, it’s destructive. Ignoring the issue won’t make it go away.
Our usual response to disasters is to react after they’ve happened, rather than preparing for them. In 2005, for example, we weren’t ready to deal with the earthquake. And when we were still recovering from that, the 2010 floods hit. Our national and regional disaster management authorities often remain inactive until disaster strikes. Our attitude, as a nation, hasn’t been remarkable in this regard, but a few non-governmental organizations and individuals have stepped up to help.
Sadly, in 2022, we seemed to repeat our mistakes. More than three crore people were directly affected by floods, breaking a 61-year record for rainfall. Lives were lost, properties were damaged, diseases spread, the economy struggled, crops were destroyed, and food shortages led to a temporary crisis. Relief efforts were marked by corruption. Instead of helping those in need, relief materials were sold in markets. This indifference and mismanagement must change.
While we can’t prevent all disasters, we can reduce their impact through preparedness. We have the power to educate everyone about environmental changes, climate shifts, and the effects of natural disasters. We can classify areas prone to disasters and train locals to handle emergencies. Building early warning systems and infrastructure, like small dams, can help limit the damage.
We have a powerful tool at our disposal: the media. We can use it to educate and raise awareness. Regulatory bodies can require the broadcast of public service messages. Radio, especially in remote areas, can be a valuable way to spread essential information. Teams, similar to those used for polio vaccinations, can educate communities on disaster response, first aid, and safety measures.
In conclusion, it’s our responsibility to move from a reactive stance to a proactive one in dealing with natural disasters and climate change. By learning from past mistakes, prioritizing preparedness, and focusing on education and community involvement, we can build resilience and protect our communities from the growing threats of climate change and natural disasters.
In today’s world, social media influencers can make a big difference. TikTok influencers, YouTubers, vloggers, and bloggers with many followers can help spread important messages quickly. They can serve as messengers for public awareness. By using their platforms effectively, we can reach more people and make a real impact. It’s possible to reduce the risks and losses of natural disasters, and managing them becomes much easier when the damage is minimized.
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