1. Climate change ,21st Century Disaster
What is a Disaster
A disaster is a natural or man-made event that negatively affects life, property,
livelihood or industry often resulting in permanent changes to human societies
ecosystems and environments .Disasters manifest as hazards exacerbating
vulnerable conditions and exceeding individuals and communities means to
survive and thrive. Most of the catastrophic disasters seen below have occurred
at a specific non-enduring in the 21st century
A natural disaster is the effect of a natural hazard (e.g., flood, tornado, hurricane,
volcanic eruption, earthquake, heat wave, or landslide). It leads to financial,
environmental or human losses. The resulting loss depends on the vulnerability
of the affected population to resist the hazard, also called their resilience. Some
times the term natural has consequently been disputed because the events
simply are not hazards or disasters without human involvement.
Below are some pictures illustrating some disasters in the 21st century

2. Floods Volcanoes Earthquakes Hurricanes Tsunamis

3. Avalashes Tornadoes Cyclones Bushfires Climate Change
Looking at these pictures above, it is seen that ,these above mentioned disasters where
witnessed in some parts of the world in the 21st century and if ,action is not taken
now, we will likely have these disasters in the future.
Climate Change and its impacts, challenges and adaptations
Talking on climate change ,which is one of the most disturbing disaster around the world
today, terrestrial and extraterrestrial factors contribute to its existence. Various models
predict significant temperature rise for the planet in the near future if action is not taken.
Complex anthropogenic interactions appear to contribute cumulatively and to accelerate
the on-going process of global warming .Looking at the extensive deforestation of our
large surface area on the earth ,this has really contributed much in the significant changes

4. In the water and radiation balance of the planet.Other anthropogenic impacts in
the climate include Land –originating pollution due to increase in urbanisation
and industrialisation and increase in the use of fusil fuels .Thus ,the resulting
global warming and the rising sea level will have serious short and long –term
impacts in human and animal life on our planet.
The effect of global warming on weather patterns may also account for an
apparent increase in the frequency and intensity of weather –related
disasters.Weather-related disasters are impacting upon mankind with relentless
frequency and intensity which have taken a heavy toll in the recent
years.Similarly,man –made disasters caused by chemical spills ,civil strife and
wars not only constitute a clear and ever present danger of mankind ,but may
also have cumulative long-term effects on climate.All areas of the world are
affected by climate change and natural weather-related or man-made
disasters;though the lesser –developed countries experience loses in human
lives and economy disaroportionate to their resources .Often ,such major natural
and man-made disasters resullt in complex humanitarian emaergencies that
seriously compromise the socioeconomic developement in affected nations and
regions of the globe,creating escalating demands in rapidly diminishing
international resources.

5. There are many speculations and theories of what will happen to our global environment as
climate change continues to increase at rapid rate. Apart from changes in the ecology of
the global environment, climate also leaves a print a print on human health, for the human
body is made to endure a multiple of changes in the environment. For example ,we store
fat to stay warm during colder times of the year and sweat to keep our bodies from
overheating when places becomes too warm. However the human body is not meant to
withstand extreme temperatures .Like we are experiencing in some parts of the world today
like in sub Sahara Africa .This mostly affects the infant and elderly populations with weaker
immune systems and body functions. such changes might result to increase in temperature
worldwide resulting to an increase in mortality rate due to exhaustion and stroke. On the
other hand, some places will experience longer periods of colder weather . Thus ,harsh
shifts from cold to hot can be determined to the human body and cause unnecessary stress
on the cardiovascular systems.
It should be noted that ,these changes will also affect both plants and crops through the
most notable affect of climate change that is Precipitation . Most plants and crops grown
in such highly precipitated areas will not be able to maintain their growth pattern or die out
because they can not adjust to the climate changes. This means that people and animals
depending on crops for income and food will have to find an alternative.
The effects of climate change are widespread and require flexibility and commitment to
address and overcome successfully.

6. Adaptations/Preventions and solutions
Adaptation is a process through which societies make themselves better able
to cope with an uncertain future. Adapting to climate change entails taking
the right measures to reduce the negative effects of climate change or
making use or exploit the positive effects .
In the absence of reliable predictions of future climate change ,much can
nonetheless be done to minimize the impacts of climate change. Adaptive
management of water resources can be developed, reducing the emission of
greenhouse-gas by making sure that we set an atmospheric carbon dioxide
target that is low enough to avoid the point of no return .To achieve this ,we
must not only eliminate greenhouse-gas emission ,but also remove carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere and take urgent steps to cool the planet.
Tree planting activities should be carried out widely across the nations,
regions and individual reforestation companies ,which if performed properly
will result to the successful regeneration of a deforested area, and also help
reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere . Managing wastes; reducing,
reusing and recycling solid waste can decrease the amount of heat –trapping
greenhouse gases you release.

7. Also ,Forest Restoration, that is;
-Treatment; thinning and burning of smaller trees in the understory dampens the
spread of wildlife ,protecting people and their homes. This improves the health of
over story trees making them better able to withstand disease, insects , and fires. As
they grow in to larger ,older trees ,they become better places for wildlife.
-Repair ; restoring damaged lands through tools ,such as removing failing roads
replanting riparian areas ,and controlling and preventing spread of noxious weeds.
-Investment; Provision of reinvestment opportunities for rural communities to
maintain their long-standing contribution to the forestry industry. This will help
reduce forest fragmentation and prepare ecosystems for climate change over long
term, hence a good investment for future.
To conclude, developing countries which are suffering mostly from the impacts of
climate change, should develop adaptation plans and able to finalize them. Like the
National adaptation programs of Action of least developed countries. There is an
urgency for developing countries to find ways to implement these plans although
many countries lack the resources to carry out these plans.

8. Adaptation is already considered as a vital part of any future climate change
regime. Within the UNFCCC and the international community, deliberations
are building to find an effective means to tackle climate change, which is
described by UN secretary General Ban Ki –Moon as the <defining issue of
our era>If there is delays in implementing adaptations in some of these most
affected regions of climate change, and delays in financing some of the
adaptation projects, this will lead to greater disasters or dangers to more
people. For example ,extreme events such as droughts, floods, etc. Hence
planning for climate change most involve consideration to related risks
including those which have a slow onset, such as changes in temperature and
precipitation leading to agricultural loses ,and those which happen more
suddenly such as tropical storms and floods. There is also need for capacity-
building ,education and training and public awareness .This is very important
for local ,national and regional levels to enable developing countries most
especially to adapt to climate change, through their tertiary centers
,universities and centers of excellence to be recognized by stakeholders and
funders. It will also be an advantage is this program is introduced to schools.
To educate future kids and youth.

9. Although climate change is a 21st century disaster, there are also many different
disasters in the 21st century listed above which need to be prevented, prepared
and response, and adapted in order to achieve the millennium development goal
MDG of the 21st century .To achieve this ,the following key areas should be tackle
by individuals, businesses, communities, countries, regions and the world at
large.
-Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
-Achieve universal primary education
-promote gender equality and empower women
-Reduce child mortality
-Improve Maternal Health
-Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
-Ensure Environmental sustainability
-Develop a global partnership for development.

10. A global environment threat (climate change) is a call for concern to the entire
world.We should all stand up and face this challenge as to better our future and
the environment.
Produced by : Ekinde Ndode Standley
University of Douala
Cameroon.