by Nirvana

Created on: January 09, 2009

Global warming is a danger, agreed; but it has also brought the biggest opportunity to rectify ourselves and the society for the better. There is lot of pessimism in the air and every time there is a big flood or drought, we hear lot of expert commentary. Merely seeing Global Warming' as a threat will only increase the pessimism. The fear will make us falter.

Global warming may be a big thing, but we can - and I mean each one us - take small steps to make things better. And, here lies the opportunity.

The change should begin at an individual level, for an individual is the most determined and quickest element of the society. So while our governments, NGOs and experts debate without any action, we individuals can make our contributions, and trust me, the cumulative effect will be great.

A very good way is to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Think of it, having more of canned food or bottled beverages not only adds to more garbage, it also affects your health. And not to speak of the tremendous amount of pollution caused by the processes that lead to their production. Why not eat more home cooked food and make your own cup of coffee? If possible, drink less coffee, it burns less fuel and is better for your health.

Try washing your light clothes by hand. Its good exercise and saves electricity. Try walking or cycling if you are going anywhere nearby (another good exercise and saves fuel) and try to use public transport if you are going far (again saves fuel).

No, I am not suggesting that we should shun our comforts and lead the life of an ascetic. But, even small changes to our lifestyles will contribute to the cause and directly improve one's health and finances. These two factors (better health and finances) should motivate each one of us to start changing, sooner the better. Remember, this is a great opportunity, not just a philanthropic cause.

The society as a whole should also make the best use of this opportunity. If people use less cans and bottled drinks, they will make less garbage. If they use water judiciously, less waste water need to be treated.

What's there in it for businesses? Plenty, if business are willing to make use of the opportunity. While action against the problem (Global Warming) will cause difficulty to some trades and businesses, new opportunities will open up.

If people start using more bicycles, then car manufactures can invest in the business of making and selling bicycles. Alternatively, they can make their cars run on cleaner fuels (the fluctuating price of oil should serve as another catalyst for this). Energy companies should explore renewable and green sources. This will open up tremendous opportunities for research and manufacturing. As for service sector, banks will save millions as more of their customers happy to receive electronic communication and statements instead of paper documents, and this will also save millions of trees.

Thus, this is an opportunity and the sooner we (individuals, businesses and society) can grab it, we can gain the most of it.

Learn more about this author, Nirvana.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.