How can we cool off Planet Earth?

Strolling through the streets of Kathmandu, I observe a myriad people with sweat trickling down their foreheads and their deepening discontent over rising temperatures. Of late, I have often come across social media posts where people are pleading to the sun to be gentler and more considerate. These posts make me wonder if we have been equally considerate toward Planet Earth. The heat scorching the Kathmandu Valley takes me back to the valley's cool and pleasant climate. The irony of our changing climate becomes apparent as we seek comfort in air-conditioned rooms and quench our thirst with chilled water from the refrigerator while cursing the heat. Little do we realize that the heat we are experiencing is an obvious consequence of our own actions, and it is time to face the consequences. As our actions release greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, these gasses accumulate and trap the sun’s warmth hindering their reflection back into space, resulting in a hotter world. Every simple choice we make has a profound impact on the environment. While walking through the busy streets of Kathmandu, I have witnessed people seeking convenience with ride-sharing services even for short distances rather than opting for a walk and individuals favoring imported food from distant places over locally-sourced alternatives.

Add to it scores of people driving their vehicles singly, while expressing discontent over the prevailing heat. Inside bustling malls, I often encounter people opting for elevators and complaining about the heat indoors; all the while, the long staircase stands as a poignant symbol of irony. In our daily lives, it is the seemingly insignificant actions that have a profound impact.

Take, for instance, the act of wasting food, relying on disposable plastic bags and cups, using dirty energy sources for cooking, relying excessively on air-conditioners, and recklessly leaving switches on when not in use. Together, these ‘small’ acts contribute to a growing climate crisis, just like numerous drops of water make a huge water body like the sea. The valley is no more like it once was. The relentless pursuit of urban development has led to the removal of countless trees, while once green spaces have become part of an ever-expanding concrete jungle, thanks to human acts. As a result, the cooling effect of nature has diminished significantly. In our relentless pursuit of big endeavors, we have completely overlooked the significant impact of our individual carbon footprints. Nevertheless, there’s always a ray of optimism. The power to reverse this trajectory is in our hands. For this, we have to acknowledge our role in climate change first. Choosing sustainable transportation options (3Bs-Boots, Bikes, and Buses) or carpooling can reduce emissions from individual vehicles. Embracing energy-efficient practices such as using energy-saving appliances, turning the electricity off when leaving a room, and choosing stairs instead of elevators can make a substantial difference. Not wasting food, prioritizing local products to minimize food-transportation costs, carrying our own bottles and cups, minimizing water usage for purposes other than drinking, and adopting the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) for waste management are some of the measures we can take to mitigate climate change. Additionally, preserving and restoring green spaces in Kathmandu is essential to retrieve its lost coolness. The time to act is now for the sake of present and future generations. By taking responsibility for our actions, we can reclaim the coolness of our beloved city and ensure a more livable environment for all. Together, let’s make the change happen—for Kathmandu, for ourselves, and for our planet.