“Climate Change” which the whole
world has been molested, has become the most destructive environmental threat
in the century. Today “Global temperature” has rapidly increased as a result of
emitting greenhouse gases widely towards atmosphere due to human activities.
There are 6 major greenhouse gases which are mentioned by “Kyoto Protocol” such
as Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous
oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbon (HFCS), Perfluorocarbons (PFCS),
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These greenhouse gases which gathered in atmosphere
allow to penetrate to radiations emitted by sun. When the sun rays fall on
surface of earth, a portion out of them reflects towards space as infra-red
radiations immediately. Those infra-red
radiations are absorbed by greenhouse gases which gathered in atmosphere. As a
result of this process, general temperature of atmosphere near to surface of
earth is enhanced. Without this natural greenhouse effect, life on earth could
not be survived.
After the industrial revolution
global warming rapidly increased since man trended to use fossil fuel
mostly. With this incident, population
and economic development also ceaselessly began to grow. So today amount of
greenhouse gases which are emitting due to human activities is higher than
natural greenhouse effect which existed before industrial revolution since
persistent development and industrial affairs.
Comparing with other developed
countries, contribution to greenhouse effect of Sri Lanka is less although the
climate change impacts affected to all developed and developing countries. But
the challenge is that the adaptability with climate change impacts of developed
countries is high than developing countries. The situation of Sri Lanka is also
same. During recent rainy season, it was reported that many people have died
and many are reported missing due to floods and landslides. At the same time,
people in another few districts had to face to the severe drought since climate
disequilibrium.
As a developing country, we have
to get adapted to climate change impacts. In the same time we should try to
mitigate our actions contributing
towards climate crises. With the population growth rate and urbanization in Sri
Lanka, amount of CO2 which emits to atmosphere has become higher
than past few years. According to this vulnerable circumstance, we have to
constitute sustainable green cities with less negative environmental
impacts. City planning is not just a
process but a broader action which makes better life style. Physical, Social, Economical and Environmental
aspects should be focused with this process. Today our environmental components
are altering as a result of climate change consequences. When we create,
recreate or adjust the physical structure, Environmental components must be
considered in a sustainable manner, owing to the fact that we are not able to
obtain a perfect surrounding which not reach any vulnerable circumstances.
Therefore, we have to adapt to the existing environment and also we must
practice sustainable strategies to mitigate climate change consequences when
the physical structure is created, recreated or adjusted. Furthermore planners
should consider relevant rules, regulations, past records, strategies and other
criterion when they create a city structure for an area which has an uncertainty
with earthquakes, landslides, floods, droughts or any other environmental
crises. For an instance, when a house is built at a land sliding prone area, it
should be done on pillars or accordingly the slope without damaging relevant
land. Occasionally certain development projects may be restricted according to
the environmental conditions. The community should be facilitated without
harming bio diversity in the natural environment.
When the population is rapidly
grown and consumption is enhanced, amount of Carbon dioxide and Methane which
emit from waste dumping yards, are also proportionally increased. Therefore,
actions towards conscious consumerism, tree plantation and urban gardening such
as rooftop and vertical gardening should be motivated. Hence the rainwater
harvesting system or waste water purification can be maintained to watering
them in urban areas. Sustainable waste management procedures such as waste
segregation, recycling, composting, sanitary land fillings and bio gas should be implemented since reducing Methane
and Carbon dioxide emits are vital to mitigate climate issues. In addition we
should utilize regenerating resources such as solar energy, wind and natural
air instead of using fossil fuel.
Tourism industry is one of the
most successful and fastest growing economic aspect in Sri Lanka today. Now
both foreign and National travelers have trended towards recreations to
redemption from their urban busy lifestyle. But climate change consequences are
affecting to stretch and quality of tourism season and tourism operations.
Unfortunately it has become a barrier since outdoor recreation is depend on the
natural resource base and the weather. As an example, some ski resorts might
have to close in some countries as climate issues. In Sri Lanka, higher sea
level and stronger storms lead to erosion along the coast and make the beach a
place with less space. There are numerous foreign tourists who are bathing sun
shine at captivating coastal areas in Sri Lanka. But it will be an inconvenient
habit in the near future as the temperature of sun rays is growing. As well,
when the sea-surface temperature is increased, Scuba diving which is one of the
most popular ocean activity that encourages the growth of tourism, will be
threatened. In other hand, tourism and recreation lead to greenhouse gas
emission by aviation, passenger transport, accommodation activities, higher
consumption domestic products etc.
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