The causes of climate change are mainly attributed to greenhouse gases. However, basically it is global warming and the disruption of the natural cycle and order in the ecosystem. Global warming originate emissions of heat from technology, machines and devices that consume energy as well as living beings. Human body generates a lot of heat, especially through the head. The human brain can be regarded as a biological supercomputer that consumes a large portion of energy in the body. If we are not relaxed but agitated either physically or mentally, we would generate large amount of heat, feel hot and need air-condition.
Therefore, a human body, especially the head, is a persistent heat source, producing non-negligible amount human heat. When people are restless, it is not good for the environment, because the body generates more heat. Also, unsettled mind can be contagious, may churn up many things, creating chaos and mess, such as in social media and in family relationships. People are stressed, especially during the pandemic lockdown, because they cannot control their mind to be calm while the body is physically constrained.
In the information age, electromagnetic waves are everywhere, heating the environment through Information Communication Technology (ICT) devices like mobile phone, 5G transmitters, computers and data storage servers/data centers. Although the emission of heat from a mobile phone is relatively small, it is switched on almost all the times, even during night when we forget to switch it off. Of course, the engines of transport vehicles that run on combustion of hydrocarbon fuels also release a lot of heat. Cars, commercial vehicles and buses that let their engines run while not moving contribute to unnecessary heat, emission of greenhouse gases and fuel waste.
All these sources of heat are due to technology and need to be given attention and taken into account when addressing the issues of climate change, not only the greenhouse gases.
Adaptation to climate change needs the change in mindset and the way we do things. Besides having precautions and contingency plan for emergency readiness, education and increased awareness are important. People need to realise that nature is part of us and not just an asset or resources that are being harnessed and manipulated.
Everyone should consider nature as a living entity. Respect nature and be grateful for the air, water, sunlight that give life to vegetation, blue sky, cloud and rain, wind and breeze, forest with diversities, mountains that support and protect everything, rivers that support lives, as well as oceans that also moderates the temperature. We are alive because all these are in order, in synced and fine-tuned to the cycles of the celestial bodies, the moon and the sun. Nature will flourish if we perish, but not otherwise. Therefore, we must understand that we are not the “boss” in the ecosystem.
As a precaution against landslides, construction of high-rise buildings near hills or sloppy areas should be avoided and need to pass more stringent regulations. Authorities should not risk the lives of the people at the expense of economic gain. Besides, in terms of city planning, we need to increase the porosity of soiled surface to allow rainwater to escape into the ground and prevent flash floods. Therefore, it is important not to use every piece of land for construction and not to completely cover the soil with concretes.
While we need to be self-sufficient, we must not reap or accumulate too much, more than what we need. Nature provides for everyone’s need and not one person’s greed.
Nowadays, it is convenient to gain access to open technology, anyone can learn through the use of internet and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) to self-cultivate or grow vegetables and fruits within their land and space, as well as self-harnessing the energy and water at home through simple intervention.
The reality of mind affecting matter is in line with science, particular quantum theory which shows that reality depends on how we observe or how we perceive and interpret information from our senses. Our thoughts affect nature, not only it preceeds our actions. Therefore, spiritual reflection with kindness and love with regard to nature will reverberate positively, leading to our mental and physical well-being.
We need to be gentle and delicate when dealing with our Mother Nature. It has been scientifically proven that plants and animals are more sensitive than we expect. They can sense many things about us and are easily affected by our activities and all the artificial things that we produce.
During the incidents of landslides, it has been noticed that wildlife like monkeys and bats behave differently. The aborigines (orang asli) knew how to identify the sign of landslides by listening to the pattern of sound on the ground. The traditional wisdom can complement modern techniques of using sound (acoustic waves) detector and high resolution remote-sensing satellite images from state-of-the-art atomic clocks with remarkable accuracy. Such clock uses atoms that are cooled to microKelvin temperature, called ultracold atoms.
By observing the flora and faunas, we can learn to identify the signs of forthcoming calamities. We need to be more attentive or observant, sensitive and perceiving of the nature and our surroundings. Other lifeforms have sensitivities more superior than us. Scientific discoveries, mainly in the field of quantum biology, have shown that migratory birds are able to detect the faint earth magnetic fields for navigation. Also plants have certain visual perception to be able to “see” its surrounding.
Therefore, the flipping of the earth magnetic fields can create ecological havoc. The presence of magnetic fields from electrical systems and transmission lines also affect insects and can have consequences on pollination and our food production. There are a lot of subtleties in nature and within us that we have yet to discover and understand. It is relevant to mention the book, “Subtle Is the Lord: The Science and the Life of Albert Einstein” by Abraham Pais.
Science is advancing as we continue to learn. It is wise not to brush off or degrade knowledge or findings that are not yet scientifically verified, especially cultures and practices of ancient traditions as more truth is continuously being revealed through scientific exploration with more sensitive techniques we need to keep in mind: “The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence”. The best adaptation is to educate ourselves about the way of nature by experiencing nature and walk along with nature.
Nature’s way is simple: efficiency, simplicity and sufficiency. If we adopt and practise these principles diligently, we can achieve sustainability. Nature has the ability to heal itself given time, but as we try to aid in the healing process, particularly as scientists and policy makers, we must be extremely careful not to overdo it to the point of no return, taking note of the sensitivities involved. As Lao Tzu wrote with profound and timeless wisdom: “That which goes against the way of nature comes to an early end”.
