Eco-friendly travel: reducing your carbon footprint
CO2
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Eco-friendly travel: reducing your carbon footprint

In today’s era, as environmental issues become increasingly prominent in public discussions, it is important to pay particular attention to environmental responsibility when traveling. Research shows that international tourism significantly increases total carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere, reaching approximately 8% of global levels. This indicator covers not only the direct combustion of fuel by vehicles, but also the indirect use of resources associated with the provision of services in hotels, restaurants and other tourism infrastructure.

These data prompt us to think about the importance of a more responsible approach to the organization of holidays and travel. Each of us has a choice: continue to travel as usual, adding to the burden on the environment, or seek alternative holiday options that help reduce our carbon footprint. This applies not only to the choice of transport, but also to everyday habits while traveling, such as the use of disposable items, water and electricity consumption.

By making environmentally responsible decisions, we not only reduce our carbon emissions, but also help preserve the natural resources and beauty of our planet for future generations. This could mean choosing buses over planes for short trips, staying in eco-friendly hotels, using reusable containers and water bottles, and respecting natural resources in holiday destinations.

Conscious consumption: everything you need to know about your carbon footprint

A carbon footprint is the sum of the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gasses, expressed in CO2 equivalents, that are released into the atmosphere as a result of human activity. This indicator includes various sources of emissions, from industrial processes and transport use to household energy consumption and waste management.

The carbon footprint measures the impact of the actions of an individual, a company, or even an entire nation on global warming and climate change. Awareness and control of your carbon footprint are important steps towards a more sustainable and environmentally responsible lifestyle, helping to reduce your negative impact on the environment and slow down global warming.

The most polluting industries: where is the maximum environmental damage?

  • Electricity generation and heating (25%): The largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions is the combustion of fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil used to heat and light cities.
  • Agricultural sector (24%): Intensive livestock farming, agricultural production, cultivation and deforestation for agricultural purposes result in significant greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Industrial sector (21%): Manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions come not only from fuel combustion, but also from chemical reactions, metallurgical processes, mineral extraction and processing, and waste disposal.
  • Transportation industry (14%): A significant number of vehicles around the world still run on gasoline and diesel, making cars, ships, trains and planes the main sources of carbon dioxide.

China ranks first in the world in terms of CO2 emissions, twice as large as the United States.

How to travel eco-friendly: tips for minimizing harm to nature

The choice of vehicle has a decisive influence on the traveler’s ecological footprint. Despite its speed, air travel is a major source of carbon dioxide, accounting for approximately 2.2% of global emissions.

Petrol-powered vehicles contribute 14% of global CO2 emissions, highlighting the need to choose greener alternatives.

International bus transport offers an effective alternative. Capable of carrying many passengers at once, buses significantly reduce the carbon footprint per passenger compared to private cars or air travel.

Although buses cannot completely eliminate their environmental impact, using them as a primary means of transport when traveling can significantly reduce their negative impact on the planet.

Summer in danger: Deadly heat waves expected in 2024
News
GGH

Summer in danger: Deadly heat waves expected in 2024

Scientists warn that coming heat waves could have serious consequences for human health and ecosystems. Sudden spikes in temperature above historical norms are not only a nuisance, but also a real threat to life, especially for vulnerable populations. Preparing for and adapting to extreme weather conditions are becoming a priority to reduce potential hazards and support people’s physical well-being during this dangerous summer period.

Climate crisis: World heat records in 2024

Much of the US population has already experienced extremely high temperatures. In Death Valley, the thermometer jumped to an alarming +53.9°C, and Las Vegas set a new all-time high with a reading of +48.9°C. Extreme temperatures continue to grip countries around the world, The Conversation reports.

The past 13 months have been the hottest months on record, according to the European Union’s climate service Copernicus. Over the past 12 months, average temperatures have exceeded pre-industrial levels, which date back to the period between 1850 and 1900, by at least one and a half degrees.

These data are of great concern to scientists, since such temperature deviations indicate a significant impact of human activity on the Earth’s climate system. Rising temperatures are having destructive effects on ecosystems, causing global sea levels to rise, and increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events such as droughts, hurricanes and floods. In this context, urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate to reduce the impact of global warming and ensure a sustainable future for all people on earth.

Early summer heat is reportedly evidence of a continuing global warming trend. These dangerous temperatures pose a significant risk to human life across the planet.

Global warming: heat becomes a global threat

In Mexico and Central America, long weeks of extreme heat coupled with prolonged drought have caused severe water shortages and led to dozens of deaths.

Extreme heat in Saudi Arabia led to tragedy: more than 1,000 people died during the pilgrimage to Mecca. On June 17, the temperature in the Grand Mosque in Mecca reached +51.8 degrees Celsius. Hospitals in Pakistan have become overwhelmed due to intense heat and frequent power outages and water shortages in the past few weeks. In neighboring India in April and May, temperatures reached +48.9° for several days in a row, causing suffering for millions of people.

In Greece, thermometers rose above +37.8°, which led to the death of several tourists. Record temperatures were also recorded in Japan.

Heat waves, once considered a rarity, have now become an almost regular occurrence. This not only poses serious risks to people, but also causes serious damage to ecosystems, agriculture and infrastructure. Combating climate change requires coordinated efforts and immediate action at all levels to mitigate the effects and prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Researchers warn: it’s not just summer 2024

And while heat waves are a natural part of the climate, their intensity and scale in 2024 leave little room for doubt. Studying the last ice age, which began about 20,000 years ago, you can see the planet was only 6 degrees lower than it is now. This reminds us that even a small warming of 1.2 degrees can change the climate dramatically. The summer of 2024 will likely go down as one of the hottest summers ever recorded, but it’s important to recognize that the future may also bring unexpected temperature swings. In 2024, high temperatures pose not only a challenge to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly and outdoor workers, but also a threat to the economy. Extreme heat can damage infrastructure and lead to railroad breakdowns and power outages, which are especially critical during periods of increased energy demand for cooling. June 2024 has already set the record for the hottest on record, and scientists are predicting the entire year could be the warmest on record since the mid-1800s.

Giraffes on the brink of extinction: threat of poaching and habitat destruction
Initiatives
GGH

Giraffes on the brink of extinction: threat of poaching and habitat destruction

Giraffes, the majestic and graceful creatures that personify the African savannah, are on the verge of extinction. Their numbers are rapidly declining due to poaching, habitat destruction and agricultural expansion. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recently listed giraffes as a critically endangered species, highlighting the urgency of the problem and the need for urgent action to protect and conserve them.

Why giraffes are endangered: the main reasons and ways to save them

Giraffes, one of the most recognizable and majestic animals on the planet, are on the brink of extinction. In the past 30 years, their population has declined by nearly 40%. The main reasons for this dramatic decline are poaching, regional conflicts and agricultural expansion.

Poaching continues to be one of the biggest threats to giraffes. They are killed for their meat, skin and tails, regarded as status symbols in certain cultures.

These illegal hunts cause irreparable damage to populations, especially in regions where wildlife protection is weak or non-existent. Regional conflicts also contribute significantly to the decline in giraffe populations.

Warfare and political instability are destroying giraffe habitat and hampering the work of conservation organizations. In such conditions, the protection of animals becomes a secondary task, which aggravates their situation.

Agricultural   expansion of agricultural lands is another major threat to giraffes. As the human population increases, so does the need for new land for agriculture. This leads to deforestation and degradation of savannas, which are the natural habitats of giraffes. As a result, animals lose access to food resources and are forced to migrate to less favorable areas, where they become vulnerable to poachers and predators.

Coordinated efforts at the international level are needed to prevent giraffes from becoming extinct entirely. An important step is to strengthen wildlife protection and combat poaching. Establishing and maintaining nature reserves and national parks will help preserve the natural habitats of giraffes and ensure their protection. Equally important is to attract public attention to the problem. Educational campaigns and environmental programs can raise people’s awareness of the importance of conserving giraffes and other endangered species.

In conclusion, giraffes face multiple threats that require immediate action. Only through the joint efforts of governments, conservation organizations and the public can the future of these amazing creatures be secured and preserved for future generations.

Giraffes: unique giants of the African savannas and their role in the ecosystem

Giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) are one of the most unique animals on our planet. These majestic creatures live in African savannas and wooded areas, where they graze peacefully among acacias and other tall trees.

Unique anatomy.  One of the most remarkable features of the giraffe is its long neck, which can extend up to 2 meters in length.. Despite its length, the giraffe possesses only seven cervical vertebrae – the same number as most mammals, including humans. Each vertebra is greatly elongated, which gives the neck such height. The giraffe’s long neck enables it to reach leaves and buds from treetops that are out of reach for other herbivores. Giraffes are also known for their long legs, each of which can reach more than 1.8 meters in length. This allows them to reach speeds of up to 60 km/h over short distances and up to 50 km/h over longer distances. In addition, long legs help giraffes protect themselves from predators. One powerful blow with a hoof can kill a lion.

Spotted color

The giraffe’s fur is decorated with unique spots, and each animal has its own unique pattern. Spotted coloring helps giraffes camouflage among trees and bushes, especially in conditions of play of light and shadow. Each subspecies of giraffe has its own pattern and color of spots, which helps scientists distinguish between them.

Nutrition

Giraffes are herbivores and prefer acacia leaves, which are rich in nutrients and moisture. Giraffes can go without water for several days, obtaining the necessary moisture from food. When they do drink water, they have to spread their legs wide and bend over, making them vulnerable to predators.

Social behavior

Giraffes lead a predominantly solitary lifestyle or form small, non-permanent groups. Within such groups there is a hierarchy determined by size and strength. Males often engage in exhibition fights in which they hit each other with their necks. These “fights” are called “necking” and usually do not result in serious injury.

Role in the ecosystem

Giraffes play an important role in the African savanna ecosystem. They promote seed dispersal by eating the fruits and spitting them out along with the waste. Giraffes also help maintain the shape of trees by trimming their tops and stimulating the growth of new shoots.

Giraffes are not only a symbol of the African savannas, but also important participants in the balance of nature. Protecting these animals must be a priority for the international community. Environmentalists around the world are actively working to create and support wildlife sanctuaries and national parks where giraffes can live safely. They also run educational campaigns aimed at increasing public awareness about the importance of preserving these majestic animals. Additionally, efforts to combat poaching and rehabilitate degraded ecosystems are contributing to securing a sustainable future for giraffes.