After reading that there was snow in the Sahara desert this past week, I felt it was time to dig deeper into how climate change affects our life. Scientists predicts that the average temperatures will raise in the next century as a result of green house emissions; and, Africa is one of the most vulnerable continents.

Green House Emissions = more severe storms and floods, more droughts and more deserts.

However, the question remains, are we doing enough to stop global warming?

In Africa alone deforestation has increased and one would expect it to be lower due to the consequences. Climate change is the most pervasive and far-reaching environmental issue that humanity has ever faced. According to the world Carfree Network (WNC) cars and trucks account for about 14 percent of global carbon emissions, and the increase rates of deforestation are increasing the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere. The paradox is that the efforts are put into increasing fuel efficiency rather than preventing deforestation. Trees absorb the carbon that is released into the atmosphere; however, when they are cut down they release it back into the atmosphere.

“Any realistic plan to reduce global warming pollution sufficiently—and in time—to avoid dangerous consequences must rely in part on preserving tropical forests,”

Here are just some of the benefits of reducing deforestation:

1. Dangerous emissions are absorbed by the trees and not by our lungs

2.Tropical forests are home to unique species of animals and plants.

3. Tropical forests are crucial sources of food, medicine, and clean drinking water.

4. Forests regulate rainfall and prevent floods and droughts.

5. Forests save biodiversity and support a sustainable development.

Climate change is a problem that affects all of us. Don't we want a better future for everyone? Are we really that selfish that we do not care?