BY DR CHEE SU YIN
GLOBAL temperature rise, warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, glacial retreats, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and extreme events are standing out as an compelling evidence for rapid climate change and there is no dispute that climate is changing. This, coupled with the relentless drive for economic growth along with the increase in global population and land degradation, has placed humanity and other life forms on earth, on the road to a catastrophic tipping point.
In February, parts of Texas has touched its coldest temperatures in more than 30 years, with some areas breaking records that are more than a century old. This state in the USA which is known for its sprawling deserts and excruciating heatwaves was covered in a thick layer of ice with temperatures plummeting to 0°F (-18°C). As state of emergency was declared and disaster relief was co-ordinated in the state as the weather became increasingly deadly evident from massive accidents on icy roads, power cuts, and food shortages.
