In the article published last week, I explained how the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report describes the impact of climate change on the seas and the frozen regions of the world.  On the basis of this report we can only conclude that extremely urgent action is called for. 

Some may argue – the sea is so vast, it can take all we dump in it! In the Arctic Ocean, and the even colder Antarctic, the ice is melting. Recently there was the fear of an avalanche coming down from the mountains of the Alps and residents in the vicinity were evacuated. Who cares? Why should we care? 

Although 30 years ago there may have been a lack of information on how climate change impacts humans and nature, nowadays there is no excuse. In line with all the studies and research that has been carried out and is still being carried out about this environmental concern, this latest report by the IPCC shows how humans and nature will be affected by the consequences of climate change on the sea and the frozen zones of the world in the coming years. 

Thanks to this report, we now know that even the water at the bottom of the seas is getting warmer, that the ice that is melting in the North and South poles is changing the weather, even in Africa, that the glaciers that are melting are threatening drinking water provisions and that the sea levels are rising at a fast rate. 

Not only small islands, like Malta, will be affected by rising sea levels; even some large coastal cities can end up below sea level. 

We also heard in the news about the fires that broke out in the Amazon forest in Brazil. We have seen waves of heat and drought in Europe and in Asian countries while certain animal species are seeking refuge in cooler zones. 

You may not be worried about polar bears and penguins, but the fact that fish stocks and fruit, vegetable and cereal yields are diminishing and that intensive farming is unsustainable may cause you to stop and reflect. 

The countries of the West, including the Mediterranean countries, have wasted enough time justifying their lack of action. There are alternatives. We should cut down on energy use and protect the green environment that surrounds us. 

There is no longer any place for procrastination.  Immediate action is required before we have to face catastrophic problems. It is time for governments, industrialists and interested parties to pull their socks up to ensure that climate change does not lead to natural disasters and unnecessary deaths. 

We have to guarantee the survival of our planet and the human race and, to do this, everyone’s commitment must be shown through action. Failing this, we can but wait for trouble to come our way.