Shivangi Verma: We Are Experiencing Global Warming All Around Us

Concepts such as global warming are no longer just textbook warnings-we are experiencing the effects every day, says actress Shivangi Verma. Shivangi, who has worked in shows like Tera Ishq Mera Fitoor, Choti Sarrdaarni, and the recently released movie Badass Ravi Kumar, and will be seen in the movie Gaurishankar Gauharganj Wale, says that there are so many indications of global warming around us.

"Global warming is no longer just something we hear on the news or read about in science class. We're experiencing it right now, all around us. The weather has become unpredictable. One year the monsoon is too early, and another year it is late. The farmers are perplexed, crops get damaged, and even our daily life gets hampered. Summers are becoming intolerable. Each year, it seems hotter than the previous year. I recall playing outdoors in the afternoons as a kid-now, simply venturing outside feels like standing in a flame. Heatwaves in urban areas have become the norm, and that frightens me," she says.

She adds, "Winters aren't the same either. They arrive late, depart early, and aren't half as cold. It feels like the seasons are misplaced too. Then there are the flash floods here and droughts there. There's a city drowning and another with dry taps all at the same time. It's despicable. Even good health is no longer present. Mosquitoes are found everywhere throughout the year now, and dengue and malaria are spreading more than they ever did. All of this is nature's way of saying something is wrong. And unless we do something about it now, the issues will only intensify."

When it comes to the environment, we are still dealing with basic issues such as cleanliness, she says, "Regardless of all the discussion, we are still fighting garbage on streets, plastic in rivers, and bad waste management. For a dramatic change to occur, three aspects are required:
Strong government action - Harsh laws and punishments for littering, pollution, and lack of managing waste. It is important to educate children and grown-ups about the need for cleanliness and how to maintain the environment.

Community involvement - The public has to own their environment. It is not all the job of the government or sweepers. We have to cease dumping garbage on roads and begin cleaning our neighborhoods together. A cleaner world can be achieved if all, whether rich or poor, young or old, pitch in."

Talking about air pollution, she says, "Air pollution is one of the biggest problems in many Indian cities, especially during winters. To fight this problem, here's what we must do:

Switch to clean energy - Employ solar, wind, and electric energy in place of coal and diesel.

Reduce vehicle use - Promote public transport, carpooling, walking, and biking.

Ban harmful practices - Stop stubble burning, firecrackers, and illegal factories.

Plant trees-as trees will take in carbon dioxide and cleanse the air.

Support green policies-for this, governments have to collaborate with citizens, scientists, and businesses to build cleaner cities. We all deserve clean air and it begins with bold actions, not excuses."

Talking about her contributions, she says, "I try to make small but meaningful efforts every day. I don't waste water, reuse water whenever possible, and turn off taps when not in use. I separate wet and dry garbage. This helps in proper recycling and reduces landfill waste.
Avoid plastic. I carry my own bag while shopping and use steel or glass bottles instead of plastic ones.

To save electricity, I switch off fans, lights, and devices when not in use.
Besides this, I use public transport. Whenever possible, I prefer taking a bus, metro, or sharing a ride. I have planted trees in my area and take care of them regularly.

In order to raise awareness, I talk to friends and family about the importance of protecting nature."

She adds, "I truly believe that when celebrities support good causes, it does influence the public. Many people admire and follow them. So when a famous actor, cricketer, or influencer talks about saving water or not using plastic, it creates awareness on a large scale."