Oftentimes serious issues like global warming are sidelined when conflicting policies and value systems are presented in a muddle to the common man. Checking excessive global warming is a complex issue that requires a multi pronged approach from policy makers, heads of institutions and a participation from every human being who inhabits planet Earth.

It is paradoxical that while the phenomenon of global warming necessitates a change to simpler lifestyles opting to use public transport, cycle or walk, use less electrical gadgets, market forces lure people with tantalizing advertisements and offers to buy the very same products that can fuel global warming with their carbon emissions. In developing countries like India which boast of strong family ties, commercials target child viewers to promote consumer items—sometimes even luxury cars.

Many middle class families all over the world exercise economy in using electricity and fossil fuels (petrol and diesel, for instance) not so much to prevent global warming but because it suits their budget. To the rich who spend more than necessary on cars and electrical gadgets, global warming is perhaps the last thing on the mind.

World governments may draft grand policies to arrest global warming and reverse climate change but a greater awareness needs to be inculcated in citizens of the world to make them understand that opting for simple lifestyle changes such as using stairs instead of the elevator, car pooling, using public transport, consuming less non-vegetarian food so as to leave less carbon print, will help the individual as well as the world stay healthy.