Intro: Those
\nof you who in the last decades have been tuning in to Radio Romania
\nInternational…<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Those of you who have sent in their suggestions and
\ncomments on our programs…<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Those of you who have been sending in reception
\nreports on our broadcast…<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Those of you who keep their hopes alive Short-Wave
\nbroadcast will not fizzle out, will not be discontinued…<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Those of you who are still dead set on tuning in to a
\nradio receiver, in the digital era, on a digital planet…<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
To ALL
\nof you we dedicate this special 2023 edition, occasioned by LISTENER’S DAY
\nON RADIO ROMANIA INTERNATIONAL. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Welcoming you to the programme
\nthis year are Daniel Bilt and Eugen Nasta. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Today’s topic for debate is a very interesting one,
\n‘Climate Change’ which somehow brings to my mind Dickens’ famous line from his
\nmasterpiece ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, ‘it was the best of times, it was the worst
\nof times. It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch
\nof belief, it was the epoch of incredulity’. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The line seems a great one to me, not because I majored
\nin literature but because indeed I believe it is the best of times to address
\nsuch an issue which has already been influencing our lives as human beings and is
\ngoing to affect the generations to come. It is also the worst of times, because
\nclimate change and global warming reared its ugly head decades ago. It was the
\nepoch of belief and the epoch of incredulity all in one, because many people
\nnowadays are still denying the phenomenon while others believe that it is not
\nman-made. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Our listener,
\nAlan Fenix, from the city of Naga in the Philippines, for instance has
\nconfessed that at first he refused to see the phenomenon for what it was.
\nQuoting from his contribution on the topic:
\n <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
1. How
\nhas climate change influenced me?<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n IT MADE ME TO STAY MORE INDOORS THAN OUTDOORS. SPECIALLY, WHEN THE
\nTEMPERATURES ARE VERY PUNISHING.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n Initially, I was in denial regarding the genuine existence of climate
\nchange. I thought it was just another interest group pushing for their own
\nagenda.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n However, during the daytime, when the heat is becoming unbearable
\nand scorching to the skin, it made me say that, perhaps, climate change is
\nreal and true and is already with us. So, I make it a point to stay more
\nindoors and do activities related to it.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
2. Steps
\nto be taken to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nPROPER GARBAGE SEGREGATION AND DISPOSAL. AND, COMING UP WITH A TECHNOLOGY TO
\nRECYCLE AND TURN THEM INTO RENEWABLE CLEAN ENERGY.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n For me, climate change goes hand in hand with our societal progress and
\ndevelopment. It is its direct consequence. Progress and development
\ncaused climate change. It is the collateral effect of it.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nA concrete example: In a certain rural town, there used to be only two
\npublic transports providing service in and out of town. In time,
\nwith progress and development, more and more public transport was put into
\nservice. Now, there are traffic jams, accidents, smog problems… <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
3.
\nIndividual contribution to reduce carbon footprint.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nSELF DISCIPLINE. No amount of garbage cans or trucks around will help solve and
\nreduce our carbon footprint if we are very lazy to even put and segregate
\nproperly our garbage waste.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
4.
\nEducation and other platforms. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n Education among our children, youth and adults is only one of the many
\nplatforms that can be put into use towards spreading the awareness and call to
\naction- discipline, discipline, discipline. Among other things, there are
\nsocial media online, on air and print. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nIn the end, it is a TIT for TAT*. With progress and development, comes climate
\nchange. However, we can still do something if we are properly informed,
\neducated and disciplined.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
From Halmstad in Sweden, our long time
\ncontributor and friend Chister Brunstrom has sent in the following audio
\nmessage about climate change.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
AUDIO………………………………………………………………………………<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Bidhan Chandra Sanyal of
\nDhaka Colony in West Begal, India has mentioned the fact that since the end of
\nthe industrial revolution, in the 19th century, temperature on Earth has kept on rising<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Climate
\nchange is a very dangerous phenomenon for human society. Since the end of
\nthe 19th century, the temperature of the Earth’s surface has increased by 0.3
\nto 0.60 Celsius. This increase may seem very small to us but it may lead
\nto the following disasters.
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Number one – agriculture
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Population
\ngrowth is also increasing the demand for food. As a result, the pressure
\non natural resources is increasing. Climate change will cause changes in
\nrainfall and temperature and will directly affect agricultural
\nproduction. In addition, climate change will also have indirect effects on
\nsoil quality, pest and disease patterns. It is said that the production
\nof food grains in India may decrease. Climate extremes such as heavy
\nrainfall, high temperatures, floods, droughts etc. will adversely affect crop
\nproduction.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
the weather
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
A warmer
\nclimate will change rainfall patterns, increase the incidence of floods and
\ndroughts, melt more glaciers and polar ice sheets, and raise sea levels.
\nIt is said that one of the reasons for the increase in cyclones and hurricanes
\nin the last few years is the rise in temperature.
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Swollen sea level<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nOne of the
\nconsequences of climate change is the rising sea levels. As a result of
\nwarming oceans, continued melting of glaciers and polar ice sheets, sea levels
\nare expected to rise by half a meter this century. Sea-level rise will
\nhave adverse effects on coastal areas – land loss due to erosion and
\ninundation, increased flooding, saltwater intrusion into residential
\nareas. As a result, agriculture in coastal areas will be affected,
\nsources of drinking water will be affected, and human settlements, livelihoods
\nand health will also be adversely affected.
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
People’s health will soon be affected<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\nGlobal warming will directly affect human health. Heat-related deaths
\nwill increase, infectious diseases will spread, dehydration will increase,
\nmalnutrition will increase, and public health infrastructure will suffer.
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Forests and Wildlife
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Plants and
\nanimals growing naturally are extremely sensitive to climate change. If
\nthe rate of climate change continues, many species of plants and animals may
\ndisappear from the earth.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Environmental
\nconferences in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, in Johannesburg in 2002 and in Kyoto,
\nJapan have taken various measures to fully control greenhouse gas emissions<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
When I was appointed to do this
\nproject with my favourite co-worker and friend Eugen, I almost leapt for joy.
\nAnd that’s because among his lifetime hobbies like literature, art and cinema,
\nthe man is extremely fond of music with an impressive collection of CDs, Vinyl
\nrecords and tapes. Now I am going to test his musical knowledge with a
\nquestion. Eugen, do you remember that old song we used to sing a couple of
\nweeks ago, mera joota hei Japani? <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Eugen:
\n Of course I remember it…Yeh Patloon Englishtani, Sar pe Laal Topi Roosi, Phir
\nBhi dil hei Hundustani. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Bill: Like
\nI said friends, music is his life. I recalled that song, not only because our
\nradio station boasts a huge lot of Indian listeners, but because we are also
\nproud to mention the significant community of Japanese RRI listeners. So, from
\nJapan, Seiichi Enomoto, of Otsu City, the Shiga Prefecture sent in the following
\ncontribution on climate change. Quoting from his message. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Happy Romanian Radio day! I am emailing you about climate
\nchange and global warming.
\nGlobal warming has caused frequent intensive downpours in Japan this summer.
\nThe heavy rains have been concentrated in small areas for long periods of time,
\nresulting in flooding of homes and landslides. I regret that the heavy use of
\nonline shopping tends to increase the
\namount of air, truck, and other forms of transportation and use a lot of
\nenergy. I would like to contribute to the reduction of energy used in
\ntransportation by not relying on online shopping as much as possible, but
\nrather going to local stores to make purchases in person.
\n
\n<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Time now for a well-deserved musical break<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Elena
\nBaltagan, known as Ellie White, is a Romanian dance music and trance
\nsinger-songwriter. Ellie’s ambition to become a solo artist turned out to be a
\ngood move. Our first musical treat is entitled What’s going to be left of us.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
2023 is set to become the warmest in recorded history,
\nwarns the EU Copernicus Service, after average temperatures measured around the
\nworld during the summer and in September have reached the highest levels ever
\nrecorded. Climate change has triggered not only temperature records, but also
\nextreme phenomena: devastating fires, heavy rainfalls, thunderstorms and
\nflooding. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Here is what Johann Hechtl, based in Lengenfeld,
\nAustria, thinks, to that effect, QUOTE Climate change is a fact nobody can
\ndeny, all reputable scientific
\nevidence shows that climate is getting warmer at an unprecedented rate
\nand getting more extreme. Yet what is missing in many models is the
\nsignificance of human influence on climate. To what extend is humankind
\ninfluencing the climate, 10%, 90%? Depending on that extend, humankind
\nwill either have to double efforts to counter effects of climate change
\nor accept, that climate change has always happened in the past and
\nmankind has to adapt. UNQUOTE<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
We’ve been
\nimpressed by the acumen and in-depth knowledge of the topic in the contribution
\nsent in by Muhammad Aqeel Bashir, a Pak Listeners Club, Member:
\nInternational Radio Listeners Organization, Pakistan, from which we took
\nthe liberty to quote <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
For me, an email on 2023 Listeners’ Day is relevant,
\nimportant and
\nit is an honor. I’d like for these few comments of mine to be included in the
\nprogram, along with everyone else’s opinions on that particular day. Although
\nmy English is not as strong as that of individuals living in Europe, and I have
\nto rely on Google Translate also, but I will do my best to put the thoughts in
\nmy heart into words. Climate change is one of the most important issues
\nconfronting our planet today, and it is already having a huge influence on the
\nlives of people all over the world.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
How climate change has influenced me:<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Climate change is already having an influence on the
\nworld, with more extreme weather events, increasing sea levels, and changes in
\nprecipitation patterns. These consequences disproportionately harm the poorest
\nand most vulnerable communities.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I am concerned about climate change’s effects on
\nbiodiversity, food security, and human health. I’m also concerned about climate
\nchange’s potential to aggravate current social and economic inequities. Because
\nof the climatic change, I’m having trouble sleeping because it is impossible to
\nsleep properly in the summer. As a result, my health is suffering greatly.
\nSimilarly, in the country where I reside, gas is load-shedding during severe
\nwinters, which causes me terrible discomfort and impairs my capacity to work.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Education as an instrument to tackle climate change:
\nEducation is critical for combating climate change. We must educate people on
\nclimate change science, its consequences, and what we can do to address it.
\nClimate change education can assist to promote awareness, generate support for
\nclimate action, and empower individuals to make changes in their own lives.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Platforms to discuss climate change:<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
People can discuss climate change on a variety of
\nvenues, including social media, online forums, and in-person events. It is
\ncritical to have these venues where individuals can share their experiences,
\nlearn from one another, and build climate change solutions.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The role of the media in climate change<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The media has a significant impact on promoting public
\nawareness of climate change and affecting public opinion on the subject. Media
\noutlets may give accurate and comprehensive news on climate change while also
\npromoting solutions.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I’d want to add that climate change is a complicated
\ntopic with no simple solutions. It is critical that the climate change debate
\ninclude a wide range of views and opinions. We must also remember that climate
\nchange is a global issue, and that solutions must be developed and implemented
\non a worldwide scale.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Education and communication:<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
In my opinion, we must educate people on climate
\nchange science, its consequences, and what we can do to address it. We must
\nalso provide forums for individuals to discuss climate change and devise
\nsolutions.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The media can help to raise awareness of climate
\nchange and shape public opinion on the subject. However, it is vital to be
\nskeptical of the information we receive from the media. We should gather
\ninformation from several sources and create our own opinions regarding its
\nauthenticity.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions:<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
There are several activities that can be performed at
\nboth the individual and societal levels to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Individually,
\nwe can reduce our carbon footprint by doing the following:<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Using
\nrenewable energy sources<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Driving
\nless and more frequently walking, bicycling, or taking public transportation<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Consuming
\nless meats and more plant-based foods<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u00b7 We
\nmust reduce our use of goods and services.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Composting
\nand recycling<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
We must invest in renewable energy, energy efficiency,
\nand public transportation at the social level. We must also impose a price on
\ncarbon emissions and support measures that encourage long-term development.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I am optimistic that we will be able to work together
\nto solve climate change and create a more sustainable future for
\nall. Climate change is a major concern, but there is still time to
\nrespond. We can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, establish a more sustainable future,
\nand safeguard people and the earth from the worst effects of climate change by
\nworking together. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Romanian traditional music is for, its most part
\nlively…It really gets you going!<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Our next musical treat is entitled Get on your feet
\nand dance, Hai la joc, in Romanian, performed by one of the most accomplished
\ntraditional music vocalists, Stefania Rares. <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Brian Roebling, living in New Jersey, USA, was
\nmore down-to-earth in his contribution, also emphasizing the role education plays
\nin climate change <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Dear RRI,<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Climate Change has influenced me to try and cut down
\non my Energy usage. Steps I’ve taken that many people may find easy
\nto do; Less Automobile travel, regular car tune ups to maximize fuel
\nefficiency. Replacing all incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, lowering the
\nthermostat in Winter, and raising it in the Summer. Adding extra
\ninsulation in the home where possible. Turning down the temperature on the hot
\nwater heater. Line drying clothes instead of using a clothes dryer. Trying
\nto grow vegetables and herbs in a backyard garden, with mixed results.
\nMaking fertilizer with natural elements, leaves, grass clippings, vegetation,
\netc instead of buying chemical fertilizer. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Education on any subject, especially climate change
\nwill hopefully be useful, especially if the info is clear on how each
\nindividual can do something however small to reduce energy usage. Like
\nstatistics showing the energy saved if a certain quantity of people lowered the
\nheating thermostat by a few degrees. There could be dedicated platforms
\nabout energy saving, such as tips for the day, tips for certain times of year.
\nIn terms of the Roles of Mass Media, i think the basic facts, explained in a
\nway understandable to people will be helpful. And the avoidance of coverage of
\nthe climate deniers.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Jayanta
\nChakrabarty of New Delhi, India is a
\nfaithful listener to our radio station and sees the global warming and climate
\nchange as some of the greatest challenges the world is facing nowadays. Quoting
\nfrom his message<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
All the
\ncontinents being inter-connected are equally affected by this avoidable
\nphenomenon. Yes, education, inequality, healthcare and lifestyle all play
\nimportant role in educating, informing and implementing measures that will save
\nour world from imminent disasters like landfalls, heatwaves, forest fires,
\nfloods, cloud bursts, cyclones, melting of glaciers and rise of ocean water
\nlevels. Humans, animals, environment and people’s livelihood are at stake.
\nPollution of air and water threatens animal and plant life and human habitat.
\nSo are the geopolitical and welfare of nations which are in peril. As concerned
\ncitizens it is our solemn duty to propagate corrective measures. Burning of
\nfossil fuel, running coal-based industries and rampant use of private transport
\nand affluent way of living are helping to increase the carbon emission. In this
\ngrave scenario, mass media like the radio has a crucial role to play. Through
\nthis cheap, convenient and highly effective media we can disseminate useful,
\neducative information, issue warnings during natural calamities thus immensely
\naiding in reducing loss of life and property. In fact, media’s attention should
\ngo beyond the flow of information. It is the onerous duty to convey credible
\nand authoritative information backed by scientific research and desist from
\nspreading misinformation. Rather it should be the platform to attract general
\npublic opinion for creating political pressure for change. Today, radio has
\nbecome a powerful tool to communicate information most effectively to billions
\nof people at the regional and global levels. However, it’s regrettable that
\ndespite all the high-level summits on climate change, no significant positive
\nchange in the sensitivity of the people has been noticed. Radio Romania
\nInternational is doing a yeoman service by informing, acting as watchdog and
\ncampaigning on social issues that will greatly help in combating the challenge
\nof climate change. On this auspicious and happy occasion of Romanian Radio Day
\nI would like to convey my sincere felicitations to all members of RRI for their
\nstupendous endeavor in making our world a better place to live.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Mitul
\nKansal, based in Gurgaon, Haryana, India, believes that immediate action is
\nneed before it’s too late<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Addressing
\nclimate change and global warming is the need of the hour. Stop, think and act.
\nIt is time to heal the world. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
When fossil
\nfuels are burnt, they release harmful toxins to the atmosphere which impacts
\nclimate change and causes global warming. Reduce the use of fossil fuel for well-being
\nof the planet. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Within this
\ncentury, climate change could lead to the collapse of a vital ocean current
\nsystem-and it could happen as soon as 2025, according to a study published in
\nNature Communications.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The media and
\neducation can play a crucial role in shaping public discourse and bearing
\nwitness to the climate crisis by providing public interest content for the
\npeople and communities most affected by climate change, loss and damage and
\nenvironmental exploitation. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
With global
\nefforts far off-track to limit global warming and protect people from climate
\nimpacts, we need accelerated action by governments, businesses and finance
\nleaders to cut greenhouse gas emissions and deliver justice for those on the
\nfrontlines of the climate crisis. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
BEAT THE HEAT <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Xaver
\nHellmayer, of Graeffelfing, Germany sent in an audio message we’re happy to
\ninclude in our special Listener’s Day feature.<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Xavier
\nHellmayer AUDIO (5 min) <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Outro: Fatefully,
\nwe need to be Procrustian…as time is running short, for us. We’re so sorry to
\nput a stop to the 2023 special edition of LISTENER’s DAY on Radio Romania
\nInternational. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
In
\nancient Roman myth and religion, Janus was the god of physical and emotional
\ngateways. He is traditionally shown as having two faces pointing in opposite
\ndirections, representing different perspectives, or perhaps a reconciliation of
\ntwo points of view.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
For us,
\nDaniel Bilt and Eugen Nasta, one such face is a well-wishing thought that goes
\nsomething like TO THE VERY BEST OF TIMES!<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The
\nother face looks at YOU, our Short-Wave listeners world-wide, and wishes you TO
\nTHE VERY BEST OF RADIO TIMES!<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A Special Programme dedicated to all RRI Listeners<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":123226,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46057],"tags":[29582,38262,29331,35417,29213,31180],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-721648","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-rri-special","tag-climate-change","tag-global-warming","tag-listeners-day","tag-measures","tag-music","tag-radio"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n