That year, I was 13 years old. I did several projects at school and also participated in science fairs. I decided to use my knowledge to innovate and find solutions to problems facing the environment, people and society as a whole.
Economy
Yes, charcoal irons definitely damage the environment. My six-month study confirmed this.
So, I spent six months researching different renewable energy sources, the science behind solar energy and different kinds of electronic components. I learned about the design of an ironing car. It took me another six months to complete a technical paper explaining my innovation. Finally, it’s done.
I just created my first version of a solar powered ironing cart. Here’s how it works: The solar ironing cart has a solar panel on top that converts sunlight into electricity. This electricity powers the tin box directly if it is in use: if not, it is stored in the battery for later use.
The battery can store enough power for about six hours of use. Solar-powered ironing carts are also mobile, so ironers can ride around town instead of using carts. It further achieves 13 of the 15 Sustainable Development Goals.
Solar ironing vehicles are also multi-faceted vehicles with positive economic, social and environmental benefits. This is an innovation that can be used all over the world – not just in India.
poor
Charcoal is produced by cutting down trees and burning them in a process called pyrolysis. Trees are often cut down in large numbers, leading to deforestation.
Deforestation has resulted in the loss of habitat for the animals, birds and insects that once lived there. These actions will only increase the harmful effects of climate collapse, which is worse for our planet.
The solar ironing cart eliminates the need to use charcoal to iron clothes and is a self-sustaining innovation that does not harm the surrounding environment or the ironing supplier. It costs around £700.
While this may seem like a high price to pay, it’s a worthwhile initial investment. Once a solar ironing cart is purchased, it requires little maintenance. Since it is completely off the grid, there are no fuel bills.
This is all about profits for ironing suppliers, as they can break out of the hard cycle of poverty and financially support their children’s higher education. Our children are the silver lining when it comes to tackling climate issues.
lost
Younger people are more concerned about climate breakdown than older generations. Maybe it’s because of the times we grew up in, our planet was clearly under stress.
We are seeing our world change right before our eyes. As a result, we are more aware of the damage that has been done. If we don’t act now, we know what our future holds.
However, we also know that this is not the end. This is just the beginning, we have the optimism, energy and strength to save our planet together. Climate collapse appears to be irreversible. Nothing can change the past. However, nothing can stop us from changing the future.
We must recognize that climate collapse knows no bounds. It affects not only one country, but the whole world. We must come together to tackle the climate crisis because uniting we stand and dividing us down.
We must put aside our differences and understand that we are on the same page. We live on earth. Our planet has so much to offer, unknown wonders and undiscovered history. We haven’t discovered much more about our own planet, but we’re on the verge of losing it forever.
courage
Climate collapse is one of a host of issues that are at stake now – including deforestation, pollution, habitat loss and ozone depletion. Once we understand the magnitude of the various issues we face, we begin to realize that it’s not that hard to get ourselves back on track.
This understanding reduces climate collapse as a consequence of damaging the environment. That means finding viable solutions to each of these problems will in turn reduce the impact of climate collapse.
Fighting climate collapse doesn’t seem daunting at all right now. In fact, it’s much simpler than we thought. The good news is that everyone – children and adults alike – can contribute to a better future. Simple actions like recycling, upcycling, reducing waste and being a prudent consumer can really help.
It may not sound like much, but as everyone plays their part in creating a better tomorrow, we can definitely make a positive difference to our world and our people. With the times we live in, everyone can benefit from more positivity and nature in life.
Now, facing climate collapse is just a matter of a little self-control, courage and optimism. Remember, it all starts with you. Please act with optimism.
this author
Vinisha Umashankar is a 15-year-old student, innovator and public speaker. Venisha lives in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. She is an accomplished innovator with multiple awards. She is winner of the Children’s Climate Award (2020), one of the Earthshot Award finalists (2021), one of the youngest speakers invited to the COP26 Glasgow Breakthrough, and winner of the Global Child Prodigy Award (2022) year) .
