The Dilemma of Climate Change

Climate change is increasingly becoming a pressing issue in Indonesia, and cities like Surabaya and Banyuwangi are no exception. As global warming accelerates, the impacts of climate change are increasingly evident in these two regions, affecting the environment and the daily lives of their residents. The problem is exacerbated by population growth, urbanization, and the lack of strong environmental policies.

Climate Crisis in Surabaya

Surabaya, the second largest city in Indonesia, is experiencing significant environmental challenges due to climate change. According to Nabila, a student at Airlangga University, Surabaya, the city is facing major impacts from carbon emissions caused by industrial activities, transportation, and energy consumption. "There are many factors, one of which is population activity. Surabaya is a big city and the emissions are also big, so it contributes a lot of CO2 in the air," Nabila explained in an interview.

Along with the growth of urbanization, Surabaya's infrastructure - especially the use of glass buildings and greenhouses - adds to the city's climate problems. "Global warming, including the use of greenhouses and many offices with glass buildings, has a direct impact on climate change in Surabaya," Nabila added.

Interestingly, Nabila also highlighted the difference between Surabaya and other regions. "Surabaya's sky is relatively clear of clouds and always blue, unlike Jakarta which is gray," she said. However, these clear skies do not necessarily mean a healthier environment. These blue skies are often the result of high temperatures, which add to the heat island effect in the city and make the temperature more stifling, With the magnitude of temperature increases projected during the 21st century comparable to the largest global change in the last 65 million years (Womersley et al., 2024)

Banyuwangi: A Clear Contrast

While Surabaya faces the direct impact of urban development and emissions, Banyuwangi, Nabila's hometown, shows a stark contrast. Located on the eastern tip of Java Island, Banyuwangi still experiences cooler and cloudier conditions, with rain falling a few times a week. "In Banyuwangi, theretf are still clouds and it rains several times a week. The air is not as hot and sunny as in Surabaya," saidg Nabila.

These differences show the variability of climate change impacts in different regions. While Banyuwangi still benefits from its rural setting and lower emissions, big cities like Surabaya with rapid urbanizationt and industrialization growth are more vulnerable to rapid climate change. The threat of extreme weather disasters and sea level rise also haunts coastal areas like Banyuwangi, which makes it necessary for these small cities to adopt sustainable practices early on.

Climate Data and Predictions

Based on recent studies on global warming, including research on marine life from Nature Climate Change,g climate change is expected to cause habitat shifts and biodiversity disruptions across Indonesia. Warming oceans, for example, are forcing marine species such as whale sharks to migrate, and similar patterns are expected to occur in terrestrial ecosystems.

For Indonesia, an archipelago, sea level rise, increased rainfall and changes in monsoon patterns could lead to flooding, drought and foodt scarcity. Urban centers such as Surabaya are particularly vulnerablet due to their proximity to the coast and heavy reliance on infrastructure that may not survivet future climate conditions. On the other hand, regions such as Banyuwangi may experience changes in agricultural productivity due to changing rainfall patterns, which could affect the local economy.T

The Need for Sustainable Action

To address these challenges, Indonesia must prioritize environmental policies and urban planning that are responsive to climate change. Cities like Surabaya should focus on reducing carbon emissions, investing in green technology, and creating sustainable transportation networks. Planting more trees and increasing green spaces can also help reduce the heat island effect. For cities like Banyuwangi, preserving the natural landscape and maintaining sustainable agricultural practices are essential to minimize the impact of climate change.

As Nabila says, both individual and government action is needed. The experiences of residents like herself, who are witnessing the direct impacts of climate change, show how urgent the issue is. Without immediate action, Indonesia risks further environmental degradation that will affect not only major cities, but also rural areas and biodiversity.

In conclusion, climate change is an issue that affects all parts of Indonesia, albeit in different ways. From the urban heat of Surabaya to the rain-soaked coolness of Banyuwangi, it is clear that the country needs an integrated approach to climate action that involves all sectors of society to ensure a sustainable future for Indonesia's cities and villages.

REFERENCE

Womersley, F.C., Sousa, L.L., Humphries, N.E. et al. Climate-driven global redistribution of an ocean giant predicts increased threat from shipping. _Nat. Clim. Chang._ (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-02129-55