Voices of Change: Anna from Budapest, Hungary
"Rainfall, once dependable, has become scarce, leaving our farmers struggling to keep their crops alive."
Question: What is your name and where are from?
My name is Anna and I am from Budapest, Hungary.
Have you heard the term Climate change?
I heard about climate change through the news, and several research articles.
What is the climate over there?
In Budapest, where I live, summers have become unbearable, with sweltering heat and air thick with pollution. Despite being an EU member state, Hungary struggles to address these environmental challenges, with transportation and industrial activities contributing to the problem, and while air conditioning offers relief, cultural resistance means many, including my grandmother, prefer other cooling methods.
Do you guys see any changes in the climate during past few years
Growing up in Hungary, I've seen firsthand the changing climate that's reshaping our homeland. When I reflect on my childhood, I remember a time when the seasons flowed smoothly, each bringing its own unique beauty. But today, it's like we're living in a different world. The heat is relentless now, scorching our land and drying up our rivers and lakes. Rainfall wasonce dependable but has become scarce, leaving our farmers struggling to keep their crops alive. I remember the winters of my youth as a clear season, filled with snow and ice skating on frozen lakes. Now, even in March, winter clings on, refusing to let go.
What does your family think about the climate change?
My family, though not dependent on farming for our livelihood, feels the impact of these shifts. Tending to our garden has become a constant battle against the unpredictability of the weather. We find ourselves watering our plants more often, worried about their survival in this changing climate.
What is your opinion on climate change, why does it occur, and what is the main cause?
Spring and autumn, once gradual transitions, now pass by in the blink of an eye. The vibrant colours of spring and the golden hues of autumn are fleeting, overshadowed by the extremes of summer and winter. Our traditional four-season rhythm has been disrupted, leaving us scrambling to adapt to abrupt seasonal changes. It is not just about comfort anymore. Climate change is a crisis that's already here, affecting the lives of people across Hungary. The elderly suffer, and lives are lost due to excessive heat. We can't afford to wait any longer. Immediate action is needed to mitigate the damage and secure a better future for us all.
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