8 Effective Ways to Limit Climate Change Now! Perhaps the largest problem of the twenty-first century is climate change. There are many things you as a citizen can do to lead on climate change and make a difference, even though businesses and governments have the power to make the most impact.
There have always been changes in the world’s climate. However, since the start of industrialization, the atmosphere’s composition has altered as a result of an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from people.
Global warming results from this as the natural greenhouse effect is increased. Both people and wildlife are significantly impacted by this apparent change in the climate.
Everyone can help limit climate change. From the way we travel to the electricity we use, the food we eat, and the things we buy, we can make a difference.
What is climate change?
Climate change as defined by the United Nations refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns. These shifts may be natural, such as through variations in the solar cycle.
Climate change is a present-day threat, but we have the power to change it. We already have the information and resources necessary to stop climate change. All we have to do is employ them.
“Climate change is real. It is happening right now, it is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.” – Leonardo Di Caprio, Actor & Environmentalist
8 Effective Ways to Limit Climate Change Now
I am well aware that significant structural reform is required. However, in the absence of that, here are some specific actions you can take:
1. Plant trees
Every year approximately 12 million hectares of forest are destroyed and this deforestation, together with agriculture and other land use changes, is responsible for roughly 25 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
We can all play a part in reversing this trend by planting trees, either individually or as part of a collective. For example, the Plant-for-the-Planet initiative allows people to sponsor tree planting around the world.
2. Reduce plastic usage
Plastic is a well-known major source of pollution in the world. The environment benefits when waste is disposed of appropriately. Put recycling of plastic and paper first.
If we continue at an unchecked rate, the effect of plastic on the environment during its disintegration process could cause untold damage.
There are easy ways to lessen the use and effects of plastic, even though it is present everywhere:
- Take your own reusable water bottle with you instead of buying bottled water.
- BYO coffee cup to your local cafe instead of a take-away cup.
- Use reusable shopping and produce bags.
- Opt for buying loose bulk items such as nuts, washing powder, etc instead of items packaged in plastic.
- Support brands that used recycled or plant-based plastics over virgin plastics.
- Make sure you put recycle items in your recycling bin rather than the trash. Most major supermarkets also offer soft plastic recycling these days.
3. Go Green!
Now, it always pays to go green. Aside from saving you a significant amount of money, it’ll also save the planet from damage.
You can go green through your waste disposal method, your lighting, and energy consumption, among many others.
4. Avoid food waste
Food waste is a massive contributor to climate change, Australians throw away around 20% of the food they buy. That equals around 3.3 billion tons of Co2 every year. In fact, if global food waste were a country, it would be the third largest Co2 emitter in the world.
Today, One-third of all food produced is either lost or wasted. According to UNEP’s Food Waste Index Report 2021, people globally waste 1 billion tonnes of food each year, which accounts for around 8-10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Avoid waste by only buying what you need and take advantage of every edible part of the foods you purchase.
5. Switch to a plant-based diet
Eat more plant-based meals – your body and the planet will thank you. Today, a greater percentage of the world’s agricultural land is used for livestock grazing and people in many countries are consuming more animal-sourced food than is healthy. Plant-rich diets can help reduce chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer.
It is estimated that 23% of the world’s Co2 emissions are from the animal agriculture industry with a staggering 7.1 Gigatonnes of emissions emitted every year. In fact, a study by Oxford University found that by going plant-based you could cut your personal Co2 emissions by up to 73%. A great starting point is committing to Meat Free Mondays which will still cut your Co2 emissions by up to 8.4%.
6. Switch to green power
Not all kinds of energy production are created equal; some, like the conventional methods that use coal to produce power, produce the greatest CO2 emissions, while others, like the more environmentally friendly renewable methods, produce less of it.
Among the most popular renewable energy sources are solar, wind, and hydroelectricity. Most electricity providers now offer you the option to purchase green power from one of these sources.
The need for power providers to invest in cleaner, renewable types of energy rather than constructing additional coal power plants can be demonstrated by choosing green power if you can afford to pay a little bit more for it.
7. Use green transport options
The worldwide transition to a greener economy is still a top goal in order to reduce the dangers of climate change and other environmental threats. The lack of essential public infrastructure, such as transportation infrastructure, continues to be a problem for emerging nations.
A sustainable future for everybody may be ensured, in particular, by green transportation infrastructure.
Many studies’ findings suggest that transportation has a significant role in air pollution and emissions, which contribute to the brown haze in urban areas around the world.
The health of people is significantly impacted by these contaminants. Prioritizing the construction of green infrastructure is necessary to ensure a good impact on biodiversity, human health, land resources, water quality, and air quality.
8. Start a climate conversation
Solving climate change requires us all to work together. We can’t do that without finding common ground with those who may not share our perspective.
Since people often trust peers, family members, and loved ones more than they trust experts, scientists, and environmental organizations, you can talk to people about climate change in ways we can’t. You are more likely to open people’s minds.
Learn from AKQA, a fun, and interactive Climate Council chatbot that helps people go beyond the headlines and deeper into the causes of climate change.
Drawing on comprehensive research from the Climate Council, the chatbot uses data from a wide range of climate-related topics – extreme weather, heatwaves, bushfires, renewable energy, and storage technology solutions – to answer user questions and encourage them to act on lowering harmful emissions.
8 Effective Ways to Limit Climate Change Now!
Lastly, I firmly believe that in addition to these 8 practical strategies to reduce climate change right away. It is still true that in order for the world to stop some of the worst effects of climate change, each of us must speak up about the environment and its changes.