Are you concerned about climate change, but not sure what to do about it? It can be easy to become overwhelmed by the news of the troubling effects of climate change all over the world. Dangerous extremes in temperature, the extinction of animal and plant species, crop failures, air pollution…awareness of these, and other perils can bring us to a point of either panic or paralysis.
So how can you, one individual, push through such reactions and take meaningful action against climate change? Here are some ways to find your role in this global effort.
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Educate yourself
A recent report of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reveals a sobering truth: if climate change continues unabated, many of the world’s regions will simply no longer be able to adapt to its effects. There will be no way to “pivot” to new systems—farms, communities, and whole economies will simply not be able to recover from the repeat attacks of global warming.
Not everyone believes that climate change is real. Others believe that it is a real phenomenon, but not one caused by human beings (thereby relieving us of responsibility for it). Still, others argue that it’s simply nothing to worry about. Learning as much as you can about the causes of climate change—as well as the ways it’s harming both people around the world as well as cherished natural resources—will help you advocate for taking climate change seriously.
Always check your sources to make sure the information is credible—agencies such as the IPCC are a great resource for learning about major developments. If you’re on social media, #scientistswhodoclimate on Twitter is another source of high-quality, up-to-the-minute information.
Assess your carbon footprint
If you’re reading this, you’re probably a person who cares to some degree about curbing climate change. You can become more involved by first analyzing your own habits of travel and consumption to find out which produce the most greenhouse gases. Learning about carbon footprint reduction is incredibly eye-opening and gives you a launching pad for becoming a clean-energy champion.
Web tools such as Conservation International’s Carbon Footprint Calculator provide a rough calculation of your annual carbon use by taking into account information such as the number of miles you fly and drive, the kinds of food you eat, and your habits with regard to waste management and energy conservation.
Many online carbon footprint calculators will also provide you with an option for offsetting the carbon you use with carbon credits. These credits represent a certain amount of carbon reduction for which you pay in exchange for canceling out your own estimated carbon usage. This cancellation can come in the form of funding tree planting or supporting communities that foster sustainable practices, for example.
Support local, second-hand, and sustainable businesses
Although we all like to save money and get the things we need quickly, low cost and convenience often come with an environmental price. Rather than making a quick impulse buy, take a moment to ask whether you really need an item, and, if the answer is yes, whether you need it immediately.
To work toward making planet-friendly choices as a consumer:
- Buy local when you can. This not only supports your local economy; it also prevents at least one round of carbon-heavy shipping.
- Buy second-hand when you can. An enormous amount of energy goes into producing the things we use every day, especially clothing. Fast fashion, or inexpensive clothing that is mass produced with cheap labor, takes excessive amounts of energy and water to produce, and often exploits workers.
- Buy sustainable when you can. Many companies have committed to making planet-friendly choices such as using recycled materials, reducing packaging, and offering carbon-neutral shipping. You may pay slightly more for the things you buy, but you’ll also often find that the quality of the goods is superior to that of their low-cost, high-convenience alternatives. There are several excellent online marketplaces for companies that prioritize sustainable and ethical practices.
Lead by example
Above all, the best way to help turn the tide of climate change as an individual is to set a standard with your own actions. Show those around you that it’s easier to change your habits than you might once have thought it would be. Small changes such as bringing a reusable bag to the grocery store may feel insignificant, but over time they can make a difference.
Incremental changes in daily habits can yield dramatic results over time. By staying informed about the state of the climate crisis, taking a frank look at your own energy consumption, and choosing sustainable consumerism when you can, you’ll find yourself in good company with many others on the front lines of the clean energy revolution.
