Are you feeling overwhelmed and confused because you're not sure what steps to take to fight climate change? Your concerns can be put to rest right now as this article will explain to you the simple actions you can take to fight climate change.
Conserve energy at home
Coal, oil, and gas are major sources of our country's electricity and heat, which are excessively used at home by a typical individual. You can use less energy at home by making small behavioural changes, which will reduce your carbon footprint and energy costs. For example, reduce your heating and cooling, switch to LED light bulbs and energy-efficient electric appliances, turn off lights and appliances when not in use, wash your clothes in cold water, and hang things to dry rather than using a dryer to save energy.
If you want to take it a step further, consider switching to an energy supplier that uses renewable or zero-carbon energy sources or installing solar panels on your roof. Your carbon footprint can be reduced by up to 900 kg of CO2e per year by increasing the energy efficiency of your home, such as through greater insulation or by switching to an electric heat pump in place of an oil or gas furnace.
Use public transportation, walk or cycle
Take a walk or a bike ride instead of driving, and you'll benefit from better physical and mental health as well as financial savings. Use public transportation for longer trips. Almost 25% of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide are caused by transportation using petrol or diesel automobiles. Automobiles not only contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, but they also seriously endanger public health due to air pollution brought on by traffic-related exhaust fumes. It has been demonstrated that it influences foetal health and raises the chance of dementia. If you must drive, consider trading in your diesel or petrol vehicle for a hybrid or electric vehicle.
Reduce the number of flights you take
Fossil fuels are used heavily in planes, which results in enormous greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, cutting back on your travel is among the quickest methods to lessen your impact on the environment. Instead of flying for work, think about using video conferencing. Use the train or look into your alternatives with an electric automobile for travel within the same nation or continent.
If you really need to take a flight, spend a little extra on carbon offsets. Also, take the flight in economy class instead of business class because the carbon footprint of a business class traveller is three times greater than that of a traveller in economy class. However, Your carbon footprint can be decreased by up to 2 tons by taking fewer long-distance flights.
Stop wasting food
1 billion tonnes of food are wasted annually by people worldwide, which is equivalent to 8–10% of all greenhouse gas emissions.
When food is wasted, the energy and resources necessary to grow, produce, package, and transport it are also wasted. Moreover, methane, a potent greenhouse gas, is produced when food spoils in a landfill. Use the items you purchase, then recycle the remaining. Your carbon footprint can be decreased by up to 300 kg of CO2e per year by cutting back on food waste.
Be resourceful with leftovers, distribute extras to your friends and neighbours, and participate in a community food-sharing programme. By composting leftovers that aren't edible, you can feed your plants, it is also one of the finest methods for managing organic waste and minimising its negative effects on the environment.
Plant trees
Deforestation, together with agriculture and other changes in land use, results in the annual destruction of over 12 million hectares of forest, which accounts for about 25% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions. Parks and gardens, as well as other green places, are crucial as they take up carbon dioxide and are linked to reducing air pollution levels.
By planting trees, either individually or as a group, we may all contribute to reversing this detrimental trend. For instance, The Woodland Trust enables anyone to sponsor tree planting all around the world. Also, they need all the help they can get as they hope to plant 64 million trees over the next ten years.
Final thoughts
Get others to join you in taking action by speaking up. It's among the easiest and most efficient ways to change things. Urge your family, friends, and co-workers to cut back on carbon emissions.
Join a global movement like Count Us In, which seeks to motivate 1 billion people to take action on climate change and to push their leaders to do more. If 1 billion people took action, global carbon emissions may drop by as much as 20%. To learn more about ways to reduce carbon emissions and adopt sustainable consumer behaviour, click here.